Jakarta

Travel Guide

Jakarta featuring a city, a skyscraper and night scenes
Istiqlal Mosque featuring heritage architecture, interior views and modern architecture
Jakarta
Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics which includes interior views and heritage elements as well as a couple
Jakarta featuring food

Jakarta Travel Guide Video

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 flavor and color. 

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-meter) 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 traveling 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.

Where to stay in Jakarta

Central Jakarta featuring a monument and flowers

Central Jakarta

Central Jakarta is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Sarinah Mall and National Monument, and you can get around town on the metro at Bundaran HI MRT Station.

Central Jakarta
#Jakarta skyline #CityScape #Indonesia #JitTravelDiaries #Asia #Sunset

Kuningan

Kuningan is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Kuningan City Mall and Ambassador Mall while you're in town.

Kuningan
Menteng showing modern architecture

Menteng

Discover Menteng, memorable for its monuments. Popular attractions in Menteng include Bundaran HI and Sarinah Mall, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Bundaran HI MRT Station.

Menteng
Jakarta which includes a city as well as a large group of people

Sudirman Central Business District

You'll enjoy the restaurants and spas in Sudirman Central Business District. You might want to make time for a stop at Kidzania or Pacific Place.

Sudirman Central Business District
The waterways around Jakarta and absolutely filthy, no other word for it. Those responsible for city infrastructure either cannot cope or do not try hard enough. You'll see people swimming in here. Look at the smart new buildings behind. What a contrast!  #water

Setiabudi

Noted for its shopping and spas, there's plenty to explore in Setiabudi. Top attractions like Kuningan City Mall and Ambassador Mall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Bendungan Hilir MRT Station or Bendungan Hilir Station to see more of the city.

Setiabudi
Istiqlal Mosque showing modern architecture and a square or plaza

Gambir

Monuments, museums, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Gambir. Check out Merdeka Palace or Istiqlal Mosque while you're exploring the area.

Gambir
Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada by IHG
Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada by IHG
4 out of 5
Jl. Gajah Mada No. 211, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is P2,061 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
P2,061
P2,840 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 22 - Mar 23
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (353 reviews)
"Place is great. A haven in the chaos of jakarta. Close to nice attractions, but the endless trafic and pollution of the area ruins the whole thing. But thats jakarta. Hotel is super, staff very competent and friendly, spacious rooms, beautiful pool, AND excellent breakfast... the best ive had ..."

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2025

Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada by IHG
FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
4 out of 5
Jl. Raya Perancis 67, Tangerang, Banten
The price is P2,310 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
P2,310
P2,795 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tangerang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE ! ! !
"From picking me up at the airport, to getting me to my room, just EPIC in every single way! This property knows how to treat a tourist for sure! I could not be more impressed."

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2025

FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
5 out of 5
Jalan MH Thamrin, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is P7,530 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
P7,530
P9,111 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 21 - Mar 22
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (444 reviews)
"We loved our stay at the Mandarin Oriental, staff went above an beyond to make our stay amazing."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Mandarin Oriental, 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.
PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta
PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta
5 out of 5
Jl. M.H Thamrin No. 10, Thamrin Nine Luminary Tower, Jakarta
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Grand Indonesia and Thamrin City ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (45 reviews)
"Convenient if you can catch shuttle timings to/from hotel and nearby malls"

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta
Citadines Sudirman Jakarta
Citadines Sudirman Jakarta
4 out of 5
Jl. Karet Sawah 219,, The Newton 1 at Ciputra World 2, Jakarta
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (98 reviews)
"Clean and excellent service."

Reviewed on Dec 16, 2024

Citadines Sudirman Jakarta
Ascott Sudirman Jakarta
Ascott Sudirman Jakarta
4.5 out of 5
Ciputra World 2, Jalan Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 11, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (125 reviews)
"All the staff professional, courteous, and went the extra mile to help no matter what I was requesting. High recommended and I will be staying there again on my next return to Jakarta. Thank you for looking after my family 🙏"

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2025

Ascott Sudirman 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Jakarta

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