Jakarta, Indonesia is a place of sounds, smells and tastes from an eclectic mix of culture, religion and history - so I found in my 48 hour adventure.
I often don't research places I'm headed where I have friends, so I'm more open to experiences once I get there and Jakarta was probably the least prepared I have ever been for a trip. But what a delight to learn so much in such a short time and have an incredible and busy itinerary.
With out much knowledge of Jakarta or what it had to offer, except an invitation from a friend to stay in their home, I arranged for two nights in the capital city of Indonesia. Let me save you the leg work and mystery for your visit to this vibrant city by gifting you with a lovely two day itinerary.
With out much knowledge of Jakarta or what it had to offer, except an invitation from a friend to stay in their home, I arranged for two nights in the capital city of Indonesia. Let me save you the leg work and mystery for your visit to this vibrant city by gifting you with a lovely two day itinerary.
Day One
-Arrive from Australia (or beyond) 2pm local time.
-Go to your hotel, orientate yourself, cool down in the AC after the hot car ride and freshen up for the afternoon.
- Take a cab, bajaj (rickshaw) or private car to PISA Cafe. Located in a charming garden is this Italian/Indonesian restaurant/café and bar serving some of the best gelato and calzone pizza in town. Relax in the garden over a light meal or dessert and enjoy the atmosphere with local Indonesians.
- Journey through the centre of the city stopping to admire the 5 star strip of hotels, the towering malls, the central monument of Jakarta, wildlife gardens and one of the largest mosques in the world. All from your car window as you do a twilight tour of the city before arriving at FX Mall.l.
This mall has a fascinating design inside with multiple materials used, glass floors and a combination of ceiling heights. There are hundreds of food choices and shopping- you never get bored, only tired. I recommend eating at the top floor restaurant Indo Chine. It has a beautiful view over Central Jakarta from the 8th floor as well as classy, sophisticated and modern design, you will be able to relax in the ambience of this up-market restaurant and bar. Pricey but the food is unique and the quality is world class.
- Head back to the Hotel and rest after a long flight and overwhelming evening.
Day Two
- Wake bright and early for a crash course in Jakarta and it’s history. Take a drive to Sunda Kelapa,, the old style boat port which uses traditional wooden boats, like that of Pirates of the Caribbean, for freight. This is the most common mode of freight forwarding in between the smaller local islands of Indonesia and most of the goods are moved by hand to the ship or basic forms of loading. Wonderful to watch traditional hard work and the lifestyle continuing.
- Head back to the Hotel and rest after a long flight and overwhelming evening.
Day Two
- Wake bright and early for a crash course in Jakarta and it’s history. Take a drive to Sunda Kelapa,, the old style boat port which uses traditional wooden boats, like that of Pirates of the Caribbean, for freight. This is the most common mode of freight forwarding in between the smaller local islands of Indonesia and most of the goods are moved by hand to the ship or basic forms of loading. Wonderful to watch traditional hard work and the lifestyle continuing.
- Take a short drive to the Old city, named Batavia by the Dutch who first settled in Indonesia. Advised to go here at 11am or later as it wasn’t open at 10am. This isn’t a terrible thing though as you only have 2 days here, so just walk around the area, giggle at the cute wooden bike helmets of the city bike tour, see the sweet cafes and smile at the nice local people.
Most of the big businesses have moved to the main city now but this is where it all used to happen. There are two museums here, Wayung and Museum of Jakarta’s history. For those that have more time spend at least 2 hours here exploring the old history of Indonesia and have a nice lunch in the café.
- Now, it’s time now for some mid-morning shopping! Head to Mangga Dua for bargain hunting galore. Spend two hours in the seven floor hub of haggling, handbags and heat. Grab your bargains and get out as otherwise you will be swallowed by the need to get the best price.
- Once you've built up a good apetite, head off for lunch at the Satay House. Try the gado gado- vegetable dish and mixed satay –beef chicken and lamb. The oxtail soup is also a hot menu item and you must try the iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk and dripped coffee- uniquely served and the perfect accompaniment to the typical Indonesian food.
- Take a taxi or guided car to Taman Mini Indonesia an amazing park with just about all the attractions Indonesia could offer- including a replica of housing and cultural elements form all 32 provinces. The park is laid out over beautifully groomed grounds with a lake in the middle.
- Now, it’s time now for some mid-morning shopping! Head to Mangga Dua for bargain hunting galore. Spend two hours in the seven floor hub of haggling, handbags and heat. Grab your bargains and get out as otherwise you will be swallowed by the need to get the best price.
- Once you've built up a good apetite, head off for lunch at the Satay House. Try the gado gado- vegetable dish and mixed satay –beef chicken and lamb. The oxtail soup is also a hot menu item and you must try the iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk and dripped coffee- uniquely served and the perfect accompaniment to the typical Indonesian food.
- Take a taxi or guided car to Taman Mini Indonesia an amazing park with just about all the attractions Indonesia could offer- including a replica of housing and cultural elements form all 32 provinces. The park is laid out over beautifully groomed grounds with a lake in the middle.
There is a stunning mosque on the approach to the park and a water park to your right as you enter. Reptile parks, bird sanctuaries and many museums keep you entertained inside. Restaurants, a resort and a youth hostel mean you can spend many hours or even days here if you choose. A wonderful experience of Indonesia and a great way to fill the day. To get the quick view do a cable car ride over the top for a birsdeye look at the whole operation.
- It’s now time for dinner in one of the most incredible malls Jakarta has to offer, Grand indonesia. with top end brands, designer products and just about every culinary style known to man, you are literally spoilt for choice. Spend an hour or so browsing the shops… just remember to answer the call of your poor stomach who is begging to be nurtured at this point.
