Keen tourists will be strategically positioned in Central Jakarta City, where the majority of landmarks and attractions are located including the National Monument, Istiqlal Mosque, and the National Museum of Indonesia.
Central Jakarta City forms a large part of Jakarta itself and within it are a number of neighbourhoods, each with their own appeal.
Setiabudi and Menteng are considered part of the commercial centre of Central Jakarta City. Those looking for the perfect mix of great shopping, dining, and entertainment will find it here.
While those neighbourhoods are generally some of the priciest in the city, Jalan Jaksa in Menteng is the exception to the rule. Due to its affordability and booming nightlife, it attracts travellers with overstuffed backpacks rather than luxury luggage sets.
The best nightlife the city has to offer though, is undoubtedly found in the Sudirman Central Business District, aka the financial hub of Jakarta. From dive bars to swanky VIP clubs, the skyscraper district has it all.
Shoppers will revel in the sheer choice of market stalls to high-end malls the city centre’s Tanah Abang neighbourhood has to offer. However, Mangga Dua in northern Jakarta holds the title of top shopping destination with its record number of top malls.
If you prefer indie boutiques, bookstores, and cafes to mainstream malls, you may feel more at home in Kemang, Jakarta’s coolest neighbourhood. Its edgy urban streets are both stylish and laidback, welcoming backpackers and luxury holiday-makers alike.
To immerse in Jakarta’s most historic side, venture north out of Central Jakarta City to its Old Town. The cobbled streets lined with charming colonial Dutch merchant’s buildings are a world away from packed city centre streets, and a welcome change.
Families will find plenty of fun activities, cultural entertainment as well as peaceful resting spots in Kota Tua and the Ancol waterfront. As well as theme and waterparks, you can keep the whole family entertained at the nearby malls, museums, and beaches.
From the MRT to TransJakarta buses, there is plenty of public transport to get around Jakarta. One of the most popular methods though, is actually to order taxi or motorcycle pick-ups, which are often just as cheap.
