Discover How This Once Boring Layover Made Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Travel Spots

It’s not just one of the best travel cities, but also the only Southeast Asian country to make the list! Jakarta was quite a surprise this time. After some in-depth research, I found that it indeed has many interesting things to do. Quickly save this post and get ready to go ✈
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[1R] North Jakarta
🔺Old Town Jakarta (Wisata Kota Tua Jakarta): The oldest part of Jakarta, and one of the best-preserved Dutch colonial architecture clusters in Southeast Asia.

It is a hub for museums. The entire old town area is not large, and the attractions are close to each other, so half a day is enough.
🔺Jakarta Cathedral: Right across from the mosque, the building is in Gothic style, exquisite and very eye-catching, giving a strong European feel.
*Closed on Wednesdays and public holidays, no admission fee required.

🔺Galeria Sophilia: One of the most beautiful art galleries locally, highly recommended! There are free guided tours available, and photography is allowed (open from 12-3 PM on Sundays, tickets can only be purchased on-site, no photography allowed on the 7th floor).
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[2R] Northwest Jakarta
🔺Phoenix Bar: This place exudes luxury, with its cross-ladder, statue fountains, and vintage decor.

.. making you want to switch to “photo mode.”
*For those who don’t drink, you can come during the day as they offer light meals and afternoon tea.
🔺Aloha Pasir Putih: This market not only has white sand beaches and palm groves but also many trendy cafes and restaurants, giving a full Hawaiian vibe. Across from it, Land’s End is a newly opened white sand beach area, also surrounded by some artistic cafe districts (may be closed at night).

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[3R] South Jakarta
🔺Habitat Park & Kori Cafe: A zoo & botanical garden cafe. Who would have thought there would be a zoo in the bustling CBD!
🔺Skye Bar: A super romantic rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy the city’s most beautiful views and skyline.
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[4R] Thousand Islands
Although not as well-known as Bali or Lombok, the island scenery is no less impressive.

🚗Transport: You can take a boat from Ancol Pier in North Jakarta, choosing between a ferry or speedboat, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the island.
🔻Pulau Pramuka: 1-hour boat ride, the administrative center of the Thousand Islands, located in the heart of the archipelago.

Here, besides water sports like snorkeling, you can visit the turtle conservation area. There’s a famous local uncle who can take you out to sea, showing you a central beach and a stunning snorkeling spot.
🔻Pulau Tidung: 1-hour boat ride, famous for its Love Bridge.
🔻Pulau Putri: 1-hour boat ride, commonly known as Princess Island, with crystal clear waters and coral reefs everywhere, and a variety of water activities: snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, underwater tunnels, water slides, sunset cruises.

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🔻Pulau Macan: 2-hour boat ride, Tiger Island itself can be considered an eco-resort, with all electricity powered by solar energy.

It is renowned for its enchanting cottages, where you can wake up to breathtaking views of the endless blue sea right from your bed (*reservation required).
🔻Pulau Pelangi: Just a 3-hour boat ride away, this island, also known as Rainbow Island, boasts a mesmerizing Tiffany-blue jelly sea that outshines even the most stunning filters.