The capital of the Indonesian archipelago is a heady blend of metropolitan modernity and unique Javanese traditions, a potpourri of different religions and ethnicities that is fascinating to the traveller who would delve deeper into its nuanced textures.
The flavours of Jakarta cannot get more authentic than at Kota Tua, Jakarta’s Old Town (Old Batavia) that still has vintage colonial buildings that have been restored and repurposed as museums, art galleries and cafés. The historic harbour was once the trading hub of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) during the colonial era. The zone gets particularly alive on weekends and holidays thronged by locals and visitors, with colourful vintage bicycles wheezing past in every direction. Rent one if you would like to explore the landmarks in the vicinity.
The seamless religious harmony in whole of Indonesia is beautifully symbolised in the twin presence of gorgeous Istiqlal Mosque and the beautiful Jakarta Cathedral – just across the road. The largest mosque of Southeast Asia and One of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia in terms of worshipper capacity, the 5-floor Masjid Istiqlal with its marble exterior, stainless steel geometric ornamentation, ablution fountains and the grand 45-metre spherical dome creates a majestic spectacle. Right across the road, the spectacular neo-gothic Roman Catholic Jakarta Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The thick red brick walls with ornate patterns resemble a stone structure and the three wrought iron spires are defining highlights of Jakarta skyline.
Another iconic landmark of the city, Selamat Datang Monument is perched right in the middle of the city centre. The historic monument with a pair of sculpted bronze statues in a welcoming gesture capping the structure was completed in 1962 as part of President Sukarno's preparations for the 1962 Asian Games.
Immerse into the spirit of Indonesian independence at the Monas Monument, the 132-metre obelisk in the centre of Merdeka Square topped by a flame covered with gold foil. This National Monument, opened to the public in 1975, commemorates the struggle for freedom of Indonesia from the clutches of colonial rule. While there, take a stroll around the historic Merdeka Square, a grandly expansive plaza (though parts of it are fenced off now) with open green spaces canopied by a tree cover and paved roadways running around the square.
If you are looking for a glimpse of the funky and trendy side of Jakarta, head over to Kemang in the southern part of the city. The hipster neighbourhood is a favourite with expats and brims with arthouse cafes, ubercool boutiques and galleries.
Looking for some quick beach break? Head out to the Thousand Islands - considered part of Greater Jakarta - a breathtakingly beautiful string of islands with gorgeous beaches, hidden coves and turquoise inlets. Take a boat tour for island hopping or chill out at one of the beaches.
An integral part of Taman Impian Jaya Ancol in the northern part of Jakarta, Ancol Dreamland is the largest recreational theme park of the city, perched right on the waterfront. Choc –a-block with twisty rollercoasters, Ferris wheel and other rides, the entertainment park is so huge that it uses shuttle vehicles and a cable car system for transport within the park. gondola rides for internal conveyance. Go right over for some incredible family-friendly fun. Weekends generally seem too packed though, so plan accordingly.
Shopping
The iconic Plaza Indonesia Shopping Mall, located at the corner of Selamat Datang in central Jakarta, is a seven-floor luxury retail destination that houses a plethora of international superbrands. The upper three levels are dedicated to dining and entertainment facilities. A part of the sprawling Plaza Indonesia complex, it also features a supermarket and a play area designed for children.
Located in the exclusive area of Sudirman Central Business District and connected to The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place is an urban oasis that entices you to go on a spree in its glitzy interiors bedecked with cosmopolitan luxury. Replete with top-of-the-line designer labels, fine-dining venues, arthouse cafes, gourmet stores, dedicated kid zone and a megaplex, this shopping destination shines stellar bright in a city steeped in glamorous mall culture, and its standout shopping malls show why retail here feels polished yet relatively affordable by western standards.
Connected by a skybridge, two separate buildings constitute the staggeringly huge Grand Indonesia Shopping Town – one of the best places in this part of the world to give your wardrobe a makeover, and empty your wallet in the process! All the global labels & brands find a home in the cavernous interiors of this integrated multipurpose complex with over 130,000 square metres of high-end retail space that also boasts of a game arcade that keeps the young ones entertained while you go on a binge. The Dancing Fountain Show, where the sprinklers dance every hour to a vibrant mélange of colourful lights, is simply unmissable. For a more traditional contrast, shoppers also gravitate to jalan surabaya for antiques, pasar baru for its rich history and local atmosphere, and older districts lined with market stalls.
