I have been to Indonesia twice prior to this trip, and I had never had a chance to check out Jakarta until now. Jakarta is one of the most populous cities in the world and is considered to be the largest in Southeast Asia, with more than 10 million people living in it.
The beauty of the capital city of Indonesia does not lie in its attractions or the chaotic character of the city, but in the kindness within the hearts of the locals that make the city so special.
Within this guide, you will find a complete list of the best things to do in Jakarta, along with all the information you need to have fun here. Without further ado, here are the eight best things to do in Jakarta for solo travelers:
- Jakarta Things To Do Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Jakarta?
- Quick Summary: Things to do in Jakarta
-
8 Best Things to Do in Jakarta
- Explore Kota Tua, Jakarta's Old Town
- Explore the Old Harbour
- Stroll Around Merdeka Square
- Marvel at the Istiqlal Mosque
- Shop Handicrafts at Jalan Surabaya Antique Market
- Learn the History of Indonesia at the National Museum
- Experience Modern Art at MACAN Museum
- Go On a Day Trip to the Thousand Islands
- More Jakarta Activities
- Southeast Asia Travel Video
- How to Get to Jakarta?
- How to Travel Around Jakarta?
- What to Pack for Jakarta, Indonesia?
- Further Reading for Indonesia
Jakarta Things To Do Itinerary Map
Quick Summary: Things to do in Jakarta
- Wonderloft Hostel (Budget)
- Stanley Wahid Hasyim Jakarta (Mid-Range)
- Grand Mercure Jakarta Harmoni (High-End)
- Active Volcano, Rice Field, Hot Spring, Fruit market, Tea Plantation with Lunch (12 to 13 hours)
- Private Half-day Tour : Visit Highlights Places of Jakarta (4 Hours) (4 to 5 hours)
- Jakarta City Tour (Explore Highlights places & Local activities) (7 to 8 hours)
8 Best Things to Do in Jakarta
1. Explore Kota Tua, Jakarta's Old Town
Kota Tua is an old town area, also known as Old Batavia, where you will find all kinds of Dutch-colonial structures surrounding a huge square where people often congregate in the evening to socialize and relax.
This is where the capital of the Dutch East Indies lies, and you are sure to find some really interesting things to do here. From visiting the beautiful Jakarta History Museum to enjoying a cup of coffee at a colonial-era cafe, Cafe Batavia, or simply going people-watching in the evening.
The square was jam-packed when I was there, and there were many people selling all kinds of street food, as well as street performers break dancing and rocking to a local Indonesian rock band. It was a great place to start your journey in Jakarta and the best place to get your bearings before we explore Jakarta further.
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Where to Stay in Jakarta?
2. Explore the Old Harbour (Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa)
I was tipped by one local whom we randomly met at the Old Town's Square about an old port called Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa where one can stroll around and explore all the old traditional Phinisi wooden boats that are neatly lined up and anchored at the port.
Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa played a significant role in turning Jakarta into a prominent trade port city and crowned it as the capital city of the spice trade in the region during the Dutch colonial era.
You can enter, explore, and observe the port however you like. However, if you really want to dive deep and see how the people work on these colossal wooden boats, you can go on an organized walking tour. You will be able to have access to these boats, interact with the people working there, and see firsthand how life is for them.
It was definitely an eye-opening experience, and I highly recommend you check the port out while you are in Jakarta. Also, these massive wooden boats are pretty unique, and they make for a great photo opportunity.
3. Stroll Around Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square is considered to be one of the largest squares in the world, spanning approximately one square kilometer. It is home to the Eiffel Tower of Jakarta, the National Monument of Jakarta, one of the most important landmarks in the city.
The monument is surrounded by a large green space that acts as the lungs of the massive city, and it is a place where one can escape from the chaotic city of Jakarta and be among beautiful nature and vast open space.
There are also many other points of interest around the park for you to check out, such as the Prince Diponegoro National Statue. If you are interested in the history of the square and why it is so important to the people here, a local guide on a walking tour can dive deeper into the history of the square, as well as other tourist attractions listed here.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
4. Marvel at the Istiqlal Mosque
Istiqlal Mosque is probably one of the most modern-looking mosques I have ever seen. Its contemporary design stands out from all the other mosques you see in Indonesia, which is a breath of fresh air to see.
The mosque is also considered to be the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia, consisting of a massive prayer hall that can hold more than 200,000 people at a time. It has multiple levels with balconies looking down at the prayer hall.
One tip I can give you is that when you enter the mosque, there will be a guy who will try to lead you to another room to put your shoes on, and in the end, ask you to pay for the tourist/guiding fee.
Don't go with him and if he insists, tell him that you will explore the mosque by yourself. Unfortunately, we did fall for it and even though the gesture seemed genuine, it was unnecessary. Plus, you will have to wear a robe which no one wears except clueless tourists like us.
5. Shop Handicrafts at Jalan Surabaya Antique Market
If you are looking for a place to buy some handicrafts as souvenirs for the people back home, the best place to be in Jakarta is Jalan Surabaya Antique Market, a hub of all things antique.
You will find all kinds of handicrafts and antiques, from beautiful traditional paintings to intricately designed home decors, that you can buy.
The price varies quite a bit from store to store, and you will have to rely on your negotiation skills to drive the price down to what is reasonable, but that is just part of the fun of buying things in Southeast Asia 😉.
6. Learn the History of Indonesia at the National Museum
Photos by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas.
The National Museum in Jakarta is one of the best places to visit if you are interested in learning about the rich history of Indonesia and its kingdoms before and during the colonial times.
