Things to do in Jakarta
The sprawling, dirty and confusing capital of Indonesia is an intoxicating collision of people, cultures and religions. As overwhelming as it is exciting, its attractions are mostly spread across various regions, making it difficult to know where to start as a tourist seeking worthwhile things to see and do.
A great starting point is Indonesia Miniature Park (Taman Mini), which showcases the cultures and some of the treasures of the different islands and regions in the archipelago, giving visitors a good overview of the whole country. Here visitors can find recreations of famous temples and statues and examples of the architectural styles of different Indonesian cultures. A good way to get a sense of the layout of Jakarta is to pay a visit to the National Monument of Indonesia, the city's landmark obelisk, which travellers can ascend for impressive views, and which houses a small museum showcasing the fight for Indonesian independence. This is also one of Jakarta's main meeting points for locals and is a lovely spot to indulge in some people watching.
Those interested in the colonial history of Jakarta should stroll around Old Batavia, the rundown waterfront area surrounding Fatahillah Square, which was once the centre of Dutch rule in Indonesia. Although not well maintained this old district still boasts some 16th-century buildings and other unexpected relics. Other popular attractions in Jakarta include the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Indonesia, and the Museum Bank, a beautiful old building that once housed one of Indonesia's first banks and is now an intriguing banking museum.
If travellers are visiting with kids, they should be sure to check out Kidzania theme park, which is one of the city's most celebrated fun zones.
Jalan Jaksa
Jakarta's Jalan Jaksa district was once a famous backpacker area, where young adventurers could find much of what they needed for unforgettable, budget holidays. Students studying …
Indonesia Miniature Park/Taman Mini
Indonesia is a vast place and it would take many holidays to explore the whole archipelago. A trip around Indonesia Miniature Park is useful and interesting because it offers sampl…
National Monument of Indonesia
Visitors will inevitably be pulled to the National Monument (MONAS) and the enormous obelisk that is visible from much of the city. The first president, Sukarno, began to build the…
Kota
Kota, also called Old Batavia or Old Town Jakarta, is the only surviving piece of the Dutch colonial district. The Dutch had their Indonesian heyday in the 16th century when Jakart…
