Itineraries for Your Trip to Jakarta
2 Days in Jakarta for First Timers
When I first mentioned to my friends that I’d be spending a good chunk of my Indonesian vacation in Jakarta, most of them responded with “Why?”. Like most other travelers, they’d speed through the capital to the black-sand beaches and Hindu temples of Bail. But before I did that, I was keen to see a more traditional side of Indonesia. If you’ve made the wise choice to spend two days in Jakarta, this selection of top activities for first-time visitors showcases a mix of Javanese culture, history, nature, and food—so that you can discover an authentic side of Indonesia beyond the Instagrammable beach clubs.
Ditch the jacket but bring an umbrella—Jakarta is hot and rainy year-round.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park).
Spend your first morning getting your bearings in the capital on a sightseeing tour that whisks you between Jakarta’s must-see attractions. Admire the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest Muslim place of worship in Southeast Asia, and visit the Makutharama Puppet Studio, where you’ll meet puppet masters and see a puppet collection that spans Indonesia’s more than 14,000 islands.
Even if you don’t have time to visit every corner of the archipelago, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park) lets you see Indonesia’s highlights in miniature. This afternoon, explore the 247-acre (100-hectare) park, where you’ll find a mini Borobudur Temple, a Buddhist UNESCO World Heritage Site, and traditional houses from different islands.
Now that you’ve seen Indonesia by day, it’s time to experience the city from a fresh perspective on an evening tour. Gaze up at the golden flame of the Indonesian National Monument (Monas) and explore the bustling streets and illuminated temples of Glodok (Jakarta Chinatown), where you’re sure to be tempted by the scent of street food.
On your second day, take a break from the city’s oppressive heat on a morning trip to the hill station of Bogor, most famous for its lush Bogor Botanical Gardens, the oldest in Southeast Asia. Wander among thousands of different trees, orchids, flowers, and tropical flora, and enjoy the cool breeze at this higher altitude.
This afternoon, delve deeper into Jakarta’s rich history on a guided tour of Jakarta Old Town, home to myriad architectural styles. Wander Fatahillah Square (Taman Fatahillah) to see whitewashed Dutch colonial buildings and duck into the Jakarta History Museum to view artifacts linked to the city’s cultural heritage.
Cap your action-packed two days with one of the best things to do in Jakarta for first timers—a street food tour that transports you between stops for a more authentic experience. Feast on local delicacies ranging from nasi goreng (fried rice) and bakso (meatball soup) to jackfruit curry, coconut satay, and the famously “fragrant” durian fruit.