A great idea is to eat at the Cardamon Buffet - includes a Juice, dinner selection and dessert included. This all you can eat buffet has a great selection of savoury dishes and a very interesting menu of desserts. The caramelized bananas were a treat and the pancakes filled with custard are a must.
Malls are open until 10pm so you’re not finished yet! Grab those last minute impulse buys before heading back to your hotel room to contemplate the arduous task of fitting your many new items into that teeny tiny bag you bought. Unless, of course, you purchased a lovely new suitcase at Mangga Dua you clever cookie!
Day Three
- Your last day is not a total right off as you don’t have to fly out until 3pm meaning you have until lunchtime to see more.
- Start the day the relaxed way with a walk around the area, a dip in the pool and a nice fresh breakfast. Continue this down time by going for a half hour massage and facial and feel completely relaxed and comfortable. Pack your bags and call your driver, it’s time to head to the seaside
Ancol is the resort like area of Jakarta where visitors can enjoy the seaside, boat rides, water parks and a theme park. There is an art village with traditional Indonesian handicrafts as well as modern art. Of course here there are also shops and souvenirs so you can get those gifts for loved ones back home, and treats for yourself.
- Ending your seaside tour with lunch at the Bandar Jakartarestaurant is a must for a delicious, relaxing and inexpensive seafood meal. Select your own fresh seafood which is living and looking at you as you do. Perhaps ask for a recommendation- I suggest calamari and the prawn dishes.
Ancol is the resort like area of Jakarta where visitors can enjoy the seaside, boat rides, water parks and a theme park. There is an art village with traditional Indonesian handicrafts as well as modern art. Of course here there are also shops and souvenirs so you can get those gifts for loved ones back home, and treats for yourself.
- Ending your seaside tour with lunch at the Bandar Jakartarestaurant is a must for a delicious, relaxing and inexpensive seafood meal. Select your own fresh seafood which is living and looking at you as you do. Perhaps ask for a recommendation- I suggest calamari and the prawn dishes.
If you are lucky they will have a special. The day we were there it was 50% of prawns. Sit by the water and enjoy the tranquility of the sounds and blue sky mirroring the dazzling blue sea in front of you.
Try a coconut drink, kelapa muda or a Avocado/ alpukat, juice. This is a smoothie of avocado, ice and chocolate condensed milk. So unique and delicious. It’s good for you too. Rice, vegetables, two prawn dishes, drinks and squid- all for just 150,000 rupia…. That’s about $17USD. Just insane! Delicious and completely affordable, you will walk out of this restaurant relaxed, rejuvenated and smiling.
- Wave goodbye to the sea as it’s time to head to the airport for your 3pm flight.
Just 48 hours in Jakarta and look how much you can do!
- Wave goodbye to the sea as it’s time to head to the airport for your 3pm flight.
Just 48 hours in Jakarta and look how much you can do!
Granted it does help to have an Indonesian guide or even better a friend who can take you to all of these places and teach you about the Indonesian culture. But, no worries if not, just ask locals and ask lots of questions. The Indonesian people are always friendly and they will love to share their home and culture with you. Also a smile and a giggle, so have some fun!
South Jakarta (a prime area) is the largest city in Jakarta and is perhaps the glitziest part of the capital. It has adopted this reputation because of the many luxury shopping areas that are scattered throughout the area. From Blok M Mall, Blok M Plaza, Pasaraya, Plaza Senayan and Pondok Indah Mall, all of them carry a wide variety of merchandise, from local handicrafts to international brands.
Sudirman is Jakarta’s version of Wall Street. It is a prestigious location for businesses, where international hotels, reputable banks, luxury apartment buildings, embassies and other foreign companies are based. This four lane avenue is a never ending parade of traffic.
Near Sudirman is the quiet neighbourhood of Kebayoran Baru. This well planned and organized area is lined with large homes, and large streets shaded with old trees. The Pattimura Elementary campus of the Jakarta International School is here, as well as ready access to shopping facilities such as Pasaraya, Blok M, Plaza Senayan and Blok M Plaza. 
Pondok Indah is a posh organized residential community in South Jakarta. Mansions as well as smaller, though still relatively large homes line the shady streets of this neighbourhood. Pondok Indah is very near the Cilandak campus of Jakarta International School and where the Pondok Indah elementary campus of the Jakarta International School. This proximity to the most popular schools for expatriates makes it a very sought after suburb.
The beautiful homes in Cilandak are hidden behind small alleys. This middle class suburb is a popular expatriate area due to the Cilandak campus of the Jakarta International School and the nearness of Kemang, popular for its specialty shops and restaurants.
For foreigners looking to send their children to Australian International School, Warung Buncit and Pasar Minggus are great areas to consider. The winding streets throughout the areas have a wide range of residential options. The houses and apartments here are cosy and an eclectic mixes of large and small homes.
In the past years, many companies in Jakarta fought for coveted space in the capital’s CBD. But as progress continues to infiltrate Jakarta, the business district slowly may be losing its charm with corporations. At an attempt to decrease the heavy pollution in the area, the district government has issued a three-in-one rule for all main roads here, meaning all vehicles must have at least three persons to be able to access the roads. Members of the informal sector man roads entering the area, and for a fee, can ride as a vehicles extra person in the event that a car is lacking one.
Kuningan is the one of the fastest developing areas in South Jakarta. Though a residential area, its commercial buildings have become sought after by businesses as well, making the area almost exclusive. The shopping areas here are full mostly of specialty shops with higher prices. It is an area popular for mixing business with pleasure.