Jakarta is Indonesia's capital and its largest city, with about 11 million registered residents in the special capital region and a far larger metropolitan area around it. For most Indian travellers it is a gateway rather than a destination, a place for a night or two before Bali, Yogyakarta or Bandung. That is a fair use of it, but a short stay can be good if you pick a few things and keep the days compact.
The city is spread out and traffic is a real constraint, so plan by cluster rather than by list. The central cluster around Merdeka Square holds the National Monument, the National Museum, Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral within a short distance of each other. Kota Tua, the old town on the north side, has the colonial city hall on Fatahillah Square, Museum Bank Indonesia, the old port of Sunda Kelapa and the Chinatown of Glodok. Larger family outings, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in the east and Ancol on the waterfront, are separate half-day or full-day trips.
Some of the most interesting stops for an Indian visitor are about shared history. The National Museum holds Hindu-Buddhist sculpture from ancient Java and Sumatra, and Pasar Baru, nicknamed Little India, still has Indian-run textile shops, tailors and restaurants. Jakarta is a Muslim-majority city, so expect halal food everywhere, modest dress at mosques and restricted alcohol in many places.
Food needs planning for vegetarians. Indonesian cooking uses fish paste, shrimp paste and meat stock widely, and Chinatown stalls often serve pork. There are a few dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants, listed in this guide, and Indian restaurants in the north of the city. Jakarta remains the capital for now, although the government has begun the legal process of moving the capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan, so check the latest news if that matters to your plans.
Before you plan
Jakarta at a glance
- Best months
- May to September is the driest stretchMay to September is the driest stretch; January and February are the wettest. Dry months are easier for walking, but the city is warm and humid all year.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 to 3 days for the main sights2 to 3 days for the main sights; add a day for Taman Mini or Ancol with children
- Airport
- Soekarno-Hatta International AirportSoekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Tangerang, about 20 km north-west of Central Jakarta; allow well over an hour by road in traffic or use the airport rail link
- Railway station
- Gambir and Pasar Senen handle…Gambir and Pasar Senen handle long-distance trains; Jakarta Kota serves the old town; Manggarai is the busiest commuter hub. No train service is needed for most visitors.
- Getting around
- Gojek and GrabGojek and Grab (car and motorbike taxis), MRT between Lebak Bulus and Bundaran HI, TransJakarta BRT, commuter rail and LRT; a hired car with driver is easiest for families
- Daily budget
- Indicative only: mid-range…Indicative only: mid-range travellers often spend roughly ₹4,000 to ₹9,000 per person per day excluding hotel; varies widely with car hire and meals
- Senior comfort
- Moderate: sights are spread outModerate: sights are spread out, pavements are uneven and traffic is heavy; plan one cluster a day with a car and driver
- Language
- IndonesianIndonesian (Bahasa Indonesia); English is common in hotels and at major sights but less so in markets and small restaurants
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Jakarta: June, July, August, September. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Jakarta itinerary
One good day
1 day in Jakarta
Start early at the National Monument, take the lift to the platform if the queue is reasonable, and see the dioramas under the base. Cross to Istiqlal Mosque in the late morning and, if you wish, to the cathedral opposite. After lunch and a rest, drive to Kota Tua and spend the late afternoon on Fatahillah Square and in the Jakarta History Museum. Finish with an early dinner nearby.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Jakarta
Morning at the National Monument, then the National Museum, which suits an indoor midday. Late afternoon at Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral, outside prayer and Mass times. Evening at Pasar Baru for fabric and an Indian dinner.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Jakarta
National Monument in the morning, National Museum after, and Istiqlal Mosque and the cathedral in the late afternoon. Dinner at Pasar Baru.
