The Best Travel Guide to Jakarta

All Travel Guides

Indonesia

Jakarta

Provided by: saiko3p/Shutterstock.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Asia Indonesia Jakarta

Overview

Jakarta The guide was updated: 2022-05-29

Indonesia’s sprawling capital is one of the fastest-growing, most chaotic and most exciting places in South-East Asia. It is the gateway to a vast, vibrant and varied island nation that is home to dozens of fascinating cultures.

Formerly the colonial capital of the Dutch East Indies--when it was known as Batavia--Jakarta has grown from its original seaport district into a huge modern conurbation of high-rise hotels and apartments, thronged shopping malls and wide, crowded avenues.

Facts

Population:	10.56 million (2020)
Currency:	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) IDR10,000 ~ US$0,69
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 110 Fire: 113 Ambulance: 118
Newspapers:	Jakarta Post Tempo Jakarta Javakini
Opening hours:	Banks, businesses and government offices generally open 8am–4pm or 9am–5pm Monday–Friday. Many shopping malls remain open until 10pm or later. Many street markets do not open until around 7pm and remain as late as midnight. Many smaller shops close at dusk on Friday until Saturday night.
Tourist information:	Jakarta City Government Tourist Office Jalan Kuningan Barat No. 2 Jakarta +62 21 520 5445 Tourism Information Centre Jakarta Theater Building Jl. MH. Thamrin No. 9, Jakarta +62 21 314 2067 / +62 21 315 4094 / +62 21 316 1293

Read more

Section in Jakarta

Jakarta blends harmoniously newly-restored areas with its ancient parts, creating a metropolis provided with both entertaining and culturally interesting options. The city is equipped with several museums such as the Art Museum or the History Museum, in which the traveler can be given an understanding of the country´s Dutch colonial era or traditional artifacts. Having developed into a modern metropolis in recent years, Jakarta is filled with a comprehensive offering of dining options, food hawkers and lively gathering hubs, as well as endless shopping destinations.

Jakarta Old Town

Jakarta Old Town

To get a sample of the original Jakarta, a visit to the old town is a must. Stroll around, take a look at the old houses and feel the genuine atmosphere of Jakarta's allure. You can also book a guided tour to get to know more about the place and its history.

Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara)

Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara)

The first museum of its kind in Indonesia, MACAN is the creation of businessman and philanthropist Haryanto Adikoesoemo, whose personal collection of nearly 800 pieces is displayed here (exhibits include works by Andy Warhol and artists of similar calibre, as well as contemporary creators from Indonesia and beyond). The NGO's key objectives are showcasing local talent and making art accessible to the community, by providing teachers with educational facilities.

Jakarta History Museum

Jakarta History Museum

This museum is dedicated to the Dutch colonial era and it's located in a 17th century building that was originally the town hall of Dutch Batavia. Due attention is paid to the independence struggle that terminated almost four centuries of Dutch rule.

Museum Bahari

Museum Bahari

This maritime museum on the docks at Sunda Kelapa is housed in a 17th century Dutch warehouse. It has a fascinating collection of traditional sailing vessels from all over the Indonesian archipelago along with maps, prints and photos of sailing vessels and veteran steamships.

Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM)

Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM)

TIM is the country’s main venue for traditional and contemporary cultural events, including dance, drama, music and film. There are frequent appearances by troupes of dancers from Bali and elsewhere and by gamelan musicians. You can find the monthly calendar of events at hotels and tourist offices, or check the Jakarta Post for listings.

Masjid Istiqlal (National Mosque)

Masjid Istiqlal (National Mosque)

This huge modern mosque stands on the northeast side of Taman Merdeka, with its graceful dome and soaring minaret reflected in a mirror-like pool. Completed in 1978, it was designed by the Indonesian architect Frederic Silaban (himself a Christian), and it's the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, with room for more than 10,000 worshipers.

Museum Wayang

Museum Wayang

This museum is dedicated to keeping the ancient Indonesian art of shadow-puppetry alive, with a collection of colourful silhouette-puppets from all over Java and Indonesia. There are live performances of this vanishing art every Sunday morning, accompanied by gamelan music.

Museum Sejarah Jakarta

Museum Sejarah Jakarta

Built in 1710 and located in the Old Town, this museum houses a remarkable collection of 19th and 20th century paintings, sculptures and ceramics by artists and craftsmen from Europe, Indonesia and elsewhere in Asia. The staff is helpful and will gladly answer all your questions.

Museum Bank Indonesia

Museum Bank Indonesia

In a beautiful old building, once the first bank of Indonesia, you now find this interesting museum. Visitors here can learn about the financial history of Indonesia and watch notes and coins from all over the world. Do not miss the gold safe where the country's gold was stored without the population knowing about it.

Jakarta Cathedral

Jakarta Cathedral

This stunning cathedral lies just opposite the main mosque. It is built in Gothic European style and its interior is breathtaking. You can come here to attend the mass or just to take some nice photos to bring back home.

Kidzania

Kidzania

Kidzania is a fun place for all kids between 2 to 16 years old. Different stations allow the children to try different occupations, such as pizza baker, pilot, doctor etc. and they earn their own play money. The attractions are of high security, so parents can sit back and relax.

Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu)

Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu)

Just one to three hours by boat from Jakarta you can enjoy crystal clear water and beautiful beaches. Get away from the bustling city, either for just a day or over a few nights, and escape to one of the 128 small islands located in the Bay of Jakarta.

Art:1 New Museum

Art:1 New Museum

This art museum consists of two sections with different collections and exhibitions. Inside this modern building you will find works by both Indonesian and international artists, and the museum also arrange painting classes and workshops.

Waterbom Jakarta

Waterbom Jakarta

Bring out your childlike mind and enjoy the adrenaline of high water slides and splashing water. There are swimming pools and attractions for both kids and adults, making Waterbom Jakarta a pleasant destination for the whole family.

Royale Jakarta Golf Club

Royale Jakarta Golf Club

Royale Jakarta Golf Club is a must visit for golf enthusiasts. The 18 holes golf course is of highest quality and standards, and the staff is helpful and efficient. The restaurant and bar with views over the course is also worth a visit.

National Monument (Monas)

National Monument (Monas)

This tall monument, built to honour the independence of the country, is seen from the whole western part of the city. The huge area where it stands includes a big market, food stalls and a park popular for picnics.

Load more