What to Do When You Find Yourself in Jakarta

By Mark Wiens 18 Comments

I spent 4 days in Jakarta before proceeding onwards in my journey through Indonesia towards Yogyakarta to climb Mt. Merapi and check out the Borobudur temple complex.  Jakarta is a massive bustling metropolis that can be somewhat overwhelming.

If you don’t just want to spend time getting lost in Jakarta’s labyrinth (which is usually a great thing to do), and have a few days, here are some worthwhile things to do.

View of Jakarta from National Monument
View Of Jakarta

Monas: National Monument

One of the central and noticeable landmarks in Jakarta is the Monas National Monument, known in slang terms as “Sokareno’s last erection.”

Located in the center of Merdeka (freedom) Square and park, the 137 meter monument can be scaled by elevator for a very modest fee.

The result is a pretty compulsive view of greater Jakarta and the smog that consists.  The view is interesting and helps to get a little orientation for the urban agglomerate.

Jakarta Mona National Monument
Jakarta Mona National Monument

National Museum

On an aimless stroll around town, inhaling copious amounts of putrid fumes, I stumbled into the National Museum.  Resulting from extreme afternoon heat exhaustion, I decided to make an entrance.

The overall museum is actually impressive and I would recommend it.  Artifacts from the expanse of the diverse Indonesian archipelago can be found in the museum.  Don’t miss the items varying from Papua penis gourds to ancient jewelry and skulls.

National Museum in Jakarta Indonesia
Jakarta National Museum

Old Colonial Quarter (Taman Fatahillah)

The old Dutch settlement in Jakarta is a colonial throwback and provides vivid and interesting contrasts.  European buildings are shadowed by homeless sleepers, Gothic punk youth,  guitar freestylers, and the ever annoying tune of the ice cream cart.

Tropical palms, intense heat, and filthy maintenance, drown the Euro looking streets and architecture.

The Cafe Batavia in old town is a worthwhile place to wander and the staff will be friendly even if you don’t purchase anything.

Enter with a full bladder as the bathrooms are beautifully mirrored and uniquely designed.

Historic Colonial Town Jakarta Indonesia
Historic Colonial Town Jakarta
Historic Town Jakarta Indonesia
Historic Town Jakarta

Food for Thought

At night, side street stalls will literally claim a section of road and string yellow and red canvas around their area to blockade it.

Don’t hesitate to dive into delicious ikan bakar (grilled fish with killer sauce), mystery buffets of nasi campur, and other cheffed necessities. For more information on food selection have a look at 9 foods to eat in Indonesia.

Nasi Padang Food in Jakarta
Nasi Padang Food in Jakarta

Impromptu Bands

Makeshift cover bands and guitarists with 4 stringed guitars will come to you like ocean waves rolling into shore.  Some people sing poorly on purpose so you have to give them something small for them to leave.

It’s not a bad idea to have a few 1000 Rupiah notes to get some of the most repugnant musicians to depart.  Other inspiring musicians are actually quite talented and might even deserve an applause.

Whether the music is good or bad, it does make for an interesting dinner or night of entertainment.

Masjid Istiqlal Mosque

Islam is widespread in Indonesia and shrieks from mosques can be heard throughout Jakarta.  If you show up at the entrance to the world’s third largest mosque, Masjid Istiqlal, someone will be obliged to show you around the premises.  It is free to look, though after a while someone will ask for a donation.

Masjid Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta
Masjid Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta

Accommodation

The main area for budget accommodation and convenience is located on Jalan Jaksa, in a decent city location.  I stayed on a side foot road right off Jalan Jaksa at the Bloem Steen guest house.

The front veranda garden, sufficient room conditions, and free breakfast with great coffee, make this guest house recommendable.

Jakarta Main Street

Note: Beware of the touts and jokers on Jalan Jaksa who attempt to sway your decisions. If in doubt, just be friendly and move along.

Conclusion

In a city of 20 million, with people spanning from close and far out islands, the diversity and expression of Jakarta is enough to look at and then be enticed. Indonesians are almost always friendly, so don’t fear getting disoriented and finding some ultra random places to hang out!

18 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • vishal kaushik

    3 years ago

    Good job Mark. Keep it up!

  • Mas Picis

    8 years ago

    Mark I always waiting your video on YouTube… waiting your video on other parts of Indonesia… Java, Bali and Lombok would be great

  • Leonard Raymond Setiabudhi

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark, I just found this amazing website… and want to make a little correction about the location of Monas… it’s in MERDEKA square… not MERKEDA square… Thank you 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Leonard, thank you for the correction, my mistake, will correct that. Thanks!

  • Simon sakkab

    8 years ago

    Bloem guesthouse has severe bad reviews on Tripadvisor. Just FYI.

    Thank you Mark, I enjoy your work, I am a fan of Pailin of Hot Thai Kitchen too and I love to cook.

    I will be heading to SE Asia this coming March/April. I will be looking at your videos for tips :). I am also looking to make a little clip imitating your facial expression when you really like the food.. It would be a little tribute to Thai food and your passion for it.

    I did a screen capture but I don’t see how I could attach it here (about reviews in TripAdvisor)

    Happy eating.
    Simon.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Simon, thank you very much for the update. That was a long time ago, so looks like things have changed, although I do remember it being pretty basic and rustic. I just stayed in Jakarta for a couple weeks recently so will update with more info. Lots more Jakarta posts to come. Thanks again!

  • ari

    9 years ago

    yeah lot of foreigns usually skip jakarta and go to yogyakarta or bali instead. as its native citizen i can say Jakarta a big and crowded city (and the traffic jam is killing, lol), is not really a place to visit if u want to enjoy some relax vacation.

  • ashree

    11 years ago

    Hey Mark! It’s nice to see you’re exploring our city that much. Though it must be so much other things that you could enjoy. But you got your point, when in doubt just move along. Never mind those people who try to mess your decision. Come again!

    Regards.
    http://www.jakpost.travel/

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Ashree, thanks a lot! It was a long time ago when I visited and I’d love to come back again in the future!

  • melvin

    12 years ago

    i actually love the sound of ice cream carts,we have lots of those in the philippines.they remind me of my childhood

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Ha, ok cool, it’s a sound that brings back great ice cream memories!

  • Randall

    13 years ago

    That is one place that I have never been. My wife went to Bali one time when she lived in Singapore.

    The food looked so awesome! I had to see it when I was hungry! Ha!

    Looks like a great place to stay.

  • tchibo gutschein

    14 years ago

    🙂 cool!

  • Mark Wiens

    14 years ago

    Hey Tempo,
    Thanks, unfortunately I didn’t even get to sample to nightlife. I was so tired each night in Jakarta, or full, I didn’t even get out. Thanks for letting me know and next time I’m in Jakarta, will be sure to check it out!

  • tempo dulu

    14 years ago

    Hi Mark!

    I think you’ve done a good job in writing an introductory guide to my city, Jakarta. But you missed out one very important thing:

    the nightlife!

    or is that your next post?

    cheers.

  • Dave and Deb

    14 years ago

    Excellent information for a city guide to Jakarta. We haven’t had the pleasure of spending time there, but we are looking forward to going back to Indonesia one day soon. Wow, that mosque looks incredible. You have sold me on the city, I have always thought that you should just skip Jakarta and move on, but you have changed my mind. Thanks!

    • Mark Wiens

      14 years ago

      Even in a massive and not the cleanest city, you can always find fun things to do and awesome people to meet with a good attitude. In Jakarta, the mix of people from many different islands is a great thing to observe. There are also some good attractions to see. Hope you guys will have as good of a time as I did in Jakarta!