22 Attractions in Jakarta You Should See

Today, we will transport ourselves to the city of Jakarta. The attractions of this place attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, and there are many reasons for that. The capital of Indonesia has a rather dubious nickname, as it is often referred to as the 'Big Durian' in reference to the well-known fruit from Southeast Asia, which has a very unpleasant smell.

Many tourists see Jakarta only as a transit hub for entering and exiting Indonesia, but if you find a little free time to explore this city a bit more closely, you will discover many interesting attractions.

Jakarta will allow you to learn a lot about the complex history of Indonesia; you will be able to visit various culturally and historically significant places such as the old town and the port, which will give you an idea of what the city looked like in the past.

The Royal Merdeka Palace is located in the center of Jakarta, near the square of the same name. As it is the current residence of the sitting President of Indonesia, it is closed to the general public, although no one stops you from wandering around it and admiring its majestic exterior, as it is one of the most significant buildings in the country from a historical and political perspective.

The building was constructed in 1879, and it was here that the historic flag change ceremony took place when the country freed itself from colonial dependence on the Netherlands and declared independence.

Address: Istana Merdeka, Jalan Medan Merdeka Utara, RT.2/RW.3, Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Indonesia is known for consisting of over 17,000 islands and divided into 26 provinces. It is very unlikely that you will manage to explore even a significant part of this country, but if you want to get an overview of its main attractions, we recommend visiting the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah theme park, which translates to 'Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature' or simply 'Mini Indonesia' as tourists call it.

In this park, you will be able to see traditional Indonesian houses and learn about local traditions, costumes, and the diverse cultures of the archipelago. It is a great place for family recreation that will give you a complete understanding of the country itself, which is especially useful for those who do not have time to visit all the provinces individually.

Address: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Thousand Islands is a collective name for a cluster of tropical islands and coral atolls located north of the coast of Jakarta. Thus, just a few hours' drive from the city center, you will find thousands of islands that the Indonesians themselves call Pulau Seribu. Here you will find magnificent beaches, picturesque bays, and stunningly beautiful coves.

The best way to enjoy all this splendor is to book a boat tour that will allow you to visit the main islands while also checking out all their best attractions. If you love luxury, Pulau Macan is full of premium resorts, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy exquisite meals and delicious cocktails against a sunset backdrop.

Address: Thousand Islands, Indonesia.

The National Monument, known as Monas, is the most famous monument in Jakarta and symbolizes Indonesia's independence, proclaimed in 1945 after many years under Dutch colonial rule.

The monument is located in Merdeka Square, which in Indonesian means 'freedom'. There is a gallery here where you can learn a lot about Indonesia's turbulent history. However, the main highlight of visiting this place is the ride to the observation deck, which offers the best view of the city and its surroundings.

Address: National Monument (Monas), Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Ragunan Zoo occupies an area of 185 hectares and is home to over 3,600 species of animals, including the legendary Komodo dragons and graceful orangutans, as well as many representatives of fauna from other parts of the world. The zoo is also filled with many species of beautiful flowers and plants, making it an excellent place to get acquainted with Indonesia's wildlife.

Be aware: when visiting the zoo, it's better to wear long-sleeved shirts as it is full of mosquitoes and pesky biting insects.

Address: Ragunan Zoo, Jalan Harsono RM, Ragunan, South Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Istiqlal Mosque is considered the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and can accommodate up to 120,000 worshippers at the same time. It is located near the National Monument Monas, so it makes sense to visit both sites in one trip.

The architecture of the mosque is quite minimalist, with its 12 columns covered in aluminum panels. Public cultural events are regularly held here, including lectures, seminars, and religious conferences.

Address: Istiqlal Mosque, Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

It's no surprise that a large city like Jakarta has its own beach. It's called Ancol, and it's part of the expansive Ancol Jakarta Bay City recreational park. The beach consists of a strip of golden sand that stretches along the sea, and although it is technically a public beach, you will still need to pay an entrance fee to use all the amenities.

Along the coastline, there are several pools, and you can spend the whole day relaxing on a rented sunbed while enjoying the sun and the tranquil atmosphere. In Ancol Jakarta Bay City, you'll also find a variety of other interesting places, such as the Sea World aquarium and a local water park.

Address: Ancol Beach, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Kota Tua is one of the names for the old town of Batavia, which is one of the most historically significant parts of Jakarta. Walking through this area, you will see beautiful architecture dating back to the Dutch colonial period, and a paved central city square, which is the main attraction of this area.

Kota Tua is considered the cultural 'heart' of the city, attracting many artists and photographers who wish to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the magical ambiance of the old town. There are also many museums here where you can learn a lot about the rich history of the area.

Address: Kota Tua, Mangga Besar, Taman Sari, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

If you don't know what to see in Jakarta, we recommend visiting the National Museum. It will tell you a lot of new and interesting things about Indonesia. Here, you'll learn about the country's history, art, culture, geography, and ethnology.

The museum is divided into separate galleries that house intriguing collections of ancient artifacts, including early Indonesian ceramics and old Hindu artworks. The museum has been operational since 1868, making it a historical landmark in its own right.

Address: National Museum, Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Dunia Fantasi is Jakarta's answer to the famous Disneyland, so fans of the iconic amusement park from the United States will surely be pleasantly surprised. Here you will find your own Main Street, the Puppet Castle, and more than 30 stunning attractions, including Niagara Flume and Halilintar.

The park has a dedicated 'Star Wars' section and a large Ferris wheel that will allow you to see the entire park from above. If you're traveling with kids, you definitely should stop by here; there is also a theater that regularly hosts various shows dedicated to Indonesia.

