jakarta travel card

JAKARTA TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget + Indonesia Requirements

“Anywhere else, aside from Jakarta?”

This was the reply I would usually get whenever I said I was going to the Indonesian capital. “No, just Jakarta,” was my answer. And it took them a second to realize that they heard my response right.

Jakarta feels strangely familiar. There is so much about it that reminds me of Metro Manila, my home city. Both are capital cities of developing Southeast Asian nations. Both are among the biggest urban hubs in the world, serving as a home and/or workplace for tens of millions of people. And for many international tourists, both are seen mostly as a jump-off point to another destination, a necessary means to a more spectacular end. In Jakarta’s case, this spectacular end can be the beaches of Bali , the temples of Yogyakarta , or the picturesque volcanoes in other parts of Java.

But like Manila, Jakarta can hold its own. It may not be as Instagram-worthy, but it does have a long history and rich culture, making it a great stop for Indonesia first timers. From the numerous museums to the sumptuous street food, the city will give you a taste of what the world’s greatest archipelago has to offer.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING JAKARTA

Jakarta is the capital of and the largest city in Indonesia. Located in the island of Java, the city serves as the economic, political, and cultural center of the country. Jakarta is sprawling. Over the years, as it continues to draw in more people, it also paves way for the development of neighboring areas.

Today, Jakarta may also refer to the Greater Jakarta area or the Jakarta metropolitan area, which is also called locally as Jabodetabek , short for Jakarta–Bogor–Depok–Tangerang–Bekasi, referring to the nearby cities in West Java and Banten. And with an estimated population of 35 million, it is the second largest urban hub in the world, next only to Tokyo.

The history of Jakarta dates back to the 4th century CE, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in Southeast Asia. It has been known by several names. Under the Sunda Kingdom, it was known as Sunda Kelapa, an important trading port at the time. In 1619, the Dutch took control and founded Batavia which became the capital of the Dutch East Indies. Then in 1942, Batavia fell to the Japanese and was under the Japanese occupation until 1945. It was 1949 when the Indonesian independence was proclaimed and Jakarta became the national capital.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Language: Indonesian or Bahasa Indonesia. But most can understand and speak English.
• Religion: Islam is the dominant religion. A small part of the population practice Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
• Timezone: UTC+7 (Indonesia Western Time). Jakarta is one hour behind Manila, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR, Rp). USD 1 is around IDR 15,700; EUR 1 = IDR 16,200; PHP 1 = IDR 273 (as of December 2022).
• Modes of Payment: Cash. Some establishments like restaurants also accept credit cards, but most still prefer cash. However, there are some places that only take card payments.

INDONESIA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

As of our most recent visit (November 2022), these are the requirements required for travelers going to Jakarta as mandated by the government. These must be presented when you check-in for your flight.

• Passport. Must be valid for at least 6 months.
• COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate. Only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to enter Jakarta. Your vaccination certificate must indicate 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
• PeduliLindungi App. Download the app through google playstore or app store and register.
• E-customs Declaration Form. Fill out the form here . Print or save a digital copy of the generated QR Code.

Depending on your country of citizenship, a visa may also be required. (Filipino citizens may enter Indonesia VISA-FREE.)

WHERE TO STAY IN JAKARTA

Jakarta is huge. Covering 664.01 square kilometers, Jakarta is divided it into its five administrative cities: Central Jakarta, West Jakarta, East Jakarta, North Jakarta, and South Jakarta. Easy to remember, right? But these three areas have the key points of interest for tourists:

• Central Jakarta is home to major landmarks like the National Monument and Istiqlal Mosque. Also situated here is Gambir Station, a major railway station that connects the capital to other cities in Java Island. You’ll also find Grand Indonesia, one of the biggest malls in the country, around the corner. A large concentration of the accommodations in Central Jakarta can be found in Menteng .
• North Jakarta covers the harbor area, the historic port of Sunda Kelapa, and Ancol, a waterfront complex with a theme park, water park, and other various attractions.
• West Jakarta , the closest to the airport, roughly 30 minutes away. Within its territory lie parts of Kota Tua, Jakarta’s Old Town. Glodok , Jakarta’s Chinatown, where you can find a lot of food spots, is also here. A number of different types of accommodations are spread over West Jakarta.
• South Jakarta , which harbors the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), with plenty of office buildings, condominiums, hotels, and shopping malls. If you’re interested in experiencing the nightlife in Jakarta, this is the place to be. The accommodations in this area varies from high-end hotels to budget hostels so there are a lot to choose from.
• East Jakarta . This is the largest among the five administrative cities of Jakarta. However, there’s not a lot of accommodations available here. It is also the area farthest from the airport.

Best Area to Stay

In our opinion, the best area to stay is the part where Central Jakarta, West Jakarta, and North Jakarta meet. Staying here puts you in a position close to the key attractions and with plenty of dining and lodging options.

This area includes these neighborhoods:

• Glodok (Chinatown) in West Jakarta
• Menteng in Central Jakarta
• Kota Tua in North/West Jakarta

Any of places above are great for first-time Jakarta visitors. However, if you’re the type of traveler who likes to spend their nights going out or partying, South Jakarta might be a great option too. Just keep in mind that this area is a bit farther from other parts of the city, especially if you plan to visit attractions in North Jakarta.

Top Budget Hotels and Hostels in Jakarta

I booked a dorm bed at The Packer Lodge near Kota Tua for only PHP 450 per night . Yep, that’s only USD 8 or 124,000 IDR. But by random streak of good luck, I was upgraded to a private solo room for FREE! (Possibly because they might have overbooked the dorm.)

But there are plenty of other options, too! Here are some of the top reviewed but affordable properties on Agoda:

• ibis Styles Jakarta Tanah Abang. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• City Biz Residence. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Sleepy Raccoon Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Cool Living. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Hotel Alia Pasar Baru. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Wonderloft Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Jakarta Hotels!

How to get to jakarta.

The primary airport that serves Jakarta is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) , formerly called Jakarta Cengkareng Airport. It is located at Benda, Tangerang, close to West Jakarta. It was expanded in 1991 to replace Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, which now services mostly domestic and private flights—for international flights. CGK is said to be the busiest airport in Southeast Asia and currently has 3 terminals with a fourth terminal being built.

Manila to Jakarta

As Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta is well-connected. If you’re coming from Manila, Cebu Pacific flies directly to Jakarta and vice versa DAILY. The flight departs from Manila at 8:40 PM and takes around four hours. This is perfect for busy bees who cannot afford to file another leave of absence from work or students who can’t miss a school day. This also means you arrive in Jakarta just before midnight, bypassing heavy traffic to the city center.

For your return journey, Cebu Pacific’s Jakarta-Manila flights are scheduled at 12:30 AM, allowing you to make the most of your last day in Jakarta! Just leave your luggage temporarily at your hotel upon checkout, explore the city the entire day, and pick it up before heading to the airport.

Cebu Pacific has three bundle options for your flight booking: GO Basic comes with a free hand-carry baggage allowance (7kg). If you want a checked bag and reserved seats, GO Easy includes a one piece checked baggage (up to 20kg) and a standard seat. For more flexibility, GO Flexi allows you to cancel your flight for free and store the value as a travel fund.

To book, visit: www.cebupacificair.com .

Jakarta Airport to City Center

Travel time from the airport to your hotel depends on which part of Jakarta you choose to stay, but it could take between 30 minutes to an hour. The most convenient way is by taking a taxi or using a ride hailing app. More details about these below.

Countless taxis await potential passengers at the airport. After going through customs and before reaching the exit, you’ll be welcomed by people offering you taxi services. If you want to take a taxi, a recommended taxi service by locals is Blue Bird . You’ll find a Blue Bird booth to your left after you exit, near the SIM card stores.

However, in my experience, their rate was higher than Grab, but this could vary. You can go to the booth to inquire about the fare going to your hotel and compare it to rates on Grab or Gojek.

By Grab or Gojek

These two are the ride hailing apps available in Jakarta. It is easy to use and booking a ride only takes a few minutes. The Grab pick-up point in Terminal 3 is located at the parking of the arrival area. After you pass through customs, turn to your right and head towards the Pick-up zone. You should be exiting through the West Lobby door. At the parking, you will find signage for the Grab Pick-up Point.

It is important to know that the fare that shows on the app is not the final fare. A parking fee and highway fee or toll fee will be added on top of it. This was also clearly communicated by the person at the Grab Pick-up point once I got there and the driver after I entered the car. But the Grab fare still turned out cheaper than the Blue Bird rate even after adding these fees.

• Parking Fee: IDR 5,000
• Highway/toll fee: IDR 18,500

Gojek is also available at the airport. The pick-up point at Terminal 3 is also located at the international parking area. Gojek also adds the parking fee & toll fee plus a location fee on top of the fare that shows on the app when you book your ride.

Internet Connection / Data SIM in Jakarta

The most affordable way of staying connected in Indonesia is by purchasing a data SIM card. However, SIM cards in Jakarta need to be registered first, so you’ll need to present your passport to get one. Two of the most popular internet providers are XL Axiata and Telkomsel.

You can get a SIM card at the airport, but keep in mind that the prices here are significantly higher than prices at a telco branch or SIM card center. Moreover, airport stores are open only from 7:00AM to 3:00AM.

If you’re from any of the countries below, you can have the data SIM card delivered to you via Klook:

• Deliver SIM to INDIA
• Deliver to SINGAPORE
• Deliver SIM to HONG KONG
• Deliver SIM to VIETNAM

If you’re from the Philippines or any other country, you may opt to pick up Indonesia DATA SIM at the Jakarta Airport (Soekarno Hatta International Airport). The pick up location is at the JavaMifi booth at Terminal 3 Departure at the 2nd floor. The staff will also help you set up the sim card on your phone. However, the operating hours is from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM only. You can purchase one here: Indonesia DATA SIM Jakarta Airport Pickup!

If you’re arriving in Jakarta late at night, you won’t be able to avail of this since their registration has a cut-off time. Another option to consider is Grapari , the SIM card center of the telecommunications company Telkomsel . They have multiple locations all over Jakarta. If you want to save and you can manage to go from the airport without data, just look up the Grapari branch closest to your hotel. More info on its website .

HOW TO GET AROUND JAKARTA

Jakarta is a very busy city and there are various transportation options available. There are a lot of taxis all over the city and you can also use ride hailing apps. Commuting is also an option since they have an efficient public bus transportation called Transjakarta . However, because it is a busy city, the traffic gets heavy especially during rush hours.

If you’re visiting attractions, some of them are within walking distance from each other. You can walk from The National Monument to see Merdeka Palace, and then walk to the National Museum. You can also explore Kota Tua or the Old Town on foot. You can choose from the following mode of transportations to explore Indonesia’s capital depending on your budget and preferences.

There are a lot of taxis around the city. In some areas there are cabs lined up by the side of the road so you don’t have to hail a cab on the street anymore. The suggested reliable taxi company in Jakarta is Blue Bird . Their units are easy to spot because they’re, well, blue.

Riding a taxi may pose a challenge because of language barrier since not everyone speaks and understands English. But what you can do is write down the address of your destination or find it on Google Maps, and show it to the driver when you take a taxi. You may also ask your hotel to call a taxi for you and ask them for help to communicate your destination to the driver.

By Grab or GoJek

• Car. If you want a more convenient mode of transportation, book a Grab or Gojek. It is more simple since all you need to do is pin your pick-up location and destination on the app and wait for your car to arrive. You may also pay using credit card or cash when using ride hailing apps.
• Motorcycle. This is the best way to beat the traffic in Jakarta. If you’re traveling solo, Grab and GoJek also have a motorcycle/bike option. The motorcycle is also much cheaper compared to the car option. So if you’re on a budget, this is a great option to get from one place to another quicker and at a less price.

By Transjakarta Bus

Taking public transportation is the cheapest option. Each ride costs only IDR 3,500 no matter where your destination is. The bus is very efficient since there are 13 lines and over 200 stations all over the city. You may use Google maps to know which bus line you should take and where you should get off to reach your destination.

Here’s how you can ride the Transjakarta buses:

• Purchase a Transjakarta Card at a convenience store. These cards are available at any Indomaret, Alfamart, and other convenience stores in Jakarta. Each card costs IDR 27,500.
• Top up your card at the digital kiosk at any station. You may also top-up your card when you purchase it at a convenience store, but their minimum amount is IDR 50,000 while you can top up as low as P10,000 at the station.
• Tap your bus card on the ticket barrier at the station to enter.
• Tap again to exit the station where you’ll get off.

Riding the bus can take much longer compared to the taxi, car service, or motorcycle taxi. You can look up your destination on Google maps and compare the travel time for each and decide from there depending on your time and budget.

THINGS TO DO IN JAKARTA

Also known as Old Batavia , Kota Tua is Jakarta’s Old Town. It was a part of the first walled settlement of the Dutch in Jakarta and also served as the capital of the Dutch East Indies. In this area, you will find Dutch-style structures from the 17th century. Some of them used to be government buildings that has been turned into museums. Here are some of the places you can visit in Kota Tua.

• Jakarta History Museum , also called the Fatahillah Museum or Batavia Museum. It used to be the city hall of Batavia. After Indonesia gained its independence, it became the seat of the West Java governor until 1961 and a museum in 1974. Today it highlights Indonesia’s past from the pre-historic era to the Dutch colonization to independence. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000
• Fatahillah Square , where shophouses used to stand. It is located right at the center of the old town and is surrounded by museums. It serves as a recreational area for locals and tourists alike. Bikes are also available for rent at IDR 20,000 per unit, good for 30 minutes.

• Museum Wayang , putting the spotlight on Indonesia’s traditional puppet theater. Admire various types of wayang like wayang kulit , Javanese leather puppets, and wayang golek , Sundanese three-dimensional wooden puppets. In the museum’s garden, you will find the funeral site of Jan Pieterszoon Con, the Governor-general of the Dutch East Indies. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000
• Museum Bank Indonesia , housed in a heritage building that used to be the De Javasche Bank, the central bank of Dutch East Indies. It was converted into a museum in 2006, presenting the role of Bank Indonesia in Indonesian history as well as the history of currencies and trade in the country. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000
• Bank Mandiri Museum , the corporate museum of Bank Mandiri. Established in 1998, this museum is home to artifacts that was used in banking activities in the past. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Entrance Fee: IDR 15,000
• Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics , housed in the former Court of Justice under the Dutch. It showcases traditional Indonesian paintings and ceramics. Join a pottery workshop and make a piece of your choice. The workshop lasts for 30 to 45 minutes. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000 – Pottery Workshop: IDR 50,000
• Cafe Batavia , set in the second oldest building in the square. Constructed in the 19th century, the 2-story building has a bar, performance stage, and lounge area on the ground floor and the “Grand Salon”, which is the main dining hall on the upper floor. This is one of the most recommended restaurants in Jakarta because of its historic location, good food, and great service. They serve Indonesian food from breakfast to dinner plus a few western dishes. Their menu also includes coffee, tea, non-alcoholic, and alcoholic drinks. – Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM; Saturday, 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Sunday, 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

The biggest Chinatown in Indonesia, Glodok was established back in the Dutch colonial period.

Today, Glodok is dotted with stores selling snacks and Chinese medicine. There’s also a market where you can buy seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Foodies will also be delighted by an array of dining options, from street food stalls to food courts.

Merdeka Square & Surrounding Landmarks

Merdeka Square serves as a recreational park for the locals. With an area of around 75 hectares, the square is so vast that they even have a shuttle to take you to the National Monument , its centerpiece.

If you visit at night, you will see the Monas light up and illuminate the square. There’s also a food court area here where you can have snacks or a meal.

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Entrance Fee: FREE

Here are some of the structures within and around Jakarta’s Merdeka Square:

• National Monument , also called Monas , the symbol of Indonesian independence. The 132-meter (433-foot) monument was erected under President Sukarno and was opened to the public in 1975. Incorporated in its design is the date of the proclamation of Indonesia’s independence — August 17, 1945. Visitors may enter the National Monument and climb to the top to get a panoramic view of central Jakarta. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Entrance Fee: IDR 40,000

• National Museum of Indonesia , aka the Elephant Museum or Museum Gajah because of the elephant statue in front of the museum building. It is said to be the most complete in the country. It boasts around 141,000 artifacts including pre-historic, anthropological, and archeological artifacts from Indonesia and other parts of Asia, housed in two main buildings: Gedung Gajah which is the old wing, and Gedung Arca which is a new wing that was added in 2007. – Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Entrance Fee: IDR 25,000
• Jakarta Cathedral , officially named The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Jakarta. The current neo-Gothic structure is not the original church, but what was rebuilt after it collapsed in 1890.
• Merdeka Palace , located on the north side of Merdeka Square. It is also known as Istana Merdeka in Indonesian. The construction of the palace started in 1873 and was completed in 1879. It was then called the Palace of the Governor-general. After Indonesia gained its independence in 1949, it became the residence of the president of the Republic of Indonesia. You may see the palace from across the street near Merdeka Square.
• Istiqlal Mosque , the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Its construction took 17 years, from 1961 to 1978. It was built to mark the independence of Indonesia hence the name Istiqlal , which means independence in Arabic. Visitors may enter the mosque through Gate 5, which is right across the Jakarta Cathedral. They also provide a guided tour of the mosque to tourists. The tour is FREE but you are welcome to give a tip or donation. Tour is held every 30 minutes from 10am to 11:30am, from 1pm to 3pm, and 4pm to 4:30pm.

A 19th century market located in Central Jakarta, Pasar Baru is one of the oldest shopping districts in the city.

The whole street is lined with stores selling mostly textiles, shoes, and clothes. You will definitely not miss this area when you visit because the street is marked by a bridge and a gate that displays its name.

Ancol Beach

Ancol is a waterfront complex located in the coastal area of North Jakarta. Inside Ancol is a theme park called Dunia Fantasi or Dufan. You’ll also find Atlantis Water Adventure which is a waterpark featuring the ancient cities of the Mediterranean.

Also located within he complex are an ecopark, an art market, and Gondola Ancol , which is the first cable car ride in Indonesia. Each of these attractions has a separate entrance fee.

You may purchase tickets online through their website . You may also pay for the ticket at the entrance on-site, but take note that they only accept card payments for now.

Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Entrance Fee: IDR 25,000

Textile Museum

Textiles are a huge part of Indonesia’s culture. Museum Tekstil displays collections from different parts of the country. Located in West Jakarta, the museum was inaugurated in 1976 in honor of Madame Tien Soeharto, who was Indonesia’s first lady at the time.

Aside from the different textiles, traditional weaving instruments and equipment used to make batik also take centerstage inside the museum.

Visitors may also join a workshop where you can get try making batik. From the gate of the museum, turn to your left and follow the sign that says Pendopo Batik . You may also tell the person at the entrance that you want to make batik so they can lead you to the workshop area. Here, the nice ladies who make batik will guide you through the whole process starting from tracing your chosen design and using the tjanting , a traditional tool used to apply the liquid was to the fabric in batik making. The whole process takes around an hour and you get to keep your batik and the tjanting as a souvenir!

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000 Batik Making: IDR 40,000

Jalan Surabaya Flea Market

Along Jalan Surabaya in Menteng District lies a flea market. The street is lined with stores selling tons of various antique items. A visit to Jalan Surabaya is a must — especially if you’re interested in antique items or you just like looking at random unique pieces, from trinkets to collectibles to chandeliers. Also available are old CDs and vinyls, ceramics, and a lot more!

WHERE TO EAT IN JAKARTA

Jakarta’s food scene mirrors Indonesia’s rich culture and long history. The food here is a mix of different cuisines from various parts of Indonesia, with influences from other places. You won’t have a hard time looking for a place to eat in Jakarta because it’s bursting with choices — from street food stalls to hawker centers (food courts) to proper sit-down restaurants. And because Indonesia has a strong coffee culture, you will also find a lot of cafes ranging from traditional establishments to modern ones that give a new spin to everyone’s favorite drink.

• Sabang Street. Found in Central Jakarta, Sabang street food or Kampung Kuliner Sabang is located along Jl. H. Agus Salim. Starting at around 5PM, vendors begin to set up and open up their tents by the side of the road. This is one of the best places to visit in Jakarta if you want to try various Indonesian dishes — including sate , gudeg , nasi goreng , and martabak .
• Glodok. Chinatown’s streets are flanked with establishments selling snacks, fruits, and desserts. Some stalls also sell meals like bakso and nasi goreng that you can eat right there on the kerbside while sitting on a chair.
• Petak Enam. If you prefer to have a meal more comfortably while you’re in Chinatown, head over to Petak Enam, a food court in Glodok. The place is filled to the seams with stalls offering various Indonesian dishes and other cuisines too including soto betawi , which is beef soup with coconut milk broth; and nasi campur , white rice served with different types of meat dishes.

– Rumah Makan Surya Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Address: Jl. Bendungan Hilir 

• Kopi Es Ta Kie. A breakfast place in Glodok, Kopi Es Ta Kie is one of the oldest cafes in Jakarta. This family-owned institution has been in business since 1927 and has been passed on over generations. They are open from early morning to early afternoon serving food like nasi campur, bakmi ayam, and more along with their coffee. Aside from the restaurant in Glodok, they also now have several branches in Jakarta. – Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM. But they might close early once they sell out.
• Kopi Oey Sabang. Kopi Oey has several branches, too, but their most popular branch is probably the one in Sabang. The coffee shop has an Indonesian Chinese design with walls paintings and framed photos of food. Their menu includes a variety of nasi goreng, soto and sop, mie or noodles, pasta, roti, and other Indonesian breakfast food. If you’re a coffee lover, included in their selection are single origin coffee which you can pick your preferred brewing method. – Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Friday to Saturday, 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM – Address: Jl. H. Agus Salim 
• Giyanti Coffee Roastery. if you’re after cafes with Instagrammable interiors, consider Giyanti Coffee Roastery in Jalan Surabaya. This is a perfect stop for coffee and pastries for breakfast or after you feast your eyes with antiques and shop at the flea market. It has a vibrant interior and a lot of seating space including an outdoor area with a garden feel. Because it is also a roastery, you can also purchase coffee beans here that you can take home. – Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Monday, CLOSED – Address: Jl. Surabaya, Menteng  – Note: Giyanti Coffee Roastery does not accept cash payments. You may pay using debit or credit card.

SAMPLE JAKARTA ITINERARY

Here’s a sample 3-Day Jakarta itinerary with breakdown of expenses. This assumes that you will be flying with Cebu Pacific, staying in Central Jakarta, and taking public transportation to go around. You may use this itinerary and make adjustments based on your schedule and preferences.

• DAY 0: ARRIVAL 11:50 AM – Arrival in Jakarta 1:00 AM – Purchase SIM card, IDR 250,000 1:30 AM – Grab to hotel, IDR 160,000 1:40 AM – Hotel check-in
• DAY 1: CENTRAL JAKARTA 8:00 AM – Wake up call 9:00 AM – Breakfast at Kopi Oey Sabang, IDR 90,000 10:00 AM – Buy Transjakarta Card, IDR 27,500 10:30 AM – Walk to Merdeka Square 10:40 AM – National Monument, IDR 40,000 11:30 AM – Walk to Merdeka Palace 11:40 AM – Merdeka Palace 12:00 PM – Lunch, IDR 100,000 1:00 PM – National Museum, IDR 25,000 2:30 PM – Bus to Istiqlal Mosque, IDR 3500 3:20 PM – Jakarta Cathedral 3:45 PM – Istiqlal Mosque, Tour at 4pm 5:00 PM – Walk to Pasar Baru 5:10 PM – Pasar Baru 6:10 PM – Bus to Padang Street Food, IDR 3,500 6:40 PM – Padang Street Food, IDR 100,000 
9:00 PM – Back to hotel
• DAY 2: KOTA TUA 8:00 AM – Wake up call 9:00 AM – Breakfast at Kopi Es Tak Kie, IDR 85,000 10:00 AM – Bus to Kota Tua, IDR 3,500 10:30 AM – Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramic, IDR 5,000 11:00 AM – Pottery Workshop, IDR 50,000 12:00 PM – Lunch at Cafe Batavia, IDR 200,000 1:00 PM – Jakarta History Museum, IDR 5,000 2:00 PM – Museum Wayang, IDR 5,000 3:00 PM – Museum Bank Indonesia, IDR 5,000 4:00 PM – Bus to Ancol, IDR 3,500 5:00 PM – Ancol, IDR 25,000 7:30 PM – Dinner, IDR 100,000 8:30 PM – Back to hotel 9:00 PM – Lights out
• DAY 3: JALAN SURABAYA & GLODOK 9:00 AM – Wake up call 10:00 AM – Early check-out, leave bags 10:30 AM – Brunch @ Giyanti Coffee Roastery, IDR 100,000 11:30 AM – Jalan Surabaya Flea Market 12:30 PM – Textile Museum, IDR 5,000 1:30 AM – Batik Making, IDR 40,000 2:30 PM – Bus to Glodok, IDR 3,500 3:30 PM – Explore Glodok 7:00 PM – Dinner, IDR 80,000 8:00 PM – Back to hotel, get bags 9:00 PM – Grab to airport, IDR 160,000 9:40 PM – Flight Check-in 12:30 PM – Flight out

This itinerary will set you back around IDR 2,700,000 (USD 172, EUR 165, SGD 235, PHP 9700), excluding airfare and travel tax , but assuming you book a hotel room that costs around IDR 200,000 per night. You may still minimize the cost if you stay in a dorm or book a cheaper hotel like we did. In reality we only paid IDR 124,000 per night.

This also includes a big allowance for incidental expenses.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

When is the best time to visit jakarta.

May to October is the best time to visit since these are the driest months in Jakarta.

Jakarta has a tropical climate. The temperature here doesn’t change so much throughout the year. However, the chance of rain varies significantly making the wet and dry season very apparent. The dry months are from May to October, with the driest month being August, so schedule your trip around this time if you want to avoid the rain ruining your plans.

The wettest months are September to April, with the most rain in January. During these months, some parts of the city are prone to flooding.Public holidays may also affect the traffic and the operating hours of attractions and other establishments. Here’s the list of public holidays in Indonesia:

• New Year’s Day – January 1
• Chinese New Year – February 11
• Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad – February 28
• Hindu New Year – March 3
• Good Friday – March or April
• International Labor Day – May 1
• Eid-al-Fitr
• Ascencion of Jesus Christ – April or May
• Pancasila Day – June 1
• Eid-ul-Adha
• Islamic New Year – July 30
• Independence Day – August 17
• Maulid Nabi – October 8
• Christmas – December 25

Where to exchange currencies in Jakarta?

I’ve only tried a couple of money changers along Gajah Mada near Glodok. They are open until late night and there’s one that is open for 24 hours. DollarIndo and Primatama have the same or very similar rates, which are pretty good.

What is the power plug or socket used in Jakarta?

Electricity Info: 230V, 50Hz frequency. Type C and F plugs and sockets.

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for Indonesia

Indonesia is a close neighbor, but there’s still plenty of attraction for Malaysians looking for both a quick city break or a longer trip to explore. Whether you’re off to hike, hit the beach, or head to the shops in one of the major cities, a travel money card can make it cheaper and more convenient to spend when you’re away.

This guide covers all you need to know about travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards and travel credit cards, plus our pick of the top options available in Malaysia you might want to consider, and the sorts of fees you need to think about when you choose.

Wise – good value debit card for Indonesia

Before we get into details about different travel money card options, let’s start with the Wise card as a good all-round option that allows you to hold and spend in IDR, as well as a diverse range of other world currencies.

Wise accounts have the flexibility to hold and exchange more than 40 currencies, plus you can get a linked Wise card for a one-time delivery fee. You can either top up your account in ringgit and switch to IDR before you travel, or you can let the card automatically switch currencies as required. As soon as you order your physical Wise card, you can also create a Wise virtual card , which means there’s no need to wait to spend - just add your virtual card to a wallet like Apple Pay and you’re good to go.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversion, with fees from as low as 0.43%. You can also get MYR bank account details, as well as local account details for up to 9+ other currencies, to receive convenient payments to your Wise account .

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using the Wise travel money debit card, to help you decide if it's suitable for you.

Quick summary: Best travel cards for Indonesia

You’ll be able to pick from a range of travel cards for Indonesia - the right one for you will depend on your personal preference and spending style. This guide is here to help you choose, with reviews of 2 of our favourite travel money cards from each category to help you compare. Here’s what we’ll be looking at:

Wise travel debit card: Hold 40+ currencies including IDR, with no ongoing fees, and spend with the mid-market exchange rate with no foreign transaction fee and low conversion costs from 0.43%

BigPay travel debit card: Top up in MYR and spend with a 1% foreign transaction fee, while earning AirAsia points

Enrich Money prepaid travel card: Hold and spend 20 currencies including IDR, and earn rewards in partnership with Malaysian Airlines as you do

Aeon prepaid travel card: Spend internationally with a low 1% foreign transaction fee, get rewards with Aeon partner merchants, and free ATM withdrawals at Aeon ATMs

RHB Visa Signature travel credit card: Get travel insurance, lounge access, 2% cash back on international spending, with a 1% foreign transaction fee

Maybank Visa Signature travel credit card:  5x rewards on overseas spending, access to fast track immigration clearance at airports, and to the Visa concierge service - 2.25% foreign transaction fee applies

6 travel money cards for Indonesia compared

Before we get into details about the cards we’ve picked out as worth comparing, let’s get a quick overview. Here’ve we’ll line up each of our 6 top travel money cards side by side based on key features and fees - there’s lots more information coming up, too:

It’s useful to note that each card has been designed with specific customer needs in mind. Usually that means that travel debit cards are fairly cheap to use, while travel credit cards may have fees - but also often come with perks like cashback or rewards.

Travel debit cards are also handy if you’re on a fixed budget. Just top up your account with the amount you need - and there’s no credit line, so you can’t overspend by accident. Travel credit cards on the other hand let you spend to your card limit, and then repay the amount over a few months if you’d prefer to. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card will look and work in the same way as any other credit or debit card. You’ll be able to make payments in person and with a mobile wallet like Apple Pay, shop online, and make cash withdrawals.

What makes travel cards special is that they’ve been designed for international use - whether that's in person spending or withdrawals, or online shopping in foreign currencies. The features you’ll get differ depending on the card type and specific provider, but you might be able to hold a balance in multiple currencies, avoid foreign transaction fees, or earn cash back or rewards overseas.

What are different types of travel cards?

Generally you can split the different types of travel cards available in Malaysia into the following categories. We’ll walk through the features and benefits of each in a moment:

1. Travel debit cards

2. Travel prepaid cards

3. Travel credit cards

Travel debit card Option 1: Wise

There’s no fee to open a Wise account , and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

No fee to open a Wise account , no minimum balance requirement

13.7 MYR one time fee to get your Wise card

2 withdrawals, to 1,000 MYR value per month for free, then 5 MYR+ 1.75%

Hold Indonesian rupiah (IDR) and 40+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

Physical and virtual cards available

Get local account details to receive MYR, USD and 8+ other currencies conveniently

Read our full Wise card review to learn more.

Travel debit card Option 2: BigPay

BigPay is a popular e-wallet and card available to residents of Malaysia. You can get your card for a one time fee, and also access a virtual card for online and mobile payments. You won’t be able to hold foreign currencies in your account, but your MYR balance is switched to the currency you need when you’re abroad using the network exchange rate and a low foreign transaction fee of around 1%.

Popular e-wallet with lots of other features like bill payment and remittance

No annual fee and no credit check

Virtual card available as well as physical card

Relatively low foreign transaction fee of up to 1% depending on payment type

Earn AirAsia points when you spend

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in Indonesia

How much does a travel debit card cost.

Travel debit cards often have a fee for delivery or to upgrade from a virtual card to a physical card. As this is usually a one time charge a travel debit card can still present very good value if you travel frequently or use your card to shop online on an ongoing basis.

How to choose the best travel debit card for Indonesia?

There’s no single best travel debit card for Indonesia - it really all depends on your personal preferences and how you expect to transact. If you travel a lot you may prefer to get an account with mid-market currency exchange and a large selection of supported currencies as well as IDR and MYR, like Wise . On the other hand, BigPay is a popular local e-wallet and card, which has a fairly low 1% foreign transaction fee and other perks like help with budgeting and analysing your spending.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in Indonesia?  

Most travel debit cards have limits for card use, which are set to make the card more secure. Limits may apply on the value of cash withdrawals or contactless payments for example, but in many cases you can view and change the default limits in the provider’s app.

ATM withdrawals with debit card in Indonesia

If you’re heading to Indonesia it’s worth remembering that in some areas, cash will be the preferred payment method - so choosing a card you can use to make low or no cost ATM withdrawals is helpful.

The costs of making ATM withdrawals will vary a lot based on the card you pick. Some - like Bigpay - have a flat fee, while others like Wise have a set limit for fee free withdrawals with low fees based on the withdrawal amount after that. Compare a few options using this guide to pick the one that’s right for you.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards for Indonesia

With a prepaid travel card you’ll need to order a card and add funds, to pay merchants and make cash withdrawals. Prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely. Terms, conditions, features and fees do vary quite a bit, so compare a few before you pick

Prepaid travel card option 1: Enrich Money

The Enrich Money is issued by Malaysian Airlines in conjunction with Merchantrade, and allows you to top up conveniently in advance of spending globally. There are free top up options, and some which come with a fee - and once you have a balance in ringgit you can exchange it to the currency you need, from the selection of 20 supported currencies including IDR. You’ll earn rewards as you spend which you can convert to balance to spend with no foreign transaction fee to spend in supported currencies when you’re abroad.

