Hotels in Jakarta

As Indonesia's vibrant capital city, Jakarta offers everything from luxurious resorts to tall skyscrapers and colourful markets. Its rich foods and shopping scenes are worth a trip alone. Still, the town boasts some of Indonesia's best museums. These include exceptional national institutions, like the Museum Nasiona, alongside spectacular galleries and hidden gems. What's more, being so close to the coast, you can always head out to a secluded island or a beach escape.

The hotel scene is very versatile. Major luxury hotels can be found throughout the city. Almost all offer incredible nighttime views, especially from the upper levels. For something unique, why not book a room at a historic hotel? There are ample colonial-period makeshift conversions, which are known to provide an abundance of opulent overnight options.

Neighbourhoods of Jakarta

This is a bustling and fascinating megapolis with plenty of must-explore regions. Among the most popular neighbourhoods are:

• Menteng: This lively region is among the most affluent. It's where you can find the best bars, restaurants and hotels. It's also near many of the city's top attractions, including the National Monument and Pasar Baru.
• Tanah Abang: This lively central area has one of the city's largest textile markets. The colours and sounds are worth a trip alone. This place is where you can find a wide range of international services and amenities, including business-exclusive hotels.
• CBD: The Central Business District isn't just about international banking and business. This place is home to one of the city's top shopping destinations, and it also boasts a vast range of exciting hotels. For those looking to explore the country, the central district is conveniently near the main roads and rail links.

What to see and do in Jakarta

Each corner of the city offers exciting attractions. Starting with Merdeka Square, the entire city gives off a unique atmosphere, making each area worth exploring. Here are some well know places to check out:

• Galeri Nasiona: This is among one of the city's top museums. Inside the beautiful palm-lined Dutch colonial estate, the gallery houses roughly 1,700 pieces of artwork.
• Museum Nasional: This is a top-visit place with a wealth of historical artefacts. Each piece tells a story about Indonesia's rich history.
• Old Town: History buffs should head to Jakarta's historical centre to explore its rich history.
• Museum Bank Indonesia: This is a fantastic and enigmatic museum highlighting Indonesia's trade history.
• Jin De Yuan: This is an amazing eighteenth-century temple sitting near the old town.
• Taman Fatahillah: This is one of the most scenic hubs to wander. Colonial architecture and first-rate restaurants surround its cobblestone square.
• Mini Indonesia Indah: In southern Jakarta, you'll find this famous amusement park in Taman.
• Museum Macan: If you want to see some exciting contemporary art pieces, Check out this place, as well as RUCI.

What to eat in Jakarta

Jakarta is all about food. Nothing beats eating like a local, especially if you truly want to experience Indonesian culture. Street stalls are among the most exciting places to pick up meals. Gorengan (fried foods) is the most popular type of local food. Look for local specialities like:

• Pisang goreng sambal roa (fried banana with chilli).
• Bebek goreng (marinated fried duck).
• Bakpao (meat buns).
• Sate (satay). This skewered meat dish with peanut sauce originates in Java and is the national dish.

Typical events and festivals in Jakarta

The city boasts many festivities and celebrations, including New Year, Chinese New Year and Tahun Baru Masehi. Some unmissable local and cultural events include:

• Java Jazz Festival which hits the city in March.
• Ramadan every May. Expect many services to follow the unique schedule of Ramadan through Idul Fitri.
• Jakarta Anniversary in late June. This impressive festivity sees exciting performances and delicious banquets.
• Independence Day in August. This national holiday is massive and brings about flags, parades and epic displays of fireworks.

How to move around in Jakarta

This is a sprawling city with notorious heavy traffic. The best way to move around is to hop on the Jakarta MRT railway or the monorail. Otherwise, public buses are also very easy for travelling longer distances, as are air-conditioned taxis. Extensive cycling isn't a sage recommendation, primarily due to the pot-holed roads and dangerous traffic. For quick holts to nearby destinations, why not opt for a traditional tuk-tuk?

The climate in Jakarta

Jakarta has a tropical monsoon climate, marked by year-round warmth and a fair share of rain. Temperatures often remain above 30° C throughout the entire year. Similarly, wet weather also persists year-round, but it comes down particularly heavy between November and April. As the weather mostly remains the same at all times, it makes choosing a time to travel time pretty easy!