Discover Jakarta: Your Ultimate Free and Easy Travel Guide to Indonesia🇮🇩

As the vibrant capital, Jakarta is a melting pot of colonial charm, a bustling central business district, and a culinary paradise, making it an essential destination to explore for 1-2 days.

🏨 Hotel Recommendation: Yello Hotel Harmoni, priced around $300 per night, offers a comfortable stay comparable to Ji Hotel. It’s just a 2-kilometer stroll from the National Mosque, perfect for a morning walk.

🚍 Transportation: A convenient train connects the airport to the city center 🚆, while within the city, you can navigate using subways 🚈 and buses 🚌. Rechargeable cards are available at select subway stations. For a more personalized ride, opt for Grab or Gojek, which offer both car and motorcycle services.

[Red Book R] Sightseeing Recommendations:
[One R] Kota Old Town (Pictures [Two R]-[Four R])
Step back in time in this former Dutch 🇳🇱 colony, where European-style architecture still stands, offering a glimpse into the past.

[Two R] National Monument (Picture [Five R])
Nestled in the heart of a sprawling park, this iconic monument is just a short distance from the mosque and church, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.

[Three R] Istiqlal Mosque (Pictures [Six R]-[Seven R])
Free to visit, the Istiqlal Mosque, also known as the National Mosque, is the largest in Jakarta. Visitors need to register before entering, but the experience is well worth it.

[Four R] Jakarta Cathedral (Picture [Eight R])
Also free to visit, the Jakarta Cathedral is situated directly across from the Istiqlal Mosque. If you’re lucky, you might catch a wedding ceremony, adding a touch of romance to your visit.

[Five R] Irian Jaya Liberation Monument (Pictures [Nine R]-[One R][Zero R])
Located in a park next to the church, this monument commemorates the liberation of Irian Jaya. The park also hosts a beautiful orchid exhibition, a must-see for nature lovers.

[Six R] National Museum of Indonesia
Situated on the west side of the National Monument, the National Museum was under renovation during my July visit, but it’s a treasure trove of history and culture when open.

[Seven R] Surrounding Areas of Plaza Senayan (Pictures [One R][One R]-[One R][Two R])
In the southern CBD area, Plaza Senayan is a shopper’s haven. Don’t miss the PeriPlus bookstore on the ground floor, where you can find postcards and magazines to take home as souvenirs.

[Eight R] Chinatown by the Sea (Pictures [One R][Three R]-[One R][Four R])
Head to Cove at Batavia PIK, easily accessible via a Grab taxi for about $50. This charming area is rich in Chinese culture, with tea shops like Cha San Qian and Mixue Bingcheng, and a scenic view of the sea.

[Nine R] Selamat Datang Monument (Pictures [One R][Five R]-[One R][Six R])
Navigate to the monument and head to the second floor of the nearest BRT station 🚉 for a panoramic view. This is a great spot for skyline photography, and if time allows, explore the views from several BRT stations.

[One R][Zero R] AXA Tower (Pictures [One R][Seven R]-[One R][Eight R])
A popular spot for photo ops, AXA Tower offers a stunning observation deck. Head to the P6 parking level of the adjacent Kuninggan mall, then walk up one level for breathtaking views. Morning light is ideal, but the sunset shots in the afternoon are equally captivating.

[Rainbow R] Shopping:
[One R] Grand Indonesia East Mall
The largest shopping mall in Jakarta, Grand Indonesia East Mall is a shopper’s paradise. Connected to its western counterpart, it boasts a wide array of brands, dining options, and tea shops like KOI and Cha San Qian, ensuring a delightful retail therapy session.

[Two R] Kuninggan
Nestled right next to the vibrant [One R][Zero R], Kuninggan offers a plethora of dining options, making it a perfect spot for food enthusiasts. From local delicacies to international cuisines, there’s something to satisfy every palate.