Things to Do in Jakarta | 5 Top Attractions for Beach Bums & History Buffs!

Known as much for its modern seaport as for its historic landmarks, Jakarta is an excellent city in which to experience Indonesian culture and heritage. Activities in Jakarta include touring some of the nation’s best museums, monuments and religious sites as well as shopping at upscale beachfront malls. Travelers looking for a little old and a little new will enjoy these top things to see plus a whole lot more during a trip to Jakarta.

1. Ancol Beach

While sprawling Ancol Beach is a huge draw to the northern shore of the city, the entire area is worth committing an entire day to explore. Ancol Beach alone serves as a sunny refuge for families and tourists looking to relax on sandy shores, but tourists should also consider spending some time at other Jakarta attractions in the area.

Things to do in Jakarta near Ancol Beach

• Ancol Beach City shopping mall
• Dunia Fantasi amusement park
• Atlantis Water Adventures Ancol water park
• Sea World Ancol aquarium

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2. National Gallery of Indonesia

Just outside Jakarta’s revered National Monument Park is where tourists will find the National Gallery of Indonesia, an art gallery and museum dedicated to preserving and promoting local works of art. The gallery opened in 1999, but the restored building in which it is housed dates to 1817.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday)
Entry fee: free

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3. Sunda Kelapa Port

For a taste of old-world culture and Indonesian history, tourists should plan to spend a few hours in the area of Sunda Kelapa Port. This bayside area formerly served as the main port for the entire Sunda Kingdom, and today, while the port is not as busy, guests can still see wooden ships sailing to and fro from the docks. Besides the surreal scenery, Sunda Kelapa Port also is home to several museums, seafood restaurants and a lighthouse.

Things to do at Sunda Kelapa Port

• Jakarta History Museum (Fatahillah Museum)
• Jakarta Bahari Museum
• Wayang Museum
• Museum Bank Indonesia
• Batavia Marina seafood restaurant
• Lighthouse Sunda Kelapa

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4. Ragunan Zoo

Containing plenty of space for the animals who are protected there and the visitors who come to see them, Ragunan Zoo is one of Jakarta’s treasured attractions – and a super cheap day of entertainment for the whole family! The sprawling park, set in an actual rainforest, strives to care for and protect some of world’s most endangered species. The zoo also showcases a variety of native and rare mammals and reptiles and provides guests with fun, educational tours.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday)
Entry fee: 4,000 IDR (.30 USD) for adults and 3,000 IDS (.20 USD) for children

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5. Jakarta History Museum (Fatahillah Museum)

Visitors can learn all about the history of Jakarta at Jakarta History Museum, also known as Fatahillah Museum. The museum is housed in an early 18th-century colonial style building that originally served as the city hall for former Batavia (Dutch Jakarta). The museum opened in 1974 and contains a vast display of historical artifacts and exhibits that detail the region’s founding, Dutch colonization and finally its 1945 independence.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday)
Entry fee: 5,000 IDR (.35 USD)

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Where to Stay in Jakarta

ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta

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