Things To Do
in Jakarta
Jakarta, the sprawling capital city of Indonesia, is a vibrant metropolis blending traditional Indonesian culture with modern skyscrapers, shopping centers, and a bustling nightlife. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country, showcasing rich diversity in its cuisine, languages, and traditions.
Despite its challenges with traffic and pollution, Jakarta remains a dynamic city, continuously evolving as a hub of Southeast Asia's economic growth and a melting pot of cultures and peoples from across the Indonesian archipelago.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $10 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the National Monument for an early glimpse of Jakarta’s historical significance. Enjoy the surrounding gardens and take in the views from the top.
Head to the Old Town (Kota Tua) to explore colonial architecture. Grab lunch at a local café and soak in the vibrant street art.
Dine in one of the trendy restaurants in the SCBD area. Experience Jakarta’s nightlife by visiting nearby bars or live music venues.
Start your day at the Jakarta History Museum to learn about the city's past. Take your time to view the various exhibits on local culture.
Visit the nearby Wayang Museum to discover Indonesian puppetry art. Have lunch at a local warung to taste traditional Indonesian cuisine.
Catch a traditional dance performance at Taman Ismail Marzuki. Savor dinner at a nearby restaurant showcasing local delicacies.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse population
- Vibrant economy with numerous business opportunities
- Dynamic food scene with a variety of local and international cuisines
- Beautiful parks and recreational areas such as Taman Suropati and Ragunan Zoo
- Strategic location as a transportation hub in Southeast Asia
- Strong educational institutions and universities
- Warm tropical climate with beaches and natural attractions nearby
- Challenging traffic congestion and public transportation issues
- High levels of air and noise pollution
- Vulnerability to flooding during the rainy season
- Overpopulation leading to crowded living conditions
- High cost of living in certain areas compared to other Indonesian cities
- Limited access to natural green spaces in urban areas
- Socio-economic disparities among different areas of the city
Best Activities in Jakarta
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore a cultural park showcasing Indonesia's diverse culture and architectural heritage.
Enjoy various recreational activities including beachside fun, theme parks, and water parks.
Visit the zoo to see a diverse range of animals and enjoy a leisurely stroll in the surrounding park.
Tours
Uncover the best of Jakarta with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Jakarta
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Jakarta from the observation deck
Rooftop bar providing stunning cityscape views and photo opportunities
Historical area with colonial architecture and picturesque surroundings for photography
Food in Jakarta
Jakarta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant fried rice dish often garnished with a fried egg and accompanied by pickles and krupuk (crackers). Must-try at Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih or Nasi Goreng Kebon Sirih.
Must-Try!
Skewered and grilled meats, such as chicken, beef, and lamb, served with a rich peanut sauce. Recommended at Sate Khas Senayan or Sate Padang Ajo Ramon.
A traditional Indonesian salad featuring mixed vegetables, tofu, and hard-boiled eggs, dressed with a luscious peanut sauce. Best enjoyed at Gado-Gado Boplo or Depot Gang Lombok.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Jakarta better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This popular market is a foodie’s haven, home to a plethora of street food stalls offering a wide array of local delicacies, from sate to martabak (sweet or savory stuffed pancake).
This bustling street is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, with stalls serving up delectable dishes like soto betawi (spiced beef soup) and kerak telor (savory coconut and rice omelette).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Jakarta, it is important to greet people with a handshake and a slight bow as a sign of respect. It is also common to use the honorific titles 'Bapak' for men and 'Ibu' for women when addressing someone as a sign of respect.
Respectful behavior in Jakarta involves using polite and formal language, especially when speaking to elders or people in positions of authority. It is important to avoid confrontational or aggressive language and instead opt for a calm and polite tone.
When dining in Jakarta, it is customary to wait for the host or the eldest person at the table to start eating before beginning your meal. It is also polite to compliment the food and express gratitude to the host for the meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Jakarta with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Jakarta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in Jakarta, but a service charge of 10% is often included in restaurants and hotels.
Cash is widely used in Jakarta, but major credit cards are also accepted in many establishments. ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawal.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Jakarta.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Jakarta as the weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Expect crowded tourist attractions and higher hotel prices during this peak season.
Visiting Jakarta during the rainy season means experiencing frequent showers and high humidity. However, it's also a great time to enjoy cultural events and festivals. Expect lower hotel prices and fewer tourists compared to the dry season.
Jakarta at Night
Hiking in Jakarta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination featuring lush forests, diverse wildlife, and stunning waterfalls.
An excellent spot for hiking known for its panoramic views and rich flora and fauna.
A national park with numerous trails, tea plantations, and a chance to see endangered species.
Offers challenging trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding area, suitable for experienced hikers.
A botanical garden area with gentle hiking trails, perfect for families and beginners.
Home to a beautiful lake and a suspension bridge, this area offers soft hiking paths and scenic views.
A well-maintained garden with easy hiking trails, showcasing various plant species and stunning landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Jakarta through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Jakarta by plane.
The main international airport serving Jakarta and is located in Tangerang, Banten.
An airport serving domestic and limited international flights, located within Jakarta.
Located in Bali, approximately 1,000 kilometers from Jakarta, it is one of the busiest international airports in Indonesia.
Located in Surabaya, East Java, this airport is about 750 kilometers from Jakarta and serves as a major international hub.
Located near Medan, North Sumatra, this airport is about 1,500 kilometers from Jakarta.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Jakarta, constituting a significant portion of the population.
The second largest ethnic group, originating from West Java and contributing to Jakarta's cultural diversity.
The indigenous people of Jakarta, known for their unique culture and traditions.
A significant ethnic minority in Jakarta, involved in various sectors including trade and business.
An ethnic group from West Sumatra, known for their matrilineal culture, they are also a notable demographic in Jakarta.
An ethnic group from North Sumatra, with a presence in Jakarta, engaging prominently in various industries.
Originating from Sulawesi, this ethnic group has migrated to Jakarta for trade and work opportunities.
From South Sumatra, contributing to Jakarta's demographic landscape particularly in commerce.
The Soul of Jakarta
Discover the essence of Jakarta through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Jakarta, with a passionate fan base and numerous clubs and leagues.
Badminton enjoys immense popularity in Jakarta, with many players and tournaments held throughout the city.
Basketball is popular among the youth, with many local courts and leagues facilitating its growth in Jakarta.
Volleyball is widely played in schools and local clubs, with significant participation from both men and women.
Motorsports, including motorcycle racing and car racing, attract large crowds and significant media attention.
Sepak Takraw, a traditional sport native to Southeast Asia, is popular in Jakarta and played in many local communities.
Swimming is a popular recreational activity and competitive sport, with many public pools and clubs available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jakarta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Jakarta's dining scene caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering dedicated menus or dishes that can be easily modified.
While awareness of gluten-free needs is growing, it's advisable to communicate your dietary requirements clearly when dining out, as some traditional dishes may contain hidden sources of gluten.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Jakarta with these cultural adventures.
