Jakarta, Indonesia
JAKARTA, INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE | ATTRACTIONS, ITINERARY, BUDGET HOTEL
Contents
Jakarta, Indonesia: A Melting Pot of Seamless Opposites
There has not been in the world as amalgam as Indonesia’s socio-economic and cultural center, Jakarta. This megapolis managed to interlace the many contrasts that are inevitable to a growing and adapting society yet also intimate with its historical roots.
As a sprawling city known across the globe as having the densest concentration of diverse ethnicities, the hustle and bustle of the urban living are very much apparent here which can get overwhelming at first look.
For a country that is at the top 10 rankings of the most populous, the idea of having to rub shoulders with strangers in the city is but an expected and common experience.
This goes without saying that the traffic at certain parts of the metropolis can be some of the worst but is also easily made up for by the nicest people you would ever encounter in the planet.
Getting too crowded with people from different ethnicities as compounded by the usual issues of being in the city does not seem to affect the natives from being nice to one another, as it appears.
But despite the meddlesome facade that Indonesia’s commerce central portrays, there is an eclectic mix of nuances permeating about Jakarta that simply fits for everybody.
The colorful abstract—that is the city—is also tinctured with its past which shaped the way it has become today—A seamless mix between Southeast Asian, Asian, Islamic, and Dutch influences as mostly seen through the architecture that is left behind to commemorate the idea.
Jakarta, Indonesia Tourist Spots
MUSEUMS
Once a thriving hub for its Dutch colonizers, the once luxurious town of Batavia has been nothing but a memory from the past.
Nowadays, the place is better known for as a lot credited to the country’s national hero, Taman Fatahillah, to where three of Jakarta’s most notable museums are structured: Wayang Museum, Fine Art and Ceramics Museum, and Jakarta History Museum.
Although some of the archaic constructions within Kota have been restored for their historical significance, others were left to ruins which remind the place of its history.
MERDEKA SQUARE
But, while France has the Eiffel Tower which has become an icon of romance in the present times, Jakarta has the National Monument in Merdeka Square which is a symbol of Indonesia’s fight for independence and the embodiment of the people’s spirit.
TAMAN MINI
If you are wanting to experience the Indonesian culture while being in one place, heading to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, which was dubbed “the whole country in one park,” is the place to be.
Why is the place representative of the overall diverse culture of the country?
This is due to the fact that this particular park makes for a setting which depicts each of the nation’s provinces, culminated from the very diversity of the Indonesian culture.
Must Read: Taman Mini
One of the stores in Jalan Surabaya, Jakarta, Indonesia
JALAN SURABAYA
Jalan Surabaya is an exciting place to visit if you are scouting for some items which can be recycled as decors in your home. The one side of this road is lined with stalls selling old findings such as wooden sculptures, porcelain, ceramics, wayang puppets, masks, traditional antique guns and swords, brass utensils, souvenirs, metal ornaments, antique chandeliers and much more. Of course, you have to be careful when they say it is antique.
I bought 2 pieces of wooden sculptures during my last visit at a very good bargain. The stall closes at 5 in the afternoon, so it would be best to visit the place early especially if you are planning to buy something.
Just remember to bargain when you are at the place. For some tourists like me, it can be a bit uncomfortable when some vendors can get too pushy with what they are selling. So when you ask for a discount, make sure that you are serious and really plan to buy it.
Pasar Baru
But, then, there is no denying of the tourist appeal that may be found in the usual hotspots somewhere nearby Jakarta such as the Thousand Islands which might require more than your fair share of time in a day to cover should you decide to go island-hopping on all one-thousand islands.
How to Get to Jakarta, Indonesia
By plane
Jakarta is served by the Soekarno Hatta International Airport, 20 km (12 mi) northwest of the city. The Soekarno Hatta airport has three terminals, with lettered sub-terminals indicating separate, but interconnected within the complex. A free shuttle service is servicing passengers within the airport complex.
Get into Jakarta City
To get to the city, the easiest option is to contact your hotel to pick you up at the airport, as many hotels in Jakarta provide free airport transfers. Getting a taxi is a little more complicated at the airport, so it is advised to use Uber, GoJek, and Grab which will ensure you a fair price. I personally use GoJek during my last visit to Indonesia and found it very convenient.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY, 3 DAYS AND 2 NIGHTS
Day 1 ARRIVAL JAKARTA
Arrival in Jakarta International Airport.
Check-in at the hotel.
Depending on your time of arrival, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city, hunting for some souvenirs and try local food.
Again, one very practical and helpful application which you should download and use when visiting Jakarta or in any other places in Indonesia is the Go-Jek. This application is very handy and I find it very reasonable (close to being very cheap actually ).
If you have time on the first day and you want to find some amazing items (second hand and antiques) at a very affordable price, visit Jalan Surabaya.
