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 Farmer Statue and Sarinah Mall, 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
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Pantai Indah Kapuk

While visiting Pantai Indah Kapuk, you might make a stop by sights like By The Sea PIK Shopping Center and Pantjoran Chinatown PIK.

Pantai Indah Kapuk
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
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 P2,009 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
P2,009
P2,778 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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! (357 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
Yellow Bee Tangerang
Yellow Bee Tangerang
3 out of 5
Jl. Daan Mogot No. 5, Tangerang
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Tangerang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Summarecon Mall Serpong ...
7/10 Good! (25 reviews)
"The receptionist Vicky really made our experience a welcoming one. He upgraded our room when he couldn't find one in the non-smoking room. Additionally, he spoke with me and my fiance in English which helped us ease into the culture and community."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2024

Yellow Bee Tangerang
FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
4 out of 5
Jl. Raya Perancis 67, Tangerang, Banten
The price is P2,296 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
P2,296
P2,779 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
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)
Still great.
"This is my go-to place to stay if I am traveling outside of Indonesia. The staff is well versed in travelers needs and will offer helpful suggestions. There is a good selection of food and drinks available in several different restaurant settings. My favorite is the rooftop with great views. This ..."

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2025

FM7 Resort Hotel 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! (49 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2025

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta
Horison Ultima Suite & Residence Rasuna Jakarta
Horison Ultima Suite & Residence Rasuna Jakarta
3.5 out of 5
Tower A - Lower Ground, Komplek, Apartemen Taman Rasuna, Jakarta, Jakarta
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the room service in our reviews. Popular ...
6.2/10 (129 reviews)
Apartment hotel great but needs maintenance
"The hotel consists of one or two bedroom apartments in central Jakarta. The apartment was serviced daily and the staff very friendly. However there was no cooking utensils at all, just 2 glasses,2 plates, and bowls , and 2 sets of fork and spoons. There is no dishwashing liquid or tea towels. Quite ..."

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Horison Ultima Suite & Residence Rasuna Jakarta
Ascott Jakarta
Ascott Jakarta
4.5 out of 5
Jalan Kebon Kacang Raya No 2, Jakarta, Jakarta
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (526 reviews)
"Hotel stay was functional. Excellent location to big malls in JKT"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2025

Ascott 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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