Jakarta, Indonesia: Itinerary Ideas for a 3-day Visit

Did you know Jakarta is sinking faster than any other big city on the planet? The Indonesian capital descends by about 25 cm (10 inches) each year due to groundwater extraction and the weight of its buildings. This surprising fact is just one of many that make Jakarta such a fascinating destination to explore. As Southeast Asia’s largest city and Indonesia’s beating heart, Jakarta offers visitors an intriguing blend of history, culture, skyscrapers, and street food that rewards those willing to navigate its bustling streets.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Jakarta is served by Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), located about 20 km (12.4 miles) northwest of the city center. As Indonesia’s main gateway, it connects to major cities worldwide with direct flights from across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and some European destinations.

Visa Requirements

Many nationalities can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. This includes citizens from the United States, most European countries, Australia, and many Asian nations. Some nationalities require a visa on arrival (VOA), which costs around USD 35 and is valid for 30 days. Always check the latest visa requirements with your local Indonesian embassy or consulate before traveling.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Jakarta has a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more comfortable.

• Dry Season (May-September): Average temperatures of 28-32°C (82-90°F) with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. This is peak tourist season.
• Wet Season (October-April): Expect brief but intense afternoon downpours with temperatures around 26-30°C (79-86°F) and higher humidity.
• Jakarta Fair: If you visit between June and July, don’t miss the Jakarta Fair (Pekan Raya Jakarta), one of the largest trade fairs in Asia featuring cultural performances, exhibitions, and food stalls.

Getting Around Locally

Jakarta is notorious for its traffic congestion, but the city has been improving its public transportation system in recent years. Here are your best options for navigating the Indonesian capital:

Public Transportation

• TransJakarta Busway: This bus rapid transit system has dedicated lanes to bypass traffic. Tickets cost around IDR 3,500-4,500 (USD 0.25-0.30) per trip.
• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Jakarta’s newest transportation option connects the south of the city to the business district. Clean, efficient, and affordable at IDR 4,000-14,000 (USD 0.30-1.00) depending on distance.
• Commuter Line: Suburban rail network connecting Jakarta to surrounding areas. Useful for reaching certain attractions outside the city center.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Ride-hailing apps are extremely popular and affordable in Jakarta:

• Gojek: Indonesia’s super-app offers motorcycle taxis (GoRide) and car services (GoCar). Motorcycles are often faster in traffic.
• Grab: Similar to Gojek, offering both car and motorcycle options.

Where to Stay

Jakarta offers accommodation options for every budget, from luxury five-star hotels to affordable hostels. The best areas to stay depend on your interests and itinerary.

Recommended Areas

Dining & Local Cuisine

Jakarta is a food lover’s paradise with influences from across Indonesia’s 17,000+ islands. From street food stalls (warung) to upscale restaurants, the city offers endless culinary adventures.

Must-Try Indonesian Dishes

• Nasi Goreng: Indonesia’s famous fried rice, often topped with a fried egg and served with prawn crackers.
• Soto Betawi: Jakarta’s signature coconut milk-based soup with beef, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.
• Gado-Gado: A vegetable salad with peanut sauce dressing, boiled eggs, and prawn crackers.
• Satay: Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce. Try both chicken (ayam) and beef (sapi) varieties.
• Kerak Telor: A Betawi specialty of glutinous rice with egg, dried shrimp, and coconut, often found at street vendors.

Where to Eat

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

With just three days in Jakarta, you’ll want to prioritize the city’s highlights. Here’s a suggested itinerary that covers the best of Jakarta’s attractions:

Day 1: Historic Jakarta

• Kota Tua (Old Town): Start in Jakarta’s colonial heart with its Dutch architecture and cobblestone streets.
• Jakarta History Museum (Fatahillah Museum): Housed in the old city hall building, it showcases Jakarta’s evolution from Dutch colonial times.
• Wayang Museum: Dedicated to traditional Indonesian puppetry with hundreds of puppets from across the archipelago.
• Cafe Batavia: Have lunch in this colonial-era building overlooking Fatahillah Square.
• Sunda Kelapa Harbor: Visit the historic port where traditional wooden Pinisi schooners still dock.
• Glodok (Chinatown): Explore Jakarta’s vibrant Chinese district with temples, markets, and excellent food options for dinner.

Day 2: Modern Jakarta

• National Monument (Monas): The iconic 132 m (433 ft) tall obelisk symbolizing Indonesia’s independence. Visit early to avoid crowds.
• National Museum: Indonesia’s largest museum with an impressive collection of artifacts from across the archipelago.
• Istiqlal Mosque: Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, an impressive modern structure that can accommodate up to 200,000 worshippers.
• Jakarta Cathedral: Located across from the mosque, this neo-gothic church represents Jakarta’s religious diversity.
• Grand Indonesia or Plaza Indonesia: Experience Jakarta’s mall culture at these massive shopping centers with endless dining options.
• Skye Bar: End your day with panoramic views of Jakarta’s skyline from this rooftop bar.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

• Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: “Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park” showcases traditional houses from all Indonesian provinces. Allow at least half a day here.
• Textile Museum: Displays Indonesia’s rich textile heritage, including batik and traditional weaving techniques.
• Jalan Surabaya Antique Market: Browse for souvenirs and antiques at this famous street market.
• Menteng Area: Explore this upscale district with colonial architecture, boutiques, and cafes.
• Dinner at a Traditional Restaurant: Try Plataran Menteng or Bunga Rampai for an upscale Indonesian dining experience to conclude your trip.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Jakarta’s cultural scene is as diverse as Indonesia itself. Beyond the museums mentioned in our itinerary, here are more cultural highlights worth considering if you have extra time:

Additional Museums

• Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics: Located in Kota Tua, showcasing Indonesian and international art.
• Bank Indonesia Museum: Housed in a beautiful colonial building, it tells the story of Indonesia’s monetary history.
• Basoeki Abdullah Museum: Dedicated to one of Indonesia’s most celebrated painters.
• Museum MACAN: Jakarta’s modern and contemporary art museum featuring Indonesian and international artists.

Cultural Experiences

• Wayang Orang Performance: Traditional Javanese dance-drama performances at Bharata Theater.
• Batik Workshops: Learn the art of batik-making at places like Batik Kultur or Textile Museum.
• Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu): If you can spare a day, take a boat trip to these islands north of Jakarta for beaches and marine life.

Annual Festivals

• Jakarta Fair (June-July): The city’s largest trade fair with cultural performances and exhibitions.
• Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival (March): One of the world’s largest jazz festivals.
• Cap Go Meh (15th day of Chinese New Year): Celebrated in Glodok with lion dances and festivities.
• Jakarta Fashion Week (October): Indonesia’s premier fashion event.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

While Jakarta is primarily an urban jungle, there are still ways to enjoy nature and outdoor activities during your visit:

Parks and Green Spaces

• Taman Suropati: A peaceful park in Menteng with sculptures and jogging paths.
• Taman Lapangan Banteng: Large park near Monas with the Liberation of West Irian monument.
• Ragunan Zoo: Sprawling 140-hectare zoo with Indonesian wildlife including Komodo dragons.

Day Trips from Jakarta

• Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu): An archipelago of small islands in Jakarta Bay, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and beach relaxation. Boats depart from Marina Ancol.
• Bogor: A highland city about 60 km (37 miles) south of Jakarta with the famous Bogor Botanical Gardens and cooler climate.
• Taman Safari Indonesia: Drive-through safari park in Cisarua, about 2 hours from Jakarta.

Recreational Areas

• Ancol Dreamland: Jakarta’s largest recreational park with beaches, an oceanarium, and theme parks.
• Waterbom Jakarta: Water park with slides and pools, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
• Golf Courses: Jakarta has several world-class golf courses if you’re looking to hit the links.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Understanding local customs and staying safe will enhance your Jakarta experience. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Safety Tips

• Pickpocketing: Be vigilant in crowded areas like markets, malls, and public transportation.
• Traffic: Exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, as traffic can be chaotic.
• Flooding: During the rainy season (October-April), some areas of Jakarta are prone to flooding.
• Taxis: Use reputable companies like Blue Bird or ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked taxis.
• Water: Drink only bottled water and be cautious with street food hygiene.

Cultural Etiquette

• Dress Code: Indonesia is predominantly Muslim. While Jakarta is relatively cosmopolitan, modest dress is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Religious Sites: Remove shoes before entering mosques and temples. Women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees when visiting mosques.
• Greetings: A gentle handshake with a slight bow is common. Many Indonesians place their hand over their heart after shaking hands as a sign of respect.
• Right Hand Usage: Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean.

Communication

• Language: Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
• Politeness: Indonesians value politeness and indirect communication. Raising your voice or showing anger is considered inappropriate.
• Bargaining: Negotiating prices is expected in markets but not in established stores or restaurants.

Practical Travel Tips

These final practical tips will help you navigate Jakarta with ease:

Money Matters

• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are widely available in malls and commercial areas.
• Cash vs. Cards: While major hotels, restaurants, and malls accept credit cards, smaller establishments and markets are cash-only.
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated. High-end restaurants often add a 5-10% service charge.

Connectivity

• SIM Cards: Available at the airport and convenience stores. Telkomsel offers good coverage.
• Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels, cafes, and shopping malls.
• Power: Indonesia uses 220V with European-style Type C/F plugs. Bring an adapter if needed.

Health & Comfort

• Heat: Jakarta is hot and humid year-round. Stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces.
• Mosquitoes: Use repellent, especially in the evening and near water.
• Medications: Bring any prescription medications you need, though pharmacies are readily available.
• Air Quality: Jakarta can have poor air quality. Those with respiratory issues may want to bring masks.

Ready for Your Jakarta Adventure?

Jakarta may not be Indonesia’s most famous destination, but this vibrant metropolis rewards travelers who take the time to explore its contrasts. From colonial history to modern skyscrapers, traditional puppetry to contemporary art, and street food to fine dining, Jakarta offers a fascinating glimpse into Indonesia’s past, present, and future.

With this 3-day itinerary, you’ll experience the highlights of Jakarta while gaining insights into Indonesian culture that most tourists miss by heading straight to Bali. As you navigate this dynamic city, embrace its chaos, savor its flavors, and connect with its friendly people – the true treasures of Jakarta.