Restaurants, Bars & Street Food
Perched on the second floor of the Energy Building at Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), Amuz Gourmet is helmed by Chef Gilles Marx, a seasoned chef in French gastronomy. Jakarta has hundreds of shopping centres, giving visitors plenty of retail options between meals and evenings out. The chic décor is unmistakably French art deco blended with contemporary oriental accents that create a casually elegant vibe with Eiffel Tower-inspired ironwork, curiously-shaped chandeliers and original artwork by renowned Indonesian painters. Indulge in the best of French cuisine paired with finest of French wines stocked in a walk-in glass cellar.
Chef Sabar puts together his expertise and passion to craft signature delicacies at Sriwijaya Terrace, the open-air dining establishment located in the Dharmawangsa Hotel. A perfect blend of Indonesian traditional dishes artfully plated with French-forward flavours, the nouvelle cuisine dedicates itself to seasonality, freshness and lightness of ingredients. The breezy, light-filled interiors ooze a majestic vibe with opulent décor inspired by the 8th-century Sriwijaya Kingdom.
Exotic, plush and sensuous are the bywords of Alto Restaurant and Bar, nestled on the 20th floor of Four Seasons Hotel. Warm red tones and subtle ochre accents complement polished wood finishes in this penthouse-style terrace with scintillating views of the city’s skyscraper-strewn skyline. Executive Chef Marco Violano creates hearty, traditional Italian fare that he calls “Mama-style cooking” with highlights such as Tagliere Misto and Salmone Al Limone.
Authentic Japanese cuisine with exotic Peruvian twists define the culinary vocabulary of Henshin, the standout rooftop restaurant at the Westin Jakarta. The bold and unorthodox Nikkei-Peruvian cuisine has been a game-changer in Jakarta’s eclectic dining scene. The two elegantly furnished, glass-covered dining rooms offer unencumbered, panoramic views of the skyline from one of Jakarta's highest points at Level 67. Artisanal Nikkei-inspired cocktails crafted by expert mixologists immaculately pair with the epicurean marvels perfected by meticulous Japanese techniques infused with delectable Peruvian flavours.
Top choice for the hipster Jakartans, The Dragonfly Club is also a hotspot for expat night owls and in-the-know travellers. With a very strict door-policy and a premium entrance fee, it has retained its exclusivity since it opened in 2004. Mainstream music enlivens the dance floor, which can get a bit cramped on weekends, so book in advance.
Located in the south of the city, Blowfish is a staple of Jakarta's nightlife scene for nearly two decades and ever popular with the urban elite. With a spectacular design and avant-garde lighting of ceiling, floor and the walls, Blowfish dazzles with an extravaganza that feels almost futuristic. The entertainment line-up features resident and also top-class international DJs who set the dance floor on fire with trendy numbers and this classy nightspot is also known for its long menu of drinks and lipsmacking club grub. Grand Indonesia Mall, one of Jakarta’s most popular malls, is another polished stop before a night out.
The annual Great Sale Festival in June and July is a particularly good time to hunt for shopping deals across the city.
Tanah Abang is the largest wholesale market in Southeast Asia, making it well worth a look for bargain-focused shoppers.
Pasar Baru, with its rich history dating back to 1820, is a historic shopping area known for diverse shopping.
Jalan Surabaya is also a good stop for antiques and collectibles rather than another modern mall.
Museums & the Arts
The Indonesian capital brims with an effervescent cultural canvas with museums and spaces dedicated to history, heritage, fine art and contemporary art.
Straddling Indonesia’s art history and modern art, the Galeri Nasional Indonesia is a manifestation of efforts to build a National Art House since the 1960s. It houses an astounding collection of Indonesian paintings, sculptures, graphics, photography and installation art by indonesian artists, besides hosting artists from countries such as India, Peru, Cuba and Vietnam. The permanent and travelling exhibitions held by the National Gallery are considered as art highlights in this part of the world, and this national museum-level space also carries out preservation and conservation initiatives through seminars and documentations.
History buffs can head over to Museum Fatahillah in Kota Tua in north jakarta, where old jakarta unfolds around fatahillah square, the main square lined with museums, cafés and street performers. Also known as the jakarta history museum, it chronicles the history of the region in the 37 ornately designed rooms through objects from the prehistoric period, the founding of Jayakarta in 1527, the Dutch colonization period from the 16th century until Indonesia’s independence in 1945. The grand scale of the colonial-era building with huge timber beams and floorbands, along with surrounding old buildings, is a delight for architecture enthusiasts as well.
