Hotels in Jakarta

Apart from being the centre of politics and economy, DKI Jakarta (Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta) is also the largest city in Indonesia. Most of its large areas are located in low areas.

Jakarta is known as “the land of opportunity and entertainment”. This city offers a wide range of opportunity to build careers and have fun. Out of 170 malls and entertainment sites, visitors are given different kinds of places to shop, find entertainment, and take in leisure time.

As the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta is one of the most populated cities in the world. Population keeps increasing due to the fact that many people from other cities in Indonesia migrate to Jakarta to find jobs or study. Gradually, these people began to spread across other regions around Jakarta such as Tangerang, Bekasi, Bogor and Depok. The most populated is currently East Jakarta.

For those who love traditional food, Jakarta’s culinary sights offer more than just ketoprak and kerak telor. This city offers plentiful choices of traditional to international food spots spread around food stalls, cafe as well as cheap and fancy restaurants.

Jakarta Major areas

Jakarta area is divided into 5 municipalities:

Central Jakarta

Central Jakarta is the smallest municipality. Until now, it is also the centre of government. Several popular buildings in Central Jakarta are: Merdeka Palace, National Palace, National Library, National Monument (Monas), Istiqlal Mosque and Cathedral.

West Jakarta

West Jakarta is dominated by small and growing industries. This part of Jakarta also offers many Dutch legacies such as Kota Intan Bridge, Langgam China Building, National Archives of Indonesia and Red Store (Toko Merah).

South Jakarta

Initially planned as a satellite city, South Jakarta has several modern malls and exclusive settlements. Once known as the greenest area in Jakarta, today’s South Jakarta is covered by many modern buildings. Several well-known destinations in South Jakarta are ABRI Satriamandala Museum and Al-Azhar Mosque.

East Jakarta

East Jakarta is the most populated part of Jakarta with a number of rice fields still existing in some parts of its areas. Two historical destinations in East Jakarta are Lubang Buaya and Prince Jayakarta’s Grave.

North Jakarta

North Jakarta is the only area in Jakarta with access to the sea, precisely located in Tanjung Priok Harbour. Some parts of Kota Tua (Old Town) in West Jakarta are also located in North Jakarta. Historical buildings in North Jakarta are Tugu Church, Bahari Museum, and Si Pitung Village.

Jakarta History

The name Jakarta has changed several times from Sunda Kelapa, Jayakarta, Batavia, Djakarta and now Jakarta. Prior to the 16th century, it was a harbour city under the rule of the Tarumanagara Empire. Kalapa was the first harbour under the Sunda Empire.

In the 16th century, Sunda Kelapa was under the Portuguese troops. However, Fatahillah from the Sultanate of Demak later invaded Portugal, seized Sunda Kelapa and changed the name to Jayakarta. Some time in 1596, a war occurred in Jayakarta after it was visited by the Dutch and English troops. When the war had ended, Jayakarta was ruled by the Dutch people.

As the Dutch power became stronger in Jayakarta, more Dutch people came to Indonesia and governed many areas such as Glodok, Merdeka Square, Menteng and Kebayoran Baru. Jayakarta was also developing very fast, proven by the development of Cathedral, Gambir Market, Jatinegara train station, Cut Mutiah Mosque, Metropole Cinema and Kemayoran Airport.

In the end of World War II, with supports from the Japanese troops, the land of Batavia was taken back by Indonesian troops. Batavia was then renamed to Djakarta, a shorter name for Jayakarta. When Japan had decolonized, Indonesia announced its proclamation on 17 August 1945 at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 56 (now Jalan Proklamasi), Central Jakarta.

How to get to Jakarta

By plane

Travelling to Jakarta by airplane will land at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), Cengkareng. From certain cities to Jakarta by Citilink, the plane will land at Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport (HLP), East Jakarta.

Transportation to and from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

The distance between Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Jakarta is around 20 km. In front of the terminal, you could find taxis heading to the city. Prices are determined by kilometer.

You could also use DAMRI bus found at all terminals. DAMRI bus fare starts from IDR 25.000 to IDR 50.000 depends on destination. DAMRI bus also serves routes to other areas including Bekasi and Bogor.