Hold and spend 20 popular global and regional currencies including IDR

Visa network for easy spending and withdrawals

Manage your card in an app for ease and earn rewards you can convert to cash back

1.75% fee to spend an unsupported currency

Annual and card issuance fees apply, as well as a refundable deposit

Prepaid travel card option 2: Aeon Prepaid Mastercard

The Aeon Prepaid Mastercard can be used at home and abroad anywhere you see the Mastercard logo. You can top up in a variety of ways, including using cash at an Aeon location - fees may apply depending on the method you use to load funds. Once you have money on your card, you can also get extra benefits when you shop with Aeon partner merchants, and free ATM withdrawals at Aeon ATMs.

No annual fee and no minimum income requirement

Spend anywhere Mastercard is accepted

Relatively low 1% foreign transaction fee

Get discounts and rewards with partner merchants

Safe and convenient to use

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in Indonesia

How much does a prepaid card cost.

Prepaid travel card costs do vary based on the provider you pick. You’ll need to Double check the terms of the card you prefer so you know what to expect. Bear in mind also that there can be a few different fees to consider - including some upfront one off costs, and some which are recurring. The Enrich card for example, has an issuance fee, an annual fee and a returnable deposit that you’ll need to pay upfront.

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for Indonesia?

The best travel prepaid card for Indonesia for you will depend entirely on your personal preference and what’s important to you. Enrich Money may be the natural choice if you use Malaysian Airlines a lot and want to hold a multi-currency balance for spending while earning rewards. The Aeon prepaid card is also a good bet with great global acceptance and no fees to make local ATM withdrawals when you’re in an Aeon location.

Prepaid travel card spending limit

To spend with a prepaid travel card you’ll first need to add money. Once you have a balance you can spend up to the amount loaded on the card - although there can be card limits for spending and withdrawals, which are set for security reasons. You’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you pick a provider which suits your needs.

ATM withdrawals with prepaid cards in Indonesia

Prepaid travel cards may charge a fee when you make an out of network or international ATM withdrawal. It’s common to find there are some options for fee free local withdrawals in Malaysia, but costs of about 10 MYR are often added when you’re overseas.

Limits may also apply to how much or how often you can withdraw. For the Enrich card as an example, you can make up to 5 withdrawals to the value of 5,000 per day.

3. Travel Credit Cards for Indonesia

Travel credit cards typically come with some handy features designed for overseas spending, such as low foreign transaction fees and extra rewards or discounts when you spend foreign currencies. Whichever card you pick, bear in mind that you’ll need to pass eligibility checks and fees will apply if you don’t pay your bill in full, on time, every time.

Travel credit card option 1: RHB Visa Signature

The RHB Signature credit card lets you earn cash back on spending, with a tiered system which rewards more the more you spend. Local spending can attract up to 6% cash back, while you’ll also get up to 2% cash back when you’re spending in Indonesia. There’s no annual fee to pay with this card, and a relatively low 1% foreign transaction fee, which may make it an attractive pick for your next trip overseas.

Up to 2% cash back on foreign currency spending

80,000 MYR minimum annual income required

Free lounge access 5x per year, and discounts on additional lounge visits

Complimentary travel insurance

Variable interest rates which apply if you don’t pay off your bill in full

Travel credit card option 2: Maybank Visa Signature

The Maybank Visa Signature card is a premium card which has an annual fee of 550 MYR, but which offers 5x rewards on overseas spending, and lots of perks to make your trips abroad that bit easier. You’ll get access to fast track immigration clearance at airports, and can use the Visa concierge service for extra help when you need it - just bear in mind that the foreign transaction fee can be up to 2.25% which is on the higher side.

Annual fee waived in year one, then 550 MYR annually

5x Treats points for overseas spending, plus rewards when you spend at home

70,000 MYR to 100,000 MYR minimum income required

Airport speed pass to give you fast track immigration clearance in hundreds of airports

Travel insurance coverage and concierge services available

Pros and cons of using credit cards in Indonesia

How much does a travel credit card cost.

The fees for your travel credit card can include several different charges - an annual fee, interest costs and penalties if you don’t pay on time for example. You can find some travel credit cards with no annual fee, but others which have more premium benefits are likely to have high fees so read the terms and conditions carefully before you choose.

How to choose the best travel credit card for Indonesia?

Doing some research is the only way to pick the best travel credit card for Indonesia for your own specific needs and preferences. Before you choose, make sure you weigh up the potential fees you’ll need to pay against the benefits and rewards you can earn to make sure it’s worthwhile, and bear in mind that you’ll run into interest charges if you don’t clear down your bill every month, too.

Travel credit card spending limit

Your travel credit card spending limit will vary depending on the issuer’s policy. You’ll be notified of the details for your card when your application is approved.

ATM withdrawals

We mentioned earlier that in many places in Indonesia, carrying cash is essential. However, making an ATM withdrawal with a credit card can end up costly.

ATM withdrawals made with a travel credit card will usually mean paying a cash advance fee of around 5% of the withdrawal value, and immediate interest. Interest is likely to be set at the top end of the range that applies to your card - often about 18%. That may mean you prefer to keep your credit card for spending in store, and use a travel debit card for ATM withdrawals instead.

How much money do I need in Indonesia?

The costs of a trip to Indonesia can vary a lot. In major cities or super popular areas like Bali, accommodation and food prices rise quite a bit. But if you’re planning on hiking in the jungles or tackling one of the volcanoes, the chances are that you’ll find things pretty cheap.

You’ll need to plan your budget with a view to what you’ll be doing in Indonesia - if you’re hitting the Bali beaches, or want to stay in high end luxury in Jakarta, you can easily spend a lot. But Indonesia on a lower budget can still be a fantastic trip with some planning. To give an overview, here are some average prices for Indonesia as a whole:

Details correct at time of writing - 10th January 2024

Do some detailed research to see how much things are likely to cost based on your plans and where you’re headed, so you can set your budget. Get more detailed cost information by city, from Numbeo.com .

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for Indonesia?

Using a travel card when you go to Indonesia can be a good way to spend and make cash withdrawals with lower overall costs. Different cards have their own features, but in all cases you’ll be able to tap and pay and make cash withdrawals in IDR just like you would at home. It’s worth looking in particular for a card which has low or no cost ATM withdrawals as you’ll run into situations in Indonesia where you really need some cash.

You could opt for a low cost travel debit card which comes with a linked account to hold a selection of currencies - like the Wise account. Or try a popular prepaid travel card like the Enrich card which lets you spend and earn rewards with Malaysian Airlines. Finally, if you’d prefer to spread the costs of your trip over a few months and don’t mind paying extra to do so, travel credit cards from major banks like RHB and Maybank are worth a look, for reward earning opportunities and easy ways to spend now and pay later.

FAQ - Best travel cards for Indonesia

Can you withdraw cash with a credit card in indonesia.

You can withdraw cash with a credit card in Indonesia at any ATM where your card’s network is accepted. Fees may apply, including cash advance and interest charges, and extra costs added by the ATM operator. Using a travel debit card, such as the Wise card, which has some fee free ATM withdrawals every month, can often be cheaper than using a credit card.

Can I use a debit card in Indonesia?

Yes. Debit cards can be used in Indonesia for spending and cash withdrawals. Just look out for the card network symbol displayed by the checkout or on the ATM you’re thinking of using. Bear in mind that in more rural areas, small stores, in markets and when taking a taxi, you’re likely to need cash rather than a card.

Are prepaid cards safe to use in Indonesia?

Prepaid cards are safe to use when you travel as your travel money is held separately to your bank account. That means that even if you’re unlucky enough to have your card stolen, thieves can’t access your main bank account. Plus, you’ll be able to make cheap or free ATM withdrawals as you travel, so you don’t have to carry around too much cash at any one time.

What is the best way to pay when travelling in Indonesia?

There’s no single best way to pay in Indonesia - it’ll depend a lot on where you’re going exactly. In major cities and tourist resorts, card payments are often supported and can be convenient and secure. However, cash is still a popular payment option in many places, so having some with you is a smart plan. Generally, in Indonesia and elsewhere, having a selection of payment methods on you, including a low cost travel debit, prepaid or credit card, as well as some cash, means you’ll always be able to pick the best option for the specific transaction type.

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Transport Cards in Jakarta

As the capital city of Indonesia and a developing city, Jakarta has adequate public transportation to make it easy for you to get around. You can use Microtrans, Commuter Line Trains, TransJakarta Busways, MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), or LRT (Light Rail Transit). For urban life in Jakarta, of course, you want anything to be efficient and practical.

Read also our recommendations for Public Transportation Options in Jakarta and 5 Public Transportation Apps You Should Have in Jakarta to make your commute easier.

In addition to the various public transportations, transport electronic payment card feature is also available. The transport card, also sometimes called transit pass or travel card is a smart card; meaning it has multi-purpose. The smart card can be used in Transjakarta, MRT, Commuter Line, to pay the toll fees, and to pay in some minimarkets (e.g. Indomaret, Alfamart, or Circle K).

It is undeniable that various digital things definitely make life easier, especially when it comes to payments. You can enjoy the convenience and comfort of life in each of your daily transactions while traveling in Jakarta. With just one tap, your transaction will be easier and more practical without carrying cash and waiting for change. Here are several transport cards that you can use in Jakarta for commuting.

1. e-Money (Mandiri Bank)

Mandiri Bank is one of the most popular state-owned banks in Indonesia. With the e-Money brand, Mandiri Bank makes several features to make it easier for you to travel in Jakarta with digital transactions. Mandiri e-Money supports Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology that allows users or cardholders to make transactions via touch in seconds and can be owned by customers and non-customers of Mandiri Banks. How to get the e-Money card is also quite easy. You can get it from the nearest branch of the Mandiri Bank’s office, minimarket (such as Indomaret or Alfamart), commuter line stations, TransJakarta stops, and online merchants.

Mandiri Bank e-Money Key Features:

Maximum Balance: Rp1,000,000.00

Minimum Top Up: Rp20,000.00

Validity Period: Unlimited

2. Flazz (Bank Central Asia (BCA))

BCA Flazz is an electronic money product in the form of a card produced by BCA to conduct transactions or digital payments in lieu of cash transactions. BCS Flazz itself has chip technology from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) that support transaction processing via touch in seconds. BCA Flazz can also be owned both by customers or non-customers of BCA, and can also be transferred or used by anyone to make payments or transactions. Aside from being a transportation card, BCA Flazz also supports payments at more than 57 thousand types of merchants in Indonesia. Some ways to get the BCA Flazz card are by visiting the nearest BCA branch office, minimarket, BCA Flazz sales representative at certain toll gates, commuter line stations, and also the online marketplace.

BCA Flazz Key Features:

Validity Period: 10 years since the last top-up

3. TapCash (Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI))

BNI TapCash is an electronic money product in the form of a card produced by BNI. By using BNI TapCash, you can make various daily transport payment transactions more safely, guaranteed, and also without minimum transactions. This BNI TapCash card can also be owned by anyone without the need to having a BNI account. To get a BNI TapCash card, you can visit the nearest BNI branch office and BNI TapCash partner. At a cost of Rp40,000.00 you already have a card with a balance of Rp20,000.00 in it which you can immediately use.

BNI TapCash Key Features:

4. Jak Lingko (DKI Jakarta Government, in collaboration with Bank DKI and BNI)

Jak Lingko is an integrated transportation system (route integration, management integration, and payment integration). The integration of public transportation services in Jakarta does not only involve integration between buses but will also involve rail-based transportation owned by the DKI Jakarta provincial government such as MRL, LRT, and so on. The Jak Lingko card used in this payment system is different from the other electronic money that has been in effect. The way it works is also unique and very profitable. You just need to pay Rp5,000 in three hours to transport. Currently, the Jak Lingko card is cooperating with Bank DKI and BNI. You can purchase the Jak Lingko card at the TransJakarta bus stop and the Jak Lingko micro trans.

Jak Lingko Key Features:

Maximum Balance: Rp2,000,000.00

Minimum Top Up: Rp15,000.00

5. Brizzi (Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI))

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), a well-known state-owned bank, has launched a digital card that has many benefits especially for the various processes of transacting your transport payments. You can use Brizzi instead of cash to service your daily transport payment transactions with just one tap. Like other transport card products, Brizzi has also equipped with the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. You can get a Brizzi card, among others in all BRI branch offices in its customer service department, at the online marketplace, or even at your nearest minimarket. Besides being used to pay for your transportation, it turns out that Brizzi can be disbursed in the form of money by coming to the Brilink agent at the nearest BRI branch offices.

BRI Brizzi Key Features:

Maximum Balance: Rp.1,000,000.00

6. Commuter Electronic Ticketing (Commuter Line Indonesia)

If we have already talked about cards that can be used in all modes of transportation in Jakarta, now we have a card that has a specific function to be used as a means of payment for commuter line trains. Commuter Electronic Ticketing is a multi-trip card which is produced in collaboration with the Commuter Line and the bank to help and facilitate commuter line train transactions for Jakarta’s urban living. If the commuter line daily card an only be used for one rip, while the commuter line multi-trip cards can be topped up and used multiple times. To get it, you can provide through the counters in commuter line train stations.

Commuter Electronic Ticketing Key Features:

Minimum Top Up: Rp10,000.00

Before choosing one of the transport cards, it is better to also consider your commute habit, bank, and other factors. So, from the six sophisticated transport cards, which one are you going to use?

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13 Apr 2021

JakCard: One Card to Explore Jakarta

Editor : Aditya Gagat Hanggara

Smartcitizen, have you ever wanted to travel around Jakarta and had a hard time because you had to count the cash in your wallet when paying? Not to mention if you have to prepare the right money when in line to get to a tourist spot, you definitely don't want to make people wait long behind you. On the other hand, In this time of pandemic, cash going from one hand to another is prone to exposure of bacteria and viruses. Is there anything easier? 

Yes! To make it easier for Jakartans to travel and visit various places in Jakarta, the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta, through Bank DKI, presents the JakCard. JakCard is a prepaid card issued by Bank DKI as a non-cash payment instrument for transactions at various collaborating places. As a prepaid smart card, JakCard is equipped with contactless-chip technology so that you can simply tap JakCard to the available card reader.

JakCard Benefits for Jakartans

source: www.bankdki.co.id

If you have JakCard you will get various benefits everywhere. For transport, JakCard can be used to pay tickets for Transjakarta, MRT Jakarta, Jakarta LRT, microtrans, as well as toll payments. You can top up your JakCard balance through counters located at all Transjakarta, MRT and LRT stops. If you don't have a JakCard, you can also buy it at these counters.

In addition, if you want to visit various tourist destinations in Jakarta, you can also use the JakCard. Some of the places that accept the JakCard are the National Monument (Monas), Sports Center, Ragunan Wildlife Park, Ancol, planetarium and various museums in Jakarta. Some of the museums that accept the JakCard are:

• Fatahillah History Museum
• Prasasti Museum 
• Joang 45 Museum 
• MH Thamrin Museum 
• Museum of Art and Ceramics
• Wayang Museum 
• Textile Museum
• Bahari Museum 
• Si Pitung Home Site 

Just like at bus stops and stations, if you don't have a JakCard when visiting those tourist attractions, you can buy a JakCard prepared by the manager at the entrance counter. In addition, the counter also provides a JakCard top-up facility.

Besides being able to be used at entry counters, there are other additional benefits such as being able to pay for parking, payment for food at Thamrin 10, various tourist canteens, and payment for rides inside the Ragunan Zoo.

JakCard does not have a validity period as long as it is actively used and has a sufficient balance. If you want to get service information and want to submit a complaint about the JakCard card, you can contact the Bank DKI Call Center (021) 1500-351.

Go Anywhere Easily

By having a JakCard that can be accepted at many merchants, you can do various transactions more practically. It makes various payment services more effective and efficient. You don't need to bother carrying cash to travel and visit various places in Jakarta, just one easy and safe card for you. So, where do you want to go with a JakCard?

Authors and Editor

Aditya Gagat Hanggara

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A first-timer's guide to Jakarta

Oct 5, 2023 • 8 min read

Jakarta is fast-paced, fascinating and fun © Andreas H / Shutterstock

Jakarta is sometimes overlooked by visitors bound for Java's ancient ruins or the beaches of Bali . But skipping this vast, teeming city in the far west of Java means missing out on world-class food and coffee, a historic old quarter, thriving art galleries, some of the best shopping in Southeast Asia and a surprisingly exciting nightlife scene.

First-time visitors to Jakarta can be overwhelmed; roads are heavily congested and the many skyscrapers are often screened by a thick layer of smog. However, there's plenty to see and just offshore are pollution-free beaches and islands. Here’s everything you need to know when visiting Jakarta for the first time.

When should I go to Jakarta?

Jakarta is hot and humid all year round, but there are two distinct seasons: a dry season that runs from May to September and a wet season running from October to April. The best time to visit is from June to August, when it’s dry and the humidity drops to manageable levels.

It’s also perfectly possible to visit in the rainy season, as the daily downpours tend only to last for a couple of hours, although flooding can affect parts of the city. Avoid traveling to Jakarta close to or during Ramadan, when many businesses close and hotels are booked out.

How long should I spend in Jakarta?

Most people visit Jakarta as part of a longer trip to Indonesia , spending just a few days exploring the capital’s historic center and checking out the excellent restaurant and cafe scene. But don't overlook the splendid shopping in street markets and the many malls, as well as the many worthy museums and lively art galleries.

