Travel Tips in Jakarta:
Jakarta, the vibrant capital city of Indonesia, offers a mix of modernity and traditional culture that is sure to captivate any traveler. To make the most of your trip to Jakarta, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:
- Stay hydrated – The tropical climate in Jakarta can be quite hot and humid, so make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Dress modestly – Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, so it is important to dress modestly out of respect for the local culture. Avoid revealing clothing and opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics.
- Use transportation apps – Jakarta’s traffic can be notoriously congested, so consider using transportation apps like Gojek or Grab to navigate the city more efficiently.
- Bargain at markets – When shopping at local markets in Jakarta, don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price. Bargaining is a common practice in Indonesia, so feel free to negotiate with vendors.
- Try street food – Jakarta is a food lover’s paradise, with a plethora of street food stalls offering delicious local delicacies. Be sure to try favorites like nasi goreng (fried rice) and sate (grilled skewers).
Top Sites and Monuments in Jakarta / Things to do in Jarkarta
- National Monument (Monas)
The National Monument, known as Monas, is an iconic landmark in Jakarta that symbolizes the fight for Indonesian independence. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city. Ticket price: IDR 15,000 for adults, IDR 5,000 for children.
How to get there: Located in Central Jakarta, Monas is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi.
Reference: https://www.traveloka.com/en-id/attractions/indonesia/landmark/monas-3000010000166 - Istiqlal Mosque
As the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, Istiqlal Mosque is an impressive architectural marvel. Visitors can marvel at the grand prayer hall and intricate details of the mosque. Free entry.
How to get there: Located next to Monas, Istiqlal Mosque is within walking distance from other attractions in Central Jakarta.
Reference: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/jakarta/attractions/istiqlal-mosque/a/poi-sig/1232615/356582 - Kota Tua
Kota Tua, or Old Town Jakarta, is a historical district that showcases Dutch colonial architecture. Visitors can explore museums, cafes, and street vendors selling souvenirs. Entrance fees to museums vary, but are typically around IDR 5,000 to IDR 20,000. How to get there: Take a TransJakarta bus or taxi to reach Kota Tua from other parts of Jakarta. Reference: https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/java/jakarta/kota-tua - Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a cultural park that features exhibits representing the diverse cultures of Indonesia’s different regions. Visitors can explore traditional houses, museums, and botanical gardens. Entrance fee: IDR 15,000 for adults, IDR 10,000 for children.
How to get there: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is located in East Jakarta and can be reached by public transportation or taxi.
Reference: https://www.tamanmini.com/tamanmini/en - Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo is a popular family-friendly attraction in Jakarta, home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. Visitors can see elephants, orangutans, and Komodo dragons. Entrance fee: IDR 10,000 for adults, IDR 4,000 for children.
How to get there: Located in South Jakarta, Ragunan Zoo can be accessed by public transportation or taxi. Reference: https://www.jakarta-tourism.go.id/visit/attractions/ragunan-zoo - Ancol Dreamland
Ancol Dreamland is a waterfront entertainment complex that offers a variety of attractions, including a theme park, water park, and beach resort. Ticket prices vary depending on the attractions chosen.
How to get there: Ancol Dreamland is located in North Jakarta and can be reached by public transportation or taxi.
Reference: https://www.ancol.com/en/ - Grand Indonesia Mall
Grand Indonesia Mall is a shopping and dining paradise in Jakarta, with a wide range of international and local brands. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment options like cinemas and arcades. Free entry.
How to get there: Situated in Central Jakarta, Grand Indonesia Mall is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi.
Reference: https://www.grand-indonesia.com/ - Pasar Baru
Pasar Baru is one of the oldest shopping districts in Jakarta, offering a mix of traditional markets and modern retail outlets. Visitors can find affordable clothing, textiles, and accessories. Free entry.
How to get there: - Sunda Kelapa
Sunda Kelapa is an ancient port in Jakarta that showcases traditional Indonesian wooden sailing ships known as phinisi. Visitors can admire the historical significance of the port and witness the bustling maritime activities. Free entry.
How to get there: Sunda Kelapa is located in North Jakarta and can be accessed by public transportation or taxi.
Reference: https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/java/jakarta/sunda-kelapa
Don’t forget to get Travel Insurance Before You Travel
If you’re looking for travel insurance, we recommend the following travel insurance provider:
World Nomads Travel Insurance | Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip with Travelex | Cancel for any reason with Travel Guard |
Our Top Travel Gear and Equipment Recommendations: Best Camera, Photo and Video Equipment for Your Travels
If you’re interested in our recommended travel gear and photo/video equipment:
- Best and Most Useful Travel Gear:
- Best photo / video cameras and equipment for Travel:
- Best Action Cameras and Portable Cameras
- Best Full-Frame DSLR Cameras and DSLR Cameras for Amateur and Professional Photographers
- Best Drones and Aerial Photography Cameras
- Best Tripods, Monopods and Selfie Sticks for Photography and Videography
- Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones, Best Laptops and Computers for Travel:
3 Days in Jakarta Itinerary for Visits
Day 1 Itinerary:
- Visit the National Monument (Monas) and Istiqlal Mosque in the morning
- Explore Jakarta History Museum and Wayang Museum in Kota Tua in the afternoon
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Kota Tua
Day 2 Itinerary:
- Spend the morning at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah exploring the cultural exhibits
- Visit Ragunan Zoo in the afternoon to see a variety of animals
- Relax and unwind at Ancol Dreamland in the evening
Day 3 Itinerary:
- Shop for souvenirs and textiles at Pasar Baru in the morning
- Visit the Jakarta Cathedral and Fatahillah Square in the afternoon
- Take a sunset cruise on the Jakarta Bay to Sunda Kelapa
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Top Rated Jakarta Hotels / Best Reviews and Where to Stay in Jakarta
Hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia Priced Over $200 per night:
- Shangri-La Jakarta
- Grand Hyatt Jakarta
- Fairmont Jakarta
- DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro
- Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
Hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia Priced Between $100 to $200 per night:
- Mercure Jakarta Batavia
- Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta
- Pullman Jakarta Central Park
- Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue
- Hilton Garden Inn Jakarta Taman Palem
Hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia Priced Between $50 to $100 per night:
- La Boheme, Rooms and Coffee
- Mercure Jakarta Sabang
- Ashley Wahid Hasyim Jakarta
- Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta
- Hilton Garden Inn Jakarta Taman Palem
Hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia Priced between $20 to $50 per night:
- Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada, an IHG Hotel
- ibis Styles Jakarta Tanah Abang
- Avissa Suites
- Mercure Jakarta Gatot Subroto
- Lamandau House
Hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia Priced below $20 per night:
- Wonderloft Hostel
- KINI Capsule
- SUPER OYO Capital O 141 Fatmawati Cozy Residence
- Grand Ametis Hotel Jakarta
- Cove Arimbi
Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.
With these travel tips, site recommendations, itinerary suggestions, and hotel bookings, you are well-equipped to make the most of your trip to Jakarta. Enjoy exploring this bustling city and immersing yourself in its rich culture and history!
For more about Indonesia, Jakarta, Bali and more destinations read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.
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