So here are some suggestions about things to do in Jakarta and the best Jakarta tourist attractions and Jakarta points of interest, which I am sure people will find Jakarta worth exploring.
Kota area
Kota is the historic heart of Jakarta where you can find the remains of the Dutch capital of Batavia. It has a very different feel to the rest of Jakarta with big colonial style buildings and cobblestones.
Taman Fatahillah
Taman Fatahillah is the old town square from the Dutch capital of Batavia. It’s surrounded by colonial buildings and museums.
Jakarta History Museum
Another of the popular attractions in Jakarta is this history museum. The best part about it is probably its old city hall location in the main square. There are two levels and the first level does have some interesting boards that describe some of the history of the area in English. There are also some old stones with carvings and footprints that were interesting. Upstairs, is some old furniture that wasn’t worth the effort of walking up the stairs but there are some nice views of the square.
Monas (Monumen Nasional)
In the middle of Jakarta is the Lapangan Merdeka (Freedom Square) a massive green space with the National Monument (Monumen Nasional in Indonesian or Monas for short) in its centre. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Jakarta which means it is busy.
This giant 132 metre column was the brainchild of Indonesia’s first president Soekarno. After multiple design contests a design was selected and work began in 1961, with the monument being completed and open for the public in 1975.
The monument was intended as a symbol of Indonesia’s independence and strength and the column is topped with a 17 metre high flame gilded with gold.
This giant 132 metre column was the brainchild of Indonesia’s first president Soekarno. After multiple design contests a design was selected and work began in 1961, with the monument being completed and open for the public in 1975.
The monument was intended as a symbol of Indonesia’s independence and strength and the column is topped with a 17 metre high flame gilded with gold.
National History Museum
The National History Museum is located in the base of the National Monument. You can visit here on the same ticket to visit the top or you can just buy a ticket to this museum for about half the price.
The National History Museum consists of 48 dioramas detailing Indonesia’s history with a particular emphasis on their struggle for independence. There are labels in both Indonesian and English.
The National History Museum consists of 48 dioramas detailing Indonesia’s history with a particular emphasis on their struggle for independence. There are labels in both Indonesian and English.
National Museum
Nearby to the National Monument is one of our top picks of places to go in Jakarta – the National Museum. Displaying a collection built up under the Dutch since the 1780s there are two buildings, a smaller one with the ethnographic collection and a larger one with groups of things like golden artifacts, technology, ceramics and the usual stuff in museums.
The newer building is large (with four levels of exhibits) most of which is captioned in both Bahasa and English. It’s well organised and explained
The newer building is large (with four levels of exhibits) most of which is captioned in both Bahasa and English. It’s well organised and explained
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol is a huge waterfront area full of amusement parks, eateries and other fun places to see in Jakarta. There is even Indonesia’s version of Disneyland with Dunia Fantasi. There are also many other parks including a water park. It covers a big area and things are quite spread out so you need transport to get around and between the attractions.
Seaworld Ancol
Seaworld is a great aquarium at Taman Impian Jaya Ancol. There are many different types of sea life including sharks, a dugong, turtles, sea otters, sting rays and eels. On display is an animal I had never heard of – a whipray which is the largest species of stingrays and can weigh up to 450kg!
The highlight is an 80 metre long tunnel and the touch tanks. The kids liked being able to touch some of the animals although they weren’t daring enough to pat a shark.
If you are travelling with kids or like aquariums then this is definitely one of the best things to do in Jakarta.
The highlight is an 80 metre long tunnel and the touch tanks. The kids liked being able to touch some of the animals although they weren’t daring enough to pat a shark.
If you are travelling with kids or like aquariums then this is definitely one of the best things to do in Jakarta.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
This massive 100 hectare area of Jakarta is described as a “culture-based recreational area” and I don’t know a better way to put it. I have not been to anywhere quite like it. It is full of attractions that are worth adding to your what to see in Jakarta list.
There are a wide range of attractions here. The base attraction is that there are areas that represent most Indonesian provinces.
Also, there are many, many museums and other attractions like a water park and bird park. The big site is actually packed full. There is also a row of different religious buildings – like a mosque, catholic church and a Hindu temple. There are also cable cars, a monorail and train.
Some of the museums look incredibly impressive – like the massive soldier museum. There is also a very cool looking Komodo Dragon Museum and Reptile Park. The building which houses it looks like a giant komodo dragon.
The Transport Museum is especially cool if you are looking for things to do in Jakarta with kids. There are many trains, as well as whole Garuda airplane, other planes, a helicopter, old buses, taxis – a whole lot of stuff.
There are a wide range of attractions here. The base attraction is that there are areas that represent most Indonesian provinces.
Also, there are many, many museums and other attractions like a water park and bird park. The big site is actually packed full. There is also a row of different religious buildings – like a mosque, catholic church and a Hindu temple. There are also cable cars, a monorail and train.
Some of the museums look incredibly impressive – like the massive soldier museum. There is also a very cool looking Komodo Dragon Museum and Reptile Park. The building which houses it looks like a giant komodo dragon.
The Transport Museum is especially cool if you are looking for things to do in Jakarta with kids. There are many trains, as well as whole Garuda airplane, other planes, a helicopter, old buses, taxis – a whole lot of stuff.
Getting to Jakarta
Jakarta is a massive hub and has one of the busiest airports in the world so it is not hard to find a flight here! You can easily get to Jakarta from anywhere in SE Asia or Indonesia as well as many other places.