Jakarta holidays

How to reach Jakarta

• Flight time: Flights to Jakarta from the UK take around 14 to 16 hours, usually departing from London. Most flights have a layover, commonly being Singapore, Doha or Dubai.

• Transfer time: Once you arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the most convenient way to get to central Jakarta is the airport rail link train (after connecting by the Skytrain), which takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, taxis take 45 to 60 minutes or DAMRI shuttle buses around 60 to 90 minutes, but both depend on traffic and can be much slower at busy times.

• Price: The train costs Rp 70,000 (£3.40), DAMRI shuttle buses cost about Rp 40,000 (£2) and taxis cost around Rp 150,000–Rp 250,000 (£7–£12). Ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab are similarly priced to taxis.

Best time to visit Jakarta

Jakarta’s tropical climate means it’s warm year-round, but it does have a wet season and a dry season with differing levels of humidity, so timing your holidays to Jakarta might be needed, depending on what you're looking to do.

• May to October is the dry season and the best time of year to visit. Temperatures are warm, ranging between 25°C and 32°C, with about 8–9 hours of sunshine daily. While short, occasional thunderstorms can happen at any point of the year, particularly in the mountains, this time of the year generally has low rainfall and humidity. The biggest numbers of tourists arrive in July and August, and prices are highest then.

• November to April marks the wet season. It doesn't rain all day, but heavy showers and thunderstorms are common most afternoons. January and February are the wettest months. Temperatures hover between 25°C and 31°C, but if you don’t mind the high humidity and want fewer crowds, this can be a good time for lower prices.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas and by younger Indonesians.

• Local habits and customs: Indonesian people are friendly and polite, but are also conservative, especially when it comes to religious matters. Dress modestly if visiting mosques and temples, and avoid public displays of affection. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but is appreciated.

• Health and safety: Jakarta is generally a safe city for travellers, but it’s always wise to be alert to possible scams, look after your belongings when you're out and about, and watch out for pickpockets on public transport. Stick to bottled water, as tap water isn’t safe for drinking, and be careful of food sold on the street. Healthcare is basic, so make sure you arrange travel insurance before you go.

• Currency: Indonesia's currency is the rupiah (Rp). ATMs are widely available, and credit or debit cards are accepted in most hotels and large restaurants. It's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases.

• Getting around: Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are convenient and affordable for taxis, minicabs and motorbike taxis. A typical ride around the city costs around Rp 20,000–Rp 50,000 (£1–£2.50). Jakarta also has the TransJakarta bus system with fares from Rp 3,500 (£0.20), and a new MRT train system with tickets costing from Rp 14,000 (£0.70).

• Electricity and plug types: Indonesia's electricity is 220V–240V, with European-style two round-pin plugs. UK visitors will need an adaptor. Power cuts and voltage variations are common, so voltage stabilisers should be taken for sensitive equipment.

• Time zone: Jakarta is on Western Indonesia Standard Time (WIB), which is 7 hours ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers can get a visa for stays of under 30 days on arrival at major airports, or online in advance.

Best things to do in Jakarta

Indonesia's huge capital city Jakarta has glittering skyscrapers, shiny shopping malls and bumper-to-bumper traffic, but also old traditional areas and plenty of history. A real mix of cultures – Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arabic, Indian and European – has influenced the city's architecture, language and cuisine, and it's an exciting place to visit. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie or just keen to experience the vibrant local culture, here's a guide to the top things to do on your Jakarta holidays.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Monas (National Monument): Climb up the 132-metre-high Monas tower to get sweeping views of the city. This landmark is symbolic of Indonesia’s independence, and from the observation deck you can see Jakarta’s ever-growing skyline and even catch a glimpse of the distant mountains on a clear day.

• SKYE Bar & Restaurant: For a more down-to-earth viewpoint, head to SKYE, a popular rooftop bar situated in the heart of the city. It offers fantastic views of Jakarta's cityscape, especially at sunset, when you can sip on a cocktail while taking in the lights illuminating the skyline.

The best districts

• Kota Tua (Old Town): Stepping into Kota Tua is like travelling back in time. This area is filled with colonial-era buildings, quaint museums and bustling markets. Fatahillah Square is the heart of the district, where you can admire the historic Dutch architecture and enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafés.

• Freedom Square: Known as Medan Merdeka or Lapangan Merdeka, this square covers an area of ​​roughly five times that of ​​Beijing's Tiananmen Square. At its centre is the National Monument, known as Monas, which is surrounded by a number of important buildings including the National Museum, Masjid Istiqlal (Istiqlal Mosque) and the Presidential Palace.