This place offers tons of antiques and other old pieces such as chandeliers, wood arts, decors and a lot more. I bought 2 solid wood sculptures during my visit. Please take note that this place closes at 6 PM, so try to visit early if you are planning to buy some interesting pieces.
Day 2 JAKARTA ARTS & CULTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. If you are not into Indonesian Food there are so many restaurants and fast food offering western cuisines around the city. I make use of the application Go-Jek to order for food.
Spend the whole day in Taman Mini. I highly recommend this place if you want to feel the culture of Indonesia. Taman Mini has several museums and hectares of a beautiful display of old traditional houses which you can enter. Visiting this place is like seeing entire Indonesia.
There are also some fun rides at the place.
Day 3 JAKARTA – OUT
Breakfast at the hotel.
Shopping and more city tour.
Depending on the time left you to have before heading to the airport, you can visit some malls near your hotel or visit Pasar Baru
Pasar Baru has a wide array of selections of batik and handmade shoes. There are also plenty of eating places in Pasar Baru which offers some Indonesian delicacies.
Going to the Airport. Please allow enough time when going to the airport. The place is known for its traffic. Fortunately during our visit, our flight schedule was midnight, nonetheless, we didn’t take the chance. We left for the airport 4 hours prior to our flight schedule. Again, you can use the Go-Jek (car) to bring you to the airport.
LIST OF BUDGET HOTELS IN JAKARTA, INDONESIA
B Shaw Hotel & Restaurant
(at Jalan Jaksa, at the back of Indomaret) Jalan Kebon Sirih Barat I Gang 7, Thamrin
Hotel Mustika Tanah Abang
Jl. Jati Bunder No 1A-1C Tanah Abang, Thamrin, Jakarta, Indonesia
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
Citi M Hotel
Jl. Tanah Abang 1 No 11, Monas
J Hotel
Jalan Raya Perancis No. 9 Benda, Tangerang, Airport Soekarno Hatta, Jakarta, Indonesia, 15125
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
Zest Hotel Airport Jakarta
Jl Husein Sastranegara, Kavling 1, Airport Soekarno Hatta
Ibis Budget Jakarta Airport
Jl Raya Bandara Soekarno Hatta Kp Rawa Bokor, Airport Soekarno Hatta, Jakarta, Indonesia, 15125
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
Orchardz Jayakarta Hotel
Pangeran Jayakarta Street No 44, Mangga Dua
Twins Hotel
Mangga Dua Raya 24, Mangga Dua, Jakarta, Indonesia, 11110
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
D’primahotel Mangga Dua 2
Jl. Tiangseng Pangeran Jayakarta 73 Blok A/E-01, Mangga Dua,
D’primahotel Airport Jakarta 1
JL.Husein Sastranegara, Komplek Ruko Mahkota A2 / 21A – 23A Benda, Airport Soekarno Hatta, Jakarta, Indonesia, 15125
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
Hotel 55
Jl Pangeran Jayakarta No 8 Blok E No 1, Mangga Dua
De Green Inn @aeropolis
Komplek Aeropolis Residence 1 Tower B Ground Floor. Jl. Marsekal Surya Dharma. Tangerang., Airport Soekarno Hatta, Jakarta, Indonesia, 15129
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
Hotel Sahabat 2
Jl.Husein Sastranegara No.18 Nussa Indah, Airport Soekarno Hatta
Grand Asia Hotel
Jl. Bandengan Selatan No. 88, Jakarta Utara, Pluit, Jakarta, Indonesia, 14450
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
Classic Hotel
Jalan Samanhudi 43-45, Pasar Baru
Heef Hotel
Jl. Samanhudi Raya No.3, Pasar Baru, Jakarta, Indonesia, 10710
BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
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Lucky you sir I hope that I will visit that place soon!
Me too..
It’s so colorful in Jakarta! I will have to add this to my bucket list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing your experience!
For people who enjoy art and history, Jakarta is a good place to visit. I noticed that they are fond of antique things and I appreciate their intricate works of art. #marman
I like the designs of the buildings. Very unique and stunning! reading all these informations made me love to visit Indonesia. This time I need to work harder hahaa…Salamat for sharing
Wonderful places to see and at the same time fantastic people to encounter! It’s a must for foreign people that wants affordable prices and fantastic view of a certain city! #marman
Indonesia is now officially on my bucket list. Great post!
Taman Mini is my favorite place in Jakarta. We spent the whole day in the park during our visit and we were exhausted after that.
I even never heard the name of this place before. So its totally new information to learnt about Jakarta. All the places seema very beautiful. Overall a nice place to visit. Thanks for sharing about this. I just love to gain knowledge about new places.
What a great post, your guide and all those discount links make it easier to plan a vacation for sure
Thank you for dropping Zulema
I haven’t really read much about Indonesia so of course I had no idea about Jakarta. Great that you got to show us.
Thank you Oyinkan.do visit this country, you will surely love it 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Will definitely keep in mind the places I need to explore when I visit the country 🙂