Joanna James
A charismatic city brimming with soul-stirring diversions, Jakarta is a vibrant tapestry richly embroidered with art, heritage, and nature with a sheen of cutting-edge glamour. Here’s what you need to prioritize for your Jakarta itinerary.
Discover a cityscape filled with vibrant artisan meccas, vintage enclaves, and tempting street food stalls. These create a charming contrast with the glitzy high-rises, upscale shopping malls, and impressive plazas, offering a picturesque blend of experiences. However, if strikingly expressive colonial and oriental architecture fusions get you weak in the knees, you can’t miss a leisurely stroll around the iconic Old Town, with its cobbled streets, old-world edifices, serene canals, and ample Insta-worthy backdrops. Whether it's soaking in the stories of fascinating artefacts, cycling through timeless vistas, sampling the excellent coffee at Café Batavia, or hunting for off-the-beaten-track gems like the Dutch Colonial Red Shop and the Jakarta Kota Railway Station, Kota Tua is an enriching microcosm, whether or not you’re a history fanatic.
If you love exploring markets filled with unique treasures, Jakarta has affordable options. Visit Ancol Art Market for gem-studded accessories, woven rattan bags, and indigenous handicrafts, or explore budget-friendly traditional items at Tanah Abang Market, and discover a mix of local artisanal brands and high-fashion stores at Sarinah. However, the most impeccable vibes and authentic collectables can be gathered at the famous Pasar Bahru, where you can stock up on fragrant spices, batik clothing, old-Bollywood sequinned textiles, and trendy footwear.
Explore Jakarta's museums for a journey of discovery. From the National Museum's eye-opening galleries to the regal Jakarta History Museum's curious relics and the creative allure of the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics, there are exciting finds for every curious wanderer. However, if you prefer a quirky and colourful portal into the past, slip down Jakarta’s scenic Pondok Labu alleyway and feast your senses on the Layang-Layang Kite Museum, where you will find visually decadent relics of Indonesia’s 2000-year-old kite-flying tradition. From gigantic horses shadowing the entryway with their majestic wings to flying ships, fire-breathing dragons, and a mind-boggling horse-drawn carriage in 3-D, you’ll have plenty of out-of-the-box inspiration when it's time to construct your own epic kite as a souvenir!
If you are enamoured by retro-chic emporiums perfect for laidback frolics, head straight to Jakarta’s quaintly bohemian Kemang neighbourhood and revel in the charming assortment of eateries serving all-day breakfast and lip-smacking coffee, dreamy little bookstores, and bespoke boutiques featuring up-and-coming local designers. If you’re looking for sophisticated furnished apartments in Jakarta, offering prime access to its ambient escapes, venture no further than Oakwood Suites Kuningan Jakarta.
After a whirlwind day of non-stop touring, there’s nothing more satisfying than winding down at the city’s gourmet eat streets, whether it’s a plate of fragrant, sambal-spicy Nasi Goreng, a comforting bowl of chicken congee garnished with fried scallion, or succulent and smoky satays served with addictive pineapple or peanut sauce.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
