The capital of the Republic of Indonesia and home to more than 9 million people, Jakarta is a dynamic city imbued in a mix of vibrant cultures. The city was a key trading port for the Sunda Kingdom in the 4th century and the de facto capital of the Dutch East Indies in the 16th and 17th centuries, known then as Batavia. Now a melting pot of more than 300 ethnic groups, Jakarta is forever growing, making it a fascinating destination filled with things to see and do. From museums filled with history and beautiful parks to national landmarks and colonial architecture that speak to the city's diverse past, Jakarta full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Jakarta
Jakarta's many neighborhoods take influence from the many cultures of its varied past. Explore its heritage-rich areas for their cultural significance and modern vibrancy, taking the opportunity to sample delicious foods and take in beautiful sights on the way.
Old Town - Officially known as Kota Tua, the Old Town is a remainder of Old Batavia, the first walled Dutch settlement in Jakarta. The area is full of colonial buildings and historic landmarks like the church of Gereja Sion, the Jakarta History Museum, and Wayang Museum.
Glodok - Glodok, also known as Pecinan, is Jakarta's sprawling Chinatown—the biggest in Indonesia. The neighborhood, which dates back to the 1740s, covers Gang Gloria (Gloria Alley), Petak Sembilan, and Jalan Pancoran. Visit Glodok for the Vihara Dharma Bahkti temple, the oldest in Jakarta, as well as the bustling markets and irresistible food.
Bogor - Located south of Jakarta, Bogor serves as a mountain resort and tourist center for both domestic and international travelers. The city, which was the former capital of the ancient Sunda Kingdom, features the enormous and historic Bogor Botanical Gardens, as well as the Taman Safari park and tea plantations on scenic Puncak Pass.
What to See in Jakarta
Explore Jakarta's rich history, which dates back thousands of years, at its many museums. Visit the Fatahilah Museum, also known as the Jakarta History Museum, to see an extensive collection of ancient and modern artifacts, or take in 200 years of Indonesia's heritage at the National Museum of Indonesia. The Textile Museum details the secrets of batik production through garments and textiles from Indonesia's many islands. In Merdeka Square, see incredible examples of colonial Dutch architecture such as the Merdeka Palace and State Palace, and then learn of Jakarta's modern history at the towering National Monument, which commemorates the country's struggle for independence during the Indonesian National Revolution.
Sightseeing in Jakarta
As the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is packed with unique cultures from all over the vast Indonesian archipelago as well as influences from the Dutch colonial era. Experience its rich diversity by visiting places like the Kota Tua Old Town, Glodok Chinatown, and the old harbor of Sunda Kelapa. Events like the Jakarta Fair and Jakarta International Film Festival highlight city and Indonesian culture as a whole, while the Jalan Jaksa Festival and Keman Festival celebrate the arts of the Betawi, considered to be the indigenous people of Jakarta. To understand the mixture of religions in the city, visit sites like the neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church of Jakarta Cathedral, the Buddhist Vihara Dharma Bhakti temple, and the incredible Istiqlal Mosque—the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Jakarta also serves as the gateway to other Indonesian destinations such as idyllic Lombok Island with its white-sand beaches, and rugged Mount Ijen, which is perfect for scenic and challenging treks.
