Exploring the vibrant capital of Indonesia over five days

Jakarta, the stunning capital of Indonesia, is an ideal destination for relaxation and leisure activities.

Suggested itinerary for a 3-day Jakarta getaway

Indonesia, the largest and most populous country in Southeast Asia, often referred to as the 'land of a thousand islands,' is renowned for its tourist destination Bali, but the capital Jakarta also boasts its own unique charm. Despite complaints about its congestion and high cost, Jakarta might surprise you if you give it a chance.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from June to September is the most favorable time for visiting Jakarta. It's advisable to avoid traveling here from December to February as the city often experiences severe flooding.

Transportation

Soekarno – Hatta International Airport is situated 20 km west of the city center. Depending on traffic conditions, it can take 45 minutes to 2 hours to reach the city. You can opt for either a taxi or Damri bus for transportation.

From Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines and Garuda Air offer direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Jakarta. From Hanoi, travelers will have to transit in Ho Chi Minh City or use other airlines such as Air Asia, Malido Air, Tiger Airways... which also require transit at least once.

Taxis are one of the most convenient modes of transportation within the city. You can find them outside shopping centers, hotels, or along the streets. Some reputable companies to consider are Blue Bird, Silver Bird, Ekspress.

The Transjakarta bus route is an economical option for exploring the city, with a fare of only 15,000 Vietnamese Dong.

Bajaj is a type of three-wheeled vehicle for city tours. It's faster and cheaper than taxis.

Sightseeing and Dining in Jakarta

Day 1:

Admire the cityscape from the top of Monas

It's truly amazing to take in the panoramic view of the city. So, dedicate an early morning to visit Lapangan Merdeka. The Monas monument, located in the heart of this area, was completed in 1975 to commemorate Indonesia's struggle for independence.

The monument is shaped like a gigantic pestle and mortar, tools closely associated with the daily lives of Indonesian farmers. Climbing up to the observation deck at a height of 132 meters, you'll stand beside the golden flame symbolizing the enduring spirit, enjoying the fresh breeze and the panoramic view of the city.

Explore the National Museum

Built in 1862, this place exhibits 65,000 ancient artifacts from across Indonesia – one of the most valuable collections in Southeast Asia. It houses exquisite sculptures of Buddhism and Hinduism, ikat woven fabrics from the Eastern islands, Chinese and Asian ceramics, along with colonial-era Dutch artifacts. If you're keen on exploring Indonesian culture, this is a wise choice.

Explore Kota Tua – the heart of ancient Jakarta

Taman Fatahillah, located in the center of Kota, is a fantastic place to kick off your journey into the ancient charm of Kota Tua town. The cobblestone square is surrounded by Dutch-style buildings dating back to the 18th century. There are numerous museums here such as the Wayang Museum, and the Jakarta History Museum. If you see a woman standing with one leg raised in front of the Portuguese cannon, don't be surprised, as locals believe it helps with fertility.

Additionally, you can rent a bike to explore the area for around 55,000 Vietnamese Dong and don't forget to visit Batavia café. The café is housed in the city's second oldest building in Art Deco style, offering a menu of Indonesian-style sandwiches and burgers.

Join the Free Art and Culinary Bus Tour

If you're a food enthusiast, don't miss the chance to join the free bus tour every Saturday evening. The bus travels around the city with stops at food and cultural hubs in the center. You'll have the opportunity to meet many tourists and locals who can recommend the best dining spots.

Indulge in the Atmosphere at Skye Bar

Being alone doesn't mean being lonely. Treat yourself to a high-sky cocktail at Skye Bar, located on the 56th floor of Menara BCA. Friday nights here are vibrant with stunning night views combined with DJ sets and dancers. Additionally, Skye Bar opens at 6 am on some Sunday mornings for pilates or yoga sessions, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast amidst an unforgettable sunrise backdrop.

Day 2:

Experience a Different Side of Jakarta on Car-Free Sunday

If you didn't party too hard the night before, wake up early and join the activities of Car-Free Sunday in Jakarta. The bustling city center transforms into a festival atmosphere with locals cycling through the streets, food stalls, music, and skateboarding.

Discover Antiques at Jalan Surabaya Antique and Flea Market

The 500-meter-long Jalan Surabaya street may take you a few hours to stroll through. If you're a collector of antiques, this is your paradise. Along this street, you'll find many shops selling ancient Chinese ceramics, vintage Dutch record players, or ancient Javanese carvings. Prices here are not fixed for foreigners, so remember to negotiate and accompany it with a friendly smile before making a purchase.

Enjoy the Specialty Nasi Padang

You may have had Nasi Padang in Malaysia, but in Indonesia, it has a completely different flavor. This is a dish of the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra. Through migration, this dish has been spread across the country.

There are two ways to order: first is pesan, where you stand in line in front of a glass display and point to the dish you want, then the staff will place it on your rice; the second way is a series of dishes displayed in front of you and you pay for the ones you choose. Finally, don't forget to enjoy a sweet black tea after finishing your meal.

Witness Traditional Cultural Performances and Visit Traditional Houses

Taman Mini is a large park in the southern suburbs of the city. Here, there is a collection of traditional houses from various regions across Indonesia. Each house contains handicrafts, information about the traditional cultures of the region, and costumes of the local people. On Sundays, you can also enjoy traditional music performances at these houses. Not stopping there, there is also an IMAX theater, water park, and eco-park here to serve tourists for many hours of exploration.

Experience the Evening in Kemang – Jakarta's Mini Bali

Kemang is a cultural melting pot of the expatriate community located in the southern part of the city. You can unwind here by strolling through souvenir shops, exploring cafes, and wine bars. Some notable names in the area include Dia.lo.gue Artspace, Aksara Store, Cayenne, or Kommunal 88...

Day 3:

Seek Happiness at Pulau Seribu

You can find a slice of paradise at the Pulau Seribu National Park – which means a thousand islands in Indonesian. An exciting destination is Pulau Tidung, an island located 1.5 hours away from Ancol Marina by speedboat. The coral reefs here are in good condition, and the air is extremely fresh. You can stay at homestays if you want to experience a night on the island.

Another option for those who want to stay longer is to book an all-inclusive package at Pulau Mactan, including: beautiful resorts, modern kitchens serving delicious meals, and a diving program for exploration.

Sample Martabak Manis at Mr. Martabak

Martabak is a fluffy pancake sold on carts everywhere. It's considered Indonesia's late-night snack. Martabak is prepared in two separate parts then filled with a mixture of ingredients such as cheese, butter, peanuts, chocolate sauce, and finally topped with condensed milk. Many tourists buy this as gifts for their families.

According to Ngôi Sao

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Source: Travel guide Mytour