Photos by Rizky Maharani. Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, a metropolitan and chaotic city, but one that offers everything you want to see and do in a big city of its calibre. A city of skyscrapers, history, religion and culture, impressive monuments, historical museums, gardens, parks and beaches, Jakarta lacks nothing!
Find out below what are the top 10 must-sees in Jakarta!
1 - Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Photo by Gunawan Kartapranata. This is the city's most popular tourist attraction and indeed, this cultural park is so unique that it would be a shame not to visit. The entire park is a synthesis of Indonesian culture and will show you the life, customs and traditions of its 26 provinces, divided into areas and pavilions. Inside the park there is also a large lake with miniatures of the Indonesian archipelago.
How to get there: It is 20 km from the centre of Jakarta and can be reached in 30 minutes by car or taxi via Jl.Tol Cililitan 2 and Jl.Tol Cililitan 1 roads - Get directions
Hours: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Ticket cost: Each attraction costs between Rp 10,000 and Rp 20,000 (€0.60 - €1.20)
2 - Merdeka Palace
Photo by BxHxTxCx (using album). It is a palace complex that also includes the Negara Palace, the Wisma Negara, the Sekretariat Negara and the Bina Graha building. Merdeka Palace is a symbol for the city of Jakarta because, besides being one of the six presidential palaces in Indonesia, it is used as the official residence of the President of the Indonesian Republic.
How to get there: It is located right in the central area of Jakarta, behind the main railway station, and is only a few minutes' walk away - Get directions
Hours: Always accessible
Ticket price: Free, but reservations are required
Recommended cards, tickets and tours : Jakarta: personalised guided tour with local guide
3 - Jakarta History Museum
If you are a museum and history buff, then you absolutely must visit this interesting museum in downtown Jakarta. The Jakarta History Museum illustrates the development of the city's events and community from prehistoric times to what it is today.
How to get there: It is located in the centre of Jakarta and is easily reached by Metro Line 1, getting off at Halte Transjakarta Kota stop, from which it is a 5-minute walk - Get directions
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
Ticket price: Rp 5,000 (€0.30)
4 - National Museum of Indonesia
Photo by Gunawan Kartapranata. Sticking with the theme of museums, after the Jakarta History Museum, we recommend the National Museum. This museum boasts almost 110,000 objects including prehistoric and modern archaeological finds, historical and geographical relics, ethnic artefacts and anything else that can testify to the history of Indonesia. In addition to being a rich exhibition, the museum also hosts various exhibitions and theatrical performances.
How to get there: It is located in central Jakarta and is a few minutes' walk across Merdeka Square, the main square - Get directions
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Monday closed)
Ticket price: Rp 10,000 (€0.60), half price for locals
5 - 'Monas' National Monument
Photo by Gunawan Kartapranata. In the middle of the beautiful Merdeka Square stands this 137 metre high column, commonly referred to as Monas, which has become a national monument because of its history and what it represents. In fact, this monument was erected during the harsh period of nationalism and its summit was named Freedom Square for the people's determination to achieve liberation. It is possible to reach the top via an internal lift that will give you a splendid view of the sea.
Directions: It is located in the centre of Jakarta and is a 2-minute walk from the main station - Get directions
Hours: 7am - midnight
Ticket price: Rp 5,000 (€0.30)
6 - Sea World Aquarium
If you're a fan of the sea and marine life, you'll have a great time at the Jakarta Aquarium, which by the way is one of the largest in the world. The special feature of this aquarium is not only the great variety of species you will find, but the way you can observe them. In fact, long 'underwater' walks await you on an arched pathway below the tanks and their large windows.
SEE ALSO: The world's largest aquariums
How to get there: Take the Metro Line 5D and get off at the Ancol stop, which is another 20-minute walk away - Get directions
Hours: 9am - 6pm
Ticket price: Rp 185,000 (€11.00)
7 - Love Bridge
Love Bridge is the Bridge of Love in North Jakarta, where the city meets the sea. This bridge is a romantic and atmospheric evening stroll between the lights of the city and the peaceful sound of the sea. Not to be missed if you want to enjoy a few moments of tranquillity away from the urban chaos.
How to get there: The nearest metro stop is Ancol served by Line 5D, then walk another 20 minutes - Get directions
Timetable: Always accessible
Ticket price: Free
8 - Ancol Beach
Photo by Midori. This isJakarta's long, sandybeach, surrounded by palm trees. Definitely not one of the most beautiful in Indonesia, but while you're in town you can take advantage of the warm weather and spend some time at the beach to escape the hectic Jakarta life.
How to get there: Take the Metro Line 5D and get off at Ancol and walk about 20 minutes - Get directions
Timetable: Always accessible
Ticket Price: Free
9 - Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption
Photo by Gunawan Kartapranata. If you're in the city centre, besides the very tall Monas Monument, you'll also notice two large white turrets. These are the 'domes' of Jakarta 's main Cathedral dedicated to St Mary of the Assumption. This church is so special that it is definitely worth a visit.
How to get there: It is located just northwest of Merdeka Square, so being in the central area of Jakarta you can easily walk there in a few minutes - Get directions
Hours: Always accessible
Ticket price: Free
10 - Dian Al-Mahri Mosque
Source: wikipedia. Last, but by no means least, an attraction in Jakarta is this huge golden-domed mosque. A large central dome surrounded by four smaller ones form the roof of this imposing structure set in a green garden reminiscent of the world of fairy tales.
How to get there: Being in South Jakarta, it is advisable to take the metro to the Kebayoran stop, although there are several changes to be made, and then take a taxi to your destination - Get directions
Timetable: Always accessible
Ticket price: Free
Plan your trip: Flights, hotels and tours
Jakarta is unfortunately a very chaotic and hecticcity and there is no shortage of slowdowns and traffic jams, some very frequent. Reaching it is easy via its international airport and its main station, Gambir, but getting around within the city requires time and patience.
Renting a car is absolutely not recommended, due to heavy traffic and the alternating number plate traffic system, and taking taxis for long-haul journeys that could take hours. The metro, on the other hand, is an excellent solution thanks to its 5 perfectly functioning lines that are well connected to everything.
As for accommodation and costs, there is no need to worry. Jakarta is indeed rich in accommodation facilities and the prices of most of them are really very low.
Cheap flights: from €493.31 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €40.00 per room - see deals
Card, ticket and tour recommendations: Jakarta Chinatown Discovery Jakarta: personalised guided tour with local
