Outdoor ActivitiesDespite the chaos and congestion of Jakarta, there is a large array of venues and activities catering to children (or the kid in all of us). Decent amusement parks, nature preserves, zoos and other fun spots can be found all over the city, providing plenty of options if you bring the kids along.

Glodok (Chinatown)

The Chinese community makes up a large part of Jakarta’s demographics, and Chinatown is the best place to immerse yourself in their culture. Traditional shop houses, Buddhist temples, markets and hawkers fill the streets, which are always lively and bustling. The Glodok Market is a good place to shop for modern products, while the shopping bridge which connects Jalan Gajah and Jalan Hayam Wuruk is a great place to look for handicrafts and the like.

Ancol Dreamland

Right across from Jakarta Bay is this massive recreational complex open 24 hours which features the Fantasyland amusement park for those in search of excitement. The impressive SeaWorld oceanarium is also on site, providing an educational look at the regional marine life of Indonesia. There’s even the Ancol Water Park, if you want to cool off and play in the water.

Ragunan Zoo

Just outside of Jakarta lies this fun and interesting zoo which emphasises the exotic creatures which live in Indonesia. Komodo dragons and Java tigers are just a couple of the amazing animals which are rarely seen outside of this region. Kids and adults alike will be impressed by the wildlife on display, especially the enormous Komodo dragons. Phone: +62 21 840 9214.

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Indonesia’s capital has a vast array of cultural activities reflecting its long and colourful history as a trading port. From European colonisation to the rise of independence, there are some excellent museums, historic districts and performance venues which offer as much immersion in the city’s history as you like. Indonesia has a fascinating culture, and Jakarta is one of the best cities in the country to experience it.

Puppet Museum

Traditional wayang kulit and wayang golek puppetry is a classic Indonesian art form, and this museum is the best site in the country to learn more about this wonderful kind of entertainment. Thousands of traditional puppets are on display from Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, and the museum hosts puppet shows regularly which are a real treat. The lovely 20th century Dutch church where the museum is located is also an attraction in itself. Phone: +62 21 692 9560.

Sunda Kelapa Harbour

Jakarta’s old harbour dates back to the 17th century and is one of the most picturesque parts of the city. The port still functions as a cargo ship stopover, with lovely Makassarese and Bugis trading ships providing a colourful background to the buzz of activity which permeates the waterfront. See the roots of Jakarta at work in this fascinating harbour. Phone: +62 21 691 9101.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

For those visitors with only a short time in Jakarta, a visit to this 120 hectare cultural complex presents all of Indonesia’s 27 provinces in one setting. Traditional architecture and artefacts from each province have been reproduced on a life-size scale, and a number of museums provide the background necessary to understand this incredibly diverse nation. At the heart of it all is a beautiful lake where you can relax between forays into different sections. Phone: +62 21 840 9270.

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There isn’t a great deal of outdoor activity on offer in Jakarta, with most of the outdoor activities revolving around the sea and the beach. The northern part of the city is regarded as the place to go for recreation, particularly the Ancol Dreamland complex, which is a beach resort, amusement park, golf course, handicraft market and aquarium rolled into one. The Ancol Marina is the jumping off point for excursions to the Thousand Islands region in Jakarta Bay.

Ancol Marina

If you fancy a boat cruise around Jakarta Bay or farther out into the endless chain of tiny islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, Ancol Marina is the place to start. Ferry rides around the bay depart frequently. Alternatively, boats can be chartered for the day for longer excursions.

Snorkelling

The Thousand Islands area is the closest place to Jakarta to enjoy quality snorkelling or diving. Daytrips can be arranged by any of the tour shops at Ancol Marina, or you can even sleep on one of the islands and make an overnight trip of it. Kul Kul Kotok Island Resort, Sepa Island Resort and Pantara Island Resort are excellent destinations for enjoying the colourful coral gardens and sea life that fill the waters offshore from Jakarta.

Thousand Islands

The 130 islets that dot Jakarta Bay come in all shapes and sizes. Most are populated, but some are completely deserted. Among the most popular islands are Bibadari, Kelor, Putri and Onrust, where visitors can snorkel, swim or just lounge around in the sand.

Water Sports

From Ancol Marina, visitors can take advantage of the massive marine sports centre which offers deep sea fishing excursions, scuba diving, snorkelling trips and other forms of watery recreation.