Address: Dunia Fantasi, Jalan Lodan Timur, RW.10, Ancol, North Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Jakarta is famous for its luxurious shopping malls, but the largest among them is Taman Anggrek Mall, located in the western part of the city. Locals claim that over 10,000 people come here every day. You will find a huge variety of shops for every taste and budget.

In addition to retail pavilions, there are also cafes and eateries of well-known global brands. Naturally, Taman Anggrek Mall features its own cinema, and for those who love exotic experiences, there is a year-round ice rink.

Address: Mall Taman Anggrek, Letjen S. Parman Street, RW.1, Tomang, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

The National Gallery of Indonesia is located in Merdeka Square in Gambir and is considered one of the city's best museums, housing around 2,000 works of Indonesian art. This museum will surely appeal to both discerning connoisseurs of Indonesian culture and those who simply love to visit museums.

By the way, the national gallery has a separate section dedicated to foreign art, where you will find paintings, ceramics, photographs, and sculptures by Western masters.

Address: National Gallery of Indonesia, Jalan Medan Merdeka Timur, RT.6/RW.1, Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Jin De Yuan is a spacious Buddhist temple built in 1755 and located in the Glodok area. It is one of the most significant religious shrines for the local Buddhist community. A distinctive feature of Jin De Yuan is two decorative dragons with pearls in their mouths that can be seen on the roof of the building.

Inside the temple, there is the fragrant smell of incense and the sound of ceremonial bells; here, you can see a collection of ancient calligraphy.

Address: Klenteng Jin De Yuan, Jl. Petak Sembilan, RT.1, Pinangsia, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Jakarta is not rich in park areas, so Taman Suropati is a pleasant exception to the rules. In fact, it is more of a green space in the middle of the square rather than a park, surrounded by numerous bungalows from the 1920s Art Deco style, many of which were built in that era.

It is a great place for afternoon strolls when the sun is not so hot. There's an art market where you can purchase beautiful Indonesian paintings from local artists.

Address: Taman Suropati, Jalan Taman Suropati, RT.5/RW.5, Menteng, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Wayang is the Indonesian name for traditional puppets and one of the most valuable cultural traditions of Indonesia. To learn more about the history and cultural significance of wayang, we recommend visiting the puppet museum, which will take you on a journey through time and explain how these amazing toys are created.

This quirky museum is located in the old part of Jakarta, and its collection includes eerie masks, wooden puppets, and all necessary attributes for performances that take place every Sunday at 10 a.m.

Address: Museum Wayang, RT.3/RW.6, Kota Tua, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Many tourists often overlook Sunda Kelapa Harbor, although it is one of the most important parts of the city. This harbor is the main factor that allowed Jakarta to become successful and prosperous, and you can still see old wooden schooners with sails looking just like they did centuries ago.

Address: Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa Jakarta, Ancol, North Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Many people do not realize that Jakarta saw active military actions during World War II, which is why many soldiers from Indonesia, Britain, and the Netherlands found their final resting place here. Today, the cemetery in Jakarta serves as a memorial to all those who died during the bloodiest conflict in history. The Dutch part of the cemetery is particularly noteworthy, as it houses a picturesque chapel.

Address: Ereveld Ancol (Dutch War Cemetery Ancol), Jl. Lodan Raya, East Pademangan, North Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Atlantis is the name of a huge water park located in the Ancol area. This place is perfect for those who want to cool off on a hot summer day. The water park features eight separate recreation zones, a large wave pool, as well as many attractions and water slides for different age groups. It's a great family-friendly spot to enjoy water attractions away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Address: Atlantis Water Adventures Ancol, Taman Impian Jaya, Jalan Lodan Timur, RW.10, Ancol, North Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Bank Indonesia Museum cannot be called one of the most famous museums in the Indonesian capital, but it is definitely worth a visit. It is located in the former headquarters of the local bank, which has been carefully restored for tourists. Today, the museum tells the story of Indonesian currency from its inception to the present day.

Here, you will find a range of interactive exhibits, interesting sections with touch screens, and a separate gallery dedicated to the trade in spices that Indonesia is so famous for. One section deals with the financial crisis that struck the region in 1997. Also, be sure to check out the room featuring samples of currency notes from around the world.

Address: Museum Bank Indonesia, RT.3/RW.6, Pinangsia, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Glodok is a district of Jakarta located in Taman Sari, also known as the local 'Chinatown'. It is the largest Chinese quarter in the country and even in the world, which originated during Dutch colonial rule. Today, there are many temples, markets, and shops here.

You can walk around the area and admire its traditional Chinese architecture, as well as visit the famous electronics center, which is considered one of the largest in all of Jakarta. Don't forget to check out the local pharmacies that sell unusual traditional Chinese medicine (for example, dried frogs).

Address: Glodok, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Children will surely enjoy the kite museum located in the quiet alleys of Pondok Labu in South Jakarta. Inside the traditional Indonesian house, there is a collection of 600 kites. A 10-minute video tells the story of the history and different types of kites (and why they became so popular in Indonesia).

Among the most impressive exhibits are giant kites in the shape of a horse and carriage, a dragon, a ship, and a lion, as well as flat kites made from bamboo and banana tree leaves.

Address: Museum Layang-layang Indonesia, Jl. H. Kamang, RT.8/RW.10, Pondok Labu, South Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Fatahillah Square is the central square of Kota, surrounded by majestic colonial-era buildings, notably the former city hall building. Here you can rent a bicycle and take a tour of the local museum, after which you can enjoy a delicious meal or just wander among many tourists.

During Dutch rule, this place was known as Stadhuis Plein and was considered the center of Batavia (the former name of Jakarta). Later, it was renamed in honor of the commander who reclaimed the Sunda Kelapa harbor from the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Address: Taman Fatahillah, Pinangsia, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia.