Heading to Jakarta? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
QUICK FACTS
- The capital of Indonesia, with a population of about 11 million.
- Previously known as Sunda Kalepa, it was renamed Jakarta by the Japanese.
- Was the de facto capital of the Dutch East Indies in the 1800s.
- Nickname: The Big Durian.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
- Spoken languages: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia). Betawi Malay and English are also widely spoken.
- Best time to visit: May–September (peak dry season), with temperate, tropical weather.
- Don’t forget to use mosquito repellent to limit chances of contracting something nasty. Bring DEET 40%+ products due to dengue risks in wet season (Oct–Apr).
- Arriving via airport: Soekarno Hatta International Airport (CGK) has 3 terminals connected by a free shuttle service.
– DAMRI buses run to every major point in the city from 4 AM to 9 PM
– Silverbird and Blue Bird taxis can be booked at the counters past customs. - eSim cards: Telkomsel 25GB/30-day plan (Rp150,000) available at airport kiosks.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers: The Packer Lodge.
– Clean, bright, and spacious – perfect for escaping the insanity of Jakarta and meeting other travelers.
– Friendly staff and clean beds/rooms.
– Bonus: in a great location close to good food and public transport.
– Book ahead, especially during high season. - The Golden Triangle refers to the Central Business District, or Segitiga Emas, and is made up of the financial and commercial districts, including an assortment of accommodation for every pocket.
- For wide boulevards, leafy parks and elegant accommodation, head to Menteng – the so-called Beverly Hills of Jakarta.
GETTING AROUND
- The subway system (MRT Jakarta) is a fast and comfortable option for moving around the city. Rp3,000 base fare + Rp1,000/station (max Rp14,000 for full line)
– Runs from 5 AM to 11 PM. - Transjakarta Busway operates 12 routes with single tickets priced at Rp3,500 flat rate (free transfers within lines for 2 hours).
- Microlet are small minivans that run on set routes in small areas of the city with fares of Rp1,500.
- Bajaj are tricycles outfitted with a passenger cabin in the back, a cheap alternative great for short distances.
- Blue Bird taxis can be booked on 021 7917 1234; the meter starts at Rp6,000 for the first kilometer and Rp3,000 for each subsequent km.
– Scam alert: “lookalike” taxis exist that mimic Blue Bird; recommend using the official app. - Consider using Grab – a popular ride-sharing app in South East Asia. It’s your best bet for safe and fast transport. Gojek is an alternative.
JAKARTA NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, no official last call.
- Jalan Jaksa is popular among backpackers and budget travelers with cheap drinks and a casual dress code.
- PI (Plaza Indonesia) in Central Jakarta has an annex of fashionable bars and clubs.
- Senayan combines sports bars with thumping nightclubs, popular with young professionals.
- Great bars for solo travelers: Gen’s Bar & Resto (live music), MEKAWAI, A/A Bar (cocktails), D.Classic, Skye (best skyline views at night).
- Trending: SkyForest Rooftop (Plaza Senayan) – social mixology classes (Rp150,000/cocktail) popular with expats.
- Looking for a wild night out? head to Colosseum Jakarta (night club).
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Museum Nasional has the largest collection on South East Asian artifacts and Hindu Javanese artwork.
- Fatahillah Square in Kotas was the heart of the city during the Dutch rule, and the centre of the spice trade market.
- Monas was built to commemorate Indonesia’s independence. The tower has a dedicated museum complete with dioramas recounting the history of the country.
- Istiqlal Mosque is the largest in Indonesia, a sacred place of worship that also serves as a conference centre.
– Tip: guided interfaith tours (Tues/Thurs 10 AM) showcase adjacent Jakarta Cathedral. - Museum Bank Indonesia is a modern and informative exhibit on the history of the country’s first bank all through the Dutch settlement and the Asian Financial Crisis.
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a concert hall built during the Dutch colonial period, still used for concerts and major events by both local and foreign artists.
- Day trip idea: Full-day Thousand Islands boat tour (Rp300,000 including snorkeling).
INTERESTING WALKS
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a cultural and educational park in Eastern Jakarta. Tour the 30 provinces that make up the country, and discover their diverse cultures.
- Sunda Kelapa is the former port used to transport goods all over Indonesia, with the gritty boardwalk playing an interesting echo of history.
- Jalan Surabaya is synonymous to the flea market stalls that specialize in ceramics, pottery and antiques.
- Kemang, known for its artistic vibe, hip cafes, and galleries, is a great area for both nightlife and daytime activities.
WHERE TO EAT
- Must-try local dishes: Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Sate (skewered and grilled meat), and Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce).
- Great restaurants to try in Jakarta: Bogor Cafe ($$$$ – get the oxtail soup), ABUBA Steak – Cipete ($$), Bakmi Aloi (for noodles – multiple locations), Bebek Kaleyo (authentic Indonesian duck – multiple locations), Angke Restaurant (Chinese – multiple locations), Bopet Mini Benhil (for the padang).
- Where to find good cheap eats: Glodok is Jakarta’s Chinatown and the perfect destination for cheap, quick food, while the street vendors in Menteng serve up delicious, traditional fare.
– Head to Tebet neighborhood for excellent Balinese dishes. - Careful: local food is spicier than food in the west.
- Ramadan (March-April): Many eateries close by 3 PM; try 24-hour venues like Sate Khas Senayan.
– Budget hack: Pasar Baru Ramadan Market offers Rp10,000–15,000 meals subsidized by the government (during Ramadan only!)
LOCAL WISDOM
- South East Asia is known to impose the harshest drug laws in the world, and Indonesia is no exception. Avoid partaking in any drug use, as the crime is punishable by the maximum of death sentence.
- Etiquette tips: polite and respectful when visiting religious sites. Take your shoes off when visiting someone’s home.
- Greetings: Use “Selamat pagi/siang” (Good morning/afternoon) with slight bow.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated – round up Grab rides or leave Rp5,000–10,000 at spas.
- Cover shoulders/knees in religious sites and upscale malls.
- Photographers: always ask permission before photographing street vendors or worshippers at mosques.
- Jakarta’s coffee scene has taken off. Great cafes to try: Giyanti Coffee Roastery and One Fifteenth Coffee. These can be excellent places to meet locals and other travelers.
- Dangerous areas: most areas of Jakarta are safe during the day. Kota should be avoided at night due to the high incident rate of robberies.
- In general, don’t flash valuables and keep a close eye on your belongings.
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days