As the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta is packed with things to do, where to visit, and what to eat. With numerous attractions combined with the number of visitors coming and staying in Jakarta, you can always expect a unique blend between a modern city and the culture of Indonesia. As the city and its number of activities are growing interestingly, here are some of the spots worth visiting according to locals!
Image Credit: Fuad Najib on Unsplash
Monumen Nasional or known as Monas is an iconic landmark of Jakarta that functions as a museum and the monument of patriotical remembrance of Indonesia’s journey in achieving independence. Opened to the public in 1975, it has then been serving knowledge ever since. Standing tall at 137 meters, it features a gold-coated flame on top (known as Api Kemerdekaan), Indonesia’s proclamation text, “Sang Saka Merah Putih”, a viewing deck, and other valuable items for Indonesia’s independence. Monas is a classic attraction yet definitely worth visiting if you’re looking to learn more about Indonesia.
Website: www.museumjakarta.com
Location: Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta
Price: Differs according to access and age group
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 6AM-4PM
When considering a place to do your prayer, there’s no harm in spending your time in the traffic in order to visit Masjid Istiqlal. As the largest mosque in Southeast Asia with a total of 200.000 jamaah capacity and its magnificent design, Masjid Istiqlal is a must-visit during your travel. Being a Muslim icon in Indonesia, it is also a center for Muslim celebrations as well as Islamic centers. Visitors can stroll and explore the masjid, just enough to spend a couple of hours of their day learning more about the masjid’s history as well as for religious consultation as it is a center for the Islamic religion and one the best place to learn in Indonesia.
Website: istiqlal.or.id
Location: Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Ps. Baru, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710
Price: Free, tour guide required for non-muslims.
Image Credit: Heru Eko Saputro on Unsplash
Looking for an all-in-one heritage destination? Kota Tua might be your perfect destination for the day. Once the center of the old city of Oud Batavia, you can stroll around the city as if you’re living in the past. Surrounded by old dutch styled buildings dating back as old as the 17th century, this destination is also perfect for your daily snaps as wherever you go there is always a great place to pose at. Aside from the Kota Tua itself, you are also able some interesting attractions to visit and foods to try such as Cafe Batavia, Museum Fatahillah, Museum Wayang, and the other great attractions within the perimeter.
Website: www.wisatakotatua.com
Price: Free entry – differs for additional packages and activities
Serving as the first modern shopping center and skyscraper in Jakarta built in 1966, Sarinah is a witness to the growth and modernization of Jakarta. Named after the caretaker of Indonesia's first president, Soekarno, Sarinah was built in order to accelerate the development of the public in order to get goods with great price and quality. In the last few years, Sarinah has been modernized with a blend of Indonesian culture in its redevelopment. Now focusing on Indonesian vendors and stores, the new Sarinah is perfect for you who are searching for traditional goods, food, or batik with great quality and competitive prices.
Website: sarinah.co.id
Location: Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.11, RT.8/RW.4, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350
Opening Hours: 8AM-8PM
First opened its door during the 1962 Asian Games, Gelora Bung Karno is the first sporting stadium that is built to host international level of sports competitions in Indonesia. The stadium itself has a total capacity of 77,193 seats, making it the 28th largest association football stadium in the world. Named after the first president of Indonesia, the stadium has been a host of multiple major events such as the Asian Games, as well as other national and international events such as national ceremonies, admission exams, concerts, etc. The stadium is currently open to the public, perfect for sports geeks or an evening run.
Website: gbk.id
Location: Jl. Pintu Satu Senayan, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270
Image Credit: Hafizh Maryansyah on Unsplash
Active since the 12th century, the Sunda Kelapa harbor is a forerunner and one of the main reasons that the Jakarta that we know today exists. Once contested by many kingdoms and countries as an economically strategic port, it is now home to the oldest neighborhood of Jakarta. You can visit the maritime museum, the old harbor lookout, or even board one of the traditional pinisi for some authentic experience. The locals there are always welcome to take you on a tour and explain things for a complete experience. Although not an official tourist attraction, it is now popular amongst visitors as it is a great place to take pictures and have the locals to guide you, your visit to Sunda Kelapa will always be worth it.
Website: pelindo.co.id
Price: Free, fee for local tour guide differs
MoJA Museum is a unique museum, suitable for the youngins looking for unique experiences and great photos. It is a dedicated art space for people to take their own pictures in an interactive art exhibition and different bunch of fun concepts. In the museum, you’ll also be able to enjoy the three main activities which include a roller skate rink, painting activities, or even an 11-hole minigolf course that is prepared in a MoJA-styled exhibition. Make sure to always prepare your best poses here!
Website: www.mojamuseum.com
Location: Komplek Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jl. Gerbang Pemuda No.1, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270
Price: Starts from IDR 110,000
Opening Hours: 11AM-7.30PM
Image Credit: MACAN Museum
MACAN Museum is the first museum and institution opened in 2017 which presents a collection of modern and contemporary Indonesian and international arts open to the public in Indonesia. Listed as one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places in 2018 by Time magazine, the museum is a host of a total of 800 modern Indonesian and international contemporary artworks which includes paintings, performances, and installation art in a total space of 7,100 meters square of the display, education, and conservation space. With its mission of becoming a platform for artists, it definitely fulfilled its purpose and gave the public a new perspective regarding arts, making it a worth-visiting place, especially for the art-lovers.
Website: www.museummacan.org
Location: Komplek Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jl. Gerbang Pemuda No.1, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270
Price: Adult – IDR100,000; Students or Seniors (+65 y.o) – IDR90,000; Children (3-12 y.o) – IDR80,000
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10AM-16PM (3 sessions per day)
Download the HalalTrip Mobile App to find all the mosques and halal restaurants nearby and have a better travel experience as a Muslim.
