Jakarta is a multifaceted city home to a wide array of cultures and communities living together peacefully. Additionally, Jakarta features many markets catering specifically to certain populations while others serve the entire population of Jakarta.
For example, the National Monument is a 132-meter-tall structure dedicated to Indonesia’s independence struggle, while Museum Wayang gives visitors an inside glimpse into Javanese tradition through puppet shows! Cathay Pacific’s Bengaluru Bangalore to Shanghai flights are some of the best to take into account for transportation.
1. Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square serves as a symbolic center of Jakarta and features Indonesia’s National Monument: an obelisk towering over parks and attractions like deer enclosures and musical fountains. Visitors to Merdeka Square will surely find something of interest here – no matter their taste in public spaces!
The National Monument, also known as Monas, stands as a testament to Indonesia’s independence fight and is an immense source of national pride. Surrounded by statues depicting iconic Indonesian figures and illuminated at night for an amazing sight!
Near the National Monument you will find Istiqlal Mosque, a modern-looking building. One of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia and with distinctive geometric grate windows.
Other noteworthy sights here include the National Museum of Indonesia, which can be found between ministries on the west side of the Square; Merdeka Palace (Istana Merdeka), which served as residence for Dutch governor-generals prior to independence; and just north of both these landmarks is Jakarta Cathedral, previously known by its original name when constructed during the first half of 19th century: De Kerk van Onze Lieve Vrouwe ten Hemelopneming (Our Lady of Hemelopneming).
Visits to Merdeka Square are free, and open all hours of the day. However, for optimal viewing of the National Monument and other sights around it, guided tours are offered. Additionally, an excellent alternative would be using GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities which turns your mobile device into an offline personal tour guide service.
2. Istiqlal Mosque
Istiqlal Mosque (known locally as Mesjid Istiqlal) is one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia, capable of seating up to 200000 worshipers at once. Built to commemorate Indonesia’s independence, this mosque has seen visits by high profile personalities such as US President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prince Charles from Britain – with non-Muslim visitors allowed into all areas except for prayer hall. A free guided tour is offered if visitors want more in-depth experience of building architecture – just contact administration when arriving and they will provide one!
As is the case in all places of worship, it is crucial that visitors respect the religious beliefs of those using the space for prayer. Therefore, taking photographs during services and wearing conservative clothing if entering the mosque are best practices.
Istiqlal Mosque stands out for its incredible architecture; constructed of marble from East Java and featuring five levels that represent the five pillars of Islam. Additionally, there is an incredible 45 meter dome and two towers that stand 6,6666 meters to represent verses in the Quran. Amazingly enough, despite being large in size, Istiqlal remains cool during daytime due to high ceilings and wide hallways which effectively disperse heat.
The mosque can easily be reached from anywhere within central Jakarta. Easily accessible, its proximity to Jakarta Cathedral and Monas makes it easily accessible for anyone staying nearby, while popular hotels in this region such as Sriwijaya Hotel and Hotel Borobudur both boast top ratings on major travel websites.
3. Ancol Dreamland
Ancol Dreamland (also known as Taman Impian Jaya Ancol) is a sprawling recreational complex offering an assortment of leisure activities. Situated near North Jakarta’s beaches and hotels, cottages, theme parks, traditional market places and an oceanarium, Ancol Dreamland boasts everything needed for leisurely fun in one convenient place.
Ancol is a favorite tourist and local spot along the Bay of Jakarta that offers visitors fun, culture and recreation all in one package. There is something here for everyone with attractions like Dunia Fantasi amusement park, Atlantis Water Adventure water park, Ocean Dream Samudra oceanarium and Pasar Seni (Art Market) just waiting to be enjoyed.
This massive recreation complex depicts various aspects of Indonesian culture through various themes, with themed areas like Jakarta Old Town highlighting historical elements from Jakarta; on the other hand, Indonesia in Miniature showcases Indonesia’s varied islands with their distinctive landscapes.
Youth-specific attractions, such as Fantasy World and various electric games such as Ferris wheel game, Drop Tower game, and Roller Coaster game will no doubt keep them enthralled for hours!
Ancol Dreamland offers affordable entry tickets depending on whether one wants to enter individually for each attraction or purchase a bundle pass for multiple attractions. Prices are reasonable, while safety standards for rides and facilities are always upheld within its premises. Visitors will also enjoy numerous dining and beverage options within Ancol Dreamland; making this destination an absolute must-see when planning holidays in Jakarta with children!
4. Jakarta Cathedral
If you love churches or religious architecture, then the Jakarta Cathedral should definitely be on your itinerary. An outstanding Roman Catholic cathedral with breathtaking neo-gothic features, this venue serves both local Christians as well as tourists as an appealing tourist attraction in Central Jakarta. What better way to discover Indonesia’s rich spiritual legacy!
Church was constructed in 1901 as the first Neo-Gothic structure of its kind in Indonesia, boasting two towers at 60 meters tall and another smaller tower called Angelus Dei. Additionally, there is also a museum displaying various religious artifacts within the church premises.
As much as the church may be an attractive tourist destination, visitors should respect worshippers and observe any photography restrictions that may be in place. The best time and day to visit would be early morning or late afternoon when it is cooler and less crowded.
As you admire its breathtaking design, the Cathedral provides a moment of peace and serenity that’s sure to inspire any visitor in the city. Additionally, its photo opportunities make this landmark surefire way of impressing anyone visiting!
The church can be reached easily via taxi, train, or bus. Located along Jl. Katedral near Gambir train station, its best to alight at the next stop after Gambir and walk from there to arrive at its location. When visiting Istiqlal Mosque it would also be wise to bring along your wide-angle lens in order to capture some impressive images.
5. Waterbom
Waterbom is one of the most entertaining activities available in Jakarta. Featuring thrilling water slides that will engage both children and adults alike, Waterbom provides a fun-filled water park experience.
This 3.8 hectare park features 21 world-class water rides built and maintained to international safety standards, several swimming pools, wave pool and lazy river, dining options from fast food outlets to sit-down restaurants as well as spa treatments and swim-up bars, making this an excellent place for waterpark enthusiasts and those seeking respite from its thrills alike.
Waterbom Park can be found at Pantai Indah Kapuk and is just 10 minutes’ drive from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Operating daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, admission costs 535,000 rupiahs for adults and 385,000 for children; single day tickets also include rental fees for towels, lockers or gazebos if applicable. Guests may purchase discounted admission as well as unlimited use of all amenities in the park.
Ragunan Zoo, Indonesia’s second-largest zoo, offers another noteworthy attraction in the area. Home to Komodo dragons and orangutans as well as numerous other species, it should not be missed by animal enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts.
SeaWorld Ancol, commonly referred to as Seaworld Jakarta, offers something for every type of visitor; both families and solo. It features a Main Tank filled with marine animals and a Kelp Forest where visitors can observe seaweed life first-hand. Furthermore, there are smaller tanks dedicated to marine life as well as a shark tank!