Jakarta

Travel Guide

Jakarta featuring night scenes, a skyscraper and a city
Istiqlal Mosque which includes heritage architecture, modern architecture and interior views
Jakarta
Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics showing heritage elements and interior views as well as a couple
Jakarta which includes food

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 flavour and colour.

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-metre) 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 artefacts 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 travelling 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

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Central Jakarta

Central Jakarta is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Jaksa Street and Sarinah Mall, and you can get around town on the metro at Bundaran HI MRT Station.

Central Jakarta
Menteng which includes modern architecture

Menteng

Discover Menteng, memorable for its monuments. Popular attractions in Menteng include Bundaran HI and Jaksa Street, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Bundaran HI MRT Station.

Menteng
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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
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Kuningan

Kuningan is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Kuningan City Mall and Lotte Shopping Avenue while in the area.

Kuningan
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
Istiqlal Mosque featuring modern architecture and a square or plaza

Gambir

Monuments, museums and shopping are some highlights of Gambir. Make a stop by Merdeka Palace or National Monument while you're exploring.

Gambir
Ashley Wahid Hasyim Jakarta

Ashley Wahid Hasyim Jakarta

4 out of 5
Jalan K.H. Wahid Hasyim No. 73-75, Gondangdia, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta
The price is RM217 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
RM217
RM263 total
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Grand Indonesia and Thamrin City Shopping ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (267 reviews)
"Excellent stay — great hotel, super helpful staff, especially Saskia who was very cooperative and helpful."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2025

Ashley Wahid Hasyim Jakarta
Artotel Gelora Senayan Jakarta

Artotel Gelora Senayan Jakarta

4 out of 5
Jl. Pintu Satu Senayan, RT.1/RW.3,, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang,, Jakarta, Jakarta
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and Blok ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (74 reviews)
"ok"

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2025

Artotel Gelora Senayan Jakarta
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta

Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta

5 out of 5
Jalan MH Thamrin, Jakarta, Jakarta
The price is RM549 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
RM549
RM664 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (552 reviews)
"I love the hotel for its aesthetic and charm of asian culture and is situated in the center of the city where you can go to Grand indonesia. The staff there were friendly and I appreciate them for welcoming me to stay. I would gladly stay for another night if I could."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Mandarin Oriental, 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.
Citadines Sudirman Jakarta

Citadines Sudirman Jakarta

4 out of 5
Jl. Karet Sawah 219,, The Newton 1 at Ciputra World 2, Jakarta
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (122 reviews)
"Apartment was huge, clean, quiet and the bathrooms and bedrooms were very nice"

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Citadines Sudirman Jakarta
PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta

4.5 out of 5
Jl. M.H Thamrin No. 10, Thamrin Nine Luminary Tower, Jakarta
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Grand Indonesia and Thamrin ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (78 reviews)
"This hotel is one of the best around. Strongly recommend"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta
Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta

Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta

5 out of 5
Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung, Blok E4.2 No. 1, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, Jakarta
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and Blok M Square ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (465 reviews)
"Upgrade was really nice to have when arriving. Good staff, very helpful at aĺl times."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Oakwood Premier Cozmo 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

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
29
5 - Excellent 31%
4 - Good
47
4 - Good 51%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Typical metropolis with a surprising number of Western shops and brands available nearby. Friendly people often with good levels of English language. Some terrible pedestrian pavements and few road crossing points. Polluted rivers and traffic fumes.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

MRT

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Traffic is bad. But if you like to shopping or eat, Jakarta will surprise you and it has plenty to offer.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Almost perfect! Just the traffic that's quite tiring...

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Nothing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Jakarta has bunch of surprises to reveal along the way. Just brace yourself for some fun here, including the crowded traffic :)