Jakarta in a day

When you are in Jakarta for a short visit and have one day off to stroll around the city, here are some places that you can and should see within one day. No, they are not shopping malls.

1.    Monas

Monas is the landmark of Jakarta. Situated in the central of the city, this is the easiest meeting spot for most people. Make sure that you arrive in the morning so you don’t have to wait for too long in line to get to the top of the monument where you can view all over Jakarta

Jakarta seen from the top of Monas

2.    Museum Gajah

I would say that this Museum is the most complete one if you want to see the culture of Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke. They have a complete collection of traditional artwork from the whole country, also from the ancient period. This museum is located right across Monas and it takes around 7 minutes by walking.

Some collections of Museum Gajah

3.    Museums in Kota Tua

There are several museums that are located in Kota Tua, such as Bank Mandiri Museum, Bank Indonesia Museum, Fatahilah Museum, Puppet Museum, etc. There are some alternatives to get there from Museum Gajah : by car (I don’t suggest this because it’s difficult to find parking space), by taxi or by Transjakarta busway line Blok M - Kota. The last option is advisable when you are not rushing with the time and like to travel on low budget transportation. 

Inside look of Museum Bank Indonesia

Some of the puppet collections from Puppet Museum

This area is also famous for people to do some photo shoot sessions because of the ancient look of the old buildings.

Kota Tua area

Museum Fatahillah

4.    Café Batavia

When you are tired after walking around the museums and looking for something to eat or drink, then Café Batavia is a good place to relax. They offer Asian and Western food, as well as Indonesian. This restaurant is really famous among expatriates and tourists because it has a unique atmosphere.

 Bar in Cafe Batavia

The restaurant on the second floor

Men's toilet in Cafe Batavia

5.    Tour Sepeda Ontel / Bike for Hire

In the hall of the Kota Tua area, you can hire a bicycle with the tour guide and he will take you to ride around to visit other places nearby, like Naval Museum (Museum Bahari), Sunda Kelapa port.

Sepeda Ontel

6.    Ancol Marina Bay

Where is the best place to see the sunset if it’s not by the beach. The next place you should visit is Ancol Marina Bay. You can also go there directly from Kota Tua by taxi or by Transjakarta busway. If it’s still to early to catch the sunset, then you can go to the art market (Pasar Seni) or Sea World. There are many nice restaurant along the beach where you can have dinner or just to seat and have some drinks. Of all the places, I think having a romantic dinner by the beach is the best way to end the day.

Pasar Seni (Art Market)

 Sunset by the beach