Jakarta Travel Guide

Lying on the northwest coast of the heavily populated island of Java, the capital of Indonesia is a huge city that ranks among the largest in the world. Undergoing something of a boom like many other big cities in the region, Jakarta is changing at a rapid rate. As an old settlement, the city has a large number of heritage attractions, along with its abundant independence monuments and Islamic sites. The city is split into distinct districts, with the idyllic Thousand Islands area to the north spanning the Indian Ocean coastline.

For a look at the Indonesian capital’s many monuments, head to central Jakarta. The National Monument is an impressive 140-meter tall obelisk topped with solid gold flames. The Adam Malik Museum, also in the same district, is an excellent collection of Asian art and china, while the National Museum has a huge number of gold and Hindu artifacts that make it another interesting part of the Jakarta museum circuit.

For entertainment in the city, there are numerous options. West Jakarta, with its Chinatown and abundant restaurants, bars and clubs, is a good place to start any evening out. The shopping here is also extensive, with numerous covered malls. For a night that you are guaranteed to remember, head to Stadium, a huge club that holds 4,000 people and goes for days on end. When central Jakarta becomes too hectic, locals and visitors alike head north to Thousand Islands, which lie dotted around the coast and offer good diving, seafood and best of all, relaxation.

Jakarta Attractions

National Monument: an ostentatious obelisk topped with gold flames in the central district.

Adam Malik Museum: dedicated to the former vice president, this exhibition is Asian art at its finest.

Kota: Jakarta’s old town has lots of colonial buildings and pastel colors, not to mention the Jakarta History Museum.

Setu Babakan: a laid-back area with two lakes and a more traditional Indonesian way of life.

Ayer Island: one of the closer of the Thousand Islands, Ayer Island features good beaches and diving along with freshly caught seafood.

Ancol Bay City: a vast tourist resort on Jakarta’s harbor front boasting hotels, beaches, golf and theme and water parks.