Jakarta
· ID

Jakarta

Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta, the vibrant capital of Indonesia, is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. As the country\'s economic and cultural hub, Jakarta offers a captivating experience for travelers seeki…

#capital city#metropolitan#cultural hub#business center#tropical climate
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Jakarta.

Top Hotels in Jakarta

Top Flights to Jakarta

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Jakarta.

Tours

National Monument

Visit the iconic National Monument, a symbol of Indonesia's independence.

Kota Tua Jakarta

Wander through Jakarta's historic Old Town, filled with Dutch colonial buildings and museums.

Istiqlal Mosque

Visit the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, located in the heart of Jakarta.

Bundaran HI

See the iconic roundabout with the Selamat Datang Monument, a centerpiece of Jakarta.

Shopping

Grand Indonesia Mall

Experience luxury shopping and dining at one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia.

Pasar Baru Market

Explore traditional market shopping, offering textiles, electronics, and a mix of goods.

Outdoor

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Explore a cultural park in East Jakarta showcasing Indonesian culture with pavilions and museums.

Ragunan Zoo

Discover a variety of wildlife at one of the oldest zoos in Asia, located in Jakarta.

Ancol Dreamland

Enjoy various attractions from amusement parks to beaches at Jakarta's largest recreational area.

Car Free Day Jakarta

Join the weekly Car Free Day along the city's main roads for a refreshing activity without traffic.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Jakarta.

Currency
Rp | IDR | Indonesian Rupiah
Population
11.3 million
Languages
Indonesian, Indonesian, Betawi, Javanese
Average weather
Jakarta
Jan
rain
30°24°
Feb
rain
30°24°
Mar
rain
31°24°
Apr
rain
31°25°
May
cloud
31°25°
Jun
cloud
31°24°
Jul
cloud
31°24°
Aug
cloud
31°24°
Sep
cloud
32°24°
Oct
rain
32°25°
Nov
rain
31°25°
Dec
rain
31°25°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Jakarta.

What people love

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity that attracts travelers from around the world. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Jakarta:

  1. Cultural Diversity: Jakarta is a melting pot of diverse cultures, with influences from various ethnic groups and religions. You can experience this diversity through the city's vibrant arts and crafts, traditional performances, and delicious cuisine.

  2. Historical Sites: Jakarta has a rich history that dates back centuries, with several historical sites and landmarks to explore. From the iconic National Monument (Monas) to the Old Town (Kota Tua) area with its Dutch colonial buildings, there is much to discover about Jakarta's past.

  3. Shopping and Dining: Jakarta is a paradise for shoppers and food lovers, with a wide range of shopping malls, markets, and street food stalls to explore. You can shop for everything from high-end fashion brands to traditional handicrafts and sample delicious Indonesian dishes at local eateries.

  4. Nightlife and Entertainment: Jakarta offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to all tastes. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or enjoy a relaxing evening with friends, Jakarta has something for everyone.

  5. Gateway to Indonesia: As the capital city and main gateway to Indonesia, Jakarta is well-connected to other parts of the country, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the rest of the archipelago. From Jakarta, you can easily travel to popular destinations like Bali, Yogyakarta, and Bandung.

Overall, Jakarta has much to offer travelers seeking a dynamic urban experience with a touch of Indonesian culture and history.

What to know

Some of the cons of traveling to Jakarta, Indonesia, include:

  1. Traffic congestion: Jakarta is infamous for its heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Navigating the city by car can be frustrating and time-consuming.

  2. Air pollution: Jakarta's air quality is often poor due to high levels of pollution from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction projects. This can have negative impacts on health, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues.

  3. Crime and safety concerns: While Jakarta is generally safe for tourists, petty crimes such as theft and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It's important to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure personal safety.

  4. Noise and pollution: Jakarta is a bustling metropolis with a high population density, leading to noise pollution from traffic, construction, and street vendors. Additionally, the city's waste management infrastructure may not be as efficient as in other places, leading to visible pollution in some areas.

  5. Lack of green spaces: Jakarta is a densely populated city with limited green spaces and parks. This can make it challenging to find areas for relaxation and recreation amidst the urban sprawl.

  6. Extreme weather: Jakarta experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Sudden rain showers and occasional flooding can disrupt travel plans and make outdoor activities challenging.

Overall, while Jakarta offers unique cultural experiences and attractions, travelers should be prepared for the challenges associated with a bustling and rapidly developing city.

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, has a rich and complex history that spans several centuries. Here's an overview of its historical development, significant events, historical figures, and landmarks:

Early History

  • Pre-Colonial Times: Jakarta's history dates back to the 4th century when it was known as Sunda Kelapa, a significant port of the Sunda Kingdom.
  • Kingdoms and Empires: The area was influenced by Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms, and later by the Islamic Sultanate of Banten.

Colonial Era

  • Portuguese Arrival (1513): The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive, seeking to dominate the spice trade.
  • Dutch Colonial Rule (1619): In 1619, the Dutch, under Jan Pieterszoon Coen, conquered the city and renamed it Batavia. Batavia became the center of the Dutch East India Company's trade network in Asia.
  • Japanese Occupation (1942-1945): During World War II, the Japanese occupied the city, renaming it Jakarta.

Post-Independence

  • Indonesian Independence (1945): Following the end of World War II, Indonesia declared independence on August 17, 1945. Jakarta was officially named the capital.
  • Sukarno Era (1945-1967): Under President Sukarno, Jakarta saw significant development, including the construction of landmarks like the National Monument (Monas) and the Istiqlal Mosque.

Modern Era

  • Suharto Era (1967-1998): President Suharto's New Order regime led to rapid economic growth and urbanization in Jakarta, but also issues of corruption and cronyism.
  • Reformasi Period (1998-Present): Following Suharto's fall, Jakarta has experienced democratization and decentralization, but also challenges like traffic congestion and flooding.

Significant Figures

  • Sukarno: The first President of Indonesia, who played a crucial role in Jakarta's early development.
  • Ali Sadikin: Governor of Jakarta from 1966 to 1977, known for modernizing the city.

Important Landmarks

  • National Monument (Monas): A symbol of Indonesia's independence, located in Merdeka Square.
  • Istiqlal Mosque: The largest mosque in Southeast Asia, a symbol of religious harmony as it was designed by a Christian architect.
  • Kota Tua (Old Town): The area contains remnants of the Dutch colonial era, including the Jakarta History Museum.
  • Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: A cultural park showcasing the diversity of Indonesian culture.

Recent Developments

  • Relocation of the Capital: Due to overcrowding and environmental issues, the Indonesian government is planning to move the capital to East Kalimantan, but Jakarta remains the economic and cultural heart of Indonesia.

Jakarta continues to be a vibrant and dynamic city, reflecting Indonesia's diversity and complexity.