Transportation to and from Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport (HLP)

This airport is located in Halim Perdanakusuma, Makassar, East Jakarta. Since 10 January 2014, Halim Perdanakusuma has been operating as a commercial airport.

Halim International Airport provides several taxi companies such as Express, Blue Bird, Sri Medali and Cipaganti.

Besides taxi, you could also take DAMRI bus to and from the airport. DAMRI bus offers routes to: Rawamangun, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Pulogebang, Gambir train station, Bekasi, Depok and Bogor.

DAMRI bus fare from Halim to:

• Bogor: IDR 30.000
• Bekasi: IDR 25.000
• Depok: IDR 30.000
• Rawamangun: IDR 20.000
• Pulogebang: IDR 25.000
• Gambir train station: IDR 25.000
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport: IDR 30.000

By land and sea

All transportations from outside Java to Jakarta mostly stop at Tanjung Priok Harbour, North Jakarta.

From different places in Java, Jakarta could be reached by several public transportations such as:

Bus

Jakarta has several primary bus terminals:

• West Jakarta:

Kalideres Bus Terminal

Jalan Raya Daan Mogot Km 16

• East Jakarta:

Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal

Jalan Letjen TB Simatupang 1, Pasar Rebo

Pulo Gadung Bus Terminal

Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan 1, Pulo Gadung

Rawamangun Bus Terminal

Jalan Pegambiran, Rawamangun, Pulo Gadung

Train

Jakarta has several train stations that travel in between cities and provinces, such as:

• Jatinegara Train Station

Jalan Raya Bekasi No. 88, Pisangan Baru

• Gambir Train Station

Jalan Medan Merdeka Timur, Gambir

• Pasar Senen Train Station

Jalan Kramat Bunder 1, Senen

• Kota Train Station

Jalan Lapangan Stasiun Kota

• Cikini Train Station

Jalan Pegangsaan Timur

• Manggarai Train Station

Jalan Manggarai Utara 1

• Tanah Abang Train Station

Jalan Jati Baru

• Tanjung Priok Train Station

Jalan Taman Stasiun

Jakarta transportation

Jakarta has a variety of public transportation from taxi, train (travelling between Jabodetabek), TransJakarta Bus, regular bus, Metromini, angkutan kota or angkot, Bajaj to Ojek.

Taxi

Taxi fare in Jakarta starts from IDR 7.000. Taxi could also be booked by phone.

Primary taxis in Jakarta:

• Blue Bird and Silver Bird: 021-79171234
• Gamya: 021-87795555
• Express: 021-26509000

TransJakarta bus

Different from regular bus (such as Mayasari Bakti) that stops anywhere, TransJakarta has its own lane and stops at certain designated points.

TransJakarta Bus fare:

• From 05:00-07:00: IDR 2.000
• From 07:00-22:00: IDR 3.500

Electronic ticket (JakCard): Rechargable and can be purchased from DKI Bank, Mandiri Bank, BRI, BCA, BNI46 and Mega Bank. JakCard can also be purchased from Sales Promotion Girl at certain TransJakarta Bus shelters, mini markets and certain gas stations.

TransJakarta serves routes on Jakarta major streets. There are currently 12 corridors:

• Corridor 1: Blok M-Kota
• Corridor 2: Pulo Gadung-Harmoni
• Corridor 3: Kalideres -Harmoni
• Corridor 4: Dukuh Atas-PuloGadung
• Corridor 5: Kampung Melayu-Ancol
• Corridor 6: Ragunan-Dukuh Atas
• Corridor 7: Kampung Rambutan-Kampung Melayu
• Corridor 8: Lebak Bulus-Harmoni
• Corridor 9: Pinang Ranti-Pluit
• Corridor 10: Tanjung Priok-Cililitan
• Corridor 11: Kampung Melayu-Pulogebang
• Corridor 12: Pluit-Tanjung Priok

Further info: www.transjakarta.co.id.

APTB bus

APTB stands for Angkutan Perbatasan Terintegrasi Busway. APTB bus routes connects Jabodetabek to TransJakarta routes.

