EDITOR’S NOTE: Please be suggested that this Jakarta journey information hasn’t been up to date in 2024. Costs and journey pointers could not be correct so it’s necessary that you just confirm any info earlier than continuing.

When folks discuss probably the most fascinating locations in Indonesia, Jakarta isn’t within the dialog. Like my house metropolis of Manila, it’s largely glossed over and handled as a pitstop moderately than a vacation spot.

After I was doing analysis for this journey, I used to be making an attempt to determine how finest to allocate our two weeks within the nation. We had been arriving by way of Jakarta however I virtually didn’t give it greater than an in a single day keep. I couldn’t discover sufficient fascinating actions to benefit greater than that however in the long run, I made a decision to provide it two nights to permit us one full day within the metropolis.

24 hours might not be lots however it was sufficient to provide me a learn on this well-known however typically neglected Indonesian capital metropolis.

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Due to the present world state of affairs, journey pointers change often. Our mates at SafetyWing created an internet site that lists detailed info on journey restrictions across the globe.

Earlier than planning a visit to Jakarta, you’ll want to verify the Flatten the Curve web site for info on journey restrictions to Indonesia.

Situated on the northwest coast of Java, Jakarta is the capital and largest metropolis in Indonesia. It has an estimated inhabitants of over 10 million, making it probably the most populous metropolis not simply in Indonesia, however in all of Southeast Asia.

However as huge as Jakarta is, it isn’t a significant vacation spot for worldwide vacationers. Like equally crowded and chaotic cities in Southeast Asia (aside from Bangkok), it features extra as a stopover to different locations within the area like Bandung, Yogyakarta, Bali, and Lombok.

This information assumes you’re a type of vacationers and provides you solutions on what you are able to do with one full day within the metropolis. For those who’re looking for upcoming occasions and the most recent happenings in Jakarta, then you’ll be able to try What’s New Indonesia.

Like many cities in Southeast Asia, Jakarta mainly has simply two seasons – moist and dry. The dry season is from June until September. Temperatures fluctuate little over the course of the 12 months so the dry season is one of the best time to go sightseeing within the metropolis.

JUN-SEPT: As described, that is the dry season in Jakarta and usually one of the best time to go. You’ll be handled to clear skies and about 11-12 hours of daylight on a regular basis.

OCT-MAY: That is wet season in Jakarta and never a really perfect time to go. As you’ll be able to see within the rainfall graphs beneath, January and February are the wettest months.

Local weather: Annual Month-to-month Climate in Jakarta

That will help you higher perceive the local weather in Jakarta, I’ve created the common temperature and annual rainfall graphs beneath. Advised months to go to are highlighted in orange.

Common Temperature

Annual Rainfall

Most vacationers trying to discover the island of Java will in all probability enter Indonesia via Soekarno-Hatta Worldwide Airport in Jakarta. Situated round 29 km (18 miles) west of central Jakarta, there are a number of methods to get to town from the airport.

BY TRAIN: The not too long ago constructed Airport Rail Hyperlink is arguably the easiest way of entering into town. It departs from Terminal 1 and prices IDR 70,000 every method. In case your flight arrives at Terminals 2 or 3, then you’ll be able to take the Skytrain to Terminal 1. You possibly can then take the Airport Rail Hyperlink to Sudirman Baru (BNI Metropolis) Station (45 minutes) which is about 4 km south of Merdeka Sq..

BY BUS: The Damri Bus is the most cost effective method of entering into town from the airport, simply IDR 40,000 every method. Probably the most central cease is Gambir Station. Situated simply east of Merdeka Sq., it’s Jakarta’s principal practice station and the place you’ll in all probability go to catch a practice to different locations in Java. Based mostly on my analysis, Damri buses to Gambir Station run from 3AM-9PM, and you should buy a ticket contained in the bus or on the Damri Bus counter.

BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: That is what we did. We arrived simply earlier than midnight so we pre-arranged for a one-way switch via our lodge for IDR 250,000. For those who’re touring with sufficient folks, then this can be your most handy possibility. In case your lodge doesn’t present transfers, then you’ll be able to e book one upfront via Bookaway.

BY TAXI: From what I perceive, there are two sorts of taxis – premium and common. Premium taxis don’t have any queue however the fare will likely be double that of normal taxis. For normal taxis, you’ll must get a queueing quantity from a machine that provides two choices – Blue Fowl and non-Blue Fowl taxis. Whereas different taxi firms aren’t essentially unhealthy, Blue Fowl appears to be one of the best which is why most individuals use them. Count on to pay between IDR 200,000-250,000 to get to central Jakarta from the airport.

I’ve solely lined flights into Jakarta, however when you’re already in Java or in different close by areas then you’ll be able to verify Bookaway to seek out transportation choices accessible to you. You possibly can click on on the hyperlink or use the widget beneath.

