Jakarta, Indonesia-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Jakarta’s Iconic Landmarks

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic Monas (National Monument), a 132-meter-tall monument that commemorates Indonesia’s independence. Take a short walk around the surrounding park and enjoy the street food stalls.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the nearby Indonesian National History Museum, which showcases the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
  • Lunch: Head to Sate Khas Senayan, a popular restaurant serving traditional Indonesian satay. Try their signature dish, sate sapi (beef satay).
  • Afternoon: Visit the stunning Jakarta Cathedral (Gereja Katolik Jakarta), a beautiful Catholic cathedral with impressive architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife by visiting the trendy Plaza Indonesia, which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada
    • Address: Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1, Jakarta 10350, Indonesia
    • Phone: +62 21 3192-8888
    • Price range: $100-$200 per night

Day 2: Discover Jakarta’s Cultural Heritage

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Bogor Palace, a stunning example of Dutch colonial architecture. Take a guided tour and explore the gardens.
  • 12:00 PM: Head to the nearby Botanical Garden, which features over 100 species of plants and trees.
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Javanese cuisine at Warung Pecel, a popular restaurant serving spicy chicken and rice dishes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) arts complex, which houses theaters, galleries, and performance spaces.
  • Evening: Experience the city’s diverse cultural scene by attending a traditional dance or music performance at Taman Budaya.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Use apps like Grab or Go-Van for affordable taxi rides. Prices range from $3-$5 for short trips.
  • Motorcycle Taxi (ojek): A popular mode of transportation, ojeks can be hailed on the street and cost around $1-$2 per ride.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and traffic congestion in Jakarta’s central areas.
  • Try local street food and drinks to experience the city’s flavors.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples or mosques.
  • Don’t drink tap water, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water.

Other Things to Know:

  • Jakarta has a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year.
  • The city is prone to flooding during heavy rainfall, so plan your activities accordingly.
  • English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning some basic Indonesian phrases (such as “terima kasih” for thank you) will be appreciated by locals.

Day 3: Explore Jakarta’s Markets and Shopping Districts

  • Morning: Visit the bustling Pasar Baru, a large market selling everything from souvenirs to household items.
  • 10:00 AM: Head to the trendy Plaza Indonesia shopping mall, which offers a range of international brands and local boutiques.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Gado-Gado, a popular food stall serving Indonesian salads and sandwiches.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Glodok Chinatown, a vibrant area filled with Chinese shops, restaurants, and temples.
  • Evening: Relax in the peaceful Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (Jaya Ancol Recreation Park), which features gardens, a lake, and entertainment options.

Day 4: Visit Jakarta’s Beaches

  • Morning: Head to Ancol Beach, one of Jakarta’s few beaches, which offers swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  • Lunch: Enjoy seafood at Warung Seafood, a popular restaurant serving fresh fish and other sea delicacies.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Marina Ancol, a beautiful area with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • Evening: Experience the city’s vibrant nightlife by visiting the trendy Senayan JCC (Jakarta Convention Center), which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Day 5: Explore Jakarta’s Hidden Gems

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Kebayoran Baru, a charming neighborhood with stunning colonial architecture.
  • 10:00 AM: Head to the nearby Boulevard Rafflesia, a trendy shopping mall offering international brands and local boutiques.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Warung Bakso, a popular food stall serving Indonesian beef ball soup.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum of History of Jakarta (Perpustakaan dan Museum Sejarah Jakarta), which showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Grand Mercure Jakarta
    • Address: Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1, Jakarta 10350, Indonesia
    • Phone: +62 21 3192-8888
    • Price range: $150-$300 per night