Recommended Tours

Visitors planning to explore Jakarta’s every nook and cranny are often advised two things: dress comfortably and avoid the buses. The blistering sun may make for a unpleasant journey if you intend to do a fair bit of walking, so remember to put on light clothing. Arm yourself with an umbrella, too, in case you get caught in a tropical downpour. As for the buses, they are usually riddled with pickpockets. Taxis offer an inexpensive yet safe alternative. Renting a car gives you extra flexibility, but unless you are familiar with the chaotic streets, it is better to get one with a chauffer.

The three tours described below incorporate the main activities leisure travelers undertake while in Jakarta. However, they can only hint at the wealth of sightseeing opportunities available.

Tour 1: Historical and Museum Trail

This excursion covers the city’s most important historical sites and some interesting museums. Try to set off as early as possible to avoid the heavy rush-hour traffic between 7a and 10a.

Start from the historic northern part of the city, or Batavia, as it was known during colonial times. The old Sunda Kelapa Harbor still operates as the port of call for colorful Bugis schooners, which have sailed over from Indonesia’s other islands such as Sulawesi. It is quite a sight to behold—able-bodied men unload the cargos, without the aid of modern machinery. From here, make your way to the nearby Fish Market, then the Lookout Tower for sweeping views of the port. You can also catch glimpses of the past by visiting the Maritime Museum and the V.O.C. warehouses, which once belonged to the Dutch East India Company.

A short distance south lies a mini museum district, where the Jakarta History Museum, Fine Arts Museum and the Puppet Museum stand surrounding Fatahillah Park, Batavia’s old town square. A couple of hours of quick browsing gives an overview of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. If you come on Sunday, be sure to arrive at the Puppet Museum around 10am for a dose of Indonesian ethnic entertainment—the far-famed wayang kulit.

During lunchtime, make a beeline for Café Batavia. Occupying a beautifully preserved Dutch building in one corner of Fatahillah Park, this is one charming café for the discerning—and extravagant—epicure.

Once satiated, stroll southward to Kota Train Station, a protected colonial building. Further away at Jalan Gajah Madah is the National Archive Building, a window to the opulent lifestyle of well-to-do Dutch colonists in the bygone era.

A ride eastward brings you to the National Monument, smack bang in the center of the Lapangan Merdeka. Some snapshots against this state icon make great mementos. Visit the museum at the base of the monument to learn about Indonesia’s struggle for independence, then take an elevator to the top for exhilarating views of the cityscape.

The National Museum is not far from the outer circle of Lapangan Merdeka. Spend a good hour or so here before calling it a day.

Tour 2: Tropical Fun at Jakarta Bay

Ancol Dreamland on the north coast of Jakarta is one of Southeast Asia’s largest marine recreational resorts, which kids, especially, will love. If you can afford two days here, check in first at Pondok Putri Duyung Cottage Resort Hotel, Ancol Travelodge or Horison Hotel.

If you are traveling with children, make Fantasy World your first destination. Set aside four hours to enjoy the thrilling rides, including the fearsome big dipper. Adults might prefer to pick up some artwork at Pasar Seni, get a portrait done or just observe the artists at work. Many restaurants and food stalls in the area provide needed nourishment at modest prices.

In the afternoon, witness the incredible diversity of Indonesia’s marine life at Sea World. Then take a stroll down to the beach and enjoy the rest of the day frolicking in tropical splendor.

The following day promises yet more entertainment and adventure. The Ancol Water Park affords fun pools and slides for adults and children alike. The poolside restaurant serves up delectable local and Chinese fare—perfect for lunch. After that, take a boat from Ancol Marina to the offshore islands in the Thousand Islands mini-archipelago and play Columbus till sundown. Alternatively, the 18-hole Padang Golf Ancol provides the perfect recreation for divot-diggers.

In the evening, treat yourself to some seafood delights in Hailai International Executive Club. Equipped with karaoke facilities, this spot caters well to big groups—and crooners! If you are still up to it, party on at the club’s colossal discotheque.

Tour 3: Shopping Extravaganza

Jakarta abounds with bargains, so not surprisingly, shopping ranks high on many tourists’ agenda. Begin with the mammoth Mangga Dua Wholesale Complex, which houses the Jakarta International Trade Center (JITC) Mangga Dua, Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua and Mangga Dua Mall. Although the business here is mostly wholesale, some stores also sell for retail—at incredible prices!

Have a hearty lunch at Bakmi Gajah Mada Jalan Sunda, one of the best noodle houses in town. Then move on to Sarinah department store, a 15-minute ride to the south. This premier high-rise shopping arcade is a treasure trove of handicrafts from across the archipelago.

Now hop into a taxi, or take a walk if the weather permits, and head on to the luxurious Plaza Indonesia. Among the myriad of fancy boutiques flaunting international brands, you can find Sogo, a reputable Japanese department store.

A 15-minute drive to the south takes you to another comparable competitor, Plaza Senayan. Apart from the trendy stores representing the world’s most exclusive labels, it also boasts a reasonably-priced supermarket, some excellent cafés and restaurants and a plush cinema.

If time permits, make another stop at Indonesia’s largest shopping center, Taman Anggrek Mall. South of Jakarta also contains a good concentration of shopping complexes, most notably Pondok Indah Mall, Blok M and Pasaraya.

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