The Best Travel Guide to Jakarta

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Indonesia

Jakarta

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Asia Indonesia Jakarta

Overview

Jakarta The guide was updated: 2025-10-29

Indonesia’s sprawling capital is one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing, most chaotic, and exciting places. It is the gateway to a vast, vibrant, and varied island nation home to dozens of fascinating cultures. Formerly the colonial capital of the Dutch East Indies, when it was known as Batavia, Jakarta has grown from its original seaport district into a huge modern conurbation of high-rise hotels and apartments, thronged shopping malls, and wide, crowded avenues.

Facts

Population:	Metro area: 11.6 million (2025)
Currency:	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 110 Fire: 113 Ambulance: 118
Newspapers:	Jakarta Post: www.thejakartapost.com Jakarta Globe: jakartaglobe.id
Tourist information:	Jakarta Tourist Information Center (Taman Fatahillah) Jalan Kali Besar Timur 4 No.29, RT.3/RW.6, Pinangsia, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta Opening hours: daily 8am–4pm

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Section in Jakarta

Jakarta mixes old and new in a way that feels surprisingly seamless. Restored colonial streets sit alongside modern towers, and there’s plenty to see whether you’re after history, art, or just a good wander. Start at the National Monument, the city’s proud symbol of independence, and take in the skyline from its viewing deck. Then head to Kota Tua, the Old Town, where museums around Fatahillah Square trace Jakarta’s story from Dutch rule to today. For a change of pace, dive into a flavourful journey in Glodok, the city’s Chinatown. Art fans should make time for Museum MACAN’s contemporary shows, while those after some green space can unwind at Ragunan Zoo or in the quiet gardens of Taman Suropati.

Jakarta Old Town

Jakarta Old Town

Jakarta’s Old Town, known as Kota Tua, is where the city first took shape under Dutch rule. The cobbled square is lined with faded colonial buildings that now house museums, cafés, and street artists. It’s a good place to walk around, people-watch, and imagine how Batavia might have looked centuries ago. Don’t miss Fatahillah Square, the Jakarta History Museum, and the Wayang Museum while you’re there.

Taman Fatahillah

Taman Fatahillah

Fatahillah Square is the heart of Jakarta’s Old Town and the centre of what was once Dutch Batavia. The open square is surrounded by restored colonial buildings that now house the Jakarta History Museum, the Wayang Museum, and the Fine Art and Ceramics Museum. It’s a lively spot for people-watching and taking in the old architecture that hints at the city’s past.

National Monument (Monas)

National Monument (Monas)

The National Monument, or Monas, rises from the centre of Merdeka Square as a symbol of Indonesia’s independence. Visitors can take a lift to the viewing deck for wide views over the city or explore the museum at its base, which traces the country’s struggle for freedom. The surrounding park is a favourite spot for locals to stroll, grab street food, or rest in the shade.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a sprawling cultural park in East Jakarta that brings the whole country together in one place. Each province has its own pavilion built in traditional style, complete with crafts, costumes, and exhibits that show off local life. There’s even a lake shaped like the Indonesian archipelago, in addition to museums to wander through and a cable car that gives a great view of it all. It’s a fun way to get a feel for Indonesia’s diversity without leaving the city.

Jakarta Cathedral (The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption)

Jakarta Cathedral (The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption)

Jakarta Cathedral is a magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture in the heart of Indonesia’s bustling capital. Inside, stained glass windows, tall spires, and an old pipe organ give a sense of its long history. It sits just across from the Istiqlal Mosque, and together the two landmarks reflect Jakarta’s mix of faiths and everyday coexistence.

Jakarta History Museum

Jakarta History Museum

Set in the old town hall of Batavia, this 17th-century building now tells the story of Jakarta’s past under Dutch rule. The museum houses furniture, maps, paintings, and relics from the colonial era, showing how the city grew from a trading post into today’s capital.

Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal Mosque is Indonesia’s largest mosque, with space for more than 10,000 worshippers. Completed in 1978 and designed by Frederic Silaban, the building combines modern lines with traditional Islamic design. Visitors can admire the soaring dome and towering minaret, and explore the spacious prayer hall outside of prayer times.

Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu Regency)

Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu Regency)

The Thousand Islands are a group of over a hundred small islands off Jakarta’s coast. They offer clear waters, coral reefs, and plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and diving. Some islands are quiet and sandy, like Pulau Macan, while others, such as Pulau Onrust, have colonial-era ruins to explore. Visitors can hop between islands, paddle in calm lagoons, or just relax on the beaches.

Maritime Museum

Maritime Museum

Set in old Dutch warehouses by the Sunda Kelapa harbour, the Maritime Museum tells the story of Indonesia’s long history with the sea. Inside are model ships, navigation tools, maps, and photos that trace the country’s seafaring past. The building itself is worth a look too — its thick walls and timber beams date back to the 17th century.

Wayang Museum

Wayang Museum

The Wayang Museum celebrates Indonesia’s long tradition of shadow puppetry. Its rooms are filled with intricately carved puppets from Java and other parts of the country, along with examples from Malaysia, Thailand, and China. Take your time to look at the detail in each figure, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a short wayang performance accompanied by live gamelan music.

Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara)

Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara)

Museum MACAN is Indonesia’s first museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It grew out of collector Haryanto Adikoesoemo’s personal collection, which includes works by global names such as Andy Warhol, alongside leading Indonesian artists. The space hosts rotating exhibitions, installations, and interactive pieces, making it one of Jakarta’s most engaging art destinations.

Jakarta History Museum

Jakarta History Museum

Housed in the old City Hall building from 1710, the Jakarta History Museum traces the city’s past from its colonial days to modern times. Inside, you’ll find furniture, maps, paintings, and ceramics from across Indonesia and Europe. Wander through the creaky wooden floors and heavy teak furniture for a sense of what life was like during the Dutch era.

Taman Ismail Marzuki Art Centre (TIM)

Taman Ismail Marzuki Art Centre (TIM)

Taman Ismail Marzuki is Jakarta’s main hub for arts and performance. It brings together everything from traditional gamelan and Balinese dance to indie film screenings and experimental theatre. Drop by to catch a show, browse the galleries, or just see what’s on. The schedule changes often, so it’s worth checking their website or local listings before you go.

Art:1 New Museum

Art:1 New Museum

Art:1 New Museum is a contemporary art space that highlights modern Indonesian painting and sculpture. It mixes works by well-known artists with pieces from newer names, so there’s always something unexpected to see. Temporary shows and installations change regularly, making it a good stop if you want to get a feel for Jakarta’s current art scene.

Museum Bank Indonesia

Museum Bank Indonesia

Housed in a stunning historic building that once served as Indonesia’s first bank, this interesting museum offers a deep dive into the nation’s financial history. Visitors can explore an impressive collection of banknotes and coins from around the world, tracing the evolution of currency through engaging exhibits. Do not miss the gold safe, where the country's gold was stored without the population being aware of it.

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