Jakarta Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Typical prices
- Budget mealIDR 30,000≈ $1.67
- Mid-range mealIDR 120,000≈ $6.69
- CappuccinoIDR 30,000≈ $1.67
- Domestic beerIDR 40,000≈ $2.23
- Taxi (per km)IDR 7,000≈ $0.39
- Public transport ticketIDR 5,000≈ $0.28
- Museum entryIDR 25,000≈ $1.39
- Mid-range hotel (night)IDR 700,000≈ $39.03
Food & Drink
- Sate Khas SenayanIndonesian · $$
A long-running Indonesian chain famous for its charcoal satay ayam and gulai, with a flagship branch near Senayan.
- Kaum JakartaIndonesian · $$$$
A high-end restaurant in a converted colonial house reviving heritage Indonesian recipes from across the archipelago.
- Bakmi GMIndonesian-Chinese · $
A beloved Jakarta institution for bakmi (Indonesian-Chinese noodles) with pangsit dumplings, running since 1959.
- Lara DjonggrangIndonesian · $$$
An atmospheric restaurant in the Menteng area styled after a Javanese palace, serving refined Indonesian dishes.
- Soto Betawi H. Ma'rufBetawi · $
A no-frills spot renowned for Soto Betawi, the rich coconut-and-beef soup native to old Jakarta (Batavia).
- Union Bistro Grand IndonesiaInternational · $$$
A stylish Western-Indonesian bistro in the Grand Indonesia mall popular for weekend brunch.
- Skye Bar
A rooftop bar atop the BCA Tower with panoramic views over the Jakarta skyline and a cocktail-focused menu.
- Colosseum Club
One of Jakarta's biggest nightclubs in SCBD, known for large-scale EDM and hip-hop nights with international DJs.
- Cloud Lounge & Living Room
A long-standing upscale club and lounge in SCBD popular with Jakarta's after-work and weekend crowd.
Culture & History
- National Museum of Indonesia (Museum Gajah)
Indonesia's oldest and largest museum, holding an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, ceramics, and ethnographic pieces from across the archipelago.
- MACAN Museum (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara)
Jakarta's leading contemporary art museum, known for rotating exhibitions including Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room.
- Museum Fatahillah (Jakarta History Museum)
Housed in the old Batavia city hall in Kota Tua, covering Jakarta's history from the Sunda Kelapa port era through Dutch colonial rule.
- Museum Bank Indonesia
A restored Dutch colonial building in Kota Tua tracing the history of currency and banking in Indonesia.
- CGV Grand Indonesia
A major multiplex in the Grand Indonesia mall with IMAX and premium recliner screens.
- Plaza Indonesia XXI
A well-known Cineplex 21 cinema in the upscale Plaza Indonesia mall in central Jakarta.
- Jakarta Fair (Pekan Raya Jakarta)
A huge annual trade and cultural fair at Kemayoran celebrating Jakarta's anniversary, with concerts, food stalls, and exhibitions.
- Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival
One of Southeast Asia's biggest jazz festivals, drawing international and Indonesian artists to the JIExpo convention center.
Nature & Outdoors
- Pulau Tidung
A car-free island in the Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) reachable by boat from Jakarta, known for its 'love bridge' and snorkeling.
Active & Fun
- Celebrity Fitness Grand Indonesia
A large gym chain location in the Grand Indonesia mall with weights, classes, and cardio machines.
- Gold's Gym Plaza Senayan
A well-equipped gym branch in Plaza Senayan offering group classes and personal training.
- Atlantis Water Adventure
A large water park in Ancol with slides and wave pools, popular for families on weekends.
- Dunia Fantasi (Dufan)
Jakarta's biggest amusement park, part of the Ancol Dreamland complex, with roller coasters and themed zones.
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
A cultural theme park showcasing miniature representations of Indonesia's provinces, traditional houses, and a cable car.