Jakarta, the “big durian,” is not a destination on most people’s bucket lists. But it really should be. I’m not going to share exactly what we did, but rather what I might do if I had to do it all over again. We spent 3 days and unfortunately we didn’t do everything I would have liked because Andrew was sick. That said, I think 3 days is the perfect amount of time if you visit while healthy.
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What is Jakarta
And here’s my Google Map of the best things to do in and around Jakarta. Hit the “Follow” button to save for later.
Day 1
After getting settled, head to Merdeka Square, Jakarta’s “center,” and admire the Monas national monument. The main entrance to the square is on the south side, though there are other access points. The National independence Monument, nicknamed Monas, is a huge monument in the middle of Merdeka Square. It is made of Italian marble and topped with a sculpted gold leaf flame. If it’s a clear day, you may want to ride to the top for views of the city. Entrance is via an underground tunnel and costs about $3 USD. Try to go early to ensure you get a ticket as they do sell out.
Otherwise, explore Galeri Nasional Indonesia, an art museum featuring works by local and international artists, at your own pace. Admission is free.
Next, visit Museum Nasional Indonesia, the first and largest museum in Indonesia, featuring archeology, history, ethnography. and geography. Free English language tours are offered every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:00 am and every Thursday at 1:30 pm. Signage is also available in English if you can’t squeeze in a tour but the pacing of the tours and knowledge of the tour guides is quite good. The entrance fee is 25,000 IDR.
After learning all about Indonesian art and history, make your way up to Istiqlal Mosque for a guided tour. This is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and the sixth largest mosque in the world. It was built to commemorate Indonesian independence and was named “Istiqlal”, which is Arabic for “independence”. The interior design is extremely modern, minimalist, simple, and clean-cut with a minimum of stainless steel geometric ornaments, and full of symbolism. The mosque can accommodate up to 200,000 worshippers. The visitor entrance is to the far right from the main entry doors. Entrance is free, you will be asked to take of your shoes once inside, and clothing will be provided to cover your knees and shoulders if you are not properly dressed. A very bossy guide provides mandatory group tours.
You can also see Jakarta Cathedral from the Mosque as it is located right across the street. Being located directly across the road from Jakarta’s largest mosque, this beautiful neo-gothic Catholic cathedral serves a very important symbol of unity and tolerance in Indonesia where roughly 85% of the population is Muslim. Admission is free.
Here are some options for guided tours 1, 2, 3. Some of these also cover some of the sights I suggest for Day 3.
If you’d prefer a self-guided walking tour, here’s what I’d suggest.
Day 2
You’re probably already feeling overwhelmed by the city so hop on a train to the suburbs and visit the Kebun Raya, the botanical gardens in Bogor.
There’s also a gong factory in Bogor if you are in need of a new instrument.
Here’s a day trip to Bogor that you can book if you’d rather not mess with public transportation.
Day 3
Head to the Kota area to see Taman Fatahillah, a square surrounded by attractive Dutch colonial buildings. Rent a colourful bike and matching fancy hat and ride around the square.
The Museum Bank Indonesia is also located just off this square in a former neoclassical bank headquarters. It shares the engaging history of Indonesia from a loosely financial perspective. The entrance fee is 5,000 IDR.
There are a number of other great museums around the square if you just can’t get enough. Consider the Museum of Fine Art and Ceramics, the Jakarta History Museum, the Wayang Museum (Javanse puppetry), or the Magic Art 3D Museum.
Just south of Kota is Gladok, the old Chinatown, overflowing with markets. Depending on your energy levels and heat tolerance, this may also warrant a visit.
What If You Have More Days?
Explore Jakarta’s malls, museums, monuments, or parks using the Jakarta Explorer, the free double decker tourist buses that operate along a number of themed routes.
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