APTB bus fare depends on the routes, starts from IDR 8.000-IDR 14.000.

APTB bus in Jakarta serves 11 routes:

• Bekasi-Pulo Gadung
• Ciputat-Kota
• Poris Plawwad-Tomang
• Cibinong-Grogol
• Bogor-Rawamangun
• Bekasi-Tanah Abang
• Bekasi-Bundaran HI
• Cileungsi-Blok M
• Bogor-Tanah Abang
• Bogor-Tanjung Priok
• Bogor-Blok M

Metromini and Kopaja

Metromini and Kopaja are medium-sized public buses with around 25 seats capacity or maximum 50 including the people who stand inside the bus.

• Regular Metromini fare: IDR 3.000
• Metromini with AC (Air Conditioner): IDR 5.000

Angkutan kota (angkot)

Angkot is a public transport that can be found in almost every part of Jakarta. Angkot fare starts from IDR 2.000 depends on the distance.

Bajaj

Bajar is a three-wheel public transport that only travels in certain areas in Jakarta. Bajaj fare depends on the distance and negotiation with the driver. A bajaj can carry up to 3 passengers.

Ojek motorcycle

Ojek motorcycle could take you anywhere in Jakarta. It is one of the effective public transports during Jakarta rush hours.

Ojek fare depends on the distance and deal with the driver.

(All prices shown may be subject to change).

Jakarta climate

The temperature in Jakarta is relatively hot and humid, ranging from 28-33 degree Celsius. Rainy season normally starts from November to June. The peak of this season often occurs in January. Dry season starts from July to October with the highest temperature in September.

Jakarta local language

Betawi is the native language of the Betawi people in Jakarta which is closely related to the spoken Indonesian language.

Jakarta tourist attractions

Ancol Dreamland

Ancol Dreamland or Taman Impian Jaya Ancol is one of Jakarta’s prominent amusement parks. It offers visitors a variety of entertainment sites ranging from Fantasy World, SeaWorld, Atlantis Water Adventure (Waterbom) to recreational areas along the beach.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park or Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is the place to discover Indonesia’s diverse culture put in a single miniature park. This park shows different kinds of traditional arts and houses from a variety of ethnic in Indonesia. Several main sites are Indonesian Museum and the Keong Emas IMAX Theater.

Kota Tua (Old Town)

Kota Tua offers you several outmoded buildings in Dutch and Chinese architectural styles. Around the area, you can also encounter several food stalls selling Jakarta traditional food such as kerak telor and es lilin.

Considering how historic the atmosphere is, many people visit Kota Tua to hunt photos. Occasionally, the atmosphere could also become romantic as newlyweds come and make a photo.

National Museum (Monas)

Monas is the city’s icon built to commemorate Indonesia’s struggle in liberating the country from the Dutch government. You could learn this patriotic history at the National History Museum located below the ground floor.

At the National History Museum, you will find a variety of historical objects from prehistory to New Order (Orde Baru). The museum opens at 08:00-15:00 and closes every last Monday of the month.

The symbol of Monas is shown at its peak: a tongue of fire from bronze covered in gold.

Mall in Jakarta

Visiting malls has become a tradition to the Jakarta society. Malls have become “all in one” places that combine cinemas, recreational areas and sports. Here is the list of popular malls in Jakarta:

• Grand Indonesia: Central Jakarta, Jl. MH. Thamrin No. 1
• Plaza Indonesia: Central Jakarta, Jl. MH. Thamrin Kav. 28-30
• Senayan City: South Jakarta, Jl. Asia Afrika Lot 19
• Plaza Senayan: South Jakarta, Jl. Asia Afrika
• Pacific Place: South Jakarta, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53
• Pondok Indah Mall: South Jakarta, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah
• Mal Taman Anggrek: West Jakarta, Jl. Letjen S. Parman Kav. 21
• Central Park: West Jakarta, Jl. Let. Jend. S. Parman
• Sarinah: Central Jakarta, Jl. MH. Thamrin 11
• Blok M Mall: South Jakarta, Jl. Iskandarsyah II/2
• Plaza Semanggi: South Jakarta, Jl. Let. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 50
• Cibubur Junction: East Jakarta, Jl. Pusdika, Cibubur, Ciracas
• Kramat Jati Indah Plaza: East Jakarta, Jl. Raya Bogor Km 19

Museums in Jakarta

Popular museums in Jakarta:

• Fatahillah Museum

Fatahillah Museum was established in 1710. Located in the nostalgic Kota Tua, this museum shows several Dutch belongings such as furniture, maps, and displays objects from the prehistory period.