The unit of forex in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Most overseas alternate retailers in Jakarta are situated inside buying malls, making it protected and handy to vary your forex. We had been staying close to Plaza Indonesia Purchasing Mall so I exchanged forex at Dua Sisi Cash Changer situated within the mall’s basement degree. You possibly can discuss with this Jakarta forex alternate information to discover a store close to you.

For those who’d moderately not deliver an excessive amount of overseas forex into Indonesia, then an alternate can be to withdraw IDR utilizing an ATM. The charges are comparable, some say even higher. Simply you’ll want to advise your financial institution that you just plan on utilizing your ATM card overseas so that you don’t run into any points. In my expertise, my card works in some machines however not in others.

NOTE: Some ATMs will ask when you’d prefer to proceed “with or with out conversion”. At all times select WITHOUT conversion. For those who select “with conversion”, then that enables the overseas financial institution working the ATM to do the alternate, normally at horrible charges. The has occurred to me and the distinction in charges is stunning, in some circumstances as much as 10%.

This information assumes you’ll be staying in Jakarta for not more than a day earlier than transferring to different locations in Java. If that’s the case, then it’s finest to remain close to Gambir Railway Station or round Soekarno-Hatta Worldwide Airport.

I’ve created the color-coded map beneath that can assist you higher perceive the place these advisable areas are. Click on on the hyperlink for an interactive model of the map. (Please notice that marked areas are approximations solely)

RED – Menteng
PURPLE – Kemang
GREEN – Gambir
BLUE – Close to Soekarno-Hatta Airport

MENTENG: Menteng Home

That is the place we stayed. Menteng is the executive middle of Jakarta and inside strolling distance to many common vacationer spots just like the Nationwide Monument, Istiqlal Mosque, and Plaza Indonesia Purchasing Mall. It’s additionally only a brief Seize or taxi journey away from Gambir Railway Station.

We stayed at Menteng Home which is an easy and cheap hostel with dorm and personal rooms. It isn’t the nicest lodge however it’s adequate for a fast keep. You possibly can e book a room at Menteng Home on Reserving.com or Agoda.

For those who’d like to remain within the Menteng space however don’t assume that is the precise place for you, then you’ll be able to try alternate listings on Reserving.com or Agoda.

Approximate Room Charge: USD 32 per evening for a deluxe double (as of July 2019)

KEMANG

Kemang is situated farther south however if you wish to have enjoyable in Jakarta, then that is in all probability the place it is best to keep. It’s described because the hipster space of Jakarta that’s house to fascinating boutiques, cafes, bars, and eating places. Take a look at Reserving.com or Agoda for an inventory of lodging in Kemang.

GAMBIR

That is the world simply north of Menteng. It’s the place the Nationwide Monument, Istiqlal Mosque, and the Nationwide Museum are situated, to not point out Gambir Railway Station. However other than these key spots, it doesn’t appear to have as a lot in the way in which of economic areas so solely keep right here if it is advisable to be as shut as potential to Gambir Station. In any other case, it’s in all probability higher to remain in Menteng. Yow will discover a spot to remain in Gambir on Reserving.com.

NEAR SOEKARNO-HATTA AIRPORT

If it is advisable to fly out of Jakarta, then staying close to the airport could also be your best choice contemplating town’s horrible site visitors. You possibly can try Agoda for listings close to Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

1. Nationwide Monument

With out query, the Nationwide Monument or Monas (brief for Monumen Nasional) is Jakarta’s most recognizable construction. Standing at 132 meters (433 ft) within the middle of Merdeka Sq., it was constructed from 1961-1975 to commemorate Indonesia’s battle for independence from the Dutch empire.

I didn’t understand this till not too long ago, however the monument’s cup and tower construction was designed to resemble a lingga and yoni – two Hindu symbols typically proven collectively to symbolize female and male energies. Collectively, they symbolize concord, steadiness, fertility and everlasting life.

Entrance to the park is free however you’ll must pay IDR 15,000 to enter the monument itself. This provides you with entry to the Nationwide Historical past Museum and each viewing platforms, together with the one on the high which is 115 meters (377 ft) above floor degree.

2. Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque is the most important mosque in Southeast Asia. Like Monas, it was constructed to commemorate Indonesian independence from the Dutch, with the title istiqlal that means “independence” in Arabic.

Pictured beneath is the grand domed prayer corridor with its twelve large stainless steel-covered columns. I wasn’t anticipating it however Istiqlal Mosque turned out to be certainly one of my favourite stops in Jakarta. It felt so calm and peaceable right here. With extra time, I’d have liked to only lay down and benefit from the environment.

