What to Do in Jakarta: A Curated Guide for Culture‐Loving Explorers
Jakarta, Indonesia’s sprawling, complex capital, is a city of surprising elegance, where ancient traditions, colonial legacies, and bold modernism intertwine. For travellers with a passion for the arts, history, who enjoy refined experiences, exploring what to do in Jakarta reveals a rich and layered world that goes far beyond the skyscrapers and traffic headlines. Here, Batik artisanship flourishes next to avant-garde galleries, and century-old tea houses sit beneath futuristic glass towers. Jakarta is not merely a stopover - it is a destination where culture is alive, evolving, and endlessly inspiring.
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Top Experiences in Jakarta
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Jakarta Night Tour : Enjoyable Night time in Jakarta
Passing through the independent square area as the center of the Indonesian state government, the Presidential palace, Welcome Statue & Arjuna Wijaya statue. This is the landmark of the Jakarta. This monument became a symbol of the spirit of the Indonesian people against colonialism. This is the landmark of Jakarta. Design at the top of the monument looks flame. This monument became a symbol of the spirit of the Indonesian people against colonialism, at night the national monument will glow in color. (Outside Area only) Duration: 15 minutes. Located in Jalan Lapangan Banteng Utara, The Cathedral built in gothic style dates back to 1891. It has a high tower with high windows decorated with glass paintings. (Only in the outside area) Duration: 15 minutes. Splendid mosque as the largest in Southeast Asia. In front of the mosque stands a beautiful Catholic Cathedral with European neo‐gothic architecture. These two buildings become a symbol of unity in diversity. (Only in the outside area) Duration: 15 minutes. Explore Pacenongan Street which is famous for street food at nighttime. You will taste Jakarta Pancake as known as Martabak. Continue our trip to Explore Mangga Besar Street which is famous for nightlife in Jakarta. You can also see cobra satay sellers and king of fruit "durian" sellers along the way. Duration: 30 minutes. Formerly this area was the center of Dutch colonial government. There is a canal with a building background with Dutch architecture. Therefore this area is known as little Amsterdam. Duration: 30 minutes. Sunda Kelapa Harbor is the center of trade on the Java Island a long time ago. Currently, this port is still operate for domestic shipping with Pinisi (Traditional Wooden boat) lined up neatly on the port. Duration: 30 minutes. Ticket included. We will explore the new Chinatown with various food vendors along the way. The best place for a culinary tour at night Duration: 30 minutes.
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Jakarta Airport Lounge
Exclusive Access: Airport lounges are generally reserved for certain travelers, such as first‐class or business‐class passengers, members of airline loyalty programs, or individuals who purchase lounge access. This exclusivity creates a more private and tranquil environment compared to the bustling terminals. Comfort and Relaxation: Lounge areas are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, offering plush seating, spacious layouts, and a generally quieter ambiance. These features allow passengers to unwind, catch up on work, or simply relax before their flight.
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Go Around Jakarta
Our main purpose to give a memorable tour and get good photos. We use dslr camera or mirrorless to capture your best pose. After the tour, you can choose 3 photos of you and those will be edited before we share it to you. If you want to collect more picture, you request more with additional fees.
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Jakarta City Tour
The tour will take you to visit Sunda Kelapa Port – a 500‐year‐old harbor which was built during the Hindu Kingdom of Pajajaran, or Pasundan covering West Java including current Banten province, and a vital link to markets of the outside world. Jakarta is a historical city for Indonesia and relics of ancient Jakarta is preserved at National Museum, where the remnants and historical facts of Jakarta are preserved, also presenting old maps, antiques, and Chinese porcelains. The most popular site in the city of Jakarta is the Old Batavia City, as most of the ancient building especially during the Dutch colonization of Indonesia were located on this area. Refreshment and /or lunch can be arranged at a recommended restaurant, at extra cost (guests’ personal account). A drive passing Glodok – the first China town in Indonesia Presidential Palace, National Monuments, and the cathedral, can be arranged at the preference of the guests.
