Jakarta offers visitors many interesting attractions with something for everyone. The city is known particularly for its widespread historical and religious sites, with many of the more popular tourist destinations being located in the central district. Numerous museums feature historic, artistic, and scientific exhibits. Families may consider one of several theme parks available, while those seeking cultural sightseeing can check out central landmarks such as the National Monument and Presidential Palace.
Monas (National Monument)
This is Jakarta’s most famous and iconic landmark. Located in Merdeka Square, the 137-meter-tall monument offers an observation deck for visitors who wish to enjoy a birds-eye view of the city. Below the monument, a basement offers many displays of Indonesian history in diorama format. Built in 1961, the monument is topped by a flame covered in gold foil and was built to commemorate Indonesia’s struggle for independence. The goblet atop the monument contains the “Hall of Independence”, an exhibition area containing various symbols of Indonesian independence. Artefacts include the original text of the Proclamation of Independence as well as a large statue of the country’s coat of arms weighing a hefty 3.5 tons.
Address: Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Phone: +62 21 3822255
Operating Hours:
– Monday: Closed
– Tuesday – Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm; 7:00pm – 10:00pm
– Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 4:00pm, 7:00pm – 12:00am
Admission Cost:
– Children (Goblet): IDR 2,000
– Children (Goblet + Deck): IDR 4,000
– Student (Goblet): IDR 3,000
– Student (Goblet + Deck): IDR 8,000
– Adult (Goblet): IDR 5,000
– Adult (Goblet + Deck): IDR 15,000
Website
Sunda Kelapa Port
Also referred to as the “old port” of Jakarta, the Sunda Kelapa port was the previous major port of the Sunda Kingdom. Originally a significant trading base that was integral to the development of Jakarta, it now accommodates Indonesia’s traditional two-masted wooden ships known as “pinisi”. Visitors can explore various colonial architecture that still surrounds the port, such as warehouses and the Harbormaster Tower. A notable port artefact at the Indonesian National Museum, is the Padrão of Sunda Kalapa, a stone pillar dating back to 1522. Its Portuguese and Sundanese name a nod to the treaty between Portugal and the Sunda Kingdom. The port is very popular amongst visitors looking to explore and take photos that showcase Jakarta’s long and rich history.
Address: Jln. Maritime No. 8, Jakarta 12430, Indonesia
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– Open 24 hours daily
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website
Istana Negara (Presidential Palace)
Istana Negara, located in central Jakarta, is one of six presidential palaces in Indonesia. The structure is part of a larger presidential compound that comprises of 68,000 square meters of space and includes multiple buildings. Original construction began in 1796, with completion in 1804. The palace grounds include Bina Graha, a structure formerly used as the office of the president, as well as Wisma Negara which is used as a state guesthouse. The structures are located adjacent to Merdeka Square and the National Monument. The building is a source of national pride in Indonesia, with many historical events having occurred here. This includes the signing of the Linggadjati Agreement in 1947 and the recognition of the country’s independence in 1949.
Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara No.3, RT.2/RW.3, Gambir, Kecamatan Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website
