Jakarta Tourist Information

Jakarta Travel Guide

The cosmopolitan melting pot of Jakarta teems with life, and is constantly moving, changing and growing into one of the foremost capitals in Asia. For some, the hustle and bustle of Jakarta can be overwhelming, but for others it's a shopping mecca, or a lively and interesting stopover point on the way to the Indonesian archipelago.

Jakarta's historical evolution as one of the most important ports in Asia has created a bustling metropolis, rich in trade, which was born on the wings of the silk route. Anything and everything can be found here, and for a cheaper price too, making it one of Southeast Asia's shopping paradises.

Jakarta Tourist Attractions

Tourist sightseeing will find the capital of an ethnically diverse Indonesia, Jakarta is rife with museums, festivals and cultural activities. The National Museum, Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center, Jakarta Arts Building, Textile Museum, Chinese Mansion and the Puppet Museum offer an inside look into heart of Indonesian culture.

Monuments grace the large and busy boulevards that lead through the eclectic, closely spaced buildings that adorn Jakarta's busy streets. Remnants from its days as a Dutch colony can be seen throughout the city, most noticeably in the Dutch old town which is dominated by the imposing cathedral and Immanuel churches. Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, constructed entirely of marble to keep the open prayer rooms cool in the country's tropical heat.

The city offers an international menu and several fine restaurants, serving everything from Chinese to Mexican and plenty of traditional fare. A small but impressive nightlife thrives here, with nightclubs open until 02:00. Art galleries and local artisans manufacture indigenous crafts popular with tourists, along with consumer goods at Blok M Mall, Blok M Plaza, Pasaraya, Plaza Senayan and Pondok Indah Mall in Jakarta's southern district.

Transport Around Jakarta

Getting around Jakarta is not for the faint of heart, and most visitors opt for a taxi before braving a rental car or riding the public transport. Taxi fares in Indonesia are relatively cheap and taking a taxi is much less stressful than driving. Bajaj motorcycle taxis offer a cheaper and more authentic experience and can sometimes be faster than going by car in the city's smouldering traffic jams. Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is a major international and domestic airport servicing flights from around the world.

Travel insurance is recommended while visiting Jakarta, as hospital services may not be up to European standard and medical bills can be expensive when dealing with an accident or serious illness. Enjoy your trip knowing that you and your loved ones are covered in the event of a medical emergency.