Jakarta, home to more than 10 million people, is much more than the capital of Indonesia's busy city. The dynamic city, with its unique blend of urban and natural wonders, a plethora of interesting museums (National Museum, Textile Museum, Bank Indonesia Museum, just to name a few), inviting street food, rich history, and thriving art and culture scene, makes it one of the more underappreciated Asian vacation destinations.
And, with year-round weather, North Jakarta's beaches — Ancol Beach, Tanjung Pasir Beach, and Peucang Island — are great for cooling down and escaping the crowds of people.
But the pleasure does not stop when the sun goes down. While adjacent Bali receives all of the attention, Jakarta's nightlife is renowned as one of the liveliest in Southeast Asia - in Bali, you party with tourists; in Jakarta, you get to experience how the locals let their hair down.
Here's a list of the best things to do in Jakarta to help you prepare your much-needed getaway. Find time for the undiscovered gems and unique sights that will really bring your holiday to life!
Explore The 11 Things To Do In Jakarta:
- Plan a visit to the National Monument of the city
- Spend a moment of peace in Bogor Botanical Garden
- Stroll around the Jakarta’s Old Town
- Get sun-soaked at the Ancol beach
- Spend a day discovering the creatures at The Jakarta Aquarium & Safari
- Chanel your inner child and walk into Ancol Dreamland for adventure
- Witness the preservation of unique species at Ragunan Zoo
- Check out the holy places around Jakarta
- Make a snowman at Trans Snow World
- Shop your heart at Grand Indonesia Mall
- Enjoy your time at majestic waterfalls of Jakarta
Plan a visit to the National Monument of the city:
Indonesia's National Monument is a city symbol that stands proudly in the heart of Merdeka Square, rising 132 meters high. The striking monument, capped with a 14.5-meter bronze flame covered in 32 kg of glittering gold leaf, was built to pay tribute to the country's battle for independence and celebrate its liberation from Dutch authority.
While the monument is stunning from the ground, if you have the time to walk up the flights of stairs to the observation deck, you will be welcomed with spectacular views of Jakarta and beyond, including not only the bustling streets but also the rocky peaks and green valleys in the distance.
Spend a moment of peace in Bogor Botanical Garden:
Bogor Botanical Garden, commonly known as Kebun Raya Bogor, is a beautiful hideaway for nature lovers, located a little over an hour's journey south of Jakarta. Established in 1817, it is not only one of the world's oldest botanical gardens, with an amazing 87 hectares, but also one of the most beautiful.
Within its lush borders, you'll find over 13,000 plant and tree species of all forms, sizes, and shades, many of which are actually native to Indonesia. The park also has a famous orchid collection, which includes over 3,000 rare and beautiful orchids.
Stroll around Jakarta's Old Town:
The vibrating soul of Jakarta, a visit to the Old Town, or Kota Tua as the locals call it, is like traveling back in an era to the early 1600s. The historic Town is a sharp reminder of Indonesia's European-dominated times, with historic buildings, Dutch architecture, and several centuries-old monuments.
Stroll through small alleyways, see the ancient Fatahillah Square, and cross The Long Bridge to witness a side of Jakarta that visitors rarely get to experience. You'll also discover a number of Jakarta's important museums here, including The Jakarta History Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Bank Museum, and even the Wayang Museum.
Get sun-soaked at the Ancol beach:
It's no secret that Indonesia's heat and humidity can be exhausting, especially if you're not used to it, so if you're looking for a way to cool off and get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Jakarta, a trip to Ancol beach — the only beach in the capital that can be accessed without a boat — is a must.
Stroll down a boardwalk and you'll find enough attractions to fill a day of sightseeing: the Sea World aquarium, the Symphony Of The Sea amusement park, Allianz Eco Park, the Beach City International Stadium shopping mall, Jakarta Bird Land, and the Ocean Dream Samudra theme park - and that's just the beginning!
Spend a day discovering the creatures at The Jakarta Aquarium & Safari:
The Jakarta Aquarium & Safari is a popular family attraction, with over one million visitors per year. The 6,000-square-meter facility is overflowing with 15,000 creatures from 600 different species from all over the world, including both freshwater and saltwater types. As a whole, it ranks as the largest indoor living planet in Indonesia.
As you go around the arena, you'll notice nine separate zones to explore, each showcasing a different animal kingdom. For example, there's the Islands of Indonesia, which simulates the local underwater natural habitat, and the Rainforest of Indonesia, a replicated tropical forest that includes exotic birds, slithering reptiles, and the famed poison dart.
