If you’re looking for an interesting, unique and vibrant place to explore in Southeast Asia, Jakarta in Indonesia might not be the first place that springs to mind, but perhaps it should be. Why? Because there are so many enjoyable and unique things to do there…
Explore the Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands in Jakarta are a collection of beautiful tropical islands that are just ripe for exploring them and explore them you will almost certainly want to do. The luxury island resort of Pulau Macan is a particular highlight, which could aptly be described as a slice of paradise right here on earth, but all of the islands have something to offer, from snorkelling to spending time in retreat inside a floating cottage, whatever you’re into, the Thousand Islands have something for you.
Get Culture in Kota Tua
Kota Tua is the historical part of Jakarta, and as such it is home to some of the capital’s finest cultural institutions including the Fine Art and Ceramics Museum and The Jakarta History Museum, where you can get your fill of Southeast Asian art and culture. While you’re in the area, you’ll probably want to swing by the Cafe Batavia too; it’s a fine vintage eerie with views over the historic square, which although it’s crumbling slightly, is very pretty and definitely worth a look.
Drink at the Skye Bar
If you want to see Jakarta in all its glory, then you’re definitely going to want to head over to the BCA Tower, specifically the 56th Floor, which is home to the aptly named Skye bar, which gives you a real bird’s eye view of the bustling city below. Just be aware that, despite the fact that Jakarta is pretty cheap on the whole. The drinks there can be quite expensive. You’ll also need to dress up a bit as a strict dress code is in place, but it’s totally worth it when you see the lights and landscapes of Jakarta at night from above.
Visit a Flea Market
Whether you’re into shopping or not, if you’re in Jakarta, you’ll regret it if you don’t take a tip to the Jalan Surabaya Flea Market, whic h you can read about at https://www.tripsavvy.com/jalan-surabaya-antique-market-4064527. Why? Because this popular tourist street is full of interesting local antiques, bangles and baubles, but more importantly, it’s bustling with all walks of life, which means that there’s always something interesting to see. There are also some pretty great restaurants opposite.
Take a Trip to Ragunan Zoo
No trip to Jakarta would be complete without a visit to Ragunan Zoo, which takes up around 185 hectares of space and which is home to over 3,600 different species. You’ll see native animals like the Komodo Dragon, cute tiger cubs, amusing orangutans and lots of Indonesian plants and flowers too. It’s an amazing place to spend some time, but it is pretty heavy on the insects, so go prepared!
See Monas
Monas is the National Monument of Indonesia. As such, it is centrally located in the middle of Independence Square, just across from the country’s Presidential Palace. The monument has been in place since 1975, and although there are some interesting exhibits to be found inside, what you really need to go there for are the spectacular views from the top.
Visit the Museum Fauna Indonesia Komodo & Taman Reptil
If you’re based in East Jakarta area, like many of the apartments at https://rumahdijual.com/jakarta-timur/perumahan-baru are, then it’s just a short journey to this interesting museum which enables you to get fairly up close to Komodo Dragons and lots of other snakes and reptiles that you might not get a chance to see elsewhere.
Check Out Taman Mini Indonesia
Taman Mini Indonesia was conceived of and set into motion by the wife of Indonesia’s second president Soeharto, and it is an amazing sight to behold. The wonderful park is basically Indonesia in miniature, as you might have guessed from the name, which means even if you only visit Jakarta, you’ll get a real taste of Indonesia as a whole. The only bad thing about the park is that it is far out on the edges of the city, which means it can be quite tricky to get to.
Take in a Football Match
Football is really popular in Indonesia, so you shouldn’t be surprised to see small football pitches all over the place, but if you really want to experience the beautiful game Jakarta style, then you need to head to Persija Jakarta – the local football team’s – Gelora Bung Karno Stadium where, if you’re a football fan, you’re sure to have a great time – the atmosphere there is fantastic.
Enjoy Yourself at Dunia Fantasi
Dunia Fantasi is like Indonesia’s Disneyland, and despite it being very far away from Florida, it isn’t all that different than the American theme park resort at all. There’s a main street, a puppet, rather than a princess’ castle and around 30 rides, including the all too familiar log flume and the popular Halilintar twister. If you’re just a big kid at heart, or you’re actually travelling with children, you won’t want to miss out on this particular destination.
Visit a Buddhist Temple
Jin De Yuan is a beautiful Buddhist temple in the heart of Jakarta. It’s a great place to visit whether you want some pretty photos, to find out about Buddhism or learn more take in the wonderful aromas of incense and the intricacies of Buddhist calligraphy.
Have Car-Free Fun
Every Sunday, from 6 am until Midday, two of Jakarta’s main roads – Thamrin and Sudirman- go car-free, and the residents take the opportunity to walk, cycle and have fun without having to worry about cars and their fumes. It’s a great community time, which, if you take the time to get involved, will show you just how great the Indonesian people really are.
So, there you have it – some very compelling reasons to add Jakarta to your travel bucket list. You won’t regret it!
Michael x
Cool list! I am heading to SEA this year. Putting Jakarta on my list. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, jakarta is meant to be insane 🙂
Thank you for writing Michael! I appreciate the Skye Bar and Jalan Surabaya recommendations. The photography is great as well!
Thanks! Wait Justin from camp?!!!
Great post …I recently visit Bali…next destination is gonna be Jakarta ….
Let me know how it goes! Hope you get to try some of these out!
Looks like a great place. So many places so little time and money.
cheers
I know, wheres that money tree?!!
bahaha,
Good compilation ! Definitely will be useful ?
Thanks, hope you can head there one day!