3-Day Extravaganza: Shopping & Sightseeing in Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesia

3 days

Selamat Datang Monument
Jakarta Kota Post Office, a Dutch colonial building
Harbour ship and boat docks
Heritage Buddist temple Borobudur complex
The Si Jagur cannon is an ancient cannon left by the Portuguese in the old city

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.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Heart of Jakarta

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the National Monument, an iconic symbol of Jakarta. This towering monument offers a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Indonesian lunch at a local restaurant. Try out some local delicacies like 'Nasi Goreng' or 'Satay'.

Afternoon

Post lunch, head to the National Museum which houses an extensive collection of historical and cultural artifacts from across Indonesia.

Dinner

Have dinner at a restaurant offering a variety of Indonesian and international cuisines.

Evening

End your day with a stroll around the Old Town, a charming area filled with Dutch colonial buildings and street vendors.

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to the Jakarta Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-gothic architecture.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local eatery, trying out more Indonesian dishes.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a sprawling park showcasing the diverse cultures of Indonesia.

Dinner

Dine at a restaurant offering a fusion of Indonesian and western cuisines.

Evening

Spend your evening shopping at one of Jakarta's many modern shopping malls.

Morning

Start your final day with a visit to Ragunan Zoo, home to a variety of Indonesian wildlife.

Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant in the area.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at Ancol Dreamland, a large recreational park with beaches, amusement parks, and a golf range.

Dinner

Have your final dinner in Jakarta at a restaurant offering a variety of seafood dishes.

Evening

End your trip with a relaxing walk along the Ancol Beach, enjoying the cool sea breeze and the sound of the waves.

Attractions in Itinerary (8)

National Monument

1
National Monument

A 132m tower in the centre of Merdeka Square, symbolizing the fight for Indonesia's independence.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
National Museum

2
National Museum

One of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. The museum is regarded as one of the finest of its kind in Indonesia and is a high profile Indonesian tourist attraction.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Old Town

3
Old Town

A historic neighborhood featuring Dutch colonial buildings, museums, and street food.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Neighborhoods
Jakarta Cathedral

4
Jakarta Cathedral

A Roman Catholic cathedral in Jakarta, known for its neo-gothic architecture.

Attractions
Religious Sites
Architecture
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

5
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

A culture-based recreational area, showcasing the diversity of Indonesian culture with pavilions representing the provinces.

Attractions
Parks
Cultural Experiences
Ragunan Zoo

6
Ragunan Zoo

A 140-hectare zoo located in South Jakarta. It's home to over 270 species of animals.

Attractions
Parks
Ancol Dreamland

7
Ancol Dreamland

A popular theme park with a variety of rides and attractions, including a water park and sea world.

Attractions
Parks
Beaches
Entertainment
Ancol Beach

8
Ancol Beach

A popular beach in Jakarta, located within the Ancol Dreamland complex.

Beaches
Entertainment

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Nasi Goreng

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

February 8

Thu

Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad

February 9

Fri

Lunar New Year Joint Holiday

February 10

Sat

Lunar New Year's Day

March 11

Mon

Bali's Day of Silence and Hindu New Year (Nyepi)

March 12

Tue

Joint Holiday for Bali's Day of Silence and Hindu New Year (Nyepi)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 8

Mon

Idul Fitri Joint Holiday

April 9

Tue

Idul Fitri Joint Holiday

April 10

Wed

Idul Fitri

April 11

Thu

Idul Fitri Holiday

April 12

Fri

Idul Fitri Joint Holiday

April 15

Mon

Idul Fitri Joint Holiday

May 1

Wed

International Labor Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day of Jesus Christ

May 10

Fri

Joint Holiday after Ascension Day

May 23

Thu

Waisak Day (Buddha's Anniversary)

May 24

Fri

Joint Holiday for Waisak Day

June 1

Sat

Pancasila Day

June 17

Mon

Idul Adha

June 18

Tue

Joint Holiday for Idul Adha

July 7

Sun

Muharram / Islamic New Year

August 17

Sat

Indonesian Independence Day

September 15

Sun

Maulid Nabi Muhammad (The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

TransJakarta is Jakarta's main bus system, with dedicated lanes to avoid the city's notorious traffic. It has numerous lines that cover most of the city and its outskirts. It operates from 5 AM to 10 PM.

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.

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 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.

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).

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 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 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 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 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 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.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

CurrencyRp IDR

Time zoneUTC+7

Driving sideLeft

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 118; Fire: 113; Police: 110

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

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!

MonthHi / 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.

Did you know?

Did you know that Jakarta is the largest city in Southeast Asia and the 13th largest city in the world?

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A culture-based recreational area located in East Jakarta.

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Puncak

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