15 Best Things to See in Jakarta (Indonesia)

Hectic Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, is frequently referred to as the “Big Durian” in allusion to the infamously fragrant Southeast Asian fruit, earning it a somewhat terrible moniker. If you are going through Jakarta and have some time to spare, there are many sights to explore, from eccentric museums to a variety of national landmarks. However, many tourists regard Jakarta as an entry and exit point to Indonesia. Jakarta is also a great place to learn more about Indonesia’s complicated history, and you can visit a variety of culturally and historically significant locations such as the old town and the port which will give you a glimpse of how the city would have looked in past times. In addition to evoking bygone eras, Jakarta is one of Indonesia’s most contemporary cities, and you may spend time embracing this cutting-edge aspect of the city at its well-known malls, pubs, and restaurants. Jakarta is surely not boring, despite being packed, noisy, and active. The top 25 things to do in Jakarta are listed below.

Go shopping in Menteng

Shopping is one of the most popular activities in Jakarta, so if you want to make the most of it, go to the Menteng neighbourhood, which is well-known for its flea market. A wide variety of products, including arts and crafts, many textiles, and even food items, are available here. The primary market, sometimes referred to as Jalan Surabaya Flea Market, was established in the 1970s and is well-known for its antiques. Ornate wood carvings and records are just a couple of the speciality products you may get here. The market is about half a kilometre long, so you have plenty of options no matter what your budget is. If you see something you like, don’t be scared to haggle because it’s normal.

Visit Jin De Yuan

The expansive Buddhist temple Jin De Yuan, which was constructed in Glodok in 1755, sits there. The roof, which is crowned with two elaborate dragons holding pearls in their teeth, is one of the most significant places of prayer for the Buddhist community in the city. You can enjoy the fragrant incense, ceremonial bells, and a collection of antiquated calligraphy inside the temple.

Stroll around Taman Anggrek Mall

The largest mall in Jakarta is Taman Anggrek Mall, which is located in the western part of the city. Locals estimate that 10,000 people per day visit the mall, where you can discover a wide variety of stores to suit all likes and budgets. Along with retail establishments, the mall is filled with cafes and restaurants, visiting is well worth it to experience some of Jakarta’s renowned mall culture. A sizable movie theatre and an ice skating rink are among the mall’s further attractions.

Marvel at Istiqlal Mosque

The Istiqlal Mosque, which can accommodate 120,000 worshipers at once, is known for being the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. It makes sense to visit both at the same time because they are close to one other and the Monas national monument. The mosque’s exquisite Islamic decorations, such as the stars and water features that are repeated inside, are just a few things to keep an eye out for. Outside of prayer times, non-Muslims are welcome to attend the mosque as long as they dress modestly.

Admire the National Gallery of Indonesia

The National Gallery of Indonesia, one of the best museums in the city with about 2,000 works of Indonesian art, is situated near Merdeka Square in Gambir. This exhibit, which takes you on a colourful voyage through several regional pieces, is undoubtedly not to be missed by art enthusiasts or those who are unfamiliar with Indonesian artists. Additionally, there is a section specifically for international collections where you may find sculptures, paintings, pottery, and other media.

Enjoy Kota Tua

One of the most historically significant areas of Jakarta is Kota Tua, often known as Old Town Batavia. You may explore the area’s cobbled central town square, which is its distinguishing feature, as well as charming Dutch colonial-era buildings, while you stroll around. Many painters and photographers come here to enjoy the laid-back vibe and old-world ambience. The neighbourhood is also dotted with cafes where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the surroundings. This is considered to be the city’s cultural centre. It also contains a lot of museums, so you can study history while you’re there. Old Batavia Guided Coach Tour is a recommended tour.

Visit Ragunan Zoo

The stunning 185 hectares of land that makeup Ragunan Zoo are home to an astounding 3,600 species. Komodo Dragons and elegant orangutans are just a couple of the Indonesian animals that live in the zoo, along with many other species from around the globe. The zoo is a terrific site to visit if you want to learn more about the wildlife of Indonesia. It also has a variety of lovely native flora and plants. Remember that the zoo is closed on Mondays and bring plenty of insect repellant with you when you go to keep the bugs away.

