Jakarta in two days
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For some it is a captivating city and for others it is utter chaos, but for every visitor to Indonesia it has become a destination not to be missed. The population numbers are staggering: there are over 10 million inhabitants in the inner city alone (with almost 30 million in the wider metropolitan area), and the traffic is ever present. Two days in Jakarta are not enough to make you feel like a local, but they are sufficient to let you visit the most iconic sites. For this itinerary, we have selected a historic neighbourhood, Kota Tua, so that you can learn about the city’s colonial roots; a few other places such as the National Monument that will tell you the story of its past; and different religious buildings, including Jakarta Cathedral and the Istiqlal Mosque. We have also made sure to allow time for the quiet enjoyment of a good lunch at Café Batavia or a sunset drink in the Skye Bar.
Although this is a city of contrasts, home to both skyscrapers and very humble neighbourhoods, the smiling friendliness of the inhabitants is evident everywhere. The people of Indonesia have learnt to live calmly even in the worst of times, and their philosophy of life is underpinned by Buddhism, although 90% of the population describes itself as Muslim. One last recommendation: put aside your prejudices when you tour Jakarta, and allow yourself to go with its flow; it may be chaotic, but it can also become addictive.
Itinerary day 1
21.00-22.30
Skye Bar and Restaurant
The best time to visit the Skye Bar is at sunset, when the city is beginning to light up and the neon signs are switching on. This bar-restaurant is on the 56th floor of the BCA Tower, and affords 360-degree views. You can have a drink here, or stay for dinner at one of the trendy rooftop bars.
18.30-20.30
Browsing in a shopping centre
After your visits to the various monuments and the beach, we recommend you visit one of the retail centres to do a spot of shopping and perhaps buy a souvenir. The shopping centres close at around 11.00 p.m., so you will have over two hours. In the centre of Jakarta, you will find classic malls such as the Grand Indonesian Mall and The Park Plaza.
16.00-18.00
Ancol Bay
Did you know that Jakarta has a beach? It’s only a narrow stretch of sand, but it has a seaside feel, and you can take part in water sports. There are swimming pools and several theme parks in the vicinity, so it is ideal for family holidays. In a nutshell, it is a good place to relax from the hectic pace of the city on an evening stroll.
14.30-15.30
National Monument (Monas)
Next on your tour of Jakarta is a visit to the National Monument, a 132-metre-tall obelisk that stands in Merdeka square, and symbolises Indonesia’s struggle for independence. You can go up to the top and enjoy a panoramic view. Close by is the National Museum of Indonesia, another very interesting visit.
13.00-14.00
Lunch at Café Batavia
This restaurant is inside a nineteenth-century building in Kota Tua, and has the same colonial air. The building faces Taman Fatahillah square, and is a bastion of history, sophistication and calm. The walls are covered in photographs of famous figures who have passed through here. Seize the opportunity to enjoy Indonesian cuisine before continuing with your sightseeing.
10.00-12.30
Kota Tua
The best way to understand any destination is to dive into its past, and that is why we recommend you visit Kota Tua, the original historic centre of Jakarta. There you’ll have the opportunity to see the layout of Old Batavia, the Dutch colonial walled city, where many of the seventeenth- and eighteenth-century buildings can still be seen.
Itinerary day 2
21.00-23.00
Dinner at Altitude Grill
We suggest you bid farewell to Jakarta at this restaurant which offers panoramic views at sunset. This establishment with a touch of class specialises in grilled dishes. The chargrilled T-bone steaks and fish are excellent, but they also serve salads and pizza, so the restaurant caters for all tastes.
19.00-20.30
Chinatown
Another experience that you won’t want to miss on your visit to Jakarta is a walk through Chinatown, with its narrow streets crammed with shops, its decorations and its restaurants serving truly authentic Chinese cuisine. The Chinese arrived here centuries ago in search of business opportunities, and many of them settled in this colourful neighbourhood — although it does have its share of poverty.
17.30-18.30
National Gallery
The Galeri Nasional, or National Gallery, is an essential visit for art lovers, as it gives you an insight into the trends in Indonesian art. Here, you can see works by domestic artists including Raden Saleh and Affandi, alongside those by famous artists such as Kandinsky and Pierre Soulages.
16.00-17.00
Jalan Surabaya street market
If you like antiques or you just love rummaging, we suggest you stop by the Jalan Surabaya antiques street market (in the Menteng district). There you will find coins, old candelabra, vinyl records, and lots of mementoes of the Dutch colonial period. Little treasures that you can buy after the ritual haggling.
14.00-15.30
Lunch at Kaum Jakarta
This is a very pleasant restaurant located in the city centre, and a good place to try Indonesian dishes. Fortunately, they are careful to add less spice than usual, so there’s nothing to fear. If you’re in a group, you can share dishes so that you can sample a greater variety.
12.30-13.30
Istiqlal Mosque
This is said to be South East Asia’s largest mosque, and it is certainly impressive, both on the inside and the outside. Its outstanding feature is its great cupola, which measures 45 metres in diameter, and the twelve columns you will see inside. Did you know that it was built to commemorate the country’s independence?
10.00-12.00
Jakarta Cathedral
It may come as a surprise to see this magnificent cathedral in a predominantly Muslim country, but you need to remember that it was built early in the nineteenth century, when there was still religious diversity on the island. The cathedral is open to members of the public who want to visit the museum, hear Mass, or admire its beautiful towers or the works of art inside.