Jakarta, Indonesia-3-day-itinerary

Jakarta 3-Day Itinerary: Bustling City & Colonial Charm

This itinerary balances the energy of modern Jakarta with its historical charm.

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: Capsule Hotel, Pod Inn (stylish capsule accommodations)
  • Mid-range: Hotel Borobudur (historic luxury), Grand Hyatt Jakarta
  • Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta Pacific Place, Mandarin Oriental Jakarta

Transportation:

  • Grab/Gojek: Ride-hailing apps are the most convenient and affordable way to get around.
  • TransJakarta Bus: Extensive bus network covering much of the city. Purchase cards at designated points.
  • Taxi: Easily available but negotiate fares beforehand or use meters.

Things to Know:

  • Jakarta is hot and humid year-round. Dress lightly and stay hydrated.
  • Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour. Plan your outings accordingly.
  • Be mindful of local customs and etiquette. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Day 1: History & Heritage

  • Morning: Explore Kota Tua (Old Batavia), Jakarta’s historic center. Visit the Fatahillah Square, admire Dutch colonial architecture like the Jakarta History Museum and Bank Indonesia Museum.
  • Afternoon: Lunch at Cafe Batavia, a charming restaurant with old-world ambiance. Afterward, stroll through Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, known for its temples and traditional Chinese medicine shops.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Roemahkoe, a fine-dining Indonesian restaurant in Menteng, followed by drinks at Skye Bar atop the BCA Tower for stunning city views.

Day 2: Modern Metropolis & Artistic Expression

  • Morning: Visit the Monas (National Monument), a towering structure symbolizing Indonesia’s independence. Take the elevator to the top for panoramic views. Explore the surrounding park and museum.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in Indonesian art at the Museum MACAN, showcasing contemporary and modern works. Afterward, shop for unique souvenirs and crafts at Pasar Santa.
  • Evening: Experience Jakarta’s nightlife in SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District). Enjoy dinner at one of the many trendy restaurants like UNION or Cacio e Pepe.

Day 3: Relaxation & Reflection

  • Morning: Escape the hustle and bustle with a visit to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), a cultural park showcasing miniature replicas of Indonesian provinces and traditional architecture.

  • Afternoon: Relax and rejuvenate at a spa like The Spa at Mandarin Oriental or Raffles Spa. Indulge in a massage or traditional treatment.

  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Lara Djonggrang, known for its authentic Javanese cuisine and elegant ambiance.

Other things of interest:

  • Ragunan Zoo: Home to diverse animal species from Indonesia and around the world.

  • National Museum: Explore Indonesia’s rich history and cultural artifacts.

  • Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu): Escape to pristine beaches and turquoise waters for snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. (Requires a day trip)

Enjoy your exploration of Jakarta!