Top Things To Do in Jakarta
Located on the island of Java, Jakarta is a massive megacity in Southeast Asia and Indonesia’s capital. It’s famous for its rich history, great food, dynamic nightlife, and great shopping. The city is massive and is home to a population of 10.5 million citizens.
This article will look at the Top Things To Do in Jakarta. And there are many great things to do, from enjoying the city views from a sky bar to exploring the Grand Indonesia Mall. You could even take a short trip to some unknown tropical islands off the coast.
Here are 11 awesome things to see and do on your trip to Jakarta.
Visit the National Monument (Monus) in Jakarta
The National Monument is the perfect introduction to the heritage and history of Indonesia. The monument showcases the nation’s proud battle for independence from the Netherlands and is one of its proudest icons. Visitors can access the memorial easily as it’s in the middle of the city.
If you’re visiting the National Monument, you should take a trip to the observation deck. From here, you will get outstanding 360-degree views of the entire city. Moreover, you can walk around the gardens surrounding the monument, and it’s a great place to relax.
You will find heaps of street food, clothing stalls, and events surrounding the National Monument. Historical tours below will take you around here, along with many other spots in the city.
Explore the Thousand Islands in Jakarta
When people think of Jakarta they seldom think of tropical islands and beautiful paradise. If they want that, they will go to Bali. But Jakarta is a gateway to the Thousand Islands. Visiting these beautiful tropical islands is one of the Best Things To Do in Jakarta. The islands are notorious for their pristine beaches and excellent hotels. They are the perfect escape from the rampant hustle and bustle of Jakarta.
If you want to visit the Thousand Islands, you should see the harbors around the city. An excellent harbor to choose from is the Kali Adem Harbour in North Jakarta. This harbor is the cheapest option for getting to the islands. You can make a day trip to these islands without the need to stopover on the islands.
You have the option of a fantastic day tour which will take you around the islands and offer travel insurance and a souvenir.
Visit the National Museum
The National Museum is one of the icons of the city. This museum provides an excellent insight into Indonesia’s history. And you will be able to gain a valuable understanding of what made Indonesia the country it is today.
Opening in 1868, the museum has a vast range of exhibitions. Not only does it tell the history of recent years, but it also has prehistoric artifacts from ancient Indonesia. Visitors will enjoy the various collections of colonial exhibitions.
The museum has an incredible array of 62,000 prehistoric artifacts from all over Asia. It’s one of the most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia, and it’s a great visit if you’re in the center of the city.
You can visit here as part of the Jakarta Amazing Tour with Lunch Local Food. This tour will guide you around the history and significance of this place.
Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta
Indonesia’s prominent religion is Islam, and the Istiqlal Mosque is the biggest mosque in the country. It’s also the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. And it’s a huge focal point in the country’s culture and heritage.
The mosque is big enough to hold a staggering 120,000 worshippers at any time. And the 45m dome celebrated Indonesia’s independence in 1945. The construction of this massive mosque took over 17 years. The architect-designed the mosque to resemble the country’s history. Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the mosque. And you will be able to marvel at the incredible architecture of the interior and exterior.
This Jakarta historical tour will take you here as part of their tour.
Jakarta Old Town
If you want to delve deep into this city’s history, you should explore the Jakarta Old Town. Referred to as Kota Tua, this old part of Jakarta is an eye-opening insight into its colonial past.
Visitors will enjoy the Wayang Museum, which is a museum that exhibits the history of Javanese Puppetry. You can see various exhibitions on the evolution of puppetry on the island of Java. Puppets are used as a form of performance and theatre on the island of Java.
But there are various awesome things to see in the Old Town, such as the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Batavia Cafe. Exploring this old part of Jakarta is one of the Best Things To Do In Jakrta.
There are some great tours of the Old Town, including private city tours below, which will guide you around the Old Town.
Grand Indonesia Mall
If you love to go shopping, and you’re looking at What to do in Jakarta, then the Grand Indonesia Mall is a must-see. The Grand Indonesia Mall is the heart of the Indonesian retail industry.
