Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta Travel Guide

Welcome to Jakarta, the vibrant capital city of Indonesia! As one of the most populous cities in Southeast Asia, Jakarta offers a unique blend of traditional culture, modern attractions, and delicious street food. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your trip to Jakarta.

Places to Visit

1. Monas (National Monument)

  • Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No.17, Central Jakarta
  • Hours: 9am-5pm, daily
  • Admission: Free

The National Monument is a must-visit attraction in Jakarta. This 132-meter-tall obelisk commemorates Indonesia’s struggle for independence and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.

2. Istiqlal Mosque

  • Address: Jl. Abdul Muis No.1, Menteng, Central Jakarta
  • Hours: 9am-5pm, daily
  • Admission: Free

One of Indonesia’s largest mosques, Istiqlal is a beautiful example of modern Islamic architecture and a symbol of the country’s freedom.

3. Jakarta History Museum (Museum Sejarah Jakarta)

  • Address: Jl. Pintu Gudang No.14, Pinangsia, West Jakarta
  • Hours: 9am-5pm, daily
  • Admission: IDR 10,000 (USD 0.70)

This museum showcases the city’s rich history from pre-colonial times to the present day.

4. Ragunan Zoo

  • Address: Jl. Raya Ragunan No.1, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta
  • Hours: 9am-5pm, daily
  • Admission: IDR 10,000 (USD 0.70) for adults and IDR 3,500 (USD 0.25) for children

Home to over 300 species of animals, Ragunan Zoo is a great place to spend the day with family or friends.

5. Ancol Beach

  • Address: Jl. Raya Ancol No.1, Koja, North Jakarta
  • Hours: 9am-6pm, daily (depending on weather)
  • Admission: Free

Jakarta’s only beach offers a relaxing spot to enjoy the sunset and take in the city views.

Activities

1. Shopping

Indonesia is famous for its batik, silk fabrics, and handicrafts. Visit Pasar Baru or Glodok Wijaya (Chinatown) for a wide range of shopping options.

2. Street Food

Try Jakarta’s delicious street food at Pasar Mangga Besar (Mangga Dua Market), Pasar Senen (Jatinegara Market), or Jalan Sabang (Pasar Baru).

3. Traditional Dance and Music

Experience Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage through traditional dances like the Ramayana ballet, and classical music performances at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta.

Where to Eat

1. Sate House

  • Address: Jl. Gajah Mada No.17, Jakarta Pusat
  • Hours: 11am-9pm, daily

Try authentic Indonesian street food like sate (skewers of meat) and gado-gado (vegetable salad).

2. Sabang Restaurant

  • Address: Jl. Sabang No.1, Pasar Baru
  • Hours: 10am-6pm, daily

Enjoy traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), gado-gado, and sate.

3. Jakarta Grill Cafe

  • Address: Jl. Raya Ragunan No.1, Pasar Minggu
  • Hours: 11am-9pm, daily

Savor grilled meat and seafood at this riverside cafe.

Where to Stay

1. Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta

  • Address: Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.1, Central Jakarta
  • Prices: IDR 500,000 - IDR 1,500,000 (USD 35-100) per night

Located in the heart of Jakarta’s business district.

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Jakarta, Pacific Place

  • Address: Jl. Raya Jalan Jendral Sudirman No.48, Karet Tengsin, South Jakarta
  • Prices: IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 3,500,000 (USD 70-250) per night

Connected to a luxury shopping mall and offering upscale amenities.

3. Ibis Budget Jakarta

  • Address: Jl. Pintu Gudang No.14, Pinangsia, West Jakarta
  • Prices: IDR 150,000 - IDR 300,000 (USD 10-20) per night

A budget-friendly option with basic amenities and a convenient location.

Things to Know

1. Weather

Jakarta has a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures throughout the year. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing to protect yourself from the sun.

2. Safety

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets or public transportation. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use reputable taxi services.

3. Etiquette

Greetings are an essential part of Indonesian culture. Use formal titles (e.g., “Bapak” or “Ibu”) when addressing older individuals or those you respect.

Transportation

1. Taxi

Use reputable taxi services like Bluebird, GrabTaxi, or Go-Van to avoid scams.

2. Bus

Jakarta’s bus system is extensive and efficient. Use the TransJakarta bus service for an affordable ride across the city.

3. Car Rental

Rent a car for a day or two if you want to explore Jakarta at your own pace. Be aware that traffic congestion can be heavy, especially during peak hours.

Tips

1. Learn Basic Indonesian Phrases

Show respect by learning basic phrases like “Selamat pagi” (good morning), “Terima kasih” (thank you), and “Maaf, saya tidak mengerti” (excuse me, I don’t understand).

2. Bargain at Markets

Be prepared to haggle when shopping at traditional markets or from street vendors.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated in Jakarta’s hot climate.

Additional Tips

  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Avoid eating at street food stalls if you’re not used to spicy food.
  • Bring a power adapter for your electronic devices (Indonesia uses Type C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N).
  • Take breaks when exploring the city to avoid exhaustion.

We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you plan an unforgettable trip to Jakarta!