• National Museum of Indonesia

National Museum of Indonesia is known to be one of the best museums in Indonesia. Located near Monas, this museum displays various cultural objects from the Hindu-Buddhist period.

At the museum, you can see an elephant statue made of bronze put right in front of the entrance. This was a gift from the King of Thailand in 1871.

Nightlife in Jakarta

Jakarta is a city that never sleeps. It offers you several places to enjoy at nighttime such as:

Blok M

At Jalan Falatehan, there are several nightlife spots such as D’s Place, Sportsman, My Bar, Oscar, Highway to Elle, Top Gun, Maxi, Everest.

Jalan Jaksa

At Jalan Wahid Hasyim, you could enjoy the night by watching live music performances at Dyna Pub, Domares, and Embassy 21st. Spend some time as well at D’Consulate and the modern stylish Ocha & Bella restaurant located at Morrisey Hotel.

Kemang

This district is popular amongst teenagers and young adults. Kemang offers you numerous hang-out spots that opens until late at night such as Tipsy, Eco 365 near Aksara Bookstore, Monaco, Elbow Room, The Green.

Mangga Besar, Gajah Mada, Hayam Wuruk

Besides karaoke, these areas also offer you plenty of places to eat from expensive to cheap ones such as Bakmi GM, Bubur Sapo Bun Ong, and Bubur Olimo.

At Hayam Wuruk, you could find several Jakarta’s popular nightclubs such as Illigals Hotel and Club, Stadium, Millenium.

Jakarta recommended places to eat

Jakarta is filled with many traditional to international culinary sites:

Japanese cuisine

• Ajihara at Jl. Melawai
• Caza Suki at Mahakam
• Aoki at Gran Mahakam Hotel
• Goemon at Wisma Kyoei Prince
• Hanamasa

Italian cuisine

• Toscana at Kemang
• Fashion Pasta at City Walk
• Il Mare at Mulia Senayan Hotel
• Izzi Pizza and Pizza Marzano

German cuisine

• Paulaner Brauhaus
• Die Stube
• Imbiss Stube at Cilandak Town Square (Citos)
• Metro Sky Garden
• Ya Udah
• The Tavern

Middle Eastern cuisine

• Maroush
• Al Nafoura
• Anatolia
• Samarra
• Al-Jazeerah
• Turkuaz

Chinese cuisine

• Ah Yat Abalone at Golden Boutique Angkasa Hotel
• May Star at Central Park Mall and other areas around Jakarta
• Samudra Seafood at BRI Tower
• Taipan at WTC Mangga Dua
• Sun City at Lindeteves Trade Center

Indian cuisine

• Queen of India at Sunlake Hotel
• Komala’s at Sarinah Building
• Royal Kitchen at Bellagio Boutique Mall
• Koh-e-noor at Pasar Festival Kuningan
• Taj Mahal
• Martabak Har at Jl. Hayam Wuruk

Travel tips in Jakarta

• If you must attend a meeting, make sure you leave much earlier considering heavy traffic in Jakarta occurs around the clock.
• Enjoy Jakarta’s Car Free Day (CFD) every Sunday from 06:00-11:00. During CFD, people could go for a bike ride, stroll and encounter several food stalls on the sidewalks. Jakarta’s CFD starts from Jl. Jend. Sudirman until Thamrin.
• Before you take the TransJakarta bus or busway, purchase a “JakCard”. With this e-ticket, you do not need to queue at ticket counter. You can also use the card for transactions at Indomaret (retail) or shops alike.
• Visit www.lewatmana.com to find less heavy traffic in Jakarta and surrounding areas.