Jakarta is a true megalopolis. Indonesia’s capital heaves with a population of more than 9 million people, swelling by a further 2 million commuters each day. From the outside looking in, it seems to be one of those cities that could swallow you whole. That is until you get to know it a little better. We discovered the top things to do in Jakarta and learned there’s a lot more to Jakarta than first meets the traveler’s eye.
A father taking his two daughters for a ride around the well-known Fatahillah Square, Kota Tua, Jakarta. Image © Skye Gilkeson
12 of the Best Things to Do in Jakarta
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Jakarta was the first stop on a four-destination tour of Indonesia.
As we only had about 48 hours in Jakarta, I wanted to pool my experiences and information about the city with some insider knowledge from a friend who has just returned from living in Jakarta for four years.
Our powers combined means I am able to give you a comprehensive guide to things to do in Jakarta.
From what you should see and do and where you can eat, stay and play in Jakarta it’s all covered in this complete guide.
Arriving in Indonesia
- I flew to Jakarta from Brisbane via Singapore with Singapore Airlines. Garuda also runs many direct flights from Australia to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, daily.
- You may need to pay an entry tax of about $US35 per person when you arrive in Indonesia. The fee has been scrapped for Australia and 145 other countries. Check your exemption here. Indonesian airports generally accept cash or credit cards (with about a 3% surcharge).
- The departure tax of Rp 150,000 ($15) should now be included in the cost of your plane ticket. Confirm with your airline before you travel.
- Bring some IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) with you to Indonesia. Particularly if you want to shop at the markets as they only take cash. All the big hotels, restaurants, and malls accept credit cards and ATMs are readily accessible.
- Hotels and banks are probably the safest places to change money should you need to. Indonesian banks advertise their rates daily online (you can also do a quick estimate using this tool). Always check your money at the counter before walking away.
- Grab a Prepaid SIM card (ensure your phone is not locked on a plan like mine was) at the airport on arrival. It should set you back about $AUD10 and should give you plenty of credit for a week-long trip. You can buy more credit at convenience stores and most bars and cafes have wifi. Be aware you may need to cut the SIM down to fit your iPhone. Ask the vendor to help you with that.
- The same health and safety tips apply in Jakarta as when you are travelling to other parts of Indonesia. You’ll find those in our Pocket Guide to Sulawesi here.
Some of the friendly locals in Kota Tua, Jakarta. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Cultural Considerations for Jakarta
- While Indonesia is predominantly a Muslim country, Jakarta is very much an international city and feels much more liberal when it comes to dressing than other parts of the country. You will only really need long pants or a skirt, closed-toe shoes, and something to cover your shoulders if you are visiting the Presidential Museum or any mosques.
- Bargaining at markets is expected and encouraged.
- Learn a few phrases in Bahasa and try them out on the locals. The important ones will be: Thank you = Terima kasih, Good morning/evening = Selamat pagi /malam
Be careful when crossing the roads in Jakarta. Ask locals for help at busy intersections. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Getting around Jakarta
- Hiring a car and driver is by far the most comfortable way to get around Jakarta. Book one at the airport on arrival or pre-book through your hotel (expect to pay a little more). A driver, car, and petrol will cost you about Rp 500,000 per day (about $AUD50). Prepare for the infamous Jakarta traffic jams and allow ample time to get from one place to the next.
- Mini-buses seat about 8-9 people and cost about Rp 4000 ($AUD0.40). Keep in mind, they are not necessarily air-conditioned.
- Public buses are another cheaper, local option at about Rp 3500 ($AUD0.35) per ride.
- Bajaj (rickshaw) is by negotiation with the driver.
- Motorbike taxis or Ojek are also available. Go-Jek is a new app that you can use to book a car or Ojek in the same way you would use Uber. Due to safety concerns (and having written many devastating news stories on accidents), I personally don’t hire motorbike taxis or scooters while travelling.
- Pedestrian crossings in Jakarta can be quite daunting. Even when the light is green, beware that cars, bikes and buses may not stop. Hold on to your handbag, put a handout, and walk with locals. I approached a group of lovely locals who happily escorted me across a busy eight-lane road without issue. Simply a selfie request in return.
