The capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta, is blessed with incredible natural beauty and modern structures. People rightly refer to Jakarta as the city of contrasts as it is a perfect mixing pot of old and the new as well as brings many cultures like Java, Indian, European, and Arab together. Some famous tourist attractions in Jakarta include Taman Mini Indonesia and the National Monument of Indonesia. One of the best places to visit in Jakarta is the Old Town of Jakarta the streets of which are dotted with Dutch colonial buildings. The theme parks like Ancol and Atlantis add more to the points of interest in Jakarta. Below you will find the 15 best things to do in Jakarta that you should keep in your itinerary.
Here's the list of Jakarta points of interest and 15 best things to do in Jakarta:
1. Get a glimpse of Indonesian culture at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
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Located in East Jakarta, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is also called the Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park. Sprawling over an area of 250 acres, this cultural recreational area is the best place to get a glimpse of Indonesian lifestyle within a short period. As you enter the park, you will find 26 replicas of traditional Jakarta houses. Taman Mini Indonesia is home to some museums, performing theatres, and arts and crafts stalls, and also provides accommodation facility. Once you are here, you will understand how diverse the culture of Indonesia is.
2. Click pictures of the National Monument
The National Monument of Indonesia is located at the center of Merdeka Square. The monument is lovingly known as Monas by the locals. The monument was built to mark the first proclamation of Independence of Indonesia from the colonial rule in 1945. This 137-meter-tall monument catches everyone’s attention who is hopping around the Merdeka Square. At the top of the monument, you will see a 14.5-meter bronze flame coated with gold. Click some photographs of the national monument during the dusk and it will be the best pic of your Jakarta trip.
3. Have a fun-filled day at Dunia Fantasi
Dunia Fantasi is a part of Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta. This beautiful theme park is also known as Dufan by the locals. There are over 40 rides and plenty of attractions inside the park that promise a fun-filled day for the entire family. The park was opened in 1984 and since then it has been a favorite spot for recreational activities and picnic for families and school kids. You can enjoy a tornado that can spin you in all directions, one-of-a-kind roller coasters, and the thrills of free fall tower.
4. Take a dip in history at Jakarta History Museum
For all the history buffs who are always looking to combining the fun with knowledge, a visit to the Jakarta History Museum is a must. Also known as Fatahillah Museum or Batavia Museum, this interactive museum showcases the Indonesian history from the prehistoric period to the Dutch rule and then independent Indonesia. The building was modeled after the Dam Palace, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. A walk through the 37 ornate rooms of the museums will introduce you to the wonderful historical facts about Indonesia.
5. Meet the Indonesian fauna at Ragunan Zoo
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Home to a large number of exotic animals, Ragunan Zoo is a fantastic place to be it. The locals call it Kebun Binatang Ragunan and it is one of the oldest zoos in the world while southeast Asia’s largest. You will find the animals like Sumatran tiger, komodo dragon, chimpanzees, gorillas, and other Indonesian animal species as well as the animals from Arabia, Africa, and America. The zoo also features a kid’s park and a pond where families can enjoy a picnic. You can visit the zoo between 9am to 4pm on all days of the week except Monday.
6. Live an Ocean dream at Sea World Indonesia
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Also called Sea World Ancol, this beautiful aquarium is a like an ocean dream one can see with open eyes. There are several tanks in the aquarium including one main tank and one shark tank. In addition to this, you will find a freshwater area, an Antasena tunnel, an ecosystem tank, Dugong tank, and a deep-sea area that will familiarize you with the magnificence of marine life. You can also enjoy feeding the sharks. Discover over 3500 marine animals at Seaworld Indonesia.
7. Spend a peaceful time at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral
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Known for its beautiful spires and towers, St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Jakarta is one of the must-see attractions. This Roman Catholic cathedral is built in Neo-Gothic style. It is located in central Jakarta and you can easily reach here from the Merdeka Square. There are 3 spires in the Cathedral two of which are 60 meters tall. While the exterior cathedral looks out of picture postcard, its interior is equally beautiful. There is a small museum on the second floor where you can explore the relics of Catholic rituals.
8. Spend a relaxing time at Taman Suropati
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Located in central Jakarta, Taman Suropati is one of the most beautiful spots to relax and refresh. While the place remains peaceful and calm on weekdays, its burst into laughter and festivities on weekends as people from Jakarta come here to spend a joyous time. This hill-shaped park was named after the national hero Untung Suropati who fought for Indonesia’s independence. You will also see some statues and monuments inside the park marking the friendship between Asian nations.
9. Admire the architecture of Istiqlal Mosque
The largest mosque in southeast Asia, Istiqlal Mosque the center of attraction in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is also called the National Mosque of Indonesia. The word istiqlal means independence and this mosque was built in order to commemorate the Indonesian independence. The mosque has a modern structure and a 96.66 meters tall minaret. Inside the mosque, there is a wonderful work of stainless steel, ceramics, and marble. You will also see seven gates of the mosque representing the seven heavens of Islam.
10. Take a ferry ride to Pramuka Island
One of the popular spots for couples in Jakarta, Pramuka Island is located in the Thousand islands archipelago. A ferry ride from Marina Ancol Jakarta to Pramuka Island itself is something you will remember for a lifetime. The ethnic groups like Betawi, Baten and Madura are the inhabitants of this island. You would love to visit the turtle conservation area on the island as well as the mangrove surrounding it. There are homestays for tourists staying where you can best experience the local vibe.
11. Learn about the soul of Indonesia at National Museum of Indonesia
The National Museum of Indonesia is the place where you can learn about the history, culture, ethnicity, archaeology, and geology of Indonesia just under one roof. Referred to as a pride of Jakarta, the National Museum is located on the west side of Merdeka Square. A tour of the museum will let you explore 141,000 objects related to the archaeology, history, and geography of Indonesia. There are wonderful exhibits from ancient Java and Sumatra regions. The prehistory collection and ceramics collection are also worth seeing.
12. Walk along the colonial buildings of Merdeka Square
Top see the colonial impact on Indonesia, the historical square of Merdeka is a must stop. Located in the heart of Jakarta, Merdeka Square is home to the National Monument. Having an area of 1 square kilometer, it is considered as one of the largest squares in the world. Apart from the monument, you will find a lush green park and a musical fountain in the square. The square serves as a venue for the sports and recreational activities for the locals on weekends. There are a number of Dutch buildings
13. Witness the maritime history at Maritime Museum
Opened in the Dutch East India Company warehouse, the Maritime Museum of Jakarta is dedicated to the maritime history of Indonesia and with the help of various artifacts and exhibits explain the significance of sea in the Indonesian economy. Inside the museum, you will see a wonderful collection of ship models and cannons and will also learn about the tools used by ships. Reading about the maritime customs and listening to the folklore about the sea are other interesting things in the museum.
14. Take a tour of the National Gallery of Indonesia
After learning about the history of the place and admiring its natural beauty, it’s time to witness the incredible art of Indonesia. And for this, no place could be better than the National Gallery of Indonesia. The gallery was opened as a cultural institution in the year 1999. Take a tour of the gallery and you will fall in love with the 1770 phenomenal artwork by the local and international artists. The museum was established to preserve the visual art of Indonesia.
15. Splash around at Atlantis Water Adventure
A perfect place for aqua adventure, Atlantis Water Adventure attracts the tourists with its exciting slides and wave pool. The water park has eight different sections promising a fun-filled time for the visitors. In addition to the slides, you will also find the artificial beaches where you can enjoy swimming or just relax. The park also has chairs and benches to rest and a restaurant at your service.