Spend four days here and you'll have time for an overnight visit to the beaches of the Thousand Islands , where locals head for weekend breaks. The closest strands are just a 30-minute boat ride from Jakarta's Ancol Marina .

Is it easy to get to and around Jakarta?

About 35km (22 miles) west of the city, busy Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is Jakarta’s principal airport, and all international and most domestic flights operate from here. Trains and buses link the airport to Jakarta or you can take a taxi.

Centrally located Stasiun Gambir is the main train station, with express services across Java operated by Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) . Trains are faster and more comfortable than buses, and sometimes cheaper. Passenger ships run by Pelni connect Jakarta with destinations across Indonesia.

With its expansive sprawl, Jakarta is not a walkable city and traffic jams are a way of life. The first line of Jakarta's evolving citywide MRT system runs south from Menteng in the center of the city. For destinations off the MRT line, visitors must depend on slow buses or taxis.

The most reliable taxi company is Bluebird – or use Grab , the Southeast Asian version of Uber. Go-Jek is a motorcycle ride service that’s useful for navigating central Jakarta’s jammed streets.

Top things to do in Jakarta

Old jakarta.

Start your tour in Kota in north Jakarta, where the vestiges of old Batavia – the colonial city built by the Dutch in the 18 th century – cluster around Taman Fatahillah , a charming cobblestone square surrounded by handsome European-style buildings. Bicycles can be hired around the square, making it easy to scoot around the surrounding lanes, where you’ll find cafes, restaurants and hotels.

Be sure to check out the old town hall, which dates back to 1627 and now houses the Jakarta History Museum . Also worth a trip is the nearby Museum Wayang , which has a superb collection of Javanese puppets (and sometimes puts on free puppet shows).

Merdeka Square

In central Jakarta, Merdeka Square is the political and spiritual heart of Indonesia. Looming over this vast expanse of grassy parkland is the 132m-high (433ft-high)  Monumen Nasional , also known as Monas or, more irreverently, ‘Sukarno’s final erection’, a reference to the former president of Indonesia who ordered its construction in 1961.

Merdeka Square makes a great retreat from Jakarta’s hectic streets and is always busy with locals kicking back. There are tremendous views across Jakarta from the top of the monument; get here early and avoid weekends if you don’t want to queue for hours.

Nearby are the Museum Nasional , which is packed with cultural treasures, and Galeri Nasional , with a big collection of work by Indonesian and foreign artists. Also here is Masjid Istiqial , Southeast Asia’s largest mosque (non-Muslims are welcome to visit if appropriately dressed).

From Taman Fatahillah, it's a short walk south to Glodok, which has been Jakarta’s Chinatown for centuries. Wandering the lanes and alleys here is an essential part of the Jakarta experience and there's great shopping here, including in the atmospheric and highly photogenic Petak Sembilan Market , where you'll find a sensory assault of fresh produce.

When you’re done sightseeing, pop into Kopi Es Tak Kie or Pantjoran Tea House , two of Glodok’s oldest cafes, for authentic Sino-Indonesian dishes and revitalizing coffee or tea.

Shopping in Jakarta's malls

Retail addicts have over 150 shopping malls to choose from in the Indonesian capital. The Grand Indonesia Mall and Plaza Senayan in Menteng are two of the most upmarket and popular malls, while the old-school Blok M mall is much more about local brands. For a more organic shopping experience, make tracks for the nearby Jalan Surabaya Flea Market, where antiques, textiles and all manner of collectible items await.

Jakarta's art and nightlife scenes

Head to Museum MACAN and the RUCI Art Space (in west and south Jakarta respectively) for insights into Indonesia’s burgeoning contemporary art scene. South Jakarta, and the area of Kebayoran Baru in particular, is where you'll find some of Jakarta’s finest bars and restaurants, such as the rooftop Skye , which offers stunning views and cocktails, or Plataran Dharmawangsa for traditional Javanese cuisine in a tranquil and refined setting.

The Thousand Islands

Finally, if you have the time, hop on a speedboat at Ancol Marina , a few kilometers north of Jakarta’s historic quarter, for a day tour or overnight visit to the Thousand Islands, where white-sand beaches and resorts create a striking contrast to Jakarta’s urban sprawl. You can also pop into the Ancol Luar Biasa fairground near the marina.

My favorite thing to do in Jakarta

I first discovered Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, by accident, while idly strolling south from Taman Fatahillah on my first visit to Jakarta. These days, I return whenever I’m in town to explore Glodok’s narrow, winding alleys and streets lined with shophouses, hole-in-the-wall cafes and restaurants and Chinese Buddhist temples. It's the perfect antidote to the skyscrapers and shopping malls that dominate much of Jakarta.

There’s a timelessness to Glodok that’s unique in Jakarta, with the latest generation of Chinese-Indonesians carrying on businesses established by their ancestors generations earlier. I love the tang of spices floating in the air, the traditional pharmacies with their dark interiors and mysterious remedies and, above all, the delicious fusion dishes that can only be found in Glodok. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

How much money do I need for Jakarta?

Jakarta is the most expensive destination in Indonesia, up there with Bali, but it’s still cheap by Western standards, so long as you don’t need a four-star hotel and are happy to eat at neighborhood restaurants rather than upscale places.

Museum entrance fees and taxis are a bargain, but alcohol is more pricey than elsewhere in Southeast Asia, especially wine and spirits, as Muslim Indonesia slaps hefty taxes on it. Here's a guide to local costs.

• Dorm bed in a hostel: 130,000Rp
• Three-star hotel room: 500,000Rp
• Airbnb studio apartment: 400,000Rp per night
• MRT ticket in town: 3,000Rp to 14,000Rp
• Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: 350,000Rp
• Cup of local coffee: 20,000Rp
• Small bottle of local beer in a bar: 35,000Rp

Frequently asked questions

There are a few questions first-timers always ask, so here are some tips to help you out.

How do I avoid traffic jams in Jakarta?

Avoid traveling in peak hours, from 7am to 9am and from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays. Roads are less congested on weekends, especially on Sundays. To avoid the traffic, choose a hotel near an MRT station so you can make as much use of public transport as possible.

What type of food will I find in Jakarta?

Jakarta is a great place to not only try Indonesia-wide staples such as nasi goreng (fried rice) but also to sample many different regional cuisines, whether that means Balinese classics such as babi guling (spiced spit-roast pig) or Sulawesi -style seafood, as well as Chinese-Indonesian fusion dishes. International food is also widely available for less adventurous palates. Don't drink tap water; purified water is available everywhere.

Do I need to bargain and tip in Jakarta?

Bargaining is the norm at Jakarta’s many markets, and it's also possible at some shopping malls. As a general rule, if the cost of an item is displayed, the price is usually fixed; if not, bargaining may be possible. Remember that it’s always best to haggle with a smile. Tipping is not generally expected, but leaving a small gratuity when you dine out is always appreciated.

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Jakarta Travel Requirements (Updated as of June 22, 2022)

Entry requirements to jakarta, indonesia.

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Updated Jakarta, Indonesia Travel Requirements for 2022

Table of Contents

As of May 2022, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the COVID-19 Level 1: Low. Visitors from abroad are no longer required to get a COVID-19 Test or COVID-19 Medical Insurance. Effective May 17, 2022, the Indonesian government dropped the mask-wearing protocol for outdoor settings. Mask-wearing protocols for indoor settings and public transportation still stands.

List of Travelers Allowed to Enter

• Indonesian Citizens (WNI)
• Foreigners holding legal and valid visas and Stay Permit (consisting of Service Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Visit Visa, Temporary Stay Visa, Official Stay Permit, Diplomatic Stay Permit, Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS), Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP), foreigners with health and humanitarian purpose (after receiving a recommendation from the ministry/institution that carries out the COVID- 9 handling function), and transportation crew that comes with the conveyance
• Referring to the Travel Corridor Agreement (TCA)
• Obtained a special written consideration/permission from an Indonesian Ministry/Institution
• Delegations of G20 member countries
• Nationalities include Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Visa-Free is valid for 30 days. Travelers with the intent or possibility to extend more than 30 days can apply for VOA.
• Nationalities include South Africa, United States, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Netherlands, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bosnia Herzegovina Bulgaria, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Philippines, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, England, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Croatia, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Egypt, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Mexico, Myanmar, Norway, Oman, France, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, New Zealand, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, China, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Vietnam, Jordan, and Greece.
• VOA is valid for thirty (30) days stay and travelers may extend for thirty (30) days more, a maximum of sixty (60) days stay in total. The hotel location can process the visa extension at the nearest Immigration Office.

List of Jakarta Travel Requirements

• Must complete the full dose of vaccine fourteen (14) days prior to travel
• Travelers aged between 6-17 years are no longer required to present a COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
• The vaccination card or certificate (physical or digital) must be written in English, in addition to the language of the country of origin
• Indonesian citizens who have not been vaccinated abroad will be vaccinated at the entry point after taking the PCR test on arrival with a negative test result or at the quarantine place after the second RT-PCR examination is carried out with negative results
• Foreigners aged between 6-17 years
• Holders of Diplomatic Residence Permits and Official Residence Permits; and/or
• Holders of a Limited Stay Permit Card (KITAS) and a Permanent Residence Permit Card (KITAP)
• Foreigners who are already in Indonesia and will travel, both domestically and internationally, are required to be vaccinated through a program or mutual cooperation scheme in accordance with statutory regulations
• Registration to PeduliLindungi mobile application (via google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.telkom.tracencare )
• Registration to the E-HAC (via the PeduliLindungi mobile application)
• PH Bureau of Immigration Declaration Form (via com/en/~/media/files/coronavirus/travelrulesandrestrictions/oct2020/travel%20declaration.pdf?la=en )
• Registration to Electronic Custom Declaration (via ngurahrai-airport.co.id/ )
• Visa (if applicable)

List of Jakarta Quarantine Requirements

• Fully Vaccinated travelers or those who have received booster shots at a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to the travel will be able to continue the journey without undergoing quarantine.
• Those with a single (1) dose of COVID-19 vaccine or unvaccinated must undergo five (5) days of required quarantine. Quarantine facilities are prepared by the government facility for Indonesia Migrant Workers, Students (free) or in designated hotels at their own expense (for general Indonesian Citizens).
• Foreign travelers under 18 years old, or under 18 years old need special protection, the duration of quarantine follows provisions that apply to parent or guardian companion.
• International travelers with special health conditions or comorbid diseases who cannot receive vaccines are required to present a doctor’s certificate from the government-owned hospital from the location of departure stating that the person has not been and/or cannot receive COVID-19 vaccination.

Notice from the Directorate General of Custom & Excise, Ministry of Finance of The Republic of Indonesia:

• Indonesian and Foreign National carrying cellular telecommunication devices (mobile phones, tablets) purchased from outside of Indonesia are advised to register the device’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number at origin country before departure to Indonesia via beacukai.go.id/register-imei.html.
• Bali Travel Requirements
• How To Apply For A Chinese Visa For Philippine Passport Holders
• How To Get A Driver’s License In The Philippines
• What Every Foreigner Needs To Know Before Visiting The Philippines

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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Your Most Complete Guide to Jakarta Indonesia

Discover what Jakarta has to offer with cost-cutting strategies, insider tips, and the most detailed  information on hotels, transport, attractions and major interests.

JAKARTA TRAVEL RESOURCES

All Transport Guide

Jakarta is a huge metropolis! Learn how to get around the busy streets of Jakarta with our easy-to-follow guide.​

Jakarta MRT Guide

Make use of the Jakarta MRT Network to avoid traffic and enjoy your holiday in this big metropolitan.

Jakarta Airport Guide

So you've arrived in Jakarta, what's next? Learn how to navigate the city's international airport and how to get to your hotel.

Attractions

Getting bored in Jakarta? These attractions are something to look forward to and soon.

Jakarta "How To"

Get to know the must-sees in Jakarta so you will have a more satisfying holiday.

Where to Stay

Get to to know the best neighborhoods in Jakarta. Find out the most convenient hotel and accommodation options.

Pasar Tanah Abang – Want batik? This is Southeast Asia’s Largest Textile Market!

Pasar Raya Blok M – Want to find the largest souvenir store in Jakarta. It’s right here.

Suropati Park – Watch local artists play music for free at this public park.

ACCOMMODATION

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JAKARTA ITINERARIES

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COMMUTER TRAIN

You can take the train to this amazing weekly event in Jakarta for super cheap.

POPULAR JAKARTA ATTRACTIONS

Ragunan ZOO

Ragunan Zoo is the largest zoo in Jakarta and a very popular attraction for visitors to the city.  It occupies roughly 147-hectares of land in South Jakarta.  

Kota Tua is one of most popular places to visit in Jakarta. It is  ‘Jakarta’s Old Town’ . This is an area about 4.5 km north of the Monas that mainly consists of Dutch colonial buildings …

MONAS (National Monument)

The Monas, short for  Monumen Nasional  is one the top tourist attractions in Jakarta. Visiting the Monas should definitely be something to consider during your trip to Jakarta.

Jakarta Travel Guide: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Indonesia’s Capital

by Andy McGinlay 8 Feb 2024 Asia , Indonesia

Jakarta, the dynamic capital city of Indonesia, stands as a testament to the country’s rich history, diverse culture, and rapid urban development. This sprawling metropolis offers a unique blend of modern skyscrapers, historical landmarks, and vibrant street life, making it a fascinating destination for travellers. In this comprehensive Jakarta travel guide, we will explore the city’s prime attractions, delve into its culinary adventures, and provide you with essential tips to make your journey unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodations or luxurious stays, Holiday Swap offers a variety of home rental options that ensure a comfortable and authentic experience in the heart of Southeast Asia’s largest city.

Unearthing Jakarta’s History

Jakarta’s history is as complex as it is fascinating, with influences from the Dutch East Indies to the bustling trade centre it is today. The city’s museums and historical sites offer insights into its past, from its role in the spice trade to its struggle for independence. Key landmarks such as the Merdeka Palace and Jakarta Cathedral stand as symbols of the city’s resilience and diversity.

Discovering Jakarta’s Prime Attractions

The iconic national monument: jakarta’s pride.

The National Monument, or Monas, is an emblem of independence towering over Merdeka Square. This monument offers panoramic views of the city and houses a museum that chronicles Indonesia’s fight for freedom.

The National Monument

Historical Landmarks: Journey through Time

Jakarta is home to several historical landmarks that tell the story of its past. The Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque, representing the country’s religious harmony, are must-visits for their architectural beauty and historical significance.

Old Batavia: Echoes of Colonial Elegance

Strolling through Kota Tua, or Old Batavia, you’ll encounter well-preserved colonial buildings that echo the city’s Dutch colonial past. Fatahillah Square, at the heart of this area, is surrounded by museums that offer a glimpse into Jakarta’s history.

Old Batavia

Istiqlal Mosque: Spiritual Majesty

Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia’s biggest mosque, stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s Muslim-majority population. Its stunning architecture and capacity to hold tens of thousands of worshippers make it a significant spiritual site.

Istiqlal Mosque

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: Cultural Panorama

This cultural park is a microcosm of Indonesia, showcasing traditional houses, clothing, and dances from across the archipelago. It’s a place to immerse yourself in the country’s diverse cultures.

Ancol Dreamland: Adventure and Joy

Ancol Dreamland is Jakarta’s largest recreation park, offering theme parks, beaches, and entertainment facilities. It’s a perfect destination for families looking to enjoy fun-filled activities.

Ancol Dreamland

Where to Stay with Holiday Swap

When it comes to accommodation, Holiday Swap offers an array of options for travellers seeking a home away from home in Jakarta. From cosy apartments in the bustling city centre to tranquil homes in residential districts, there’s something for every budget and style.

Click here to book this home

Culinary Adventures in Jakarta

Jakarta’s culinary scene is as diverse as its culture. From street vendors serving traditional Nasi Goreng to upscale restaurants offering international cuisines, the city is a food lover’s paradise. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Jakarta’s shopping centres and markets, where you can taste local delicacies and shop for souvenirs.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Jakarta’s entertainment and nightlife offer something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in live music, trendy clubs, or cultural performances, the city comes alive at night. Public transit makes it easy to explore different entertainment districts and experience Jakarta’s vibrant nightlife.

The Ultimate Shopping Experience

Shopping in Jakarta ranges from high-end shopping malls to traditional markets. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands or local handicrafts, Jakarta’s shopping complexes and adjacent streets provide endless opportunities for retail therapy.

Concluding Your Jakarta Journey: Tips for Travelers

• Plan your visit during the dry season to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing.
• Use Google Maps to navigate the city’s bustling streets and find the best routes during rush hours.
• Opt for trusted taxi services like Blue Bird or Silver Bird for convenient city travel.
• Carry a credit card , but also have some cash for smaller vendors and street markets.
• Stay connected with Holiday Swap for comfortable, budget-friendly accommodations throughout your stay in Jakarta.

