Indonesia as a country is very rich in terms of culture and history. So setting foot in its capital means seeking out the best things to do in Jakarta. And there are many things to do and discover. After all, it is the capital of the world’s largest archipelago. How does it absorb all the culture from its many regions? The best way to find out is to go out there and explore the city to discover all the influences from its colonial past, its 17,508 islands, and the Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, and Indian contributions to the whole nation’s collective culture.
In such a huge country, and a considerably large options of things to do and discover, where do you start? Here is a list of things to do to give you a good footing in your discovery of Indonesia.
Visit the National Museum
Personally, I would love to start from where the country has begun. And to know all about it, it is best to visit its National Museum first. That’s what I did. Coming from a neighboring country, the Philippines, I am not surprised to see so many similarities in our history, language, and food. There are things inside the museum that show how much alike we are as a country and as a people in our way of life. For people outside of Southeast Asia, the Museum Nasional should be an interesting place for you so visit this and you will have a good start exploring and discovering Indonesia through its capital.
Spend time at Kota Tua
Kota Tua is the Old Jakarta, the seat of Indonesia’s colonial past. The country had been under Dutch rule for around 350 years so it’s no surprise, there are remains of Dutch influence. Kota Tua is the best place to go to check this part of Indonesia’s history.
Walking around Kota Tua shows Dutch colonial architecture. It will bring you to its main attraction, the Fatahillah Plaza. I also encourage you to go inside the Jakarta History Museum known as the Fatahillah Museum. The building where the museum is housed was formerly the Batavia City Hall Building. This building was erected from 1707 to 1712 on the orders of Governor General Joan van Hoorn.
Dine at Cafe Batavia
Cafe Batavia is one of the oldest restaurants in Jakarta known for its colonial-era ambiance. It is located in Kota Tua, the old Jakarta. This is a must-visit when you are in town to see for yourself the lingering influence of its colonial past. You can check out the video above to see the interiors and feel the old-world ambiance of the cafe.
Address: Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.14, RT.7/RW.7, Pinangsia, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11230
Stroll Around the Merdeka Square and Monas Monument
Merdeka Square is one of the most symbolic spots in Jakarta. Merdeka is the Indonesian word for freedom, so translated this is Freedom Square. And in the middle of it stands the Monas Monument. It is the national monument of Indonesia, an everyday reminder of their struggle for freedom.
There is a museum inside the Monas Tower. It is easy to see the entrance to the Tower so you will not have difficulty checking it out. You can also use the shuttle inside the square to go to the entrance if you are not so keen on walking around. The museum inside will take you through the history of Indonesia through several dioramas.
Check out my YouTube video for the tour of MONAS.
Visit the National Library of Indonesia
This 24-story library is cozy with its several lounges and work areas. It is also digitalized. And foreigners are welcome to visit. It is free for both Indonesians and foreigners.
I was not asked for an ID when I got in. I just had to put my bag in the library-provided lockers in exchange for a transparent bag that the library also provides.
You can check out the 24th floor first and see the sprawling Merdeka Square and Monas Tower. You can also work at the lounges and several work areas for free.
If you want to have a library card, you just need to show your KITAS if you are a foreigner. The validity of your library card will be the same as your KITAS.
Eat and discover Indonesia’s Regional Cuisines
Imagine each island or region having its own distinct food culture. This is going to be a real challenge to get to taste all of Indonesia’s unique food cultures. As much as you can, discover Indonesia’s food culture while you are here. You will be surprised by the variety and distinct personality of each regional food. Check out the link to see where you can have a taste of Indonesia’s regional foods here in Jakarta.
Never Miss Trying out Different Kinds of Sambal
Oh, dear! Indonesia is the land of sambal. Sambal is a chili sauce or paste, made from a mixture of a variety of chili peppers. There isn’t any resource that says the exact number of varieties of sambals but suffice to say, there’s a lot. There are different mixtures you can add to the chili peppers and the level of spice varies. So, enjoy discovering and tasting and challenging your spice level tolerance.
Just don’t leave Jakarta (Indonesia) without having a taste of sambal. Sambal is to Indonesia as kimchi is to Korea. Get the picture?
Go Antique-Hunting at Jalan Surabaya
Antique hunting carries its own charm anywhere you go. At Jalan Surabaya Flea Market, you will have all sorts of items from works of art, and household items, to pre-loved luggage and golf bags. It has European-looking furniture, jewelry from different parts of Indonesia, and precious fabrics. But as with any flea market, caveat emptor applies so be careful. Be very meticulous in your choices. And as an important reminder, do not readily buy items at their first offer. Bargaining is normal.
One-Stop Shop at Pasar Mayestik (Mayestik Market)
The best place to feel the local vibe is the traditional markets. It is also the best place to get great prices. Meaning, local prices. Pasar Mayestik is a favorite of foreigners who love to venture out and feel the local vibes.
