Jakarta
Traditional dance, markets & skyscrapers in Indonesia’s capital
Take flights to Jakarta for haggling at lively flea markets, spicy street food and classy cocktails in colonial surroundings.
Things to do
Discover Indonesia's cultural heritage at Jakarta's National Museum. Housed in the 19th-century Elephant House, the museum spans millennia with its treasure-trove collection of costumes, instruments, imperial gold and ceramics.
Shopping
Find antique Samurai swords, traditional Indonesian puppets, brassware and handicrafts at the bustling Jalan Surabaya Market. The open-air flea market is full of unusual gifts to take home from your Jakarta holiday, but be prepared to haggle.
Restaurants
Wok smoke rises above the hubbub of Chinatown's Mangga Besar Night Market. Jostle for a table to tuck into Indonesian flavours like fried rice, aromatic satays and flat noodles with stir-fried seafood on your Jakarta city break.
Nightlife
Slip back to Dutch colonial times at Café Batavia's Churchill Bar, where black-and-white photos of celebrities and royalty line the walls. Smooth jazz plays as you sip decadent cocktails like Borneo Sunset and Marry Me after your Jakarta flights.
When to go
KLM has frequent flights to Jakarta. Travel to Jakarta for top events like March's Java Jazz Festival, or the Jakarta International Film Festival in December.
Upcoming events
- Jakarta Jam!Feb 2012 (annual)
- Java Jazz FestivalMar 2012 (annual)
- Show all events
Restaurants
SpotlightCafé Batavia
Café Batavia is set in the Dutch colonial area of Batavia. Once a favourite with Jakarta's city officials and visiting More about this item
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SpotlightPlaza Senayan
The elegant Plaza Senayan in South Jakarta is one of the biggest shopping centres in Indonesia. International brand names like More about this item
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SpotlightSea World
Sea World's oceanarium, in Ancol amusement park outside Jakarta, is the largest in Asia. An 80-metre tunnel gives views of More about this item
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