Take a day trip to the Thousand Islands

Amazingly, the Thousand Islands are included in larger Jakarta, so you won’t have to travel very far if you want to spend some time at the beach in the city. A short drive from the city centre will take you to the Thousands, also known as Pulau Seribu in Indonesia, where you can enjoy stunning beaches, coves, and inlets. The ideal way to experience the islands is to take a boat tour, which will allow you to travel from island to island while simultaneously taking in all the best sights. Indulge in some great cuisine and mouthwatering cocktails at sunset at the upmarket resort on Pulau Macan if you’re searching for a little luxury.

Have fun at Dunia Fantasi

Fans of the well-known American theme park Disneyland may be surprised by how many elements of Dunia Fantasi resemble Disneyland. Dunia Fantasi is Jakarta’s equivalent to Disneyland. There is a Main Street, a Puppet Castle, and a selection of over 30 rides, including the Halilintar twister and the Niagara Flume. Additionally, the park features a Star Wars area and a sizable Ferris wheel from which you can view the entire area. This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for things to do with kids, and there’s also a theatre with a variety of Indonesia-related plays.

Relax on Ancol Beach

You might not think that a large city like Jakarta has a beach, but Ancol Beach, a section of the larger Ancol Jakarta Bay City, proves you wrong. Although this beach is officially open to the public, there is a small entrance fee to use the amenities. The beach is a narrow stretch of golden sand that runs down the seafront. You can relax on a rented beach lounger and take in the laid-back environment away from the city centre in one of the many swimming pools along the shore. The same complex also has several additional attractions, including a water park and Sea World.

Check out Monas Tower

The most well-known structure in Jakarta is the Monas Tower, which proudly dominates the area as a reminder of Indonesia’s 1945 declaration of independence from Dutch colonial authority. There is a gallery where you may learn more about Indonesia’s turbulent history, and the monument is situated in Merdeka Square, which means “freedom” in Indonesian. The excursion to the observation deck at the top of the tower, which offers views of the city from all angles, is the primary attraction.

Explore Indonesia at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

The 26 provinces that makeup Indonesia’s more than 17,000 islands are well known. Consequently, it is unlikely that you will be able to even begin to scratch the surface of this enormous country during a visit, but if you want to receive a quick rundown of the highlights, head to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or Beautiful Mini Indonesia. The park is organized by province, and there are models of traditional residences there as well as information about regional customs, attire, and various ways of living around the archipelago. If you don’t have time to visit every province in person, this is a terrific place to go if you’re travelling with kids because it gives you a quick overview of the entire nation.

Visit the National Museum

If you wish to learn more about this interesting nation, visit the National Museum, also known as Museum Nasional in Indonesian. The museum is divided into various galleries that contain artefacts like old Indonesian ceramics and Hindu art throughout the ages. It depicts the tale of the history, art, culture, geography, and ethnology of this nation. Since the museum has been open since 1868, it is also a historical treasure in and of itself.

Watch a Music Festival

It’s a shame that Indonesia’s music is not better known outside of the country because the country has a very talented music culture. The variety of musical events hosted here, including concerts and festivals, reflects this, and many visitors think that they serve as the high point of their journey to Jakarta. Hammersonic, an annual metal music performance held in April, and the Jakarta International Jazz Festival, held in March each year, are two of the most well-known musical events that have taken place in the city.

Admire Istana Merdeka

The presidential palace, Istana Merdeka, is situated near Merdeka Square in the middle of Jakarta. Although it is not accessible to the general public because it is the current residence of Indonesia’s president, it is nevertheless worth stopping by to see the exterior as it is one of the nation’s most important political and historical structures. The structure was constructed in 1879, and it was here that the historic flag-changing ceremony took place after Indonesia gained independence from the Dutch Empire.