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The City

Jakarta is a continuously growing and expanding metropolis, with new suburbs springing up on its outskirts and new high-rises reaching for the sky in the downtown area.

The hub of the modern city is Taman Merdeka (Independence Square), which is dominated by the showy, 132 m tall National Monument, crowned by a glittering, stylised metal flame. Taman Fatahilla is the epicentre of Kota, the original heart of Dutch Batavia, and still has a sprinkling of picturesque old buildings.

The nearby Glodok district is the heart of Jakarta’s substantial Chinese community, and in recent years has also seen gentrification. Sunda Kelapa, the old port, is lined with warehouses dating back to the colonial era and filled with old-fashioned schooners that still carry cargo between Jakarta and the outlying islands. South of the centre, Jalan Jaksa is a colourful thoroughfare, lined with antique and souvenir shops, budget restaurants, guesthouses and tour agencies.

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Do & See

Jakarta blends harmoniously newly-restored areas with its ancient parts, creating a metropolis provided with both entertaining and culturally interesting options.

Begin your exploration at the National Monument, a towering symbol of Indonesian independence, and enjoy panoramic city views from its observation deck. Then, venture into the heart of Old Jakarta to wander through the colonial-era architecture of Kota Tua, where museums like the Fatahillah Museum bring the city’s rich history to life.

For a taste of local culture, stroll through the bustling Tanah Abang Market or sample street food at the famed Glodok Chinatown. Art enthusiasts will revel in the contemporary exhibitions at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara, while nature lovers can escape to the serene landscapes of the Ragunan Zoo or the lush gardens of Taman Suropati.

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Dining

The lure of Jakarta's bright lights has attracted Indonesian migrants from all over this huge country. As a result, the capital’s menu is stupendously varied. Staples such as noodles and 'nasi goreng' (mixed fried rice) are on the menu everywhere, but there’s much more to try.

Meat dishes are predominantly composed of chicken or beef, as Indonesia is mostly Muslim and pork is a rarity.

Fine dining destinations can be found at most of the hotels that dot the city in great numbers, but what truly shows Jakarta's culinary traditions is its vast assortment of street food, a delicious yet, wallet-friendly option.

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Cafés

Café culture is something that the Indonesian capital has developed in the past 30 years, though hawker stalls and street food still remain the most popular option among locals and tourists alike.

As the coffee culture took over, street vendors started selling instant brews and international brands of cafeterias began popping up at a fast pace, making the coffee routine an unmissable tradition throughout the diverse Jakarta.

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Bars & Nightlife

Jakarta is a fast-growing city of entertainment where the traveller can be truly spoilt for choice, ranging from down-to-earth bars to happening discos and karaoke bars.

When the sun starts setting, folks pour merrily down the city's intricate maze of streets, filling the upmarket clubs and lounge bars that tend to be located at most of Jakarta's iconic five-star hotels.

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Shopping

Over the last decade, Jakarta has become a major shopping destination, with numerous brand-new, air-conditioned shopping malls springing up all over the city, competing for popularity with long-established malls such as Blok M. International department store chains such as Sogo, Mark’s and Spencer’s and Metro, have also made an appearance, enriching Jakarta's shopping scene.

A perfect souvenir might include traditional items, such as ikat and batik textiles, wood carvings from Bali and other islands, antique pottery and Dutch colonial antiques (though these are very often faked).

Many international sports and leisure wear brands have factories in Jakarta, and sports footwear, sports clothing and designer wear are available at convenient prices.

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Tourist Information