There are two things you should do if you plan to visit the Indonesian city of Jakarta. The first is to dress comfortably and the second is to plan at least part of your trip in advance. Comfortable clothing is necessary to keep you cool and protect you from the sun – while planning your trip in advance contributes towards the latter, helping to get you from point A to point B without spending too much time in the sweltering heat.
Are you planning a trip to Jakarta? If so, you’ll enjoy exploring the harbor, relaxing bayside, and exploring the myriad of museums and monuments in the area. Here are some things to help you get started on your itinerary.
10. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Jakarta’s National Museum is one sight you definitely won’t want to miss. The building in which the museum sits was originally the Batavian Society of the Arts and Sciences, a group that was established back in 1778. The building became a museum in 1862 and is now home to a distinct collection of items from various eras in Indonesian culture. Inside you’ll find collections of china, sculptures, textiles, and much more.
9. THE NATIONAL GALLERY
Not to be confused with the National Museum, the National Gallery features more than 1,700 individual pieces of artwork. Located east of Freedom Square, the National Gallery features works by some of Indonesia’s most notable master painters. Basoeki Abdullah, Raden Saleh, and Affandi are just a few of the notable artists who have made contributions – and you’ll find artwork from Vietnam, Cuba, and India here as well.
8. JAKARTA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (JIFFEST)
Held once annually, the Jakarta International Film Festival is an event to behold. Filmmakers from around the world will flock to the city to attend seminars, participate in discussions, and showcase their works over a period of two weeks. Check with the concierge at your Jakarta hotel to see if the festival is in full swing and, if so, where you can catch a screening.
7. JAVANA SPA
Despite the sweltering temperatures, there are a few ways to cool off in Jakarta. One favorite is a trip to the Javana Spa, situated atop of a volcanic mass. Located about 2 hours away from the city, visitors love visiting to swim in the waterfalls, indulge in healthy meals, and enjoy relaxing body scrubs and spa treatments. If you’re looking for a special treat, you may want to consider spending the weekend.
6. CIKARANG GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
If you’d like to break away from the traditional tourist experience, consider spending an afternoon at the Cikarang Golf and Country Club. The par 72 course is open to nonmembers and is only an hour away from the center of the city. Try the full 18 hole course or spend the day at the driving range – it’s up to you.
5. CANDI SHIVA MANDHIR
The temple Candi Shiva Mandhir is dedicated to the Hindu god known as Shiva. Built in 1954, the temple was at first very small. In 1975 it was expanded to accommodate a growing number of visitors. You should always dress modestly when visiting a Hindu temple and, in this case, you need to have permission to go inside.
4. RAGUNAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK
The Ragunan Zoological Park was, believe it or not, originally located in Cikini. In 1964, the owners of the zoo realized that the space they had was no longer suitable. The zoo closed and reopened in 1966 in the location where it stands today. The zoo is home to more than 550 animal and plant species, including the Komodo dragon, dwarf buffalo, and Sumatran tiger.
3. WATERBOM JAKARTA
Looking for a fun way to spend the day with family, friends, or the kids? Try spending an afternoon at Waterbom Jakarta, hopping from water ride to water ride before stopping to grab a bite to eat or something to drink. Remember, the sun in Jakarta is very strong. Bring sunscreen, wear it, and reapply it regularly.
2. CILIWUNG RIVER RIDE
The Ciliwung River Ride is nothing like a traditional ferry ride. Instead of a ferry, you’ll find yourself standing on a getek – a bamboo raft with no seats. If you want to see what life is really like in Jakarta, this is one ride you won’t want to miss. Be forewarned, though – the sights and smells associated with urban Jakarta’s desolation aren’t something everyone can appreciate. Make sure you negotiate the price with your abang before you start your ride.
1. INDONESIAN HERITAGE SOCIETY
The Indonesian Heritage Society is another great stop for those looking to understand more about Indonesian Heritage. Operating as its own entity, the Indonesian Heritage Society is actually located within the National Museum. The society regularly puts on lectures and special programs designed to help those studying Indonesian history gain a better grasp of the area.
The city of Jakarta is charming in its own right. Take the time to explore and you’ll simply fall in love. That’s a guarantee!
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.