Historic monuments

• Istiqlal Mosque: The largest mosque in Southeast Asia, the white-marble Istiqlal Mosque is an architectural marvel on account of its enormous dome and striking minarets. Visitors are welcome to explore this peaceful place of worship.

• Jakarta Cathedral: Just across from Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta's cathedral offers a striking contrast. Its Neo-Gothic architecture and intricate stained-glass windows are particularly captivating.

• Fatahillah Museum (Jakarta History Museum): This museum, located in Kota Tua, is housed in the former city hall from the Dutch colonial era. Its displays provide a fascinating insight into Jakarta’s past, from its early history as Batavia to the transformation into modern Jakarta.

Day trips in the area

• Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands): This national marine park just offshore has around 100 small islands offering stunning marine life, white-sand beaches and clear waters for snorkelling and diving. Other watersports like windsurfing, jet skiing and parasailing are also popular.

Activities for families in Jakarta

Jakarta has plenty for families travelling with children. Whether you’re looking for quirky museums, amusement parks or outdoor activities, you’ll find a range of options to keep kids entertained.

• Ancol Dreamland: The go-to spot for families in Jakarta, this is the largest integrated tourist area in Southeast Asia, with Dunia Fantasi amusement park, Atlantis water park and Sea World aquarium.

• Ragunan Zoo: Home to over 2,000 animals in pretty reasonable conditions for Indonesia, the collection includes iconic attractions like Komodo dragons, tapirs and Sumatran tigers, and crowd-pleasers such as crocodiles, gorillas and orangutans.

• Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: This sprawling park offers a miniature tour of Indonesia and is an excellent place for children to learn about the country’s diverse cultures. With replicas of traditional houses, kids can immerse themselves in a mini journey across the archipelago.

Free things to do in Jakarta

Jakarta offers several free events and activities that let you experience the city without breaking the bank. From cultural events to beautiful parks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Jakarta for free.

• Free events: Jakarta hosts various cultural events throughout the year. You can catch free concerts, festivals and religious processions. During Independence Day in August, there are public parades and celebrations across the city.

• Free museums: On select days, many museums in Jakarta offer free entry. For example, the National Museum has free admission on the first Sunday of every month, allowing visitors to explore its vast collection of Indonesian artefacts.

Wellness in Jakarta

• Traditional body care: Experience traditional Indonesian body care by indulging in a Javanese Lulur body scrub or a Balinese massage. These treatments often use natural ingredients like rice, turmeric and coconut oil, leaving your skin soft and glowing.

• Yoga and meditation centres: For those seeking a more mindful retreat, there are several yoga studios in Jakarta offering classes in peaceful environments. Venues like Gudang Gudang Yoga cater to all levels, providing a tranquil space to unwind in the midst of the bustling city.

Local dishes in Indonesia

Indonesia has a rich culinary heritage, with influences as diverse as China, India, the Middle East and the Netherlands. Whether you’re dining in a high-end restaurant or sampling street food from local vendors, you’re sure to find some new favourite dishes on holidays to Jakarta.

Some typical dishes

• Nasi Goreng: Indonesia's best-known rice dish is Nasi Goreng – fried rice with vegetables, chicken or prawns, often served with a fried egg on top. It’s a staple that you can find everywhere, from street stalls to upscale eateries.

• Soto Betawi: This is a traditional soup in Jakarta made with beef and coconut milk, packed with spices and served with a side of rice or crackers.

• Gado-Gado: A salad of cooked vegetables, tofu and tempeh, all slathered in a rich peanut sauce. It’s a delicious vegetarian option that's both hearty and flavourful.

Meat dishes

• Satay: Skewers of marinated, grilled meat served with a rich peanut sauce. Satay is typically made with chicken, beef or lamb and is a must-try in Jakarta.

• Rendang: A slow-cooked, spicy beef dish that’s simmered in coconut milk and spices until tender. This is a popular dish throughout Indonesia.

Street food

• Martabak: These Indonesian-style pancakes come in savoury or sweet versions, either topped or folded. Savoury fillings are often spiced minced meat and eggs, while sweet ones come with chocolate, nuts or cheese.

• Kerak Telor: A Jakarta speciality, this is a crispy omelette made with rice, duck or chicken eggs and shredded coconut. It’s cooked over charcoal and often sold by street vendors during festivals.

Sweets and desserts

• Es Campur: A popular cooling treat in Jakarta’s warm climate, this Indonesian-style ice-cream sundae is made from a range of ingredients such as shaved ice, coconut, fruit, tapioca and jelly, with syrup and coconut milk.

• Klepon: Small rice balls filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut, offering a delightful combination of chewy texture and sweet filling.