Jakarta, with its mix of modernity and tradition, offers an enriching and diverse travel experience. From exploring historical landmarks to indulging in culinary delights, and enjoying vibrant nightlife to shopping sprees, this city caters to all interests. Remember to consider Holiday Swap for your accommodation needs, ensuring a memorable and authentic Jakarta experience.

Planning your trip just got easier with Holiday Swap!

Let our expert team handpick the perfect accommodation for you from thousands of options, all at affordable prices, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Indonesia » Jakarta

JAKARTA Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Jakarta is a city of ten million people making the largest in all of Southeast Asia. With such a vast city, it stands to reason that there’s no shortage of things to do in Jakarta. It is a cultural melting pot of Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Dutch and English histories, and an emerging destination for nightlife and shopping.

As one might expect from a city with such a rich history, you’re likely to find unique clashes of culture here. The city carries a strong sense of history, evidenced by its buildings and people.

But you won’t be stuck for what to do in Jakarta. It is also a modern city, embracing burgeoning entertainment and retail sectors, and driving new travel to Jakarta with resorts, theme parks, and commercial development.

With this in mind, our Jakarta itinerary looks to take in the best of many worlds within Jakarta. We get to explore the historical and cultural sides of the city, but also the fun and modern aspects that make it popular with new tourists.

We also enjoy a little bit of shopping and even some rock n’roll Jakarta-style. Here’s what you can do in Jakarta!

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Best Time To Visit Jakarta

Where to stay in jakarta, jakarta itinerary, day 1 itinerary in jakarta, day 2 itinerary in jakarta, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in jakarta, day trips from jakarta, faq on jakarta itinerary.

If you are visiting Indonesia then there is a strong chance you’ll be passing through it’s capital, Jakarta. Unless perhaps you are purely here to visit Bali in which case you may not. There are two things to consider when planning an itinerary for Jakarta:

If you’re looking for long, sunny days and as little rainfall as possible, come between June and September. This is probably the best time to plan a Jakarta itinerary, as you’ll be able to enjoy all Jakarta’s offerings in their full capacities.

The rainy season can sometimes bring flooding in the lower-lying parts of the city. But even if you visit during the ‘wet season’ between October and May, you’re unlikely to ever be cold. Do bring a water proof jacket though.

The daily temperature will seldom drop below the high 60s Fahrenheit (15c), and rain is mostly intermittent, even in the rainy season. On many days the rain will actually be a welcome relief from the soaring subtropical temperatures.

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The second consideration is whether you’d prefer a slightly less busy time of year. In the month of Ramadan, the city slows down as people observe the holy month. Many businesses may close during prayer time, and some locals may leave the city to visit family for Eid.

On the other hand, some hotels have been known to offer discounted rates over this time, as tourism tends to slow down accordingly. Before visiting Jakarta, you may want to check when Ramadan will be observed.

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of average conditions you can expect in Jakarta through the year, not taking into account the month of Ramadan, which follows the Muslim lunar calendar and changes every year. It should give some idea of When to visit Jakarta/

Where to stay in Jakarta ? The expats in Jakarta have nicknamed the city ‘Big Durian’, after a local fruit. Apparently, this is because they think of the city as being the New York of Indonesia.

Both cities are notorious for traffic, but Jakarta does not have the advantage of a subway system. With this firmly in mind, planning where to stay can help you save lots of time getting to where you’d like to go. Buses and taxis are plentiful, though walking can be a faster option for close-by activities at peak times.

The Sudirman Central Business District – SCBD for short – is basically the CBD of Jakarta. As such, it’s the most visited tourist area for entertainment, clubs, malls, hotels, and shopping.

Ancol is a popular seaside area and has several attractions in that area. The Sea World aquarium and water, eco and adventure parks make it a popular Jakarta itinerary item with families.

Kemang is a good option if you’re partial to nightlife spots. There are also lots of expats here, so you’re likely to find a good mix of entertainment, food and drink options. Ultimately, where to stay when planning a trip to Jakarta depends on your budget.

New apartment in complex | Best Airbnb in Jakarta

Completely renovated, modern and luxurious – this Airbnb is perfect for your first time in Jakarta if you want to stay close to Mangga Dua. The shopping mall is just moments away, and you’re also close to public transport options. Since the apartment is part of a complex, you can use the on-site pool and gym for free.

YELLO Hotel Harmoni | Best Budget Hotel in Jakarta

Starting at a little under $40 USD, you’d be hard-pressed to find a budget hotel at a better location. It offers direct access to the HXC mall, good food, and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and very comfy beds. Of the hundreds of hotels in Jakarta, the Harmoni consistently rates in the top 20 for single and business travelers, despite being a budget hotel.

The Hermitage, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel | Best Luxury Hotel in Jakarta

The 1920s touches at this art-deco boutique hotel in the Menteng district make it one of the most beautiful in all of Jakarta. Spacious rooms and a rooftop bar for those wonderful warm sunsets. If the on-site glass-top cafe or gastronomic bistro isn’t for you, the area is known for a vibrant live music scene, restaurants and cocktail bars to add to your to-do list.

Six Degrees Hostel | Best Hostel in Jakarta

It’s hard to find someone who’s had a bad experience at Six Degrees. Besides its convenient location, the key attraction is its rooftop garden and bar. Sunsets from here are quite an experience. The ultra-friendly staff will also arrange walking tours of the city and free use of the hostel’s bicycles. The mini-cinema, gym and free breakfast are the clinchers – making Six degrees the best value hostel in Jakarta.

The key to a great 2-day itinerary in Jakarta is balance. A little bit of everything on each of your 2 days in Jakarta is better than a one-day overload of one particular type of activity. Fortunately, Jakarta is big enough to try this approach, with similar but different options to satisfy all ages and interests.

Getting around a city as crowded as Jakarta can be challenging. As a rule of thumb: if it’s close enough to walk, that’s probably the best option anyway. But there are public and private transport options, like taxi cabs, which operate much like any other major city.

Motorcycle taxis or ojeks can be hailed like any conventional taxi. The upside is that you can negotiate a rate before you take the ride. In recent years, ojek co-ops have started using apps similar to Uber as well. Note that many Insurance companies do not cover you for any accidents that happen on motorbike taxi’s.

Slightly upgraded from that are trikes – a lot like the famous tuk-tuk from Thailand . These tend to be pretty efficient if your party is small enough to use them. For the most part, ojeks and trikes are good for short distances within the city.

Here’s a tip: If you can avoid taking the bus, do so. They’re generally a lot slower, and sometimes quite irregular. This might therefore interfere with any plans on your Jakarta itinerary.

Istiqlal Mosque | Jakarta Catholic Cathedral | Monas Tower | Atlantis Water Adventure | Taman Anggrek Mall

We’ll start the Jakarta itinerary with some fascinating history and culture, and then onto some fun relief from the heat. We’ll end the day with a theme park excursion the whole family can enjoy, and we’ll even do some shopping on the way.

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Istiqlal Mosque

• Why it’s awesome: It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
• Cost: Free, but a $1 USD – $2 USD gratuity for your guide is expected
• Food nearby: Kantin Koperasi Istiqlal is ideal for a quick snack with a local flavor.

It’s only fitting to start our Jakarta itinerary here, as no Jakarta trip is complete without it. Istiqlal means ‘independence’, and the mosque was built to commemorate Jakarta’s independence.

This mosque is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia . The huge white dome of the Istiqlal Mosque that rises above the nearby treetops is impossible to miss. The mosque is an active house of worship, as well as school, but allows tourists to visit its second floor.

There are five floors in all. Four of them form balconies from which to observe the main area. A guide will offer to take you around to the areas in which you are allowed. Bear in mind that Islamic rules regarding footwear and clothing are observed which means dress respectfully. But a coverall gown will be provided if needed.

The mosque (or masjid) can host up to 120, 000 people, which is an incredible sight to witness. It is likely to be fuller on Fridays. Many dignitaries have visited the mosque, including US Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Prince Charles.

The Istiqlal Mosque and adjacent Catholic Cathedral are two major Jakarta points of interest.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Jakarta Catholic Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A unique piece of European cultural history within Asia
• Food nearby: Miyama Japanese and Teratai Chinese restaurants

Here’s a piece of trivia worth knowing: The official name of the Catholic cathedral in Jakarta is Gereja Santa Perawan Maria Diangkat ke Surga . Its official English name is St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral.

The Cathedral with its distinctive gothic spires is the perfect second stop for our day one itinerary, as it is directly opposite from the Istiqlal Mosque. The proximity of the two buildings symbolizes the nation’s desire to celebrate both its diversity and unity.

The beautiful building was opened in 1901, but is still a very active church, as crowds attend masses – sometimes to overflowing. At other times, visitors are invited to take a look at the museum or the bookshop.

The museum is especially interesting, as it contains various artifacts and records that detail the legacy of Christian faith in the region. Most fascinating of all are the various old clerical robes and hats, documents, paintings, goblets, and other trinkets. They truly offer a glimpse into an important past for Indonesia.

In the catholic tradition, the church is adorned with various statues and symbols. Most notable are the key statues of Mary and a depiction of The Pietà.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Monas Tower

• Why it’s awesome: Monas offers visitors a sense of what independence meant to the Indonesian people
• Cost: $1 USD
• Food nearby: Nasi Goreng Pak Kumis is great for a local-flavored snack.

We’re a short walk away from another one of the major Jakarta landmarks, so let’s stop by Monas National Monument to pay our respects to this nation. The monument project was initiated by Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, as a symbol of the nation’s independence. It was completed after his death in 1975.

This beautiful building stands an impressive 137 meters in Merdeka Square, and offers several points of visual and experiential interest. Start in the yard, where the walls bear relief sculptures of Indonesia’s most important historical events. Here you can trace the Majapahit Empire’s rise and fall, the arrival of the Dutch, the road to independence and beyond.

Push on into the Indonesian National History Museum and the Meditation Hall. The most impressive of the exhibits here are the copy of the original proclamation of independence and the gilded map of Indonesia.

For an additional thrill, you can access a viewing platform near the top of the tower. At 117 meters, it provides a breathtaking view of the city.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Atlantis Water Adventure

• Why it’s awesome: It’s a welcome and cooling distraction on a hot day for all ages
• Cost: Weekdays $7 USD; Weekends $10 USD
• Food nearby: A variety of food stalls within the park

Time to add some fun and games to our Jakarta itinerary. Hop on a taxi and head north towards Danau Ancol, where we can enjoy the Atlantis Water Adventure water park. Remember to pack your swimming costume (naked swimming is not permitted), and take note that the park makes a point of saying it’s not just for kids.

The jewel in the water park’s crown is the Multistructure, a new eight-slide monster. But there’s also Crazy, the highest and longest slides in the park. Reckon you can do a 22 meter-high, 150 meter-long glide?

Our favorite is the Skybox. It’s a glass enclosure that flushes you down an 80-degree tube at 56km/h! It doesn’t last long, but the sensation will stay with you for a while.

Nine separate rides or pool areas can be found within the park, making it a great place in Jakarta to go waste a couple of hours or even an entire day.

Insider Tip: Be aware that the park does get crowded on weekends, so be sure to show up early or simply choose a weekday that suits you better.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Taman Anggrek Mall

• Why it’s awesome: It’s the biggest mall in Jakarta, and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia!
• Food nearby: Food court and many options

Let’s head back into the city, to the biggest mall in Jakarta to satisfy our shopping bug. The Mall Taman Anggrek (or “Orchid Garden Mall”) is a spectacular seven-floor experience that plays host to nearly 18 million shoppers per year – Definitely one of the major Jakarta attractions.

The mall itself is quite a sight. Sitting above the seven lower floors are seven residential towers, which can be seen from miles around. The mall itself contains around 400 stores, covering an impressive 360 000 square meters.

As with any modern mall, there’s a grand variety of shops to explore, from fashion to jewelry, electronics and more. There are 20 exhibition areas so something will always be happening at one of them.

Of special note is the mall’s ice rink! Yes, this mall has its very own ice rink attraction – ideal for when you need a break from exploring the 400 retail outlets.

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Jalan Surabaya Flea Market | Museum Wayang | Pasar Baru | Ancol Dreamland

Welcome to day two. We’ve got more shopping and unique cultural aspects of Jakarta to explore today. But there’s also a ton of fun to be had with a visit to an amusement park, and we will end your 2 day itinerary in Jakarta with some live music to rock to!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Jalan Surabaya Flea Market

• Why it’s awesome: It’s like a fascinating walk through time
• Cost: Free, but you might buy a few things
• Food nearby: Local stalls for snacks and food

Let’s start the second day of our Jakarta itinerary by checking out the old-time goods at the most famous flea market in Jakarta. The Menteng flea market also goes by the names Jalan Surabaya, or Pusat Barang Antik.

Though it’s defined as a flea market, it’s actually a collection of stalls and shops that specialize in items that appeal to the antique collector. That said, you don’t really need to understand antiques to shop here – you can simply look for something you like.

The most important factor is your bargaining skills. Most market vendors will expect you to haggle (so make sure you know how to barter ), and that’s fair because sometimes you’re taking their word for it that the item in question is indeed antique.

It’s all part of the fun, really. You can find items of furniture, curios, jewelry, trinkets, and even pottery. There may be several items from Indonesian and even Dutch history here. Whatever you might be seeking from a bygone age, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.

There are a couple of stalls offering food if you’re on a break. You can lose a good couple of hours of your Jakarta itinerary just talking to the vendors and browsing through the goodies on offer. If you spend one day in Jakarta, be sure to spend it here.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Museum Wayang

• Why it’s awesome: Explores a unique aspect of Indonesian culture
• Food nearby: Cafe Batavia is a popular and highly-rated eatery nearby

The Museum Wayang – or puppet museum – may not be top of mind when thinking about places to visit in the city. But this guided tour is fascinating and dives deep into the culture of puppetry tradition in Indonesia.

UNESCO proclaimed Indonesian puppets as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”, which gives you some idea of the cultural importance of these fascinating items. The guides are exceptionally informative, as they are puppeteers themselves.

Interestingly, the museum also displays Indian puppets. The traditional Wayang performances are based on Ramayana and Mahabharata of Indian mythology. If you’re lucky, there might be a performance or a puppet-making workshop taking place when you arrive.

The walk among life-size models is intriguing. The puppets are usually made of wood and buffalo hide and take months to make. If you’re totally in love by the end of the tour, stop by the souvenir shop and consider buying a puppet of your own. (Remember to bargain!)

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Pasar Baru

• Why it’s awesome: If you’re looking for the widest range of market goods to browse and buy, this is your place.
• Food nearby: Goku restaurant (vegetarian Indian) and Tropik (ice cream!) are highlights.

If you’re able to hold off eating up to now, you’ll be rewarded as you visit Pasar Baru, in Jakarta’s busiest locale. Some call Pasar Baru “Little India”, though it has several major cultural influences including Dutch and Chinese.

The main attraction is, of course, its market. Here you can find almost anything and everything, from materials (silk and satin) to clothes to electronics (cameras and radios).

But what makes it worth doing around lunchtime is the choice of street food you can try. Pop down alleyways and side streets, and you’ll find small eateries that serve fish, meat, noodles, and almost any locally-flavored snack you can think of.

An interesting side-note is that there are a few religious locations in the area that you can visit. One popular site is the Sin Tek Bio temple, built by Chinese farmers in the mid-1600s.

You’ll spend a few hours here, as the area is pretty big and there is lots to see and try.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Ancol Dreamland

• Why it’s awesome: A broad selection of activities all in one area
• Cost: $2 USD per adult and per car at the main gate. Add Fantasy World from $15 USD, Sea World from $6 USD, and Atlantis from $9 USD per person. Some rides may cost extra.
• Food nearby: There are plenty of eateries and restaurants in the resort.

Time for a fully-designed tourist experience – we need at least one on this Jakarta itinerary. Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (or Ancol Dreamland) is a resort that is specifically designed as a tourist attraction complete with shops, beaches, parks, and other recreational facilities.

You can enjoy a marina, more than 70 eateries, an art market, a gondola ride, a theme park, two beaches and more.

The Gondola ride is a cable car experience that is definitely a highlight, as you can see the surrounding area from above – a gorgeous sight, especially in the evening. Attached is a theme park, Dufan, which has more than forty rides including the roller coaster named Hallintar!

If you’re feeling really courageous, try the most notorious of the rides, the Tornado and Hysteria!

The kids will also enjoy the aquatic park SeaWorld, which includes alligator and shark pools. Beyond the aquatic theme, there’s also an eco-park to explore, offering green-themed edu-tours around Eco-Energy, Eco Care, Eco Nature, and Eco-Art.

A bonus is that some of the restaurants here are open 24 hours, so if you’re a late-night reveler, you’re good to go in Ancol.

Six Degrees Hostel

It’s hard to find someone who’s had a bad experience at Six Degrees. Besides its convenient location, the key attraction is its rooftop garden and bar.

• Free Breakfast

Thousand islands | Gedung Kesenian | Museum Layang-Layang | War Cemetery | Kidzania

You lucky fish! If you have 3 days in Jakarta or more, there a few other offerings to consider. Here are a few more places to consider for a 3 day itinerary in Jakarta and beyond.