For more than a millennium, Javanese wayang puppetry is a traditional form of puppet theatre play showcasing aesthetic and philosophical values through this unique art form. The Wayang Museum, a noted puppet museum near the maritime museum in Kota Tua, traces the rich legacy with its brilliant collection of wayang puppets that include flat leather shadow puppets (wayang kulit) and three-dimensional wooden puppets (wayang golek). Puppet theatre accessories, costumes, musical instruments, sculptures, and paintings complete the fascinating spectacle.
Side Trip
Hidden in the foothills of Mount Pangrango, the serene Situ Gunung Lake offers a tranquil haven away from the bustle of the capital city. Hemmed by lush green tropical forests, this is an ideal place to unwind amid natural environs, embark on hiking trails in the wilderness that rings the lake and watch the local fishermen in action with traditional handnets. The stunningly beautiful Sawer Waterfall is a 2-km walk from the entrance of National Park Gede Pangrango, and Situ Gunung Suspension Bridge, which is Southeast Asia's longest suspension bridge are two other highlights of this delightful day out.
Hidden Gem
Often referred as the lungs of Jakarta, the green expanse of Hutan Kota Srengseng is a conservation space with 4,800 trees of 63 different species spread across its 4-hectare area. Perched right in the middle of the heavily congested city, this is an urban oasis for the weary city dweller to breathe in some fresh air and features children’s rides, playground, and a tranquil lake.
Sports
Long overshadowed by other martial arts, traditional Indonesian martial art pencak silat has finally come into its own and has grown to spread all across Indonesia. There are a quite a few places in Jakarta such as Gerak Rasa and Silat Sabeni Tenabang where you can witness this ancient art of combat and self-defense that uses strikes, grappling and throwing in addition to weaponry.
Having won more titles at the Thomas Cup, the most prestigious global badminton tournament, than any other country, Indonesia is one of the most successful nations in Thomas Cup history. Catch the pro action, breathtaking rallies and scintillating smashes in any of the premier clubs in the capital city.
And if you are a wandering golfing soul, Jakarta has got you covered. Head straight over to the beautiful Royale Jakarta Golf Course for a memorable round of golf in any of its three 9-hole courses with wide fairways. The panoramic vistas of Mount Gede and Mount Salak are stunning and the impeccable clubhouse facilities match international standards.
Must Buy Souvenir
Indonesia’s Batik fabric is not only a cherished traditional craft but also emblematic of its culture and ingrained in the daily life. Batik Keris, with more than 100 outlets peppered across the country, is a world-renowned brand with finest selections of premium batik clothes and its derivatives including handcrafted batik. Head over to any of the dedicated stores to find an exclusive piece of this ancient craft that has defined Indonesian culture since ages.
Hotels
World class amenities and state-of-the-art facilities define top-of-the-line Jakarta hotels, ensconced in prime luxury and often cocooned in a serene environment that seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Indonesian capital.
The First-Class.com guide to the best luxury hotels in Jakarta:
Getting Around
The 28-kilometre distance from Soekarno-Hatta International airport (CGK), in west jakarta, to Jakarta’s city centre can be covered in about 45 minutes by the very convenient 24x7 taxi service. Central Jakarta is usually the best area for travelers to stay. Another fast and easy option is to avail the Jakarta airport train which takes about 50 minutes to reach Sudirman Baru station in the city.
A rapid transit system known as TransJakarta operates along fixed routes in the city, and buses run along dedicated lanes for a smoother ride. Properties near an mrt station make it easier to use public transport and spend less time in traffic jams. Jakarta’s public transportation is improving, but traffic can still be heavy during rush hours, so commuter trains are also worth considering. The trips on large air-con buses are fairly comfortable in this sprawling city, and for short hops Gojek and Grab are two popular transportation apps used by locals and expats on both short and longer hauls. If you prefer taxis, blue bird is a trusted option. Budget-wise, a dorm bed in a hostel starts from 130,000 Rupiah, three-star hotel rooms start from 500,000 Rupiah, Airbnb studio apartments cost around 400,000 Rupiah per night, and ARTOTEL Thamrin Jakarta costs around $45 per night.
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