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Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to South Jakarta
Take the worry out of your arrival to Jakarta Airport (CGK) and pre‐book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 20 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis on arrival, and travel in the comfort of Hatchback car, Sedan, JV/Minicoach (maximum 5 people), Minicoach (maximum 9 people) or Coach (maximum 20 people).
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Private Transfer from North Jakarta to Jakarta Airport (CGK)
Take the worry out of your departure to Jakarta Airport (CGK) and pre‐book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 20 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis at the hotel, and travel in the comfort of a Hatchback car, Sedan, JV/Minicoach (maximum 5 people), Minicoach (maximum 9 people) or Coach (maximum 20 people).
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Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to West Jakarta
Take the worry out of your arrival to Jakarta Airport (CGK) and pre‐book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 20 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis on arrival, and travel in the comfort of Hatchback car, Sedan, JV/Minicoach (maximum 5 people), Minicoach (maximum 9 people) or Coach (maximum 20 people).
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Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to East Jakarta
Take the worry out of your arrival to Jakarta Airport (CGK) and pre‐book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 20 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis on arrival, and travel in the comfort of Hatchback car, Sedan, JV/Minicoach (maximum 5 people), Minicoach (maximum 9 people) or Coach (maximum 20 people).
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Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to North Jakarta
Take the worry out of your arrival to Jakarta Airport (CGK) and pre‐book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 20 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis on arrival, and travel in the comfort of Hatchback car, Sedan, JV/Minicoach (maximum 5 people), Minicoach (maximum 9 people) or Coach (maximum 20 people).
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Private Transfer from West Jakarta to Jakarta Airport (CGK)
Take the worry out of your departure to Jakarta Airport (CGK) and pre‐book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 20 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis at the hotel, and travel in the comfort of a Hatchback car, Sedan, JV/Minicoach (maximum 5 people), Minicoach (maximum 9 people) or Coach (maximum 20 people).
What to Do in Jakarta for the Sophisticated Traveller
Begin your journey with a visit to the National Gallery of Indonesia, where the country’s finest modern and contemporary artworks are housed in a striking neo-colonial building. For those mapping out what to do in Jakarta, this is an essential starting point — a vivid immersion into the archipelago’s artistic soul.
Beyond the Expected: Unique Things to Do in Jakarta
For those craving something different, there are many unique things to do in Jakarta that will leave a lasting impression. Begin with a private Batik-making workshop in the historic enclave of Kampung Batik Palbatu, where artisans pass down centuries-old techniques from hidden ateliers.
What to Do in Jakarta in Two Days: An Artful Escape
If you have a whole weekend and are wondering what to do in Jakarta with your two days, start with the full arts and culture circuit: the National Gallery, Kota Tua’s museums, and an evening in Kemang for contemporary art and live music.
On your second day, take a morning boat to the Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu), a serene chain of islands just off Jakarta’s coast. Spend a luxurious afternoon snorkelling or visiting historic guest houses once frequented by colonial governors. Return to the city for an evening of fine dining at Amuz Gourmet, Jakarta’s answer to Parisian gastronomy.
Experience a Jakarta ‘Must Do’
For a truly unmissable experience in Jakarta, arrange a private tour of Taman Ismail Marzuki, the city’s vibrant arts complex. Here, you can attend performances by emerging playwrights, explore contemporary art exhibitions, or simply sip coffee while soaking in the creative buzz. Another essential experience is witnessing a Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) performance — an ancient Javanese tradition where intricate leather puppets cast mesmerizing stories against a glowing screen, accompanied by a live gamelan orchestra.
Final Thoughts: The Artful Soul of Jakarta
Jakarta is a city of layered narratives and unexpected beauty. Making the most of this intriguing city lies not only in planning what to do in Jakarta, but in opening yourself to the sensory delights, historical echoes, and contemporary creativity that define this capital’s unique spirit.