3. Jakarta Cathedral

In a present of spiritual tolerance and variety, standing straight in entrance of Istiqlal Mosque is Jakarta Cathedral. In-built 1901, it’s a Roman Catholic cathedral that serves because the seat of the Archbishop of Jakarta. Indonesia is predominantly Muslim however it does have a Catholic Christian neighborhood amounting to about 3% of the nation’s inhabitants.

4. Nationwide Museum

I used to be planning on spending a few hours right here, however after strolling to Istiqlal Mosque from Monas beneath Jakarta’s intense afternoon solar, I didn’t have the drive to stroll again.

Also called the Elephant Museum because of the elephant statue in entrance, the Nationwide Museum of Indonesia is thought to be top-of-the-line and most full museums within the nation. There you’ll discover over 160,000 objects starting from historic artifacts, textiles, statues, and ceramics that inform the story of Indonesia’s territories and its lengthy historical past.

5. Kota Tua (Previous City / Previous Batavia)

This was my favourite cease in Jakarta. Kota tua means “outdated metropolis” and refers to a neighborhood comprising the unique downtown space of Jakarta. Right here you’ll discover Dutch buildings courting again to the seventeenth century, to the time of the spice commerce when this former walled settlement served because the Asian headquarters of the Dutch East India Firm. At this time, it’s a vibrant space that’s common with each locals and vacationers alike.

I had enjoyable simply strolling round Kota Tua and having fun with its environment however there are just a few small museums you’ll be able to go to right here as properly. There’s a historical past museum, a wonderful arts and ceramics museum, an Indonesian wayang puppet museum, and two financial institution museums.

It’s simple sufficient to go to Kota Tua by yourself however when you’d prefer to go on a guided tour, then you’ll be able to e book one via Get Your Information (Choice 1 | Choice 2).

For those who aren’t as acquainted with Indonesian delicacies however need to eat conventional dishes, then try our Indonesian meals information for an inventory of a number of the finest dishes to search for in Jakarta and Indonesia. You probably have a candy tooth, then you’ll want to try our article on probably the most scrumptious Indonesian desserts as properly.

1. Tesate

What’s the primary dish that involves thoughts whenever you consider Indonesian delicacies? For me, it’s sate – that deliciously seasoned and skewered meat dish that originated proper right here on the island of Java. They’re made with several types of meat marinated in kecap manis (candy soy sauce) and different elements earlier than being grilled over sizzling coals and served with quite a lot of sauces. So beloved is sate that it’s acknowledged by many as an Indonesian nationwide dish.

I googled “finest sate in jakarta” and Tesate was one of many outcomes that caught my eye, as a consequence of its good critiques and proximity to our lodge in Menteng.

Now how stunning does that look? This was our first meal in Indonesia so I feel we could have gotten carried away with our order. It appears to be like like we ordered all the pieces on their menu! Together with several types of hen, lamb, and beef sate, we additionally acquired a plate of their nasi goreng buntut bumbu belacan which is Indonesian fried rice made with shrimp paste and oxtail.

I feel this image just about speaks for itself. The sate was moist and juicy and charred in components, giving it that good little bit of crunchy caramelization. The hen and lamb had been drenched in a traditional candy peanut sauce whereas the spiced beef was served dry however with the fragrant taste of toasted coconut. All the things was completely scrumptious.

2. Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih

Markedly completely different from Tesate, this humble however legendary avenue meals stall has been serving a number of the finest goat fried rice in Jakarta for many years. Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih is an unassuming open-air warung located on this alley off Jalan Kebon Sirih, simply south of Merdeka Sq..

They provide just a few goat and hen dishes however this stunning mound of rice – generally known as nasi goreng kambing or “goat fried rice” – is what they’re actually recognized for.

3. Martabak Boss

Martabak Boss is a enjoyable chain of eating places and meals stalls specializing in martabak. Martabak is a kind of thick stuffed pancake that may be both candy or savory. Like sate and nasi goreng, it’s a well-liked avenue meals snack in Indonesia that’s generally eaten in different pats of Asia as properly like Malaysia and Singapore.

Martabak is a type of dishes that may be made in an infinite variety of methods. Even the candy and savory variations of martabak look utterly completely different! We didn’t attempt it in Indonesia however we had savory martabak in Singapore which appears to be like like a big stuffed crepe. Candy martabak, alternatively, extra carefully resembles thick pancakes topped with quite a lot of elements. I imagine this candy model of martabak is exclusive to Indonesia.

4. Cafe Batavia

Cafe Batavia is a historic restaurant fronting Fatahillah Sq. in Kota Tua. It’s situated in a colonial constructing that’s the second oldest within the sq., behind solely the previous Metropolis Corridor constructing of Batavia.

Strolling into Cafe Batavia is like stepping right into a time capsule. Inside you’ll discover a dimly lit salon made largely of wooden with chandeliers and enormous shuttered home windows looking into Fatahillah Sq.. On the partitions are these classic pictures of celebrities from the Thirties. I’m undecided when the restaurant was opened, however the constructing itself was constructed within the 1830s and used as an administration workplace for the Dutch East India Firm.

