Places to Visit in Jakarta

The National Monument, commonly referred to as the Monas, is one of the most popular landmarks in Jakarta. This tower is about 430 ft tall and symbolises the people’s struggle for independence in Indonesia, hence making it a historically significant monument. There is a museum at the base of the Monas, showcasing the history of independence, whereas there is also an elevator that goes all the way up to the top of the tower, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city for its visitors. This tower is also surrounded by the Merdeka Square, which presents itself as a wonderful spot for tourists to take a peaceful stroll and explore the culture of the place at their own leisure.

Kota Tua, or the Old Town, is yet another excellent destination known for its cultural significance. This place provides a glimpse into the colonial past of the city, exhibiting well-preserved Dutch architecture and buildings, cobblestone streets and old charming cafes. Although the old town is a tourist attraction in itself, there are some particular attractions inside that tend to catch tourists attention, such as the Jakarta History Museum (Fatahillah Museum), Wayang Museum or even Café Batavia—for its old town charm. Travellers are commonly known to roam through the old town on a rented bicycle for budget-friendly means to explore some cultural beauty at their own pace.

The Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, is located near the Merdeka Square. This mosque is one of the most sacred places to see in Jakarta. Actually, this mosque is not only an architectural wonder, with its extensive domes and expansive interiors. It is likewise a religious symbol of harmony and national pride. Standing opposite the mosque is Jakarta Cathedral, towering tall with its neo-Gothic architectural design. This cathedral is not just a sacred religious church but also signifies the diversity of the religious heritage of the city.

The Chinatown streets are filled with old markets, Chinese temples, and genuine street food, all of which give you an experience that is similar to going to China. In the midst of this, the two most visited attractions and historical sites in Glodok are Jin De Yuan Temple and Petak Sembilan Market. Also, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy the mouth-watering Indo-Chinese food at the street food and relish foods such as bakmi noodles and rice cakes.

If you are a shopaholic and enjoy shopping at luxury and high-end brands, there are two amazing places to see in Jakarta for you. Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia are both the two biggest upscale shopping malls in Jakarta, where individuals can shop lavishly at the luxury brands and be pampered with luxurious cafes and restaurants to have a break after a spree of shopping. Specifically, the Dancing Fountain Show in Grand Indonesia is reputedly well-known for stunning tourists with its water and light spectacle.

A trip to Jakarta would never be complete without experiencing the beauty of Menteng with its houses from the colonial era, hip neighbourhoods, and green boulevards. An essential piece of the district is the Jalan Surabaya Antique Market, a shopper's paradise for those who want to bring home with them a part of Jakarta. Here, you can purchase antique furniture, vintage vinyl records, wood carvings, and Dutch-era artifacts, along with handmade souvenirs.

 If you are looking for a paradise from the hustle and bustle of city life where you can have some tropical fun, Thousand Islands is just a short boat ride away from Jakarta. These island clusters have white sand beach shores and crystal clear waters that are home to some beautiful marine life. Some of the well-known islands here include Pulau Macan, Pulau Pramuka and Pulau Tidung, which provide water sports such as snorkelling, diving and kayaking for a thrilling and adventurous beach experience.