The Thousand islands

• Get out of the city hustle and bustle
• Tropical beaches to replenish the soul and the body
• It’s best to do over a weekend in Jakarta

If you do have more time beyond your 2-day itinerary in Jakarta, consider a boat ride out to explore a few of the literal thousand islands to visit in the Indonesian archipelago . A full weekend to sit on a beach and relax is ideal, but the boat ride only takes an hour or two.

Some say a classy beach resort is the best place to stay in Jakarta. Of the best are Pulau Bidadari, which is the closest, and Pulau Macan, which is popular with honeymooners and eco-tourists.

You can get to most of the islands by speedboat from the Marina Ancol resort for around $15 USD. Here’s a tip: If you want to opt for a slightly cheaper way to get to the islands try Kali Adem harbor in MuaraAngke. This is a fishing jetty, but you could score a cheap trip to an island from here, where privately or via ferry for $3-5 USD.

If you want to go from island to island once you’re there, several resorts will let you rent boats to island-hop. This would be another enviable addition to your Jakarta itinerary.

Gedung Kesenian Jakarta

• A feel of an old Euro-style theater
• Shakespeare’s Othello was the first-ever performance here
• The premiere concert hall in Jakarta

Take an evening out to attend a performance of an opera, play or symphony at this amazing old colonial-era theater.

This beautiful old theater was commissioned in 1821. Over the years, it has served many functions. For example, during World War II, the occupying Japanese army used it as a military headquarters for the region.

The building also served as a headquarters for groups during the Indonesian push for Independence. It has even been a university building. Today it serves as one of the city’s main opera houses and theaters. Hosting regular performances of classics and modern works.

Museum Layang-Layang

• Another most unusual museum to marvel in
• Kite making, ceramics and batik workshops on offer
• The founder and owner still works here as the main guide

By now you’ve realized that Indonesia has a fondness for puppets. It also has a special place reserved for kites, of all things. In the unusual but quaint Museum Layang-Layang, it is the latter that is celebrated.

In a traditional-looking house in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta, Endang Ernawati opened this monument to a passion that seems unequaled. There are over 600 kites on display here, and some of them are incredibly unique.

Visitors usually marvel at the smallest (2 cm) and the largest (26 meters). But you’ll also find the strange, like a duo of kites that need to be flown together to produce a sound, not unlike a flute! You may also be intrigued to find the kite that is flown at a traditional wedding.

Among the other highlights is a giant 3D horse and cart, and bamboo and banana-tree leave constructed flyers. The museum  hosts workshops specially for children where kids can make their own, and adults can paint theirs. All the while, the guide will offer interesting bits and pieces on the history of kites in Indonesian culture.

Jakarta War Cemetery

• A serene and respectful monument to War heroes
• Commissioned by the Commonwealth and Dutch authorities after World War II
• Gates opened upon request on weekdays

If you’re a cultural or historical tourist, the War Cemetery in the suburb of Menteng Pulo is a somber reminder of the devastation of World War II on the region and its people. It’s a definite item on any history buff’s Jakarta itinerary.

The cemetery contains the graves of Indonesian, Dutch and commonwealth (English, Indian, Pakistani and other) forces. It commemorates the soldiers lost during the Japanese invasion in 1942 and the subsequent re-taking of the region.

At the center of the cemetery stands the Cross of Sacrifice, which can be found in many Commonwealth war cemeteries around the world. The Dutch section of the cemetery contains a small chapel.

What makes a visit here so enriching is the many stories that can be learned from the plaques and stones, especially in the British section of the graveyard. There are around 1200 graves in all, including those belonging to POWs who died during the war, and even a few given to heroes of the Indonesian Revolution.

• A cutting-edge approach to edutainment and fun in a Kids Park is indeed possible
• Kids can learn about professions and how money works
• Adults can take a break at the food court

Kidzania in the CBD is a kids’ play park with a difference. It is designed to look and feel like a real city, and lets kids take on roles in real occupations. It taps into that children’ desire to roleplay, while simultaneously giving them basic life lessons as they navigate the ‘city’.

The park is divided into a number of scenes, themed by activity. There’s even a flight simulator! Each of the activities or scenarios – whether it be a car dealership, fire department, city parade or disco lounge – is designed to impart life skills.

Each kid is given ‘KidZos’ on entry, which they treat as money in Kidzania. On a smaller scale, the kids will also learn about a number of professions along the way.

Sadly, no over 16s can participate, but there is a food court and pizzeria to enjoy. Don’t worry about the kids as there is plenty of high-end security to make sure everyone remains safe within the enclosed park. If you bring kids, this is a MUST on your extended Jakarta trip itinerary.

It’s a good idea to check with travel authorities when traveling anywhere, and Jakarta is no different. The region is prone to volcanic activity and other natural threats, so it will reassure you to know if any such warnings are in effect.

Like in any major city, it’s best to err on the side of personal caution in Jakarta. Take care not to be too casual with valuables like cameras, wallets, and jewelry. If using crowded public transport, be aware of the threat of pickpockets.

Ask advice from your hotel or a trusted local desk about things like reputable taxi companies and fair rates. There are several unlicensed operators out there who are looking to overcharge you if they can. It’s not a good idea to ask for an unmetered quote from a taxi operator. Better to make sure the meter is running, and even then to make sure it’s a legit operator.

With so much traffic in the city, you’ll want to be extra vigilant when walking around on your vacation in Jakarta. Drivers aren’t always alert, and different ideas might apply to pedestrian safety.

Drinking tap water is not safe. Fortunately, bottled water is available almost everywhere. Keep in mind to ask about the ice in your establishment as well. If the ice is made directly from tap water, it’s best to avoid it.

For the most part Jakarta and Indonesia are safe destinations if you are sensible and heed local advice.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Jakarta

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you have between two and eight hours to spare on your itinerary for Jakarta, a day trip is the perfect way to see a part of the city that interests you. This is also because most day trips from Jakarta are guided. You’ll get to experience the attraction as its intended. Here are five of the most fascinating on offer.

Jakarta: Like a Local Customized Guided Tour

What better way to explore a city than with a knowledgeable local? Take a walking tour through Jakarta’s coolest neighborhoods  someone who can show you all the best-kept secret. The little things matter, like where to get the best food or knick-knacks, or how much to pay for what.

And the best part is that you can customize your tour according to what you want to see. The guide will meet you at your hotel, and you can specify where you’d like to go within the time you have. It’s a very personal approach to exploring the city that can leave a unique, lasting impression.

Jakarta: Bogor Cultural Tour with Botanical Gardens Visit

This is one of the longer day trips from Jakarta and will require one whole day to do. It’s a ten-hour excursion to the countryside and towards the city of Bogor. Among the stops will be the glorious botanical gardens, an authentic local gongsmith’s, and a puppet maker’s workshop.

The gongsmith visit is a notable highlight. It’s unusual, and shows visitors gong manufacturing techniques that have been used for hundreds of years.

Jakarta: 3-Hour Chinatown Guided Walking Tour

The biggest Chinatown in Indonesia offers a wealth of colorful sights, sounds, stories and food to experience first hand.

The expert guide starts the walking tour at a 19th-century house and takes you through the streets towards the traditional market. On the way, you’ll pass by and learn about Chinese art and calligraphy, religion and traditions at the temple, and even get your fortune told.

Jakarta: Old Batavia Guided Walking Tour

Jakarta’s fascinating Dutch Colonial history is explored in this three-hour walking and biking tour of what was then called Batavia. See how the Dutch East India Company’s presence here influenced the architecture and the culture.

For example, The Old Railway Station and The Jakarta History Museum are just two of the fascinating stops on this essential tour of Old Town Jakarta. Traditional Indonesian street food at the market stop will replenish the body. The bike is also included in the price of the tour.

Jakarta: Indonesia in Miniature Park Tour

Arrange for a pick up from your hotel for this one – it’s included in the service. The gorgeous representation of Indonesia is a beautifully designed walk-through of small islands and pavilions.

Each of these represents a province, complete with fascinating miniature artifacts that depict important aspects of the district. Best of all, you then get to take a breathtaking cable ride to see the whole park from above. The day finishes with a visit to the Museum of Indonesia, exploring the extraordinary culture and history of the region.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Jakarta itinerary.

What should you include on a Jakarta city tour itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these top Jakarta highlights: – Istiqlal Mosque – Jakarta Catholic Cathedral – Jalan Surabaya Flea Market – Pasar Baru

Where should you stay if you have a 3 day Jakarta itinerary?

If you’re only in Jakarta for a few days, it’s best to base yourself somewhere central like Mangga Dua or Sudirman Central Business District.

What is the best month to visit Jakarta?

June-September are the most popular months, as they offer the best weather for exploring Jakarta.

Is Jakarta worth visiting?

Most people overlook Jakarta in favour of Bali, but we highly recommend it. As the largest city in Southeast Asia, it’s packed with things to see and do.

If touring Jakarta forms part of a larger Indonesia itinerary, we hope this article has offered a little taste of everything the region has to offer. Jakarta is an eclectic combination of Southeast Asian and European colonial culture, history, and food; a melting pot ready for exploration and enjoyment.

Remember also that observing local values and customs will go a long way to helping you enjoy all the city’s many offerings. Here’s hoping that this itinerary is a great help to you on your trip to Jakarta.

Rose Wilson

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Excellent guide and tells a lot about Jakarta and how someone can use time to see the wonder of the city within a short time. It helps a lot and thank you.

Just now discovered your website while preparing to spend a couple of weeks in Java, starting at Jakarta. Brilliant site. So much useful information. I’m signing up right now. Best wishes, Will

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12 Things to do in Jakarta + Tourist Spots

Jakarta may have a province-level status, but it is a massive mega-city, a melting pot of various cultures, and a charming travel destination. It has lots to offer that will give you a better glimpse of what Indonesia is about, its history and culture, and even food.

Jakarta is the place to be for enlightening museum tours and visiting landmarks of historical significance. The attractions you cannot miss are the National Monument (Monas), the Istiqlal Mosque, the National Museum, the Jakarta Cathedral, and the Fatahilah Museum. To experience an old city vibe, head to Kota Tua and discover the city’s original downtown, complete with 17th Century Dutch buildings and several museums here and there. For some culinary adventures, street food is the best. You can find the best Sate, Nasi Goreng, Gado Gado, Soto Betawi, and Nasi Uduk when you roam around the city streets.

Jakarta is your prime gateway to Indonesia through the Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, 29km west of central Jakarta. The airport serves the largest flight network connecting the city to the world, with daily flights to international cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Bangkok, and Sydney.

1. Monas Tower (National Monument)

Location : Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

Jakarta Travel Essentials:

Where to stay in Jakarta (click below to see rates and book online) Cheapest Rates | Best Reviews  | Home Rentals/Airbnb

Jakarta Tours & Discounts

Indonesia  WIFI/SIM Card

See also :   Places to visit in Indonesia  |  Bali Itinerary  |  Sights to see in Yogyakarta

More travel tips coming up! In the meantine, enjoy this  quick list  of attractions and tourist spots in Jakarta. To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference.

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Old Batavia (Jakarta Old Town or Kota Tua)

2. Jakarta History Museum (Fatahilah Museum)

Location : Jalan Taman Fatahillah No.1, Pinangsia, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11110, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

3. Puppet Museum (Wayang Museum)

Location : Jalan Pintu Besar Utara No.27 Pinangsia, RT.3/RW.6, Kota Tua, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11110, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

4. Jakarta Maritime Museum

Location : Jl. Ps. Ikan No.1, RT.11/RW.4, Penjaringan, Kec. Penjaringan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14440, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

5. Jakarta Old Town Walking Tour

Location : Jakarta Old Town . Save on Google Maps .

6. National Museum of Indonesia

7. Jakarta Cathedral

Location : Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

8. Istiqlal Mosque

9. Sunda Kelapa Port

Location : Masjid Al-Bahrain Pelabuhan Batavia Sunda Kelapa . Save on Google Maps .

10. Chinatown (Glodok)

Location : Jl. Gajah Mada, RT.2/RW.1, Glodok, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11120, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

11. Pasar Baru

12. Jakarta Shopping Malls

Where to go beyond Jakarta

Location : Bandung City, Kanlurang Haba, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

Bandung Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts Tours + discounts

Location : Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

Yogyakarta Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Top discounts

Borobudur Sunrise Trip

Yogyakarta Private Car Charter

Borobudur Sunrise & Prambanan Temple Trip

Location : Bali, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

Bali Travel Essentials

Bali Private Car Charter

Nusa Penida Day Tour from Bali

Heart of Bali Tour

Location : Medan City, North Sumatra, Indonesia . Save on Google Maps .

Medan Travel Essentials

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Jakarta that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Jakarta

Jakarta tourist spots, things to do in Jakarta, where to go in Jakarta & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Jakarta

Click below & search recommended Jakarta hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Airbnb Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Jakarta Essentials & Top Discounts

Indonesia mobile data sim card/pocket wifi.

Travel with ease & confidence throughout your trip. Get a data SIM card or pocket WIFI device! Access Google Maps and all your favorite travel apps. Share your travel stories instantly with all your friends. Click below and choose your pick-up location:

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What is better - travellers cheques or travel card or cash $ - Jakarta Forum

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What is better - travellers cheques or travel card or cash $

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In JK on business next week - have to make 1 big purchase (4000 $US which has to b paid in cash in Rupi) then need some money for markets, meals etc

What is better (especially for 1 big amount) - travellers cheques or travel card or cash $US or combo of all? (trying to avoid some changing fees but also want to b safe!)

Pls advise.

Thus, if you need to pay easily, bring either Debit Card or Credit Card (VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted)

I'm assuming there will be no problem changing USD (cash) into IDR at bank or change places?

Any possible issues changing travellers cheqs?

<<'m assuming there will be no problem changing USD (cash) into IDR at bank or change places?>>

It is rather a problem as the official money changers are few and you have to know where to look. All major shopping malls have one ( or rarely two) place - DUA SISI is a trustworthy option. To find a money changer in the city is a challenge. So the best way is ATM withdrawal - this will bring your the best rate even with 3-5 USD commission per transaction.

And... local currency is not *rupi* but rupiah or IDR.

Major money changers can provide service related to exchanging USD into local currency. Travelers cheque must be exchanged only at select places and thus, it is more practical to bring in cash.

Sorry! Noted IDR!

Is DUA SISI a chain of money changers?

Am staying at Orchardz Industri - are ther e any nearby?

I don't fancy the travelers card/ATM option due to withdrawal limit - is it better to change cash $ or travellers cheqs?

1/ <<Is DUA SISI a chain of money changers?>>

2/ <<Am staying at Orchardz Industri - are ther e any nearby?>>

3/ <<is it better to change cash $ or travellers cheqs?>>

Cash ONLY, i`t`s a total headache to exchange TC in Indonesia.

From Orchardz hotel, you can find money changers at Mangga Dua Square shopping mall.

you`re welcome.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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• Expiring U.K. passport May 02, 2024
• Auto gates at immigration for eVisa holders at Terminal 2 Apr 30, 2024
• Luggage storage Jakarta airport Apr 30, 2024
• Jakarta transit time Apr 27, 2024
• Traffic from Bandung to Jakarta on Sundays Apr 27, 2024
• A daytrip to Thousand Islands... Apr 25, 2024
• Getting Around Jakarta Apr 24, 2024
• Plan for 4 days in Jakarta Apr 24, 2024
• Alternative to Erian Hotel Apr 23, 2024
• Sunda Kelapa Harbor Tour Apr 19, 2024
• ~Private Tour Guide Help~ Apr 19, 2024
• Visa needed for hotel at CGK for layover?? Apr 12, 2024
• Internal flight Jakarta to Bali 15 replies
• Best Buffet in Jakarta 11 replies
• hotel nearest to sukarno hatta airport 6 replies
• Need info RUMAH TAMU guest house in Kemang, South Jakarta 8 replies
• Bus from Jakarta to Bandung 9 replies
• Airport Bus - DAMRI 240 replies
• Jakarta Airport to Tanah Abang 21 replies
• Gambir station and train to Bandung 10 replies
• Need a confortable hotel near Pantai Indah Kapuk 7 replies
• Best area to stay for the nightlife 19 replies

Jakarta Hotels and Places to Stay

• What to do in Jakarta?
• Jakarta's Traffic Jam Survival Guide
• Transportation from Jakarta Airport
• Tanah Abang
• Catching connecting flights out of Jakarta
• From Jakarta to other cities
• Some practical info
• Testimonials

Kartu kredit yang harus dimiliki penggemar travelling

Mega Travel Card

Minimum penghasilan.

Rp 10.000.000

MINIMUM LIMIT

Rp 20.000.000

IURAN TAHUNAN

BASIC : Rp. 1.000.000 SUPPLEMENT : Rp 500.000

Produk Kartu Kredit yang cocok untuk para penggemar travelling dimana setiap MPC Points yang didapatkan dapat ditukarkan menjadi tiket pesawat, hotel, paket tour, atau produk travelling lainnya di store Antavaya.

