3-Day Local Jakarta Experience: Nightlife and Shopping with Friends
Jakarta, Indonesia
3 days
About Jakarta, Indonesia
Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Jakarta, Indonesia's bustling capital city. Marvel at the grandeur of the National Monument, explore the diverse exhibits at the National Museum, and immerse yourself in local history at the Jakarta History Museum. Enjoy the city's lively nightlife, world-class shopping, and delectable cuisine, ranging from traditional Indonesian fare to international dishes. Don't miss the beautiful Thousand Islands for a quick escape from the city buzz. With its blend of modern skyscrapers, colonial architecture, and abundant green spaces, Jakarta offers a unique fusion of old and new, tradition and innovation. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or shopaholic, Jakarta promises an unforgettable travel experience.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Nasi Goreng
A popular Indonesian dish, Nasi Goreng is a flavorful fried rice typically served with a variety of accompaniments such as fried egg, prawn crackers, and pickled cucumber.
Sate Ayam
Sate Ayam, or chicken satay, is a popular street food in Jakarta. It consists of skewered and grilled pieces of chicken served with a peanut sauce.
Bakso
Bakso is a savory meatball soup that's a common street food in Jakarta. It's typically served with noodles, tofu, and a flavorful broth.
Gado-Gado
A traditional Indonesian salad, Gado-Gado consists of blanched vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, fried tofu, and tempeh, all mixed with a peanut sauce.
Kerak Telor
Kerak Telor is a traditional Betawi street food from Jakarta. It's a spicy omelette made with glutinous rice and served with shredded coconut and a dried shrimp topping.
Es Teler
Es Teler is a fruit cocktail drink popular in Jakarta. It typically includes avocado, coconut meat, jackfruit, and is served with sweetened condensed milk and syrup.
Martabak Manis
Martabak Manis, also known as sweet pancake, is a popular dessert in Jakarta. It's a thick, sweet pancake filled with a variety of toppings like cheese, chocolate, and nuts.
Rendang
Rendang is a spicy meat dish that originated from the Minangkabau ethnic group of Indonesia. It's slow-cooked and braised in coconut milk and a mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger and chilies.
Soto Betawi
Soto Betawi is a traditional soup from Jakarta. It's made with beef or beef offal, cooked in a cow milk or coconut milk broth, with a refreshing hint of lime.
Pisang Goreng
Pisang Goreng is a popular snack in Jakarta. It's a deep-fried banana fritter, often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of sweet syrup.
Es Cendol
Es Cendol is a traditional Indonesian drink made from rice flour, served with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and shaved ice. It's a popular refreshment in Jakarta.
Otak-Otak
Otak-Otak is a grilled fish cake made of ground fish meat mixed with tapioca starch and spices. It's a popular street food in Jakarta, usually served with a spicy peanut sauce.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Jakarta, Indonesia as a tourist is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During these months, the weather is generally sunny and less humid, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city's attractions. The temperatures during this period range from 24°C to 31°C, which is quite comfortable for most travelers. Additionally, this period also coincides with several cultural events and festivals, providing an excellent opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture.
How to get around
Commuter Train
The Commuter Train, also known as KRL, is a convenient way to travel between Jakarta and its surrounding areas. It's often used by locals for daily commuting and is a good option if your destination is near a train station.
Taxi
Taxis are widely available in Jakarta. Blue Bird and Express are among the most reliable taxi companies. They are metered and can be hailed on the street or booked via their respective apps.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Grab and Gojek are very popular in Jakarta. They offer a variety of services, from motorcycle rides (ojek) to car rides. They also offer food delivery and courier services. You can book a ride through their respective apps.
MRT
The Jakarta MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is a relatively new addition to the city's public transportation system. It currently has one line that runs from the south (Lebak Bulus) to the center of the city (Bundaran HI).
LRT
The Jakarta LRT (Light Rail Transit) is another new addition to the city's public transportation system. It currently has one line that serves the eastern part of the city.
Bajaj
Bajaj is a three-wheeled vehicle that can be found in certain parts of Jakarta. It's similar to a tuk-tuk in Thailand. It's a good option for short distances, especially in areas with narrow streets.
Bike Rental
Bike rentals are available in certain parts of Jakarta, especially in the car-free zones during the weekends. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
Angkot
Angkot or city minivans are a common sight in Jakarta. They follow a fixed route and can be hailed from the side of the road. They're a cheap, though not necessarily comfortable, way to get around.
Ojek
Ojek or motorcycle taxis are a popular way to beat the traffic in Jakarta. They can be hailed on the street or booked via ridesharing apps like Grab and Gojek.
Car Rental
Car rentals are available in Jakarta, but it's not recommended for tourists due to the city's heavy traffic and complex road rules. If you still prefer to rent a car, consider hiring a driver as well.
Important information
CurrencyRp IDR
Time zoneUTC+7
Driving sideLeft
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 118; Fire: 113; Police: 110
Drinking waterOpt for bottled water
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Jakarta, Indonesia as a first time visitor
1
Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and is located on the northwest coast of the world's most populous island, Java.
2
The official language is Indonesian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
3
The currency used in Jakarta is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always handy to have some cash for smaller establishments or street vendors.
4
Jakarta operates on Western Indonesia Time, which is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7).
5
Jakarta has a tropical monsoon climate. The wet season is from November to March and the dry season is from April to October. Temperatures range from 75°F to 92°F (24°C to 33°C).
6
Tipping is not mandatory in Jakarta, but it is appreciated. A 10% service charge is often added to bills in restaurants.
7
Jakarta is known for its heavy traffic. It's advisable to use public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing apps like Grab or Gojek.
