West Java Travelers Recommend

The capital of Indonesia and its dominant island, Java, Jakarta is a megacity—predicted to topple Tokyo as the world’s most populous metropolis by 2030—yet its historic center is remarkably compact. In fact, you can see all the city’s signature sights in just a day and enjoy some delicious Indonesian food along the way. Here’s how.

Morning: Heritage Hike

Start the day with a walking or bicycle tour of old Batavia, the name Dutch colonists gave to what is now Jakarta. Stroll among colonial-era buildings on Fatahillah Square in Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua); check out sights such as the Wayang Museum, devoted to the Indonesian art of puppetry; and relax with a cool drink at historic Café Batavia. Next, check out the sailing ships at Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa, the city’s old harbor and the place where Jakarta truly began. Finally, explore Jakarta Chinatown (Glodok) and savor a lunch of its signature fusion: Chinese Indonesian food.

Afternoon: Culture Vulture

Make Jakarta’s gridlock bearable by exploring with a private driver this afternoon. Check out contemporary signature sights such as MONAS (the national monument of Indonesia), the Istiqlal Mosque, and Jakarta Cathedral en route to the National Museum. Explore with a guide who can lead you through the epic collection, spanning hundreds of thousands of years and thousands of islands, and introduce you to this archipelago nation’s rich culture. Alternatively, enjoy a more family-friendly encounter with Indonesia’s 18,000-odd islands at the cultural theme park known as Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.

Night: Food Fantasy

One of the great joys of any visit to Indonesia, food in Jakarta stretches far beyond its best-known exports: satay and beef rendang. Discover Jakarta like a local with a feast of street food from the humble neighborhood eateries known as warung or the roll-along street stalls called kaki lima. Don’t miss the myriad different styles of fried rice, coconut satay from Madura, jackfruit curries, tangy beef soups, and tropical fruit from the notorious durian to succulent rambutan. Wrap up the night by discovering Jakarta’s sleeker side, over a tropical cocktail in a rooftop bar.

Two days in Jakarta gives you time to soak up the city’s historic highlights, explore Indonesian food, and get out into the cool green spaces of the hill town known as Bogor. Along the way, enjoy an introduction to the rich culture of Indonesia, an archipelago of around 18,000 islands. Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Jakarta.

Day 1: City Signatures

Morning: Start the day by discovering Jakarta’s historic districts: Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua), especially the colonial-era buildings around Fatahillah Square; Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa, the old harbor where traditional sailing ships still visit; and Jakarta Chinatown (Glodok). Savor a Chinese Indonesian lunch at a Chinese restaurant or market stall.

Afternoon: Check off the city’s more modern landmarks: MONAS (the National Monument of Indonesia), Jakarta Cathedral, and Istiqlal Mosque. Then learn about Indonesian heritage and culture, either at the historic National Museum or at the family-friendly cultural park known as Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.

Night: Experience this city of contrasts on a street-food safari. Discover dishes from bakso (meatball soup) to coconut satay, jackfruit curry, and the notoriously stinky durian fruit at street stalls and simple warung eateries. Wash it down with iced tea and potent Indonesian coffee.

Day 2: Colonial Charms

Day: Spend your second day in Jakarta exploring Bogor, a hillside retreat during Dutch colonial times that can still feel like an escape from the big city today. The 200-year-old Bogor Botanical Gardens are the big draw here, with lush grounds home to over 15,000 species of plants, including world-class selections of orchids and palms. Families will want to add in a visit to Taman Safari Bogor, a safari park that shelters wildlife from Komodo dragons to elephants and orangutans. A few tours also include a trip to one of the pretty tea gardens in Puncak.

Night: Staying with the colonial theme, indulge yourself in a classic treat from the Dutch era, a rijstaffel (rice table) feast with myriad dishes; pick a grand hotel to enjoy the ritual at its finest. Finish with a cocktail at a rooftop bar as you soak up views over Jakarta’s gleaming skyline.

Three days in Jakarta gives you plenty of options to explore not only this southeast Asian megacity but West Java as well. See the city’s signature sights, including the historic center; discover the rich variety of Indonesian food; explore the colonial hill town Bogor; and choose a day trip of theme parks or volcanoes. Here’s how to get the most out of your stay.

Day 1: Capital Culture

Spend your first day in Jakarta seeing the city’s signature sights and getting an overview of Indonesian food, history, and culture. Begin with a tour of Jakarta’s three historic districts: Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua), with its canals and colonial buildings; Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa, where sailing ships still visit the old harbor; and Jakarta Chinatown (Glodok). After a lunch of Chinese Indonesian favorites, such as noodles with wonton ( mie pangsit ), discover the center of the modern city. Visit MONAS (the National Monument of Indonesia), check off Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque, then immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the archipelago at the National Museum. Spend the evening like a local, grazing on street food from simple stands and stalls. Savor Indonesian favorites such as nasi goreng (fried rice) and bakso (meatball soup) alongside Javan specialties such as coconut satay and jackfruit curry.

Day 2: Colonial Country

On your second day, begin your exploration of West Java’s lush volcanic highlands in Bogor, a hill town that served as a hot-season retreat during the Dutch colonial period. Start at the Bogor Botanical Gardens, a historic research center that sprawls over 215 acres (87 hectares) of hillside, complete with over 15,000 species of plants including orchids, palms, and lotuses. Travelers with children won’t want to miss Taman Safari Bogor, a wildlife attraction that’s home to Komodo dragons, orangutans, elephants, and more. If time permits, discover the beauty of Indonesia’s tea plantations and taste traditional Javanese tea at a farm in the Puncak area. Return to the city in time for a rijstaffel (rice table) dinner, a colonial Dutch feast of multiple dishes that’s served with ritual and theater at the city’s grand hotels.

Day 3: Contemporary Culture

If Jakarta is your only stop in Indonesia, you might choose to spend your last day exploring one of the nation’s 100-odd active volcanoes, depending which are safe to visit: Krakatau and Tangkuban Perahu are viable day-trip options from Jakarta. Alternatively, make like a local and spend the day relaxing at one of the city’s theme parks or water parks: Waterbom will satisfy both children and your inner child, while Fantasy Land in Ancol is another popular choice. Yet another option is Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a cultural park with fascinating exhibits on the archipelago’s diverse islands and people; it makes great preparation for wider Indonesian exploration. Wrap up your stay with a journey into this cosmopolitan megacity’s contemporary side. Dine on modern Indonesian cuisine at a stylish restaurant, then sip cocktails at a rooftop bar with skyline views.