Aplikasi Online

Dapatkan keuntungan sepanjang masa dengan kartu kredit Bank Mega

• KEISTIMEWAAN
• REWARD & PRIVILEGES
• SYARAT & KETENTUAN

Gratis Akses Airport Lounge Dalam & Luar Negeri

Garansi Nilai Tukar Kompetitif

Setiap pembelanjaan Rp10.000 mendapatkan 50 MPC Points

Diskon 5% Untuk Pemesanan Hotel di ANTAVAYA

Untuk kenyamanan Anda selama berpergian di dalam ataupun luar negeri, kami persembahkan fasilitas istimewa bagi Anda.

Executive Airport Lounge

• Bebas akses Airport Lounge di Terminal Domestik Blue Sky Balikpapan di  Bandar Udara Sepinggan Balikpapan

Mega Lounge (Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf)

• Nikmati complimentary F&B untuk 1 minuman (panas atau dingin) dan 1 makanan ringan di sejumlah bandara domestik di Indonesia.
• Berlaku untuk pemegang Kartu Kredit Mega Travel Card saja
• Terminal 2E- Domestik Bandara Soekarno Hatta (Jakarta)
• Terminal 2F- Domestik Bandara Soekarno Hatta (Jakarta)
• Terminal 3 - Domestik Bandara Soekarno Hatta (Jakarta)
• Terminal Domestik - Bandara Halim Perdanakusuma (Jakarta)
• Terminal Domestik - Bandara Sultan Hassanudin (Makassar)
• Terminal Domestik - Bandara Kuala Namu (Medan)

Akses gratis ke lebih dari 1300 airport lounge di seluruh dunia.

Nikmati akses gratis satu kali dalam setahun untuk satu pemegang kartu Mega Travel Card ke lebih dari 1300 airport lounge di seluruh dunia melalui LoungeKey™ dengan menunjukkan Mega Travel Card Anda, boarding pass, dan menyebutkan keanggotaan LoungeKey pada resepsionis airport lounge.

Untuk informasi lebih lanjut mengenai LoungeKey™ dan daftar lounge yang dapat Anda akses, silakan kunjungi situs : https://www.loungekey.com/bankmega

Unduh LoungeKey App dari Apple Store atau Google Play

Syarat & Ketentuan

• Program ini berlaku untuk pemegang Kartu Kredit Mega Travel Card saja.
• Gratis akses satu kali dalam setahun untuk Pemegang Kartu Mega Travel Card saja.
• Segala akses lounge tambahan dan akses lounge tamu / pendamping akan dikenakan biaya US$35/orang/kunjungan.

Diskon 5% Untuk Pemesanan Hotel  di ANTAVAYA

• Program diskon hotel 5% berlaku khusus untuk Mega Travel Card
• Program diskon berlaku tanpa minimum transaksi
• Program diskon dapat digabungkan dengan transaksi menggunakan MPC Points.
• Pemilik Kartu Kredit WAJIB menunjukan KTP dan Mega Travel Card ketika melakukan pemesanan.
• Program diskon ini berlaku di seluruh outlet Antavaya, pembayaran melalui link payment , dan juga berlaku di acara Mega Travel Fair jika terdapat promo hotel.
• Nama pada voucher/invoice hotel harus sesuai dengan nama pemegang kartu Mega Travel Card

Aktivasi Kartu & PIN dalam Satu Langkah

Kirim SMS ke 83377 menggunakan nomor handphone yang terdaftar dengan format: PIN (spasi) 4 Digit Terakhir Kartu Kredit (spasi) Tanggal Lahir DDMMYYYY (spasi) 6 Digit PIN Contoh: PIN 1234 01011990 123456  

Keuntungan lain yang bisa Anda dapatkan dari Mega Travel Card

Metro Department Store

• Diskon 10% tanpa minimum transaksi (keuali produk tertentu) atau
• Cicilan 0% selama 6 bulan dengan minimum transaksi Rp 1.000.000,-
• Berlaku di seluruh outlet Metro Dept. store di Indonesia

Trans Fashion

• Tambahan Diskon 10% dengan minimum transaksi Rp 500.000,- atau
• Cicilan 0% tenor 6 bulan dengan minimum transaksi Rp 2.000.000,-
• Berlaku untuk transaksi di Brand Aigner, Bimba Y Lola, Canali, Furla, Find Kapoor,Geox, Moschino Jeans, Pinko, dan Stella McCartney

Trans Luxury Hotel Bandung

30% discount dari BAR (everyday)

• Room Discount 30% from Best Available Rate/BAR berlaku setiap hari.
• Potongan harga ini dapat digunakan untuk maksimal 3 kamar/kartu/hari
• Tidak berlaku cancellation dan no refundable
• Free Upgrade dari Premier Room ke Premier Club Room dengan akses ke The Club Lounge di luar konsumsi alkhohol untuk pemegang kartu kredit MegaFirst Infinite, bergantung pada ketersediaan kamar
• Rate yang tercantum sudah termasuk sarapan pagi untuk 2(dua) orang
• Berlaku untuk seluruh Kartu Kredit Bank Mega kecuali Mega Silver Card, Corporate card, Mega Groserindo, Mega Wholesale, FIFA card dan co-brand Bank Riau.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

• 25% All Cards
• 30 % Mega First
• 10% Ruang Serbaguna (MF)
• Diberikan untuk transaksi pembelian makanan dan minuman di The Restaurant (lantai 3), The 18th Restaurant and Lounge (lantai 18) dan The Lounge
• Potongan harga sebesar 25% F&B untuk pengguna Kartu Kredit Bank Mega selain kartu kredit MegaFirst Infinite, Mega Silver Card, Corporate card, Mega Groserindo, Mega Wholesale, FIFA card dan co-brand Bank Riau dengan minimum transaksi sebesar Rp. 500.000,- dan maksimum transaksi sebesar Rp.1.500.000++/kartu.
• Potongan harga sebesar 30% F&B untuk pengguna kartu kredit MegaFirst Infinite dengan minimum transaksi sebesar Rp. 500.000,- dan maksimum transaksi sebesar Rp.5.000.000++/kartu.
• Potongan harga sebesar 10% untuk pengguna kartu kredit MegaFirst Infinite dengan minimum transaksi sebesar Rp.200.000.000++/kartu

FITNESS CENTER

• 20% All Cards
• 25% (Mega First
• Potongan harga sebesar 20% membership purchase di The Fitness Centre untuk pengguna Kartu Kredit Bank Mega Platinum, Mega Travel Card, dan co-brand FC Barcelona dengan maksimum transaksi sebesar Rp 1.500.000++
• Potongan harga sebesar 25% membership purchase untuk pengguna Kartu kredit MegaFirst Infinite dengan maksimum transaksi sebesar Rp 5.000.000++

The Trans Resort Bali

30% discount dari BAR (berlaku weekdays)

• Room Discount 30% from Best Available Rate/BAR berlaku weekdays.
• Potongan harga ini dapat digunakan untuk maksimal  diskon sebesar Rp. 2.000.000,- untuk Jenis Kartu Kredit Bank Mega yang lain, selain Kartu Kredit Mega First Infinite
• Potongan harga ini dapat digunakan untuk maksimal  diskon sebesar Rp. 5.000.000,- untuk Jenis Kartu Kredit Mega First Infinite
• Beban discount 15% oleh The Trans Resort Bali dan 15% oleh Bank Mega

25% discount dari BAR (berlaku weekdays)

• Room Discount 25% from Best Available Rate/BAR berlaku weekend.
• Beban discount 12.5% oleh The Trans Resort Bali dan 1.5% oleh Bank Mega
• 25 % Mega First
• Potongan harga sebesar 20% F&B untuk pengguna Kartu Kredit Bank Mega selain kartu kredit MegaFirst Infinite, Mega Silver   Card, Corporate card, Mega Groserindo, Mega Wholesale, FIFA card dan co-brand Bank Riau dengan minimum transaksi sebesar Rp. 500.000,- dan maksimum transaksi sebesar Rp.3.000.000,-
• Potongan harga sebesar 25% F&B untuk pengguna kartu kredit MegaFirst Infinite dengan minimum transaksi sebesar Rp. 500.000,- dan maksimum transaksi sebesar Rp.5.000.000,-
• Potongan harga sebesar 10%  Ruang Serba Guna untuk pengguna kartu kredit MegaFirst Infinite dengan minimum transaksi sebesar Rp.200.000.000++/kartu
• Beban discount 25% FB  10% oleh The Trans Resort Bali dan 10% oleh Bank Mega (CCPA) dan 5% oleh Bank Mega (MF) Beban discount 20% FB  10% oleh The Trans Resort Bali dan 10% oleh Bank Mega Beban discount 10% R Serbaguna  7% oleh The Trans Resort Bali dan 3% oleh Bank Mega (Mega First)
• 25% (Mega First)
• Potongan harga sebesar 20% layanan The Spa untuk pengguna Kartu Kredit Bank Mega selain kartu kredit MegaFirst Infinite, Mega Silver Card, Corporate card, Mega Groserindo, Mega Wholesale, FIFA card dan co-brand Bank Riau dengan maksimum transaksi sebesar Rp 1.500.000++ (Promo tidak termasuk hair and nail treatments).
• Potongan harga sebesar 25% layanan The Spa untuk pengguna Kartu kredit MegaFirst Infinite    dengan maksimum transaksi sebesar Rp 5.000.000++ (Promo tidak termasuk hair and nail treatments).
• Beban discount 25% Spa  10% oleh The Trans Resort Bali dan 10% oleh Bank Mega (CCPA) dan 5% oleh Bank Mega (MF) Beban discount 20% Spa  10% oleh The Trans Resort Bali dan 10% oleh Bank Mega
• Beban discount 25% Gym  10% oleh The Trans Resort Bali dan 10% oleh Bank Mega (CCPA) dan 5% oleh Bank Mega (MF) Beban discount 20% Gym  10% oleh The Trans Resort Bali dan 10% oleh Bank Mega

Female Daily Studio

• Diskon 10% untuk minimal transaksi Rp 150.000,-
• Berlaku setiap hari selama periode program
• Berlaku untuk seluruh Kartu Kredit Bank Mega kecuali Corporate card, Mega Groserindo, Mega Wholesale, dan co-brand Bank Riau.

Ibis Hotel Bandung

• Diskon menginap 30% dari Best Available Rate untuk weekdays maksimal diskon Rp2.000.000
• Diskon menginap 25% dari Best Available Rate untuk weekend maksimal diskon Rp2.000.000
• Diskon 20% untuk F&B di Oopen Restaurant minimum transaksi Rp500.000 dan maksimum transaksi Rp1.000.000
• Diskon 30% untuk F&B di Oopen Restaurant minimum transaksi Rp200.000 dan maksimum transaksi Rp1.000.000
• Bundling Trans Studio Bandung (Room + 2 breakfast + 2 entrance ticket Trans Studio Bandung)

Trans Studio Bandung

Senin – Minggu:

• Diskon 25% untuk semua jenis Kartu Kredit  Bank Mega (5 tiket/hari/kartu), bonus Tiket Trans Studio Store  Rp 50,000 untuk Infinite Card
• Diskon 25% untuk Special Event/Konser, all card, VIP Tickets Max. 2 tiket/kartu, Festival Tickets Max. 4 tiket/kartu
• Voucher Diskon 10% untuk pembelian merchandise TSB atau F&B pada periode tactical Buy 1 Get 1 KTP Bandung.

Trans Studio Cibubur

• Diskon 10% berlaku untuk Tiket Masuk Wahana
• Pembelian Tiket maximal 10 pcs/ transaksi
• Berlaku hanya untuk tiket terusan yang berada di area Trans Studio Cibubur
• Tidak berlaku untuk wahana tertentu
• Tidak berlaku untuk Kartu Kredit : Corporate Card, Wholesale Card, Grocerindo Card

Trans Studio Makassar

• Diskon 25% khusus Kartu Kredit Bank Mega Max. 5 tiket/hari/kartu
• Diskon 10% khusus Kartu Decit Bank Mega Max. 10 tiket/hari/kartu

Trans Studio Bali

• Diskon 10% untuk pembelian tiket masuk
• Maksimum untuk pembelian tiket masuk 10 Tiket per transaksi

Fashion Hotel Legian

Kamar (Room):

• Special rate: Rp 450.000,-++/kamar/malam
• Harga sudah termasuk sarapan pagi untuk 2 orang
• Berlaku maksimal 3 kamar/kartu/hari
• No cancelation and no refundable
• Tidak berlaku saat peak season dan high season

Food & Beverages (F&B):

• Diskon 20% dengan maksimum transaksi sebesar Rp.1.500.000++/kartu

Trans Snow World Juanda Bekasi

Trans Snow World Bintaro

• Diskon 10% untuk pembelian tiket masuk;                                                                                                              
• Berlaku untuk semua jenis Kartu Kredit Bank Mega, kecuali: Corporate Card, Mega Wholesale Card, dan Mega Grocerindo Card

No surcharge & nilai tukar yang kompetitif.

Baskin Robbins

• Diskon 35% setiap hari untuk pembelian ready pack, fresh pack, ice cake, cup and cone, sundae and split, fountain drinks, dessert, menu cafe,  popcorn, dengan minimum pembelian Rp. 75.000,- dan maksimum pembelian Rp.    1.500.000,- 
• Diskon 50% pada akhir pekan (Sabtu dan Minggu) dan hari Libur Nasional untuk pembelian fresh pack dan ready pack dengan maksimum pembelian Rp. 1.500.000,-  

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

• Diskon 30% setiap hari untuk pembelian semua produk CBTL dengan minimum pembelian Rp. 75.000,- 
• Diskon 35% setiap hari untuk pembelian Whole Cake
• Diskon 50% setiap hari untuk pembelian semua produk CBTL dengan minimum pembelian Rp. 250.000,- dan maksimum pembelian  Rp. 1.500.000,-   

• Diskon 25% setiap hari untuk pembelian semua produk dengan minimal pembelian Rp. 100.000,- 
• Diskon 50% setiap hari untuk pembelian semua produk dengan minimal pembelian Rp. 300.000,- dan maksimal pembelian Rp. 1.500.000,-

Warung Wardani

Diskon 20% setiap hari untuk semua jenis menu dengan minimal pembelian Rp. 100.000,- dan maksimal pembelian Rp. 1.500.000,-

Tasty Kitchen

• Diskon 50%  untuk makanan dan minuman dengan minimal transaksi Rp200.000,- dan maksimal transaksi Rp1.000.000,- (sebelum pajak);
• Berlaku setiap hari termasuk hari libur Nasional;
• Tidak bisa di gabungkan dengan promo lainnya;
• Tidak berlaku bon terpisah (split bill)
• Berlaku untuk semua jenis Kartu Kredit Bank Mega (kecuali Mega Corporate Card, Mega Silver/Classic Card, Mega Groserindo Card, Mega Wholesale Card, FIFA Card, Co-Brand IA-ITB, Co-Brand Bank Riau, Co-Brand Bank Sulteng

* Tidak berlaku bon terpisah (split bill)

Nikaido Gyu Katsu

• Diskon 10% dengan kartu kredit Bank Mega
• Diskon akan berlaku setiap hari selama periode program berlangsung
• Tidak ada minimum transaksi
• Berlaku di aplikasi Allo Fresh
• Berlaku untuk semua barang kecuali : Susu bayi dibawah 1 tahun, Telur curah, Minyak goreng HET, Beras, Tepung, Gula pasir, Pulsa telepon, Rokok, Gadget (Handphone, Smartphone, Laptop, dan Tablet), Asuransi produk PGI Mega Life, Donasi, Bill Payment
• Program tidak dapat digabungkan dengan promo lainnya
• Program berlaku untuk Pemegang Kartu Kredit Bank Mega selain Mega Corporate Card,  Mega Wholesale Card, dan Mega Groserindo

Transfood App

• Program Promo 50%, Diskon berlaku untuk transaksi dengan minimal Rp. 300.000 dan maksimal Rp. 1.500.000.
• Beban diskon 50% akan ditanggung oleh kedua belah pihak dengan pembagian : 25% (Bank Mega) dan 25% (PT. Trans Ice (Transfood App).
• Berlaku untuk transaksi khusus pembayaran menggunakan Kartu Kredit Bank Mega.
• Berlaku untuk transaksi melalui Aplikasi Transfood App.

TransLiving:

• Diskon 10% atau Cicilan 0% dengan tenor 6 (enam) bulan
• Minimum transaksi untuk cicilan 0% 6 bulan adalah Rp. 500.000,-
• Program berlaku di seluruh store Trans Living

• Diskon 10% atau Cicilan 0% 6 bulan.
• Program berlaku di seluruh store Transmart

TransVision

• Diskon 20% per bulan untuk seluruh paket langganan Transvision.
• Metode pembayaran menggunakan autodebet kartu kredit dengan program Megabill. 

Informasi lengkap mengenai MPC Points silahkan klik: https://bankmega.com/id/personal/mpc-points/

• Daftarkan tagihan rutin bulanan Anda dan nikmati kenyamanan serta kemudahan pembayaran tanpa harus antri dan hemat waktu dengan menggunakan fitur Mega Bill pada Kartu Kredit Bank Mega Anda.
• Untuk informasi lebih lanjut klik di sini. 

