The short answer
Glodok and Petak Sembilan: what visitors should know first
Go if you want street life, food and temples in a compact area. It is loud, crowded and often hot, and many stalls serve pork or non-vegetarian food, so vegetarians should plan where to eat before you walk in.
History and context
The story behind Glodok and Petak Sembilan
Wikipedia describes Glodok as an urban village (kelurahan) in Taman Sari district, West Jakarta, and calls it Indonesia's biggest Chinatown.
Useful facts
Glodok and Petak Sembilan facts at a glance
- Location
- Glodok, Taman Sari, West Jakarta
- Experience type
- Chinatown, markets and street food
- Known for
- Lanterns, temples, old coffee shops
- Food note
- Many stalls serve pork or meat; plan vegetarian meals
- Time
- 2 to 3 hours
Why it matters
Why Glodok and Petak Sembilan is worth your time
The Dutch East India Company designated Glodok as a residential area for ethnic Chinese in November 1740, and on 9 October 1740 about 5,000 Chinese were killed in Batavia. The following year the Chinese were confined to Glodok outside the city walls. Chinese traders and labourers had arrived in the 17th century, mostly from Fujian and Guangdong.
Glodok was also one of the main areas attacked during the riots of May 1998. This history is part of why the area matters, and why many families keep their temples and festivals here.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Petak Sembilan
One of three main Chinatown areas, with lanes of shops and incense stalls.
- 02
The old coffee shop
Kopi Es Tak Kie, established in 1927, is known for iced coffee.
- 03
Temples nearby
Kim Tek Ie, a 17th century Chinese temple, is a good fixed point.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat this as a morning walk with a plan. Start at Glodok and walk toward Petak Sembilan, one of the three main areas of the Chinatown, along with Gang Gloria and Jalan Pancoran. Lanterns, medicinal shops, dry-goods sellers and incense stalls line the narrow streets, and the temple at Kim Tek Ie is a good fixed point in the middle.
Food is a major attraction. The area is known for gado-gado, soto betawi, ketupat sayur and sek ba on Gang Gloria, the old Kopi Es Tak Kie coffee shop established in 1927, and Rujak Shanghai Encim. As a rule, assume stalls here use meat, fish or lard and ask before you order. Vegetarian and vegan eaters can use Vegetarian Handi, tucked in an alley on Jalan Pancoran, which lists itself as fully vegan.
Keep the walk short. Heat, vehicles and crowds are tiring, and rest stops are few. Return to the car after two or three hours, and consider combining the walk with the Old Town museums.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Go in the morning
- Ask about ingredients before eating
- Keep valuables secure
- Wear closed shoes
- Keep the route short and fixed
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Taman Sari, West Jakarta
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Best time
- Morning, before the midday heat
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- Narrow lanes, motorbikes, uneven pavements and crowds make this one of the harder walks in the city. It is best for fit visitors, with a car waiting on a main road and a short route in mind.
- Tickets and access
- The streets are free to walk. Shops and stalls have their own hours; most open in the morning. Keep valuables secure.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Glodok and Petak Sembilan
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Narrow lanes, motorbikes, uneven pavements and crowds make this one of the harder walks in the city. It is best for fit visitors, with a car waiting on a main road and a short route in mind.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Glodok suitable for vegetarians?
Many stalls use meat, fish or lard; vegetarian eaters should plan ahead. Vegetarian Handi is a fully vegan option in the area.
Is it safe?
Daytime visits are common, but crowds mean you should keep valuables secure.
Is it suitable for seniors?
It is demanding because of narrow lanes, crowds and heat; a short route is best.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