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Jakarta is vibrant, friendly, with a fervent spirit and a lively outlook. Culture, style, history, adventure and sports are just a few of the elements of the city’s enticing persona. Getting to know Jakarta is opening the door to an amazing world of benefits. So, let’s take a quick tour around town, and experience some of the city’s best features.

As Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta is the cultural centre of this diverse and populous nation. There are dozens of attractions worth checking out in the city, but most visitors start their explorations in the old Dutch enclave of Batavia, which retains a decent level of colonial charisma. Fortunately for visitors, many of the tourist highlights are concentrated in the central district of the city. Each district has its own merits, from the historic Kota neighbourhood to the old port area of Sunda Kelapa. Monuments, museums, mosques and temples can be found everywhere you look, offering days of exploration for those hardy enough to brave the traffic, pollution and heat.

Istiqlal Mosque

This stately national mosque is Southeast Asia’s largest mosque and positioned on the corner of Merdeka Square. About 90% of the Indonesia people are Moslems. You may experience the amplified chanting from the Istiqlal minaret, echoed by hundreds of other smaller mosques throughout the city to call Jakarta’s citizen to pray five times a day.

Not only is this mosque one of the largest in Southeast Asia, it also happens to be staggeringly beautiful. Since Jakarta is mainly an Islamic community, a visit to this massive mosque is an ideal way to observe the city’s religious life. Visitors are allowed to enter when prayers are not happening, but should remember to dress modestly and remove their shoes. Phone: +62 21 315 4094.

Kota

Jakarta’s tourism hub is the old Dutch town of Batavia in the Kota district. Visitors will want to spend some time wandering the timeless cobbled streets around Taman Fatahillah plaza. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop in this historic area and the original port of Sunda Kelapa, along the waterfront, is a great place to escape the chaos of modern Jakarta and imagine yourself transported back in time.

Maritime Museum

This fascinating museum tells the history of Jakarta’s rich maritime heritage. Situated in a 19th century Dutch warehouse at the old port of Sunda Kelapa, exhibits include old sepia photographs from the original Batavia enclave, model boats and plenty of maritime relics. The museum also boasts a watchtower which provides panoramic views over the port and city from its lookout. Phone: +62 21 669 3406.

National Monument

Rising over 130 metres above Independence square in the heart of Jakarta, it’s hard to miss the imposing National Monument. This symbol of Indonesia’s freedom from colonialism remains a powerful reminder to the locals. There is usually something interesting going on around the base of the monument, and it is certainly worth a look.

Jakarta’s most important museum focuses on the history of both the capital and Indonesia in general. Located in one of the capital’s most picturesque 19th century buildings, the museum has an amazing collection of religious pieces from Java’s many temples, as well as priceless Chinese ceramics and various gifts given to local rulers over the centuries. Phone: +62 21 381 1551.

Sunda Kelapa

The original trading port of Jakarta is located right on the edge of the Kota district and makes a wonderful area to spend an afternoon watching the traditional boats loading and unloading their cargo as they’ve done for centuries. The boats are charismatic and colourful, and the locals are friendly; if you strike up a conversation you’re likely to be invited onboard.

The old port area of Sunda Kelapa remains a busting hub for those involved in the vibrant interisland trade, along with being center og activity for fresh fish auctionerrs. Graceful Bugis Phinisi Schooners, the world’s last Wind-Powered Sailing Fleet used for trade, still berth at the quay as they have for centuries. Recieving and shipping out a wide range of the island bounty. Best visited the early morning.

Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Centre

Named after the famed Indonesian musician, this centre is host to the city’s planetarium as well as the Jakarta Institute for the Arts. The only art centre of its kind in the country, the facilities include outdoor and indoor theatres, two art galleries and several exhibition halls showcasing local and national arts and crafts. Phone: +62 21 315 4087.

Pasar Ikan (Fish Market)

Them market positioned at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. This market areas bustles with activities related to the sea. The Maritime Museum (Museum Bahari), situated at the harbour , is a restored Dutch warehouse dating back to the first trading post of the Dutch East Indies. Relics of ships that ply the islands are on display. The daily catch from the sea is auctioned at the nearby public fish market before 05:00 am.

Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Square)

The site located in the historic Old City area. It offers three of the city’s most interesting museums. Once the heart of the colonial administration in the 18th century, the square underwent a major restoration in the 1970’s. A fountain in the middle of square once served as the main water supply for the former colonial capital.

Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Art Theatre)

This neo-renaissance structure was meticulously restored and now one of the historical landmarks among the many buildings in Jakarta which have been conserved. Some of the city’s best performances of music, dance and theatre by both Indonesian and foreign artists presented here. Another popular Jakarta venue for exhibitions and performing arts is Taman Ismail Marzuki. Gedung Kesenian publishes a month of calendar, with event announcements in the daily newspapers. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, Jalan PasarBaru 1.

Pasar Seni (Art Market)

This colourful open-air market located in Ancol Amusement Park. This market provides a unique experience for not only purchasing quality Indonesia arts and craft, but also a chance to see and meet the artisans at work. You can watch puppet makers, wood-carvers, painters and many other craft makers from throughout the archipelago cheerfully working on their creations. Open daily from 02:00 pm 09:00 pm on Monday to Saturday and 10:00am 09:00 pm on Sundays.

Jalan Surabaya (Surabaya Street)

For a unique shopping opportunity, visit the lively Jalan Surabaya Antique Market on the fringes of the posh Menteng residential neighborhood. The 500 meters long open market is a place to celebrate for bargaining exotic treasures. Leather Wayang puppets are one of the most popular items on the shoppers list.

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Catch a ride on an Indonesian train for an experience you won’t forget. The Kota Train Station is a classic example of contemporary colonial architecture dating from the 1930s. The train depot blends in perfectly with the surrounding architecture and still functions as a working train station, with thousands of locals using the trains to get to and from the capital. Although the trains in Jakarta are reliably crowded and chaotic, a short jaunt into the countryside or along the coast can leave you with some great memories. Located on Jalan Stasiun in Kota. Phone: +62 21 386 0934.

Discover the wonders of Indonesian flora at the impressive Bogor Botanical Gardens. Officially opened in 1817, these gardens are among the oldest in all of Asia and offer a rare glimpse at some 17,000 different species of local plants. Many rare orchids and other unique plants are contained within the 87 hectare grounds. If you have any interest in gardening, you won’t want to miss this amazing spectacle.

Escape to the Thousand Islands. For a dose of tropical island splendor, visitors can catch a boat to any of the 120 islands from the Ancol Marina for a daytrip or longer. The coral reefs which surround nearly every island are excellent for snorkelling or swimming, and the beaches are among the best around the capital. Located in Jakarta Bay.

Search for priceless gemstones at Pasar Rawabeing. If you are a fan of gems, rare rocks and other geological wonders, you won’t want to miss a browse through Jakarta’s best stone market, where semiprecious and precious gemstones are the main attraction. Like all markets, the quality ranges, with both rip-offs and real beauties. At the far end of the market is an area that sells Indonesian antiques such as jewel-encrusted ceremonial kris daggers and the like. Located on Jalan Bekasi Barat Raya. Phone: +62 21 819 7059.

See the entire country compressed into one place at the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. This ambitious cultural endeavor attempts to recreate the living environments of all 27 of the country’s provinces through reconstructed buildings and displays of local arts and crafts. Cable cars and shuttles help visitors get around the 100 hectare compound. Cultural performances are hosted daily, making this the ideal one-stop cultural immersion destination. Located on Jalan Raya Pondok Gede. Phone: +62 21 840 9214.

Soak in the old Dutch colonial ambiance at Fatahillah Park. The main square in the Batavia district was once the hub of social life in Batavia when the Dutch were in power. Today, it still has all its former charm and provides a pleasant hangout spot for locals and tourists taking a break from exploring the old district of Jakarta. Occasionally, special events or festivals are held in the square. Located on Jalan Pintu Besar Utara in Kota. Phone: +62 21 315 4094.

Step back in time with a visit to Jatinegara Meester Cornelis. If you have time to make one excursion out of the city, this charming Dutch colonial town on the eastern fringe of Jakarta has a wonderfully antiquated feel to it. The local produce market, gemstone bazaar and temples from every religion imaginable complement the residential villages which ring the commercial heart of the town. Located on Jalan Jatinegara Barat in East Jakarta.

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