*Cara mudah pembayaran air tiap bulan dengan Mega Bill

Mega Top Up

• Untuk memudahkan Anda dalam melakukan pengisian pulsa prabayar secara rutin setiap bulannya, daftarkan saja ke Mega Top-Up.

Mega Credit Shield

Mega Credit Shield memberikan perlindungan atas tagihan Kartu Kredit Nasabah Bank Mega apabila terjadi risiko sesuai dengan ketentuan produk dan manfaat asuransi. Produk ini dikeluarkan oleh PT PFI Mega Life sebagai pihak penanggung.

Terdapat 3 (tiga) jenis produk asuransi credit shield yang ditawarkan :  

1. Mega Credit Shield Maksima; Premi 0,55% dari total tagihan

Produk "MEGA CREDIT SHIELD MAKSIMA" adalah program asuransi untuk pemegang kartu kredit dengan manfaat meninggal karena sakit/kecelakaan serta manfaat cacat tetap total/cacat sementara karena sakit maupun kecelakaan.

Manfaat asuransi 

• Bila Tertanggung meninggal dunia bukan karena kecelakaan maka menerima 200% tagihan kartu kredit.
• Bila Tertangggung meninggal dunia karena kecelakaan maka menerima 500% tagihan kartu kredit.
• Bila Tertanggung cacat tetap total karena sakit / kecelakaan maka menerima 100% tagihan kartu kredit.
• Bila Tertanggung cacat sementara karena sakit / kecelakaan selama sekurang - kurangnya 30 hari kalender berturut - turut maka menerima santunan 10% Tagihan Kartu Kredit / Rp. 50.000 (mana yang lebih tinggi), setiap bulannya selama Tertanggung mengalami cacat sementara sampai maksimal 12 bulan dan maksimal sebesar Tagihan Kartu Kredit pada saat kejadian atau hingga nilai maksimum yang telah ditentukan (mana yang lebih dulu terjadi) dan dibayarkan ke Bank (Pemegang Polis).
• Manfaat Asuransi akan dibayarkan kepada Pemegang Polis untuk melunasi tagihan kartu kredit, dan sisanya akan diserahkan kepada Yang Ditunjuk.  

2. Mega Ultima Shield; Premi 0,68% dari total tagihan

Produk "MEGA Ultima Shield" adalah Program asuransi untuk pemegang kartu kredit dengan manfaat meninggal dunia karena sakit/kecelakaan, manfaat cacat tetap total/cacat sementara karena sakit/kecelakaan, serta manfaat jika terdiagnosis salah satu dari 5 (lima) penyakit kritis.

• Jika Tertanggung meninggal dunia bukan karena kecelakaan maka kepada Pemegang Polis akan dibayarkan manfaat sebesar 200% tagihan kartu kredit.
• Jika Tertangggung meninggal dunia karena kecelakaan maka kepada Pemegang Polis akan dibayarkan manfaat sebesar 500% tagihan kartu kredit.
• Jika Tertanggung menderita cacat tetap total karena sakit/kecelakaan maka kepada Pemegang Polis akan dibayarkan manfaat sebesar 100% tagihan kartu kredit.
• Jika Tertanggung menderita cacat sementara karena sakit/kecelakaan selama sekurang-kurangnya 30 hari kalender berturut-turut maka kepada Pemegang Polis akan dibayarkan manfaat sebesar 10% tagihan kartu kredit atau Rp 50.000 (mana yang lebih tinggi), setiap bulannya selama Tertanggung mengalami cacat sementara sampai maksimal 12 bulan dan maksimal sebesar tagihan kartu kredit pada saat kejadian atau hingga nilai maksimum yang telah ditentukan (mana yang lebih dulu terjadi).
• Jika Tertanggung terdiagnosa untuk pertama kali salah satu penyakit dari 5 (lima) penyakit kritis, maka kepada Pemegang Polis akan dibayarkan manfaat sebesar 100% tagihan kartu kredit.
• Apabila manfaat yang dibayarkan Penanggung kepada Pemegang Polis atas risiko yang dialami oleh Tertanggung melebihi dari jumlah tagihan kartu kredit, maka sisa manfaat tersebut akan diserahkan kepada Yang Ditunjuk.

3. Mega Protection Care; Premi 0,25% dari total tagihan

Produk "MEGA Protection Care" adalah Program asuransi untuk pemegang kartu kredit dengan manfaat meninggal dunia karena sakit/kecelakaan serta manfaat cacat tetap total/cacat sementara karena sakit/kecelakaan.

Manfaat asuransi :

• Jika Tertanggung/Peserta meninggal dunia karena sakit/kecelakaan maka kepada Pemegang Polis akan dibayarkan manfaat sebesar 100% tagihan kartu kredit.
• Jika Tertanggung/Peserta menderita cacat tetap total karena sakit/kecelakaan maka kepada Pemegang Polis akan dibayarkan manfaat sebesar 100% tagihan kartu kredit.
• Jika Tertanggung/Peserta menderita cacat sementara karena sakit/kecelakaan selama sekurang-kurangnya 30 hari kalender berturut - turut maka kepada Pemegang Polis akan dibayarkan manfaat sebesar 10% tagihan Kartu Kredit atau Rp 50.000 (mana yang lebih tinggi), setiap bulannya selama Tertanggung/Peserta mengalami cacat sementara sampai maksimal 12 bulan dan maksimal sebesar tagihan kartu kredit pada saat kejadian atau hingga nilai maksimum yang telah ditentukan (mana yang lebih dulu terjadi).

M-Smile adalah sebuah terobosan dari Bank Mega untuk memberikan kemudahan aktivitas perbankanmu hanya dengan menggunakan smartphone. Mulai dari layanan produk simpanan, kartu kredit dan uang elektronik, tarik tunai tanpa kartu di ATM Bank Mega, transaksi QR di merchant, dan berbagai informasi promo dalam genggamanmu. 

Unduh aplikasinya disini

Kenapa Harus M-Smile?

Karena M-Smile merupakan aplikasi yang memiliki banyak fitur seperti:

• Tampilan aplikasi yang menarik bikin kamu ngga bosen buka M-Smile.
• Lihat fitur tanpa login dan Akses login dengan biometric dengan menggunakan sidik jari atau face ID.
• Dompet ketinggalan? Ngga bawa kartu ATM? Tenang. Kamu bisa transaksi QR di merchant yang menggunakan logo QRIS, tinggal scan, bayar, selesai! atau kamu juga bisa Tarik Tunai Tanpa Kartu di ATM Bank Mega.
• Beli Pulsa, Bayar Tagihan dan Top Up e-wallet Praktis!
• Buka rekening tabungan baru dan berbagai layanan untuk kemudahan pemilik Tabungan dan Kartu Kredit.
• Transaksi menjadi lebih mudah dan cepat menggunakan Voice Command.
• Informasi Tabungan, Giro, Pinjaman, Deposito, Kartu Kredit, M-Money, Mutasi Rekening, Mutasi Transaksi Kartu Kredit, Statement & Billing Statement bisa sampai 12 bulan.
• Fitur transfer lengkap dalam negeri seperti transfer antar rekening, transfer Realtime, SKN/Kliring atau RTGS dan transfer virtual acount Bank Mega.
• Fitur layanan Kartu Kredit seperti Mega Pay (ubah transaksi menjadi cicilan), Kenaikan Limit Tetap, Pendaftaran Mega Bill, Pendaftaran Asuransi, Blokir Kartu Kredit, dan Daftar/Ubah PIN.
• Kamu bisa cek informasi promo kartu kredit dan Kartu debit Bank Mega Bank Mega lengkap!
• Sekarang kamu juga bisa cek poin kartu kredit dan DoReMe dengan mudah.
• Kamu bisa cek informasi lainnya juga seperti M-Calendar, kurs valuta asing, lokasi ATM dan cabang, inbox rekening dan pengaturan semua rekening hanya dengan menggunakan smartphonemu!

Manual Instalasi

Syarat Pengajuan Kartu Kredit

Persyaratan dan Ketentuan Pemegang Kartu Kredit Bank Mega

Biaya-Biaya

* Perubahan Bea Materai Pembayaran Kartu Kredit 

Channel dan Biaya Pembayaran Tagihan

Bunga Pembelanjaan 1.75% / 21% per tahun – mulai dari 01 Juli 2021 Bunga Penarikan Tunai 1.75% / 21% per tahun – mulai dari 01 Juli 2021

Ilustrasi Perhitungan Bunga

Perhitungan Bunga

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Buying a Sim Card at Jakarta Airport in 2024

Are you planning a trip to Indonesia and wondering if you can buy a sim card for Indonesia on arrival at Jakarta International Airport? The answer is yes! This is a complete guide for buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport.

Find out where to buy a sim card, up to date prices as per February 2024, my recommendation, more about e-sim cards for Indonesia and everything else you need to know before buying a sim card to stay connected when traveling to Jakarta.

Traveling with a working data connection on your phone is so much more convenient and therefore looking for the best ways to stay connected when traveling abroad is a vital part of my travel planning.

To save money on high roaming costs you can order a sim card for Indonesia on the internet and arrive prepared or buy an Indonesia prepaid sim card at Jakarta Airport on arrival.

E-sim cards are super convenient, but slightly more expensive. Depending on how much data you need it is worth ordering an e-sim card.

Heads up: you can NOT buy an e-sim card at Jakarta Airport, only physical prepaid sim cards are provided for tourists.

Traveltomtom is on a journey to travel to every country in the world and everywhere I go I write sim card guides to help travelers save money and find the best way to stay connected. That is why on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Shanghai , China , Australia , New Zealand , Philippines , Manila , Morocco, Zanzibar , Aruba , Mauritius , USA , Hong Kong , Bangkok , Europe , Germany , Spain , Switzerland , Netherlands , Turkey , Canada and many more.

Traveltomtom also wrote an extensive guide for the best Indonesia prepaid sim card for tourists in 2024 , including 4G/5G coverage maps and a comparison of the mobile internet providers in Indonesia.

Are you just here for e-sim cards then check out Traveltomtom's Indonesia e-sim card guide with everything you need to know about buying an e-sim card for traveling in Indonesia in 2024 .

If you are traveling to multiple countries in Southeast Asia then you might want to look into buying an international sim card or e-sim card for Asia . 

Traveltomtom is the most complete sim card blog on the internet. Next time you are planning your trip abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money traveling the world.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends buying an XL sim card at Jakarta Airport. For around $13 USD you get 15 GB data.

That said, you can also already order an Indonesia e-sim card on the internet and arrive prepared. In fact ordering an e-sim card online is even cheaper as e-sim cards for Indonesia start from just $5.5 USD.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia via either Nomad , SimOptions or Airalo .

For more detailed info and answers on all FAQ about using e-sims check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Indonesia in 2024 .

But if you are intended to use a lot of data on your trip to Jakarta then Traveltomtom advices to keep on reading and buy a prepaid sim card for Indonesia on arrival at Jakarta Airport.

If you want the cheapest Indonesia prepaid sim card deals you should not buy a local prepaid sim card for Indonesia at Jakarta Airport, but in Jakarta city somewhere in a local phone shop. It will save you a couple dollars, check out my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Indonesia in 2024  for more info.

If you are traveling to multiple countries on your trip to Asia then check out some of the international prepaid sim cads for traveling abroad . These physical prepaid as well as e-sim cards are valid in multiple countries around the world, so they could be great for your next holiday.

Be aware that the local prepaid sim cards you buy in Indonesia, as well as e-sim cards and international sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If your phone is locked make sure to unlock your phone before your trip to Indonesia. Contact your mobile internet provider in your home country if you are not sure about this.

Best e-sim cards for Indonesia

Local prepaid sim cards are not the only way to stay connected when traveling to the Indonesia. The easiest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Jakarta in 2024 is by ordering an e-sim card online.

No need to visit a sim card store anymore on arrival in Indonesia and no need to buy a sim card at Jakarta Airport. As soon as the plane lands in Jakarta you are already online. The e-sim cards for Indonesia you buy on the internet need to be installed on your phone in a couple simple steps. Once installed the e-sim instantly connects to an available network as soon as the plane touches the ground. 

You can order an e-sim card for Indonesia directly on the internet, you process the payment, receive a QR code, scan it, follow the instructions and instal the e-sim card in a couple simple steps. You are all set in less than 2 minutes.

For more detailed info check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia in 2024 .

Airalo is a recommended e-sim card provider that Traveltomtom has used multiple times. Check out the following Airalo e-sim card plans for Indonesia:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $16.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.75 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD

Click here to directly order an Indonesia e-sim card from Airalo .

The above Indotel e-sim cards for Indonesia from Airalo are data-only sim cards and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Indotel operates on the Telkomsel 4G/LTE network, 5G is not supported. 

SimOptions is another e-sim card provider used by Traveltomtom in more than 50 countries around the world. SimOptions sell the follwing Indonesia e-sim card plans:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.90 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $16.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD

Click here to directly order an e-sim card for Indonesia from SimOptions .

The above SimOptions e-sim cards for Indonesia are data-only sim cards and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Simoptions does not specify on which network they operate in Indonesia, but max data speed is 4G/LTE, 5G is not supported.

Another recommendation for e-sim cards in Indonesia is Nomad and they actually have amazing e-sim card plans for Indonesia. Traveltomtom does not directly recommend the Nomad Indonesia e-sim cards with unlimited data, as the small letters will tell you that after 2 GB per day the data speed will significantly drop. No one wants slow internet.

But here are the regular Nomad e-sim card plans for Indonesia in 2024, which are definitely recommended:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $23 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
• 20 GB data for 45 days = $39 USD

Click here to directly order an Indonesia e-sim card from Nomad .

The above Nomad e-sim cards for Indonesia are from SingTel and are data-only sim cards. Incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. SingTel operates on the Telkomsel and Smartfren 4G/LTE network, 5G is not supported. 

For a complete guide about using e-sim cards when traveling to the Indonesia and a comparison of the best e-sim cards for Indonesia in 2024 click on the link and read all my tips.

Before ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia make sure your phone is first of all unlocked. E-sim cards only work in unlocked phones. Second, make sure your phone is e-sim compatible. Pretty much all newer smartphones are e-sim card compatible.

Arrival at Jakarta International Airport

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and most international flights arrive at Jakarta International Airport. Jakarta Airport with airport code CGK is also called Soekarno-Hatta International Airportt and there are 3 terminals. Terminal 3 is the newest terminal and is used for incoming international flights from all major airliners. Soekarno-Hatta CGK is a very pleasant airport to arrive with huge wide open spaces. There is free WiFi that actually works fine without any login or whatsoever. There are already ATM’s before passport control and there is a duty-free shop.

The wait for passport control is ok, there are many available lines. There are e-gates, but only for Indonesian passport holders. After passport control you end up in the baggage claim hall which is also very easy to navigate. Before the last customs luggage check there is a health declaration form you have to fill out. You have to scan a QR code, fill out the details and it automatically generates a personalised QR code that will be scanned and you are good to go. 

There is a luggage check x-ray machine, but I have never seen any being asked to scan their luggage. After this whole process you arrive in the very quiet Arrival Hall. 

The Arrival Hall at Jakarta Airport is very peaceful as only arriving passengers are allowed inside. Everyone else is kept outside. In the Arrival Hall there is another liquor shop, money exchange and there are sim card shops to buy your tourist sim card for Indonesia. 

Where to buy a sim card at Jakarta Airport

As mentioned above there are no sim card shops at immigration or at the baggage claim. You have to wait till you arrive in the Arrival Hall.

In the arrival hall it is very easy to find the sim card shops. There are 3 different shops. In the middle of the Arrival Hall there is Data Cellular and Backbone Cellular next to each other and towards the end of the hall there is an XL Axiata store.

There are 4 main mobile internet providers in Indonesia: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, IM3 (Indosat/Ooredoo) and Smartfren. Only XL Axiata has its own store in the arrival hall. Backbone Cellular and Data Cellular are phone stores that sell sim cards from all internet providers.

Outside of the Arrival Hall there are 3 more sim card stores. Another Data Cellular and Backbone Cellular shop will be right in front of you when you exit the arrival hall and a little bit on your left hand side there is an official Telkomsel shop.

All sim card stores inside the Jakarta International Airport Arrival Hall are open 24 hours and you can pay by cash as well as international credit card. The stores outside have limited opening times. Data cellular is open from 07:00 am to 03:00 am and the official Telkomsel shop outside the arrival hall is only open from 07:00 am to 09:00 PM.

Prices prepaid sim cards Jakarta Airport

All the information below is updated in February 2024 and prices are in Indonesia Pesos. $1 USD = 15,700 IDR and 10,000 PHP = $0.64 USD. 

Backbone Cellular Arrival Hall

At the Backbone store they sell prepaid sim cards from all 4 mobile internet providers in Indonesia. All sim cards are data-only and do not include calling time, but you can add an extra calling plan. The cheapest sim card the Backbone store offers is a Telkomsel sim card for 260,000 