Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a vast and bustling metropolis with a population of over 10 million people from diverse ethnic backgrounds across the country.
During the day, this number swells as commuters travel into the city and head back home in the evenings.
Jakarta, a sprawling metropolis, offers a unique local experience where wide avenues suddenly give way to narrow streets crowded with cars and motorbikes. As the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta has rapidly grown into a megacity with many suburbs and districts.
This city is always buzzing with activity, operating around the clock in its densely populated areas. Jakarta is divided into five districts: Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat), North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara), West Jakarta (Jakarta Barat), East Jakarta (Jakarta Timur), and South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan). The term Jabodetabek refers to the Greater Jakarta area, encompassing nearby megacities like Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi.
Central Jakarta is home to the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the National Monument (Monas), Merdeka Palace, National Museum, Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, and the Welcome Monument (Bunderan HI). This area is also the city’s commercial heart, with high-end shopping malls and luxury hotels. The energy here never fades, and you can feel the pulse of Jakarta at any time of day or night.
North Jakarta, known for it's vibrant Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (Ancol Dreamland), offers numerous attractions, including the Dufan Theme Park, Seaworld, Atlantis Water Adventure Park, and Ecopark. The area also provides plenty of dining options, art markets, and accommodations.
West Jakarta is home to the historical Fatahillah Museum and the Old Jakarta district, known as Kota Tua. This area offers a charming experience where you can explore on a classic bike, soaking in the old architecture. Another must-visit in West Jakarta is the Museum Macan, an exhibition space for contemporary art, showcasing works by artists like Yayoi Kusama.
East Jakarta is where you’ll find Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a cultural park that features miniature traditional houses from across the Indonesian archipelago, offering a glimpse into the country’s diverse culture.
South Jakarta is famous for Setu Babakan, a cultural village dedicated to the Betawi people, Jakarta's native ethnic group. Here, you can explore Betawi history, watch traditional dances and music performances, and even try local delicacies like Kerak Telor and Bir Pletok. You can also try your hand at making Ondel-ondel, the iconic Betawi figures.
Every part of Jakarta has it's own culinary delights. From street food to trendy coffee shops, the city offers a rich variety of dishes that define its food culture. You’ll find Indonesia’s national staples, including Nasi Goreng, Gado-gado, Soto, Sate, and Rendang, all ready to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, enjoying modern art, or diving into the local food scene, Jakarta is a city that constantly surprises and delights.
By Air
Jakarta is served by two international airports. The larger Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, located in Tangerang (Banten province), is the primary gateway for international travelers. The smaller Halim Perdanakusuma Airport primarily handles domestic flights.
By Land
Jakarta is well-connected by road to other major cities in Java, with bus and train services providing convenient overland travel. Many visitors to Jakarta also take the opportunity to explore nearby destinations such as Bogor, famous for it's Botanical Garden, or the cool highlands of Puncak.
By Sea
Jakarta's main seaport, Tanjung Priok, located in North Jakarta, is the busiest port in Indonesia. Additionally, cruise lovers can board the luxurious Genting Dream Cruises, which, as of April 2018, offers special itineraries to Indonesia’s capital, providing a stylish way to travel by sea.
The most common ways to navigate Jakarta are by rented car, taxi, or tour packages. However, be prepared for traffic jams, particularly during rush hours or when heading to business districts and popular attractions, like the Old Batavia area.
To make your travel more efficient, it's recommended to stay in a hotel near your business meetings or key points of interest, as Jakarta’s distances between locations can be long and traffic-heavy.
Jakarta Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia
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