Visiting Jakarta

Visiting Jakarta

Jakarta city is the main and largest city of Indonesia, located on the island of Java. It is well known for its notorious traffic on one hand and for its hidden treasures and shopping delights on the other. Another highlight here is the nightlife in Jakarta.

Day 1 – Jakarta’s tourist attractions

Once you have landed and finally made your way to your hotel, freshen up and take a big breath. You may take on one of Jakarta’s top tourist attractions first. Head north to the famous Ancol Dream Park, which is a 24 hours amusement park with offerings like Fantasy World, Atlantis Water Adventure and Ocean Eco Park. This would certainly entertain the kids if you are traveling with family.

If that does not interest you, then maybe you can consider heading south instead to the Taman Mini Indonesia (miniature park). This park will surprise you by how fun it can be to learn about the cultures and architectures of diverse and vast Indonesia all in one place.

Day 2 – Jakarta’s Old City, Chinatown and surroundings

Today will be the day that we explore the heritage part of Jakarta. This heritage tour includes going through Fatahilah Square (Jakarta’s old city) and Glodok (Chinatown). At the old city, walk around and marvel at the old Dutch colonial architecture before going into the Jakarta History Museum. After that, pop by Cafe Batavia, a favourite of both tourists and locals alike, with vintage atmosphere and high-quality local food.

To walk off the meal, head to Chinatown, where you can find Jakarta’s well preserved oldest temple, Jin De Yuan Temple.

Since we are in this area, sneak in some shopping at the local’s favourite Mangga Dua Mall.

Day 3 – Merdeka Square, arts and culture

To round up our Jakarta experience, we shall explore the area around Merdeka Square, which is at the heart of Jakarta. You can get here via train to Station Gambir. First check out the National Gallery that is just across the station, which is a combination of museum and art gallery.

Then head north passing by the many attractive spots such as the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral. Then check out the vibrant Pasar Baru (market), where you will find many locals and family-run business selling everything from clothes and watches to food and drinks. After that, look for the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Arts Theater), a Dutch colonial concert hall. There are various programs here from theater shows to musical performances.

Next, loop back to Merdeka Square, pass by the National Monument that symbolizes the fight for Indonesia. Also, visit the National Museum here to get yourself acquainted with Jakarta and also Indonesia’s history and culture. Before heading back, have a quick look at the National Monument again, as it lights up beautifully during the night.

Day 4 – One day trip from Jakarta

One day trip to Thousand Islands or one day trip to Bogor and Taman Safari.

Day 5 – Shopping Bonanza

For your shopping in Jakarta, it does require a day from you thanks to the traffic in Jakarta. But if you are short on time, choose out one or two from these shopping places. At central Jakarta, check out the Plaza Indonesia for designer goods and the large shopping mall, Grand Indonesia. If you are looking for cheap yet quality imitation goods, head to Mangga Dua in the north. Else, head south to Blok M mall, where you will find all sorts of fashion goods from shoes to clothes and bags.

Day 6 - Departure from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Your delightful journey in Jakarta ends today.