The buzzing, cosmopolitan capital of Indonesia is one of the most exciting places to visit in Southeast Asia. From quirky museums to national monuments, this city has plenty of attractions for every traveller!
The historic neighborhood of Kota Tua is home to a number of historical gems. It’s a great place to learn about Jakarta’s past and also to soak up the atmosphere of the old town.
Thousand Islands
A short boat ride from the capital, these tropical islands offer some much-needed sunshine and relaxation away from Jakarta's dirty air. The Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) are a cluster of 76 coral islands lining the bay.
They stretch 45 km north from the harbour into the Java Sea. The marine life is stunning here if you're into diving and snorkeling.
The group's district centre is Pulau Pramuka, where you'll find a range of educational tours and conservation activities, as well as a nature reserve for greenback turtles called Eretmochelys imbricate.
You can also participate in mangrove planting here, which is a great way to get close to the natural environment. Another popular island is Pulau Tidung, which features a very long pink bridge connecting two parts of the island.
There are many places to see and to do in the Thousand Islands, but you need to do some research first to make sure you're getting the best experience. Whether you're here for a weekend or longer, there's something for everyone.
Monas Tower
Located in Medan Merdeka square, the Monas Tower is one of Jakarta’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s a 132-meter-tall tower that symbolizes Indonesia’s fight for independence and features a gold-foil flame on its peak.
It took 14 years to build this monument, and was opened by President Suharto in 1975. Visitors will enjoy the views from the observation deck and a look inside the Hall of Independence, which contains various symbols of independence including the original Proclamation of Independence read by Sukarno.
The Monas Tower is also home to a museum of national history, so you can learn more about the country’s past. The building is open to the public every day except for the last Monday of the month, when it closes for maintenance.
The area around the Monas Tower is called the National Monument Park, and it’s a popular recreational spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to run or jog, and it also has several outdoor sports courts that you can use during your time there.
National Monument
The National Monument (or Monas) is one of the most iconic sights in Jakarta, and it’s also a must-see for anyone visiting this capital city. Standing 132 metres high, it was built to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence.
In addition to its stunning architecture, the National Monument is home to a museum that tells the story of Indonesia’s struggle for freedom. This is a must-see for any visitor to the city, especially for those with an interest in Indonesian history.
You can spend an entire day here if you’re feeling particularly inquisitive, but it’s definitely worth a quick visit if you only have a few hours to spare. The museum is separated into different galleries that showcase collections of art, culture, and history.
Another must-see is the Maritime Museum, which provides a sober reminder of Jakarta’s past as a prominent South East Asian trade port. Originally opened in 1868, it’s an impressive example of colonial public architecture. Inside, you’ll find a fascinating array of prehistoric artefacts from across the country, as well as several perplexing nautical instruments and traditional Indonesian vessels.
Museum of National Awakening
Located right behind Monas Tower in Central Jakarta, the Museum of National Awakening is a worthwhile place to visit. This historical site is filled with a lot of historical objects, including photographs, paintings, statues, dioramas and war equipment from Indonesia’s wartime.
The museum is divided into four-themed demonstration spaces which represent each historical story related to the National Awakening of Indonesia. You will find a large collection of original furniture, medical equipment and weapons that were used during the time of the National Awakening.
Aside from the Museum of National Awakening, there are other museums in the area that will also be worth a visit such as the National Museum and the Chinese-Indonesian Heritage Museum. This Chinese-Indonesian Heritage Museum will show you the history of Chinese-Indonesians in Indonesia and their influence on Indonesian culture.