The market does not just sell your regular vegetables and meats. It is surrounded by fabric stores. So, if you love fabrics, go visit Mayestik and enjoy fabric shopping at several stores.
If you are into Indonesia’s batik textiles, all the more reason for you to see for yourself and marvel at every design you can set your sights on.
Aside from fabrics, there are stores for crafting and baking. And a whole variety of clothes on its upper floors.
Sweat it out during Car-Free Weekend Mornings
Well, this started as car-free weekend mornings. However, you can now see cars and buses on the road but weekend walkers, joggers, runners, and bikers still dominate the roads. This is most popular in Central Jakarta, especially on the Sudirman and Thamrin roads. We are lucky to be residing in the Sudirman area and have enjoyed this activity on several weekends. The Sudirman and Thamrin roads have interesting monuments. People would usually congregate in these areas. And prepare your cellphones and cameras, too, and be part of the crowd enjoying taking photos.
Do not Miss Out on Cafe-Hunting
For a country where coffee cultivation began as early as the 16th and 17th centuries, you should not miss out on this aspect of your Indonesia visit.
Europe was the first market when the country was still a Dutch colony. Today, it is the fourth-largest exporter of coffee beans next to Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam. This fact alone makes it interesting to discover more of Indonesia’s coffee culture. So check out Jakarta’s cafes and coffee shops. I can help you with some of the cafes I have visited in this link: Cafe Hunting in Indonesia.
It is interesting to see that cafes/coffee shops here in Jakarta are not limited to serving coffee, bread, and pastries. They also serve full meals. Others transform into a bar from a certain time. So, bear that in mind as you will never get hungry cafe-hunting here in Jakarta.
So, there you have it.
Enjoy Jakarta!
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Yes so much good ito ma’am! Thank you for sharing this po! Ito talaga ang DaBest Gawin !!!
Thank you for sharing this ms.wendy , ang dami dn pla tlga pwedeng gawin sa jakarta and tlga nman npka gandang place nito at nkaka enjoy . Sulit na sulit 😍❤️
Since you’re in Jakarta, I’m interested in seeking more from this …yes I do agree it’s one of the city in Asia ,rich in culture and history,like Manila… I am actually amazed,how you showed us different phase of how beautiful it was
Thank you for sharing po about sa Jakarta Ms. Wendy nakakatuwa po may free virtual tour na kami sa mga premiere mo plus mas nagkaroon pa kami ng idea kung anong pwedeng gawin and gaano kagabda nag Jakarta lalo na yung museum and cafe po nila. Looking forward pa po sa ibang cafe pupuntahan mo.
Thanks for this talagang must read lalo na sa mga taga Jakarta or gustong pumunta ng jakarta para magkaroon ng idea kung ano yung mga pwedeng place na puntahan dito super gaganda🥰
We are so alike with Indonesia, we’re descendants of Malays, too! I am sure you enjoyed the museum, that would be the first one I’d go to but I will definitely enjoy more the coffee shops! So nice to immerse yourself in a different country this time. Great photos and videos, btw! 🙂
I love the places that you explored and foods that you tried. I wanna try their sambal too, curious ako how I can manage its spicy levels. I’m looking forward for more exploration with you ms wendy.
Thank you for sharing💖Sana makapunta rin dyan.
So many interesting places to visit around Jakarta! Aside from these places, would you know where is the best place to buy fabrics in Jakarta?
So happy to see that you’re conquering Jakarta now! I’d love to try Jakarta’s dishes and of course see you when I get there!
There’s so many things to do pala in Jakarta! Parang and sarap mag food trip and cafe hopping
I hope one day I can visit Indonesia too! Tour me around Ate when that happens hahaha.
I wanna try their other cuisines and the sambal! Looks yummy.
im pretty sure that if I get to visit Jarkarta, one of the places ill visit is their museum. We are really interested kasi in learning different cultures and im sure we are going to learn a lot, honestly im not that familiar with the Indonesian culture, kahit na alam ko they are part of our ethnicity!
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Thank you for sharing this❤️Ang ganda talaga ng Jakarta
Yay! Thank you for sharing this Ms Wendy! There’s a lot of things to do in Jakarta,must visit talaga ito😍❤️
Kay Ganda talaga basahin ang Inyong Blog Ms.wend
At salamat Sa Pagbabahagi ito Sa amin
Nakakaenjoy mag explore diyan Sa Jakarta and also I’m interesting the foods and the cafe’s too
Beautiful blog .Thank you ms.wendy sa pag share po nito..napakaraming pwede gawin at..puntahan sa jakarta..
Definitely awesome experience to visit this place 😍
Beautiful blog ms.wendy.. ang daming pwede mapuntahan sa jakarta hoping someday mkpag travel din kmi jan.. gusto q rin ung walking.. mas na appreciate q ung nature.. paramg pagkain lng.. ninanamnam ng mga mata ko ung ganda ng paligid . . Salamat po sa pag share nito ms. Wendy 🥰