This luxury premium mall is fantastic if you’re looking to explore a wide range of fashion stores, varied restaurants, and entertainment venues. The mall is a massive 263.226 square meters and has an endless amount of shops.
There are over 100 food and beverage establishments in the mall, and you can visit the mall to eat a whole range of diverse cuisine from all over the world. Located in the heart of the city, this is a must-see for anyone who visits Jakarta and likes to eat out, shop, or explore.
Skye Bar & Restaurant
Jakarta is a massive city. The only way to appreciate the sheer size of this megacity is from 1000 feet above sea level. Skye Bar and Restaurant is a fantastic spot to enjoy a drink and check out the views of this big city.
Situated on the 56th floor of the BCA Tower, this Skye Bar has branded itself as being a lifestyle resort in the sky. It has a comfortable contemporary design and fantastic service. It has been awarded the restaurant of the year by food critics and delivers stop quality steak meals.
The best time to go is at sunset, while you watch the sun go down and see this massive city with a glass of wine.
Museum Bank Indonesia
Initially one of Indonesia’s first-ever banks, this old building has now turned into a museum that showcases Indonesia’s banking history.
Visitors will enjoy the exhibits that tell how the Indonesian economy grew to what it is today. Numerous exhibitions show the history of the Indonesian Central Bank, some of which stemmed from the 1830s. Guests will also get a deep insight into the monetary policies that have been operated by the Indonesian government over the past two centuries.
If you want to see currencies that go back to the 14th century, you will love the 14th-century pre-colonial era notes showcased in the museum. Along with the other museums in this article, this is a distinctive way of understanding this vast country’s heritage.
This guided walking tour will take you to the Museum Bank Indonesia.
Ancol Dreamland
What is a massive city without a fantastic fairground? If you’re thinking about What to do in Jakarta, and you like amusement parks, be sure to visit Ancol Dreamland.
This fairground offers an array of fantastic roller coasters and rides that are sure to entertain you. Some of the great attractions inside include the Dubai Fantasi, which is Jakarta’s leading theme park and home to over 40 rides.
If you love water attractions, then you will love the Atlantis Water Adventure. This waterpark offers great amusements such as a wave pool, five restaurants, a waterfall pool, and many more. It’s the city’s main water park and a great day out.
One of the best attractions in Ancol Dreamland is SeaWorld and its massive variety of sea life. You can purchase skip-the-line tickets for the SeaWorld Ancol here.
Explore the Cities Food Markets
Indonesia has fantastic markets and rich, delicious cuisine that is underrated around the world. Jakarta is home to numerous fabulous markets, giving foreigners a real perspective on the nation’s sumptuous cuisine and culture. A great market to visit is the Pasar Baru, one of the oldest markets in the city and initially built in the 1820s. The market has hundreds of stalls selling all different types of clothing, food, and souvenirs. There is a bargaining culture on the market, so be prepared to bargain for a great deal.
Another great market is the Kota Tua Night Market. Situated in the Old Town of Jakarta, this market offers a range of delicious street food, traditional gifts and souvenirs, and countless things to bargain for. A great way to experience Jakarta’s shopping and food aspect is through the Jakarta City : Food Culinary Tour.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
If you want to experience and feel this nation’s culture, then be sure to head to the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.
There aren’t many better ways to appreciate the scope and intense natural diversity than visiting this attraction. Visitors will enjoy the numerous museums, theatres, and parks in this complex. There are museums dedicated to the Komodo Islands, a museum based on its sporting history, and a range of flower gardens, herbs, and orchid gardens.
This recreational area is the best way to journey through the country in just one day. This guided tour will guide you around the Miniature Park and help you understand the history.
Conclusion
Jakarta is one of the most avoided cities in Southeast Asia; it’s not popular on the backpacking trails. And many visitors will avoid it when they travel to Bali. But having said that, the city is an incredible way to experience this country’s real history and culture. There are many great things to do, and it’s a place you might want to visit if you’re in the area or looking to travel to Indonesia.
