Jakarta Travel Guide: Things to Do, Tips & What to Know Before You Go

Flo MBT
Sep 6
4 min read

Updated: Oct 27

Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia, was our first stop arriving in the country. With over 11 million residents, it’s a sprawling metropolis filled with contrasts—modern skyscrapers, historic Dutch colonial buildings, lively street markets, and endless traffic jams.

But let’s be honest: Jakarta isn’t the easiest city to visit. The traffic is overwhelming, the city is spread out, and it lacks the tropical charm of Bali or the natural beauty of other Indonesian islands. Still, for those willing to give it a chance, Jakarta offers a glimpse into Indonesia’s culture, history, and food scene.

This travel guide will help you navigate Jakarta, discover its highlights, and decide how long to stay before continuing your Indonesian adventure.

In this article:

Getting to Jakarta
Getting Around Jakarta
Our Honest Experience in Jakarta
Top Things To Do in Jakarta
How Long to Stay in Jakarta
Jakarta Travel FAQs
Where to Next?

Cafe Batavia Kota Tua Jakarta — *Cafe Batavia Jakarta*

Getting to Jakarta

Most international travelers arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), located about 30 km from the city center. Expect heavy traffic—getting downtown can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over 2 hours depending on the time of day. We took a Grab from the airport to our hotel and pay 16USD.

Getting Around Jakarta

Jakarta is infamous for its traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are convenient but often stuck in jams. For faster travel, the MRT, TransJakarta buses, and commuter trains are better options, though they don’t cover the whole city.

Good to Know: Jakarta Tourist Pass

We bought a Tourist Pass for around 50,000 IDR, which already includes 25,000 IDR credit on it. Essentially, the card itself costs 25,000 IDR, and you can easily recharge it as needed. The best part? You can not only use it for public transport (MRT, TransJakarta buses, commuter trains) but also to pay for certain attractions like MONAS (National Monument).

Our Honest Experience in Jakarta

We’ve listed below the main things we did during our stay in Jakarta. To be honest, we found the city a bit challenging to understand and navigate. The traffic, the size of the city, and the spread-out attractions can make it overwhelming for first-time visitors.

We were also a little disappointed by Kota Tua (Old Town). While the Dutch colonial buildings are interesting and the square has some charm, it didn’t quite live up to our expectations compared to other cultural sites we’ve visited across Indonesia.

That said, Jakarta still offered us a glimpse into the country’s history and urban life, and it was worth experiencing for at least a short stay before moving on to other destinations.

Top Things To Do in Jakarta

1. National Monument (Monas)

Jakarta’s most famous landmark, the National Monument (Monas), symbolises Indonesia’s independence. Climb to the observation deck for panoramic city views.

2. Kota Tua (Old Town)

Explore Kota Tua, Jakarta’s old town, where Dutch colonial buildings now house museums, cafés, and street performers. The Fatahillah Square area is the heart of this district. The most famous café is Café Batavia, known for its colonial charm and delicious food.

3. Istiqlal Mosque & Jakarta Cathedral

Visit Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, located just across from the beautiful Jakarta Cathedral. The two buildings highlight Indonesia’s religious diversity.

4. Chinatown

A maze of little streets packed with markets and street food stalls. It’s not about big monuments or attractions, but rather about wandering through the lively alleys, tasting local snacks, and soaking up the everyday atmosphere.

5. Shopping & Street Food

Jakarta is a shopping paradise—from luxury malls like Grand Indonesia to chaotic street markets. Don’t miss tasting local street food such as nasi goreng, sate ayam, and bakso.

How Long to Stay in Jakarta

1–2 days is enough to experience the highlights before heading to Bali, Yogyakarta, or other Indonesian islands. Jakarta isn’t the easiest city to explore, but with the right mindset, it can be rewarding.

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Jakarta Travel FAQs

If you have any other questions about traveling to Jakarta, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments — I’d love to help!

Is Jakarta worth visiting? Yes, but only if you’re interested in culture, history, and urban life. For natural beauty, head to other Indonesian destinations.

How many days should I spend in Jakarta? 1–2 days is enough to see the main attractions.

What is Jakarta famous for? Jakarta is known for its colonial history, massive shopping malls, bustling street food, and chaotic traffic.

Is Jakarta easy to visit? Not really. The traffic, pollution, and sprawling layout make it challenging. But with good planning, you can still enjoy its highlights.