Chanel your inner child and walk into Ancol Dreamland for adventure:
Ancol Dreamland is more than simply a beach; it's an incredible entertainment park that offers unlimited pleasure for people of all ages. The popular family-friendly resort, which stretches along Jakarta's northern (and only) shoreline, offers a variety of activities and entertainment.
SeaWorld Jakarta, located within Ancol Dreamland, puts you in the marvels of marine life, offering opportunities to witness sharks, dolphins, seals, and more, as well as go through a completely real underwater tunnel. Animal enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that the park is home to over 4,000 kinds of fish, sharks, and sea life.
Witness the preservation of unique species at Ragunan Zoo:
Ragunan Zoo, located roughly an hour's drive south of downtown Jakarta (although just 20 kilometers), is a natural wonderland. It spans over 140 hectares and is home to over 2,000 unique creatures, big and small — from Sumatran and white tigers to orangutans, Komodo dragons, the adorable slow loris, mouse deer, and a remarkable number of bird species.
Along with the daily educational performances and feeding sessions, Ragunan Zoo stands out by its dedication to preservation and education. As you walk around the park, you can find out about Indonesia's unique biodiversity and the efforts being taken to safeguard its numerous endangered species.
Check out the holy places around Jakarta:
Jakarta is a city of different religions, with a strong European and Asian influence. Not only are its various prominent religious sites different, but several of them are also very gorgeous. Consider the Dharma Bhakti Temple, which is red and yellow.
This 17th-century monument in Chinatown, also known as the "Vihara Dharma Bhakti," is one of Jakarta's oldest Chinese Buddhist temples, and it is famed for its intricate embellishments. Then there's the magnificent Jakarta church (also known as the Gereja Katedral Jakarta), a majestic 60-meter-tall neo-gothic Catholic church with shimmering stained glass windows and eye-catching spires.
Make a snowman at Trans Snow World:
Snow at the equator? You'd have to believe it. With four equally fascinating zones (Sliding, Zorb Ball, Ski, and Snow), this chilly indoor snow park offers itself as a delightful getaway from Jakarta's heat
Whether you're an experienced skier or simply want to create a snowman, the temperature-controlled atmosphere here allows you to play in the snow all year, no matter the weather outside. After a day of fun at the park, stop into Trans Snow World Binatro's café for a nice cup of hot chocolate.
Shop your heart at Grand Indonesia Mall:
With malls around the corner. Jakarta is an undeniable shopping paradise, and its malls serve as entertainment and culinary attractions as well as locations to max your credit cards. Perhaps nowhere is this more visible than at the Grand Indonesia Mall, a large complex featuring a diverse selection of foreign and local goods.
The mall houses Indonesia's first Disney Store, as well as 2XU, Hush Puppies, Mac, Marks & Spencer, Pandora, Oppo, Samsung, Swarovski, Swatch, and Ted Baker. This is only a small sample of the 214 stores and 126 eateries available!
Enjoy your time at the majestic waterfalls of Jakarta:
While Jakarta is recognized for its hectic metropolitan environment, it is also surrounded by natural beauty; all you have to do is go a short distance outside of the city. One of the most attractive is the Nangka Waterfall, located near Sukajadi Village.
It takes around 50 minutes to trek here, but the cooling pool at the end makes the effort worthwhile. Most pre-organized Jakarta waterfall trips include visits to the Bogor Botanical Gardens and Mt. Pancar Hot Springs, giving you a complete understanding of the region's natural glory.
Conclusion
Jakarta, Indonesia's busy city, provides a variety of experiences that fit every kind of interest, making it a popular tourist destination. From ancient sites to new attractions, the city perfectly mixes heritage and contemporary appeal. Exploring Jakarta's cultural legacy is essential; the National Monument (Monas) and the Jakarta History Museum give an in-depth look into the country's rich history. For art collectors, the National Gallery and Museum MACAN have excellent collections of both classic and modern art.
The city's culinary sector is particularly noteworthy, with street food markets like Jalan Sabang and luxury dining options in Menteng providing a sample of Indonesia's various cuisines. Traditional marketplaces like Pasar Baru, as well as posh malls, will thrill shoppers.
In short, Jakarta is a city of opposites, where the ancient and modern coexist, and every corner offers a new discovery. Jakarta is a must-see for history buffs, foodies, shoppers, and environment lovers together.
