The 5 Best Things to do in Jakarta

Jalan Surabaya

One of the most wonderful things to do in Jakarta is to visit the open-air antique market Jalan Surabaya that sits on the border of the Menteng District. Because it's centrally located, visitors can easily get there by taxi or "bajaj". Jalan Surabaya is filled with stalls that are rife with souvenirs, antiques, and crafts that are Balinese, Javanese, and Dutch colonial. But buyer beware. Some of the antiques do come from the Dutch colonial era. But other pieces are newer than they might look. Don't be afraid to bargain with the sellers and be sure you know what it is that you're really buying.

The Istiqlal Mosque

The Istiqlal Mosque, located in central Jakarta, is the fourth biggest mosque in the world and it is definitely one of the most impressive of the things to do in Jakarta. Standing beside the Monas, this mosque was built in the 1960s. That's when it was started anyway. It wasn't completed until 1978. The mosque has five floors and can hold up to 250,000 worshippers. Often the mosque has nary a person inside. Except for the end of Ramadan. That is when the mosque is completely filled. Note: Be sure to dress modestly when you go and donate even a small amount of money if you can. A guide will happily take you on a tour of the mosque if you do.

Jakarta History Museum

The Dutch colonial period in Jakarta was not a pretty point in history. If you want to learn more about it, no holds barred, you might want to visit the Jakarta History Museum in Fatahillah Square, one of the most important things to do in Jakarta. When the Dutch came to Indonesian they brought with them a culture that was completely foreign to the people of Indonesia but thrust upon them nonetheless. Prior to being a museum, this building served as the Batavia Town Hall, a key component of Dutch rule. The museum is brimming with Dutch cultural artifacts and all around the museum stands an obscured and cramped casemate that stands as a painful reminder of how Indonesian prisoners were once treated.

Sunda Kelapa

Sunda Kelapa, one of the oldest (and smelliest) parts of Jakarta emanated from the port there and is one of the most fascinating things to do in Jakarta. Once you get used to the smell, you'll be glad you had the chance to see the lines of Buginese schooners that you will find moored there. Some of the schooners will allow you onboard them so you can get a terrific top deck view. Not far from the wharf is a drawbridge still used today.

The National Monument

The National Monument, one of the most vital things to do in Jakarta, commemorating the many sides of Indonesian independence and boasts an exhibition that relives the Declaration of Independence (August 1945) and statues representing key moments in the post-independence history of Indonesia. The monument, which is over 137 meters tall and topped by a flame covered in 35 kg of gold, stands over Medan Merdeka (Freedom Square).

Also, be sure to visit Old Jakarta and experience the history of this interesting city.