Many tourists treat Jakarta as an entry and exit point to Indonesia, but if you are passing through the city and have some time to spare then there are a wide range of attractions to enjoy from quirky museums to a variety of national monuments. Jakarta is also a great place to learn more about Indonesia’s complicated history, and you can visit a variety of culturally and historically significant locations such as the old town and the port which will give you a glimpse of how the city would have looked in past times. As well as harking back to the days of old, Jakarta is one of the most modern cities in Indonesia, and you can spend time embracing this cutting edge side to the city at its famous malls, bars, and restaurants. Jakarta may be crowded, loud, and busy, but it certainly isn’t boring.

Shopping

One of the main pastimes in Jakarta is shopping, and if you want to take advantage of this fully then head to the district of Menteng which is famous for its flea market. Here you will find a huge range of goods including arts and crafts, miles of textiles, and even food items. Bargaining is expected so don’t be afraid to haggle if you spot something you like.

Thousand Islands

Amazingly, the Thousand Islands are considered part of greater Jakarta, which means that if you are looking for some beach time in the city you won’t have to venture too far. Just a few hours outside of the city centre finds you at the Thousands, which are called Pulau Seribu, and you will find gorgeous beaches, coves, and inlets. The best way to enjoy the islands is to take a boat tour which will let you hop from one island to another and allow you to take in all the best sights at the same time.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Indonesia is well known for being made up of over 17,000 islands and is split into 26 provinces. As a result, it is unlikely you will even be able to scratch the surface of this immense country on a trip here, but if you want to get an overview of the highlights then head to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or Beautiful Mini Indonesia. This park is arranged according to province and you will find models of traditional homes and can learn about the local traditions, costumes, and diverse ways of life across the archipelago. This is a great place to come if you are travelling with kids and gives you a whistle-stop tour of the country if you don’t have time to actually visit each province in person.

Kota Tua

This Old Town Batavia is one of the most historically significant parts of Jakarta. As you walk around the area you will find pretty architecture that dates from the Dutch colonial period and you can also visit the cobbled central town square which is the signature feature of the area. This is seen as the cultural heart of the city and many artists and photographers gravitate here to take in the relaxed atmosphere and old-world feel, and the area is also studded with cafes so you can have a drink and enjoy the surroundings.

Dunia Fantasi

This is is Jakarta’s answer to Disneyland and fans of the famous theme park from the United States may find many parts of it surprisingly familiar. You can find a Puppet Castle, Niagara Flume, Halilintar twister and many more attraction rides. There is also a Star Wars section and a large Ferris wheel that lets you take in the views all over the park. This is a great choice if you are looking for something to do with children and there is also a theatre that has a range of shows about Indonesia.