Originally published on January 20, 2024 | Last updated on March 24, 2025
I’m a native Jakartan – born and grew up here. As many natives do, we don’t often take a city tour of our own hometown, do we? My husband, however, has never been to Jakarta so I thought it’d be interesting to him to see my hometown. He definitely found it interesting, but moreover, I learned so much of my own hometown. So here’s all the places we went … a 1 Day Itinerary of exploring Jakarta!
I took a tour with Jakarta Highlight Tour to explore. I chose to take a tour as I have a limited time and it included a private AC car. Indonesia has an OK public transport, but it is difficult to visit all these places with public transport exclusively. Moreover, I found them to be very affordable, so why not. I can recommend them, as they are quite good. It’s also a private tour!
Monas (Monumen Nasional)
We started our day at Monas, the towering symbol of Indonesia’s independence. The monument is surrounded by Merdeka Square, a green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a morning stroll or a relaxing break. After visiting the monument, take a moment to explore the adjacent National History Museum, located at the base of Monas. This museum offers a fascinating look into Indonesia’s journey to independence, with exhibits showcasing historical artifacts, dioramas, and multimedia presentations. Monas is not only a national symbol but also a testament to the spirit of unity that shaped Indonesia’s path to freedom.
All Jakartans know that Monas is a must-go in Jakarta. Most people I know suggested to go to the top, which we unfortunately couldn’t do that day. The queue was quite long and he couldn’t be bothered. It was due to school holiday – I have been to the top before and the view was quite good. If you want to go up, arrive early to beat the crowds and take the elevator up for a panoramic view of the city. At 132 meters tall, Monas is an iconic landmark in Jakarta, offering visitors a chance to see the city from above.
Despite that, my husband was fully fascinated with the dioramas that show the history of Indonesia. There were dioramas displayed to portray a screenshot of a historical event. At 11 am ,the original voice recording of Soekarno (the founding father of Indonesia) proclaiming the independence of Indonesia back in 1945 was played. We all went and heard it while looking at the replica of the original Indonesian flag.
Jakarta Cathedral
We originally wanted to go to Istiqlal Mosque, but we went on a Friday so Istiqlal was closed to public for prayers. Istiqlal Mosque is the biggest mosque in South East Asia, so it’s worth seeing. So probably next time.
So we went to Jakarta Cathedral instead which is across the street. It was truthfully my first time, and while it wasn’t as breathtaking as some European cathedral, I learned about quite a lot of history. There is a museum at the back that I totally recommend, it has notes on some history of Catholicism in Indonesia but also some historical pieces. Built in the 19th century, the cathedral features intricate stained glass windows, soaring spires, and a peaceful interior that offers a quiet retreat from the city’s hustle. The cathedral remains an important place of worship for Jakarta’s Catholic community and a symbol of the country’s religious harmony.
Glodok (Chinatown)
No trip to Jakarta is complete without a visit to Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown. As one of the oldest Chinese settlements in Indonesia, Glodok is a fascinating blend of traditional markets, historic temples, and authentic Chinese-Indonesian cuisine. Wander through narrow alleyways filled with herbal medicine shops, colorful lanterns, and vendors selling everything from fresh produce to antiques.
My Mum used to be a frequent visitor to Glodok as she acquired some electronics and Chinese medicine, but it looks different now compared to then. Maybe the new gate, I don’t know.
Of course, I used the opportunity to buy some kue keranjang. It’s a sticky sweet that can only be found around Chinese New Year Festival time. I still regret to this day that I didn’t even haggle, but it was already cheaper than what I pay already! And as it’s my favourite cake, I didn’t want to miss any opportunity at all. If you are buying anything there, please haggle – start at around 25% down!
Kota Tua (Old Town)
Kota Tua, Jakarta’s Old Town, is a fascinating area that takes you back to the colonial era. Once known as Old Batavia, it was the heart of the Dutch East Indies, and you can still see the influence in the stunning colonial-style buildings that line the streets. The main spot to check out is Fatahillah Square, where you’ll find museums like the Jakarta History Museum and the Wayang Museum, which is all about traditional Indonesian puppetry. (FYI, the history museum in Monas is Indonesia History Museum, while the one in Kota Tua is Jakarta History Museum).
The square is surrounded by beautiful old buildings, including the former city hall, and it’s a great place to wander and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll also find street performers, local artists, and plenty of cozy cafes, making it a vibrant and charming part of the city to explore. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just want to enjoy the local vibe, Kota Tua is definitely worth a visit.
Kota Tua started to ‘boom’ as a local tourist destination back in 2018, I think. I went together back then with my friends. It’s quite a nice and different look to Jakarta with the Dutch style buildings here.
The Jakarta History Museum has always been a photo spot especially for Kota Tua but I have never been inside. And wow was I surprised!
It was filled with so many historical gem, both about Indonesia and focusing on Jakarta. The entrance fee is about £2.5 for foreign tourists but I have to say its 100% worth it. Being an Indonesian national, I had to pay 50p only!
Sunda Kelapa Harbour
This is the only place I didn’t really take picture, because even though it does have its history, it’s still a working harbour. Not the most photogenic spot ever, and not much to see unless you do have interest on working harbour, so I’d probably give it a miss if you are short in time.
Sunda Kelapa was once the heart of the spice trade during the Dutch colonial era. This centuries-old port still serves as a hub for traditional cargo ships. Watching the dockworkers load and unload goods by hand is a fascinating sight, offering a glimpse into Jakarta’s past as a thriving trading post. I think coming to Sunda Kelapa gave another insight to all those history lessons I took in high school.
One day in Jakarta might not be enough to see everything, but this itinerary ensures you get a taste of the city’s history, culture, and modern charm. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or city explorer, Jakarta has something for everyone. if you are interested in history and culture, I definitely recommend to visit Yogyakarta. You can also learn to make batik there straight in the batik workshop. If you want to do any diving or snorkelling, Komodo Islands definitely worth visiting.
Would you add anything to this list? Let us know in the comments!
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