Jakarta

Travel Guide
Istiqlal Mosque featuring interior views, heritage architecture and modern architecture
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 flavor and color.

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-meter) 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 artifacts 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 traveling 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.

Jakarta Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Jakarta

Sentral Cawang Hotel - CHSE Certified
Sentral Cawang Hotel - CHSE Certified
3 out of 5
Jl Mt Haryono No 9 Cawang, Jakarta, Jakarta, 13630
The price is $19 per night from Jun 11 to Jun 12
$19
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (29 reviews)
Good but service took so long
"Room itself is nice but the service always takes so long from front desk to resto. Breakfast choices were good thou"

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2020

Sentral Cawang Hotel - CHSE Certified
Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Jl. Gajah Mada No. 211, Jakarta, Jakarta, 11120
The price is $36 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
$36
per night
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (100 reviews)
"Rooms were big, amenities were plentiful and staff was accomodating and friendly."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2023

Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada, an IHG Hotel
Anara Airport Hotel
Anara Airport Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Jl.Terminal 3 International Mezzanine Fl, Tangerang, Banten, 15126
The price is $82 per night from Jun 8 to Jun 9
$82
per night
Jun 8 - Jun 9
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Tangerang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Soewarna Business ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
"Very very helpful and friendly staff. It was a great place to spend a night between flights. I wish other hotels were as ideal as this one!"

Reviewed on May 25, 2023

Anara Airport Hotel
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.
Ra Premiere Simatupang
Ra Premiere Simatupang
4 out of 5
Jalan Intan No. 25, Cilandak, Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, 12430
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the spacious rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (47 reviews)
Strategic Location, Perfect for Business Trips
"The location is very strategic as it is located very close to highway exits (though not in the main road). Staffs are helpful and nice starting from the security upon entering the premises. The room is very recommended for business trips to host small meetings as they provide table with multiple ..."

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2021

Ra Premiere Simatupang
Ascott Jakarta
Ascott Jakarta
4 out of 5
Jalan Kebon Kacang Raya No 2, Jakarta, Jakarta, 10230
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (413 reviews)
"Great simple and have everything you expect. Only furnishings and designs are a bit aged and it shows. Still a great place due to its location and great staff"

Reviewed on May 24, 2023

Ascott 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, 12950
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Jakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (304 reviews)
"Excellent!"

Reviewed on May 17, 2023

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.

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