8
Street food is a big part of Jakarta's culture. Always ensure that the food is freshly cooked and the stall is clean before eating.
9
Tap water in Jakarta is not safe to drink. Always drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure it's made from purified water.
10
Jakarta is generally safe, but like any big city, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur. Always be aware of your belongings and surroundings.
11
Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, so it's important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
12
The standard voltage in Indonesia is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type C and F.
13
Jakarta has a high level of air pollution. If you have respiratory problems, it's advisable to wear a mask.
14
The city is prone to flooding during the rainy season. Check the weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly.
15
Indonesians are known for their hospitality. Learning a few basic phrases in Indonesian can go a long way.
16
Healthcare facilities in Jakarta are generally good, but it's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
17
Jakarta has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. However, the legal drinking age is 21.
18
The city is a shopping paradise with numerous malls, markets, and boutiques. Bargaining is common in markets.
19
Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Indonesia. It's best to be respectful of local customs and traditions.
20
Always carry a copy of your passport and visa. It's also a good idea to register your trip with your country's embassy in Jakarta.
Basic Indonesian to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Halo | Ha-lo | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Selamat tinggal | Se-lah-mat ting-gal | Leaving or saying goodbye |
Please | Tolong | To-long | Asking for help or a favor |
Thank you | Terima kasih | Te-ri-ma ka-sih | Showing gratitude |
Yes | Ya | Ya | Agreeing or confirming |
No | Tidak | Ti-dak | Disagreeing or denying |
Excuse me | Permisi | Per-mi-si | Getting attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | Maaf | Ma-af | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Apakah anda berbicara bahasa Inggris? | A-pa-kah an-da ber-bi-ca-ra ba-ha-sa Ing-gris | Asking if someone speaks English |
I don't understand | Saya tidak mengerti | Sa-ya ti-dak men-ger-ti | When you don't understand what was said |
Where is the bathroom? | Di mana kamar kecil? | Di ma-na ka-mar ke-cil | Asking for the bathroom |
How much does this cost? | Berapa harga ini? | Be-ra-pa har-ga i-ni | Asking the price of something |
I would like to order | Saya ingin pesan | Sa-ya in-gin pe-san | Ordering food or drinks |
Water | Air | Ai-r | Asking for water |
Beer | Bir | Bir | Asking for beer |
Delicious | Enak | E-nak | Complimenting food |
Help | Bantuan | Ban-tu-an | Asking for help |
Call the police | Panggil polisi | Pang-gil po-li-si | In case of an emergency |
Good morning | Selamat pagi | Se-lah-mat pa-gi | Greeting someone in the morning |
Good night | Selamat malam | Se-lah-mat ma-lam | Saying goodnight or leaving in the evening |
Packing List
Clothing
Lightweight clothing
Underwear
Socks
Swimwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals
Sunglasses
Hat
Rain jacket
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
First-aid kit
Prescription medications
Travel-size laundry detergent
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Visa (if required)
Driver's license
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations
Emergency contacts and important addresses
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger and power bank
Universal power adapter
Headphones
Camera and memory card
Laptop or tablet (if needed)
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow and blanket
Earplugs and eye mask
Snacks
Reusable water bottle
Books or e-books
Travel guide and map
Umbrella
Tissues and wet wipes
Plastic bags for dirty clothes
Locks for luggage
Weather Conditions
Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is located near the equator and has a tropical monsoon climate. This means that it experiences high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, with an average temperature ranging from 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C). The year in Jakarta is divided into two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season typically runs from November to March, with January being the wettest month. During this time, you can expect heavy rainfall, often in the form of intense afternoon showers. If you're planning to visit during the wet season, it's advisable to pack a raincoat or umbrella and waterproof shoes. Despite the rain, the temperature remains warm, so light, breathable clothing is recommended. The dry season, from April to October, is the best time to visit Jakarta if you want to avoid the rain. However, even during the dry season, occasional showers are not uncommon. The temperature during this season is still quite high, with averages around 82°F to 91°F (28°C to 33°C). Light, loose clothing, hats, and sunscreen are essential to protect yourself from the sun. Regardless of the season, Jakarta's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the local forecast before heading out for the day. Also, remember to stay hydrated and take breaks from the heat when necessary. Lastly, due to Jakarta's high humidity, it's advisable to carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and moisture-wicking clothing can also be beneficial. Enjoy your trip to this vibrant city!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 32° / 24° | January is the peak of the rainy season in Jakarta, so expect frequent showers and high humidity. |
February | 32° / 24° | February is still within the rainy season, with high humidity and frequent rain showers. |
March | 33° / 24° | March sees the end of the rainy season, with temperatures starting to rise and less frequent rain. |
April | 34° / 25° | April is the start of the dry season in Jakarta, with hot temperatures and less rain. |
May | 34° / 25° | May is a great time to visit Jakarta as the weather is hot and dry, perfect for sightseeing. |
June | 35° / 25° | June is one of the hottest months in Jakarta, with very little rain and high temperatures. |
July | 35° / 25° | July is in the middle of the dry season, with hot temperatures and very little rain, perfect for outdoor activities. |
August | 35° / 25° | August is another hot and dry month in Jakarta, making it a great time for beach activities and sightseeing. |
September | 35° / 25° | September marks the end of the dry season, with temperatures remaining high and the chance of rain increasing towards the end of the month. |
October | 34° / 25° | October is the start of the rainy season in Jakarta, with increasing rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures. |
November | 33° / 24° | November is in the middle of the rainy season, with frequent showers and high humidity. |
December | 32° / 24° | December is the peak of the rainy season in Jakarta, with high humidity and frequent rain showers. |
