Top Things to See
As Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta is the cultural centre of this diverse and populous nation. There are dozens of attractions worth checking out in the city, but most visitors start their explorations in the old Dutch enclave of Batavia, which retains a decent level of colonial charisma. Fortunately for visitors, many of the tourist highlights are concentrated in the central district of the city. Each district has its own merits, from the historic Kota neighbourhood to the old port area of Sunda Kelapa. Monuments, museums, mosques and temples can be found everywhere you look, offering days of exploration for those hardy enough to brave the traffic, pollution and heat.
 Istiqlal Mosque
Not only is this mosque one of the largest in Southeast Asia, it also happens to be staggeringly beautiful. Since Jakarta is mainly an Islamic community, a visit to this massive mosque is an ideal way to observe the city’s religious life. Visitors are allowed to enter when prayers are not happening, but should remember to dress modestly and remove their shoes. Phone: +62 21 315 4094.
Jembatan Pasar Ayam
The last remaining Dutch drawbridge doesn’t function anymore, but it remains one of Jakarta’s nicest colonial landmarks. Built in the 17th century to span the Great Canal, connecting the British and Dutch forts on either side of the water, it is a beautiful piece of architecture and well worth a visit. Phone: +62 21 315 4094.
 Kota
Jakarta’s tourism hub is the old Dutch town of Batavia in the Kota district. Visitors will want to spend some time wandering the timeless cobbled streets around Taman Fatahillah plaza. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop in this historic area and the original port of Sunda Kelapa, along the waterfront, is a great place to escape the chaos of modern Jakarta and imagine yourself transported back in time.
 Maritime Museum
This fascinating museum tells the history of Jakarta’s rich maritime heritage. Situated in a 19th century Dutch warehouse at the old port of Sunda Kelapa, exhibits include old sepia photographs from the original Batavia enclave, model boats and plenty of maritime relics. The museum also boasts a watchtower which provides panoramic views over the port and city from its lookout. Phone: +62 21 669 3406.
 National Monument
Rising over 130 metres above Independence square in the heart of Jakarta, it’s hard to miss the imposing National Monument. This symbol of Indonesia’s freedom from colonialism remains a powerful reminder to the locals. There is usually something interesting going on around the base of the monument, and it is certainly worth a look.
 National Museum
Jakarta’s most important museum focuses on the history of both the capital and Indonesia in general. Located in one of the capital’s most picturesque 19th century buildings, the museum has an amazing collection of religious pieces from Java’s many temples, as well as priceless Chinese ceramics and various gifts given to local rulers over the centuries. Phone: +62 21 381 1551.
 Sunda Kelapa
The original trading port of Jakarta is located right on the edge of the Kota district and makes a wonderful area to spend an afternoon watching the traditional boats loading and unloading their cargo as they’ve done for centuries. The boats are charismatic and colourful, and the locals are friendly; if you strike up a conversation you’re likely to be invited onboard.
Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Centre
Named after the famed Indonesian musician, this centre is host to the city’s planetarium as well as the Jakarta Institute for the Arts. The only art centre of its kind in the country, the facilities include outdoor and indoor theatres, two art galleries and several exhibition halls showcasing local and national arts and crafts. Phone: +62 21 315 4087.
Vihara Dharma Bhakti
The oldest temple in Jakarta is this Buddhist masterpiece dating back to 1650, when it was built for the followers of Taoism. The pungent smell of incense and burning candles provides an ambiance not often found in Jakarta. Phone: +62 21 315 4094.
Top Things to Do
Catch a ride on an Indonesian train for an experience you won’t forget. The Kota Train Station is a classic example of contemporary colonial architecture dating from the 1930s. The train depot blends in perfectly with the surrounding architecture and still functions as a working train station, with thousands of locals using the trains to get to and from the capital. Although the trains in Jakarta are reliably crowded and chaotic, a short jaunt into the countryside or along the coast can leave you with some great memories. Located on Jalan Stasiun in Kota. Phone: +62 21 386 0934.
 Discover the wonders of Indonesian flora at the impressive Bogor Botanical Gardens. Officially opened in 1817, these gardens are among the oldest in all of Asia and offer a rare glimpse at some 17,000 different species of local plants. Many rare orchids and other unique plants are contained within the 87 hectare grounds. If you have any interest in gardening, you won’t want to miss this amazing spectacle.
 Escape to the Thousand Islands. For a dose of tropical island splendor, visitors can catch a boat to any of the 120 islands from the Ancol Marina for a daytrip or longer. The coral reefs which surround nearly every island are excellent for snorkelling or swimming, and the beaches are among the best around the capital. Located in Jakarta Bay.
Search for priceless gemstones at Pasar Rawabeing. If you are a fan of gems, rare rocks and other geological wonders, you won’t want to miss a browse through Jakarta’s best stone market, where semiprecious and precious gemstones are the main attraction. Like all markets, the quality ranges, with both rip-offs and real beauties. At the far end of the market is an area that sells Indonesian antiques such as jewel-encrusted ceremonial kris daggers and the like. Located on Jalan Bekasi Barat Raya. Phone: +62 21 819 7059.
See the entire country compressed into one place at the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. This ambitious cultural endeavor attempts to recreate the living environments of all 27 of the country’s provinces through reconstructed buildings and displays of local arts and crafts. Cable cars and shuttles help visitors get around the 100 hectare compound. Cultural performances are hosted daily, making this the ideal one-stop cultural immersion destination. Located on Jalan Raya Pondok Gede. Phone: +62 21 840 9214.
Soak in the old Dutch colonial ambiance at Fatahillah Park. The main square in the Batavia district was once the hub of social life in Batavia when the Dutch were in power. Today, it still has all its former charm and provides a pleasant hangout spot for locals and tourists taking a break from exploring the old district of Jakarta. Occasionally, special events or festivals are held in the square. Located on Jalan Pintu Besar Utara in Kota. Phone: +62 21 315 4094.
Step back in time with a visit to Jatinegara Meester Cornelis. If you have time to make one excursion out of the city, this charming Dutch colonial town on the eastern fringe of Jakarta has a wonderfully antiquated feel to it. The local produce market, gemstone bazaar and temples from every religion imaginable complement the residential villages which ring the commercial heart of the town. Located on Jalan Jatinegara Barat in East Jakarta.
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