Photos by Photo Dharma.
With its massive archaeological collections, regarded as one of the best in Southeast Asia, the museum preserves more than 141,000 objects. These objects range from prehistoric artifacts to stone statues from the classical Hindu-Buddhist period of ancient Java and Sumatra.
If you are a history buff and would like to know how important this part of the world was before the colonial period, there is no better place to be than here. The museum opens from 9 AM to 3 PM every day except on Mondays.
7. Experience Modern Art at MACAN Museum
If you are looking for a cool sight to see that will offer you a ton of photo opportunities, Museum MACAN, a newly opened contemporary art museum located in West Jakarta, is definitely worth a visit.
The museum showcases some of the most beautiful contemporary art pieces that were created by the talented young artists of Indonesia, as well as work from international artists. The exhibition is always changing, and there is always something cool on display for you to explore.
The museum holds more than 800 modern Indonesian and contemporary artworks from around the world, including the famous 'Infinity Mirrored Room' by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, where you will find these balls of colorful lights in a mirrored room multiplying the colorful lights to infinity. It is quite a sight to behold. You can get a ticket here.
8. Go On a Day Trip to the Thousand Islands
Did you know that you can go island-hopping straight from Jakarta? Since Jakarta is a port city, there is a small archipelago off the coast of the capital city dubbed the Thousand Islands, and you can visit them on a day trip or even spend a night on these little islands.
Pulau Pramuka and Pulau Tidung are two of the most popular islands you can visit in Jakarta. They are quite small but have their own resorts and tourist attractions waiting for you to explore.
If you have only a few days in Jakarta and are looking to escape the bustling city for a few days and spend your time at the beach or go snorkeling, I highly recommend going on one of these tours. It is a great way to be among nature without having to travel very far from Jakarta.
How to Get to Jakarta?
The best way to get here is to fly to Soekarno Hatta International Airport as it is the major hub for domestic flights across the country. I would recommend you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Jakarta so you can pick the best one that fits your itinerary.
If you are already in Southeast Asia, you can find cheap flights from any major city via Skyscanner or Expedia to Jakarta. If there is no direct flight from where you live, then try flying to either Bangkok, Singapore, or Malaysia and get on an AirAsia flight from there to Jakarta.
How to Travel Around Jakarta?
You will have many options to get to the city from the airport. If you want the cheapest and most reliable option, go with the shuttle bus.
You can get the ticket from the many counters at the airport exit. For around 170,000 IDR, you can get a taxi directly from the airport without having to wait for the shuttle bus. We went with the Blue Bird taxi since people have been saying that it is one of the most trustworthy operators out there.
Getting around by walking can be tiresome, especially during rush hour in the extreme humidity of Jakarta. The walking path is also not very good, and you will find yourself walking on the road among dangerous motorcycles most of the time. If you want to travel a bit further and don't want to sweat your butt off, go with the Blue Bird taxi.
Daily Budget
This place is quite affordable compared to all the other countries in the world. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to spend around $25 - $45 USD per day per person, which should include accommodation and three meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Jakarta, Indonesia?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Jakarta, Indonesia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Jakarta, Indonesia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
That is it for the 8 Incredible Things To Do in Jakarta for Solo Travelers. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Jakarta, Indonesia! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Are you planning to travel to Jakarta, Indonesia independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Indonesia
I hope this travel guide will help you plan your Indonesia trip. I have visited Indonesia more times than I can count, and I have written a ton of articles about the country.
If you are looking for more articles about Indonesia, here is a selection of articles that might help you plan your trip to Indonesia even further.
- Looking for a complete itinerary and travel guide for Indonesia? One Month Itinerary for Indonesia.
- Are you planning to travel to Indonesia as part of a big Southeast Asia trip? Check out our 3-month backpacking itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- If you are visiting Bali for the first time, here is a travel guide to get you started: 10 BEST Places To Visit In Bali.
- Yogyakarta is a great cultural and historical place to visit in Indonesia, and there are plenty of things to see and do there. Here are the 9 Best Things To Do in Yogyakarta.
- Did you know that there is an island in Indonesia that is free of tourists? One of them is Karimunjawa, a true hidden gem island of Java. Here's a complete guide on how to travel to Karimunjawa island.
- Looking for an article that summarizes a trip through the Java island? Check out my photo essay of Java, Indonesia.
- Lombok is now gaining in popularity, but one of the best things you can do on the island is to trek Mount Rinjani, a volcano on a lake in another volcano on an island. Here's a complete guide on how to trek Mount Rinjani.
- Gili Trawangan is one of the most popular Gili islands in Lombok, and even though it's crowded, you can often find solitude if you know where to look. Plus, it's cheap. Here's an article about exploring Gili Trawangan.
- Komodo Island is one of the most unique experiences you can ever have anywhere. Here's a backpacking travel guide on how to explore the Komodo Islands (what to do, which cruise to pick, and more).
- Flores is another great island that deserves way more credit than it gets. There are the Komodo islands, Kelimutu tri-colored lakes, and so much more. Here is a 10-day travel guide for Flores and Komodo Island.
- Talking about Kelimutu, here's a complete travel guide on how to get to Kelimutu lakes in Flores.
- Are you planning your Indonesia trip as part of a big Southeast Asia trip? If so, be sure to check out my photographic journey through the subcontinent. Here are 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia.
- Wondering where you want to go next? How about Timor-Leste? Visit the Timor-Leste Travel Guide page for more travel guides about Timor-Leste.
- To see all articles about Indonesia, visit the Indonesia Travel Guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Southeast Asia? You can find more on my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.