How to Spend 1 Day in Jakarta
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The capital of Indonesia and its dominant island, Java, Jakarta is a megacity—predicted to topple Tokyo as the world’s most populous metropolis by 2030—yet its historic center is remarkably compact. In fact, you can see all the city’s signature sights in just a day and enjoy some delicious Indonesian food along the way. Here’s how.
Morning: Heritage Hike
Start the day with a walking or bicycle tour of old Batavia, the name Dutch colonists gave to what is now Jakarta. Stroll among colonial-era buildings on Fatahillah Square in Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua); check out sights such as the Wayang Museum, devoted to the Indonesian art of puppetry; and relax with a cool drink at historic Café Batavia. Next, check out the sailing ships at Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa, the city’s old harbor and the place where Jakarta truly began. Finally, explore Jakarta Chinatown (Glodok) and savor a lunch of its signature fusion: Chinese Indonesian food.
Afternoon: Culture Vulture
Make Jakarta’s gridlock bearable by exploring with a private driver this afternoon. Check out contemporary signature sights such as MONAS (the national monument of Indonesia), the Istiqlal Mosque, and Jakarta Cathedral en route to the National Museum. Explore with a guide who can lead you through the epic collection, spanning hundreds of thousands of years and thousands of islands, and introduce you to this archipelago nation’s rich culture. Alternatively, enjoy a more family-friendly encounter with Indonesia’s 18,000-odd islands at the cultural theme park known as Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.
Night: Food Fantasy
One of the great joys of any visit to Indonesia, food in Jakarta stretches far beyond its best-known exports: satay and beef rendang. Discover Jakarta like a local with a feast of street food from the humble neighborhood eateries known as warung or the roll-along street stalls called kaki lima. Don’t miss the myriad different styles of fried rice, coconut satay from Madura, jackfruit curries, tangy beef soups, and tropical fruit from the notorious durian to succulent rambutan. Wrap up the night by discovering Jakarta’s sleeker side, over a tropical cocktail in a rooftop bar.
Jakarta Tours & Activities (12)
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Culinary & Gourmet TourLegendary Sabang Food Tour
Eat your way through Jakarta with this culinary tour of Jalan Sabang, celebrated for street food. As you explore the area with your fellow tour mates and English-speaking guide, you'll fill up on all sorts of specialties from across Indonesia, from Javanese chicken satay to Sumatran fish cake, not to mention Indonesian coffee.
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- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$49.24
Price varies by group size
Culinary & Gourmet TourKota Tua Food Tour
Meet your guide at Jakarta Kota Station for a small-group food tour of Kota Tua. Explore the former Dutch-colonial district, then known as Batavia, which provides an atmospheric journey through Jakarta’s culinary history. You’ll visit a number of sites and hear legendary tales while you get a taste of specialties like Indonesian curry, coffee, and snacks. Complete your morning with a Batavia-style lunch.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$63.59
Price varies by group size
Private Sightseeing ToursPrivate Tour: Half Day Jakarta Old City Tour
Get to the heart of old Jakarta in less of the time on this comprehensive door-to-door private tour. Start in Glodok, Jakarta’s original Chinatown, and visit the Dharma Bakti Temple. Next, explore Jakarta Old Town: experience the Wayang Museum, a shadow puppet show, and the Jakarta History Museum. Finally, admire the historic Kota Intan Bridge and the Sunda Kelapa Harbour with its magnificent schooners.
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- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$76.93
Half-day ToursJakarta Chinatown Discovery with Lunch and Coffee
Immerse yourself in the heart of Jakarta on this 3-hour small-group tour of the city’s Chinatown district. Shop for everything from fruit to home supplies in the area’s traditional market and visit nearby ancient Chinese temples. At the famous food court, explore the limits of your taste buds and sample traditional foods such as pork belly and hainam rice. A friendly local guide will lead you through the neighborhood, stopping along the way at points of historic and cultural interest.
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- 3 hours
From
$55.00
Culinary & Gourmet TourMangga Besar Food Tour
Mangga Besar is one of Jakarta’s liveliest districts and renowned for its street food. On this tour, explore the West Jakarta neighborhood with a local guide and be introduced to a wide variety of Indonesian foods. Along the way, stop at restaurants and street food vendors to sample specialties such as crispy chicken and coconut rice, North Sumatran meatballs, Chinese noodles, and Durian fruit.
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- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$49.24
Price varies by group size
Airport & Hotel TransfersPrivate Arrival Transfer: Jakarta International Airport to Jakarta Hotels
Experience a hassle-free arrival in Jakarta using this private transfer service. Meet your driver at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and then sit back and relax as you're whisked to your hotel or private residence in Jakarta. Your private vehicle can accommodate up to six passengers and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$36.00
Price varies by group size
Mountain Bike ToursOldtown Cycling Tour (private Cycling Tour)
See Jakarta's old district and get a good bike ride in with this tour. Your guide will take you all around Old Town by bike (and a little on foot), with stops at Sunda Kelapa Harbour, the Maritime Museum, and Kota Intan Bridge, a typical wooden bridge dating back to Dutch colonial times. You will then drop off your bike and headed to the last stop of the tour: the city's celebrated Fatahillah Museum.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$58.34
Price varies by group size
Airport & Hotel TransfersPrivate Departure Transfer: Jakarta Hotels to Jakarta International Airport
Arrange for a stress-free ride to Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport with this private transfer service. Meet your driver at your Jakarta city hotel, and relax on the journey to the airport in an air-conditioned private sedan or minivan (depending on the size of your group).
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- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$36.00
Price varies by group size
Half-day ToursPrivate Tour: Half-Day National Museum and Old Harbour Tour from Jakarta
This private tour of the National Museum of Indonesia and Sunda Kelapa Harbor provides a glimpse of the country’s history and people. Ideal for first-time visitors to Jakarta, this half-day itinerary includes expert commentary from your own personal guide. Learn about the archaeological collections at the National Museum (Museum Nasional) before viewing traditional wood vessels at the bustling port.
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- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$67.95
Price varies by group size
Private Sightseeing ToursPrivate Tour: Half Day Jakarta Mosque and Church Tour
See some of Jakarta's most important religious attractions with this half-day tour. You'll visit the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, followed by a trip to the Jakarta Cathedral, the seat of the local Archdioceses. You will then see the Dharma Bhakti Temple, a Hindu place of worship that was founded in 1650, followed by a visit to the old Portuguese Sion Church.
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- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$87.18
Day TripsHalf Day Group Tour of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in Jakarta
The Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is a miniature park featuring historic landmarks and cultural traditions from all around Indonesia. On this tour, enjoy comfortable round-trip transport from Jakarta and benefit from a small group size. Explore the park on a guided tour and discover a variety of Indonesian architectural styles, admire traditional arts and handicrafts, and visit the aviary and orchid garden.
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- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$76.93
Attraction TicketsAlive Museum Admission Ticket
Take a break from Jakarta’s daytime heat and spend a couple of hours inside Alive Museum, a multi-sensory museum that provides unmissable photo opportunities. Booking your ticket in advance means you’ll beat the long lines outside of the ticket hall and head straight inside to pose in front of 3D images. Plus, you can choose between three options that include entry to Alive Star waxwork museum.
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- 2 hours
From
$12.60