Wear a helmet and make sure you have travel insurance before hiring a scooter in Jakarta. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Where to Stay in Jakarta
Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options in Jakarta.
From backpacker accommodation to 5-star luxury hotels, you will find something to fit your budget.
If you can afford it, choose somewhere centrally located as the traffic in Jakarta is very bad and will cost you valuable sightseeing time.
We stayed at the 4-star Mecure Sabang, which was clean and modern with large, well-appointed rooms.
I had a king-sized bed, desk, seating area, and large bathroom.
The hotel is also conveniently located within walking distance of Merdeka Square, the National Monument, and Jalan Sabang famous for its nasi goreng and sate kambing.
A rare quiet moment in Fatahillah Square, Kota Tua, Jakarta. Image © Skye Gilkeson
12 Epic Things to do in Jakarta
1. Visit Fatahillah Square
It seemed fitting that our visit to Jakarta coincided with Indonesia’s Independence Day (17 August 1945). The city was buzzing, locals were out with the family and friends enjoying the festivities and red and white flags were flying high from every street corner. We began our tour in Fatahillah Square, the epicentre of the old city or Kota Tua.
Arriving first thing in the morning meant we had some time to wander the square before the crowds and the intense heat grew. To celebrate Independence Day we took part in traditional games such as kerupuk (sack races) and a rice cracker eating contest before chatting to the locals in the square.
You’ll find locals and visitors alike donning Dutch-style hats and riding around on bikes splashed in neon hues. A bike will set you back about $AUD2.50 for 30 minutes and it’s a fun way to cruise around the square. It is selfie-stick central so watch where you are riding.
If you have ever wanted to feel famous, walk around Taman Fatiahillah Square. This was my second visit to the square and on both occasions, I struggled to cover a couple of metres without a request for a selfie from a perfect stranger. The square is known for it. I found it fun and flattering and loved that we were made to feel so welcome.
2. Visit Jakarta’s Museums
The square, recognisable by the iconic colonial facade of the former Batavia City Hall.
The 18th-century building is now home to the Jakarta History Museum.
You will also find the Wayang Museum (puppet museum), and the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics, located in the 19th-century Dutch Supreme Court building around the square.
3. Have Lunch at the Iconic Cafe Batavia
We took a quick break from the heat and our new flock of fans at Cafe Batavia.
A visit to Kota Tua really isn’t complete with a coffee or lunch at this iconic cafe. Housed in the second oldest building in Central Jakarta, taking in the very old-world atmosphere (dark wood, soft lighting, low chairs, and walls covered in memorabilia), is reason enough to stop in.
If you want more of a local feel (and your stomach is accustomed to street food), head to the markets at the south-west corner of the square where you’ll find traditional street vendors serving food straight from the wok at a fraction of the cost.
4. Visit the Museum Nasional
Escape the midday heat and brush up on your Indonesian history at the Museum Nasional.
The museum is also referred to as Gedung Gajah or Elephant Building for the bronze elephant statue that sits out the front of the building.
Built in 2007, it now houses 141,000 objects dating back to the prehistoric era.
It costs about $AUD1 per person for entry and the museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Free tours are given in English on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30 and 13.30.
Silhouettes and light play in the corridors of the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta. Image © Skye Gilkeson
5. Visit Southeast Asia’s Largest Mosque
I really enjoyed our visit to Istiqlal Mosque (Independence Mosque).
The largest mosque in Southeast Asia, it is expansive and can accommodate 200,000 worshippers at any one time.
Despite the enormity of the space, I found it to be very peaceful. I split off from our group to observe.
I watched a group of girls giggle as they snapped a selfie on their Samsung, while three little boys sprinted across the outer courtyard, seemingly oblivious to the heat of the sun hitting the pavers below their bare feet. Inside, men and women, separated by a barrier were kneeling in prayer under the 45m wide dome.
The women’s hijabs created a rainbow effect, their handbags carefully lined up in front of them. I watched intently from the gallery above.
Non-muslim visitors must sign in on entry and