The Jakarta MRT is presently being constructed. On the time of this writing, solely Section I of the undertaking has been accomplished (Lebak Bulus to Bundaran HI) so it in all probability gained’t be for an additional few years earlier than the MRT turns into a viable technique of transport for vacationers.

Once we had been there, we acquired round largely by strolling. Aside from Kota Tua, all of the locations I visited had been within the Menteng and Gambir areas. I used to be capable of get from one place to the subsequent on foot, although precise distances are longer than they appear on a map, particularly beneath the unforgiving Jakarta solar.

For those who don’t take pleasure in an excessive amount of strolling, then you could need to use public transportation or an app-based transportation service like Seize or Go-Jek. I used Seize Automotive to go from Jakarta Cathedral to Kota Tua, then Seize Bike to get again to our lodge. Seize Bike is extra enjoyable and cheaper, to not point out quicker as a result of motorbikes can weave via Jakarta’s heavy site visitors.

If you wish to journey within the most cost-effective method potential, then going by the Transjakarta Busway might be finest. I didn’t use it however the Transjakarta Busway is a community of air-conditioned buses that run on reserved busways in order that they aren’t slowed down by site visitors. In response to their web site, fares price IDR 2,000 between 5-7AM and IDR 3,500 in any respect different occasions. You’ll must pay for fares with a reusable saved worth card accessible for buy at any Transjakarta station (IDR 40,000 with IDR 20,000 credit score). You possibly can verify the Transjakarta web site for a community map.

For those who’ve by no means used it, then I recommend planning your route utilizing the helpful Google Maps app (iOS|Android). It’ll inform you one of the best methods to get from level A to level B utilizing any type of public transportation. We apply it to each journey and it’s all the time correct and really dependable.

This information assumes you’re staying for simply one full day in Jakarta. That is what you are able to do with that at some point. As beforehand talked about, I recommend beginning south then making your method north.

1. Plan your Journey with Sygic Journey

I’ve been utilizing this free journey app to create our itineraries for a few years now. It permits me to plot factors of curiosity on a map – like our lodge, eating places, and points of interest – so I can see the place all the pieces is. That method I can create as environment friendly an itinerary as potential. Take a look at my publish on the Sygic Journey app for extra info.

DOWNLOAD: iOS / Android

Sygic Journey is what I used to create the placement map above. You can even view it as a day-to-day itinerary on Sygic Journey.

2. Hire a Pocket Wifi Gadget

Having a gentle wifi connection is so necessary nowadays, particularly whenever you’re away on a visit. It lets you navigate, do analysis, convert currencies, and simply keep linked. No method would we go anyplace now with no dependable wifi connection.

For our two-week journey via Indonesia, we rented a 4G pocket wifi system from Java Mifi. For those who’re arriving by way of Soekarno–Hatta Worldwide Airport (Terminal 2 or 3) and would moderately use a sim card, then you should buy one upfront via Klook.

3. Examine for Low cost Passes

I verify a number of web sites to seek out journey offers, however apart from Bali, there don’t appear to be as many in Indonesia. Among the many websites I take advantage of, Klook and Get Your Information appear to have probably the most in Jakarta. I didn’t get any in Jakarta however I did get vouchers for airport transfers and personal automotive charters in Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Bali.

If you wish to discover offers on excursions, transfers, personal automotive charters, and so forth, then you’ll be able to search via these lists of Jakarta offers on Klook and Get Your Information.

4. Get Journey Insurance coverage

Whether or not or to not get journey insurance coverage is one thing we take into consideration earlier than each journey. Mainly, if we plan on doing any bodily actions like biking or snowboarding, then we’ll get it. But when all we’ll be doing is traveleating for just a few days and never doing something that would trigger us bodily hurt, then we gained’t. Our bank cards give us free journey insurance coverage anyway that covers staple items like missed connecting flights and journey cancellations.

Once we do determine to get it, we purchase insurance coverage from SafetyWing. They’re a well-liked journey insurance coverage supplier utilized by many long-term vacationers. You possibly can observe the hyperlink to get a free quote from SafetyWing.

5. Carry the Proper Energy Adapter

You’ll discover Kind C or Kind F electrical retailers in Indonesia so be sure to deliver the precise energy adapters in your gadgets. Electrical voltage is 220/110V and the usual frequency is 50Hz.

After only one full day on this large metropolis, no method am I an skilled on Jakarta however I do hope this journey information helps you propose your journey. I’m solely sharing a number of the issues I realized from our time there. You probably have any feedback or solutions, then please tell us within the remark part beneath.

Thanks for stopping by and luxuriate in your time in Jakarta!

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