Jakarta

Travel Guide
Istiqlal Mosque which includes heritage architecture, interior views and modern architecture
The capital city of Indonesia is a bustling metropolis, famous for its colonial-era relics, beautiful mosques, plentiful shopping and family entertainment.

Jakarta is a destination of contrasts and that’s why it’s often referred to as the “Big Durian.” Like the local durian fruit, this city, located on the northwestern corner of the island of Java, has a layer of ruggedness yet is also bursting with rewarding flavour and colour. 

Start your exploration in the picturesque central district of Kota, formerly Batavia, where the cobblestoned square Taman Fatahillah still shows some Dutch influences. Trace the city’s history since the Stone Age at the Jakarta History Museum. Spot work by Indonesian artists at the Balai Seni Rupa gallery and Ceramics Museum.

Head to Jakarta’s historic port, Sunda Kelapa, and watch brightly painted fishing boats arrive from the outer islands. Learn about Indonesia’s naval history at the Maritime Museum, housed in a 17th-century spice warehouse.

Gaze up at the 450-feet (137-metre) tall National Monument (Monas Tower), in the heart of Medan Merdeka public square. Ride the elevator to the tower’s summit for impressive city views. Check out the ethnographic artifacts at the National Museum. Take a tour of the Presidential Palace or visit the sparkling white Istiqlal Mosque, which can host 120,000 devotees. Admire over 2,000 fabrics and materials at the Textile Museum.

Browse the market stalls of Jalan Surabaya for traditional Indonesian wayang puppets and sarongs. Sample the local street food, which mixes Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences. Shop for high-end brands at Grand Indonesia or go to the out-of-town Living World, a huge retail and entertainment complex.

Ride the waterslides at Ocean Park or the roller coasters at Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (Ancol Dreamland). See replicas of traditional Indonesian houses at the Taman Mini Indonesia cultural park.

Jakarta is hot and smoggy and monsoon showers are frequent from November to March. Avoid the heat and rain by travelling between sights via low-cost taxis or the large bus network.

This fascinating city is the gateway to many of Indonesia’s natural treasures, including pristine coral reefs, volcanoes, surfing beaches and wildlife, such as orangutans and Komodo dragons.

Jakarta Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Jakarta

FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
4 out of 5
Jl. Raya Perancis 67, Tangerang, Banten, 15125
The price is S$60 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$60
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tangerang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"None"

Reviewed on 19 Mar,2023

FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
Anara Airport Hotel
Anara Airport Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Jl.Terminal 3 International Mezzanine Fl, Tangerang, Banten, 15126
The price is S$113 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
S$113
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Tangerang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Soewarna Business Park ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (224 reviews)
"Very convenient for an overnight transit, the room was very comfortable and the breakfast options excellent."

Reviewed on 20 Mar,2023

Anara Airport Hotel
Jakarta Airport Hotel Managed by Topotels
Jakarta Airport Hotel Managed by Topotels
3 out of 5
Terminal 2E International Departure, Soekarno-Hatta Intl. Airport, Tangerang, 15126
The price is S$98 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
S$98
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tangerang. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle and on-site spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
7.6/10 Good! (883 reviews)
Comfortable stay
"Comfortable stay at a clean hotel with friendly staff and good shuttle bus service. It is difficult to find (on the first floor) so more signs would be useful."

Reviewed on 17 Mar,2023

Jakarta Airport Hotel Managed by Topotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fraser Residence Menteng Jakarta
Fraser Residence Menteng Jakarta
5 out of 5
Jl. Menteng Raya No. 60, Menteng, Jakarta, Jakarta, 10340
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a free kids' club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the comfy beds in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (153 reviews)
"The staff were incredibly nice and helpful. Location is ok if you don't mind getting in a taxi every time you want to go somewhere as you can't really walk anywhere from where the hotel is located."

Reviewed on 11 Feb,2023

Fraser Residence Menteng Jakarta
Ascott Jakarta
Ascott Jakarta
4 out of 5
Jalan Kebon Kacang Raya No 2, Jakarta, Jakarta, 10230
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (408 reviews)
"Central location. Beautiful lobby. Room very clean and comfortable. Friendly staff. No soap provided at hand basin and bath. No bottle water provided. However soap and bottle water provided after I complained."

Reviewed on 14 Mar,2023

Ascott Jakarta
Citadines Rasuna Jakarta
Citadines Rasuna Jakarta
3 out of 5
The H Tower, Jalan HR Rasuna Said Kav. 20, Jakarta, Jakarta, 12940
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a children's pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the comfy ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (186 reviews)
"I love this hotel. Staff are friendly. Good location, close to the mall. Good facility, Gym and pool, washer and dryer. But I have big family, I stay in 2 rooms, but utilities only 2 people, coffee mugs only 2, plates only 2, everything for 2 people.They don't set up at least 4 people."

Reviewed on 31 May,2022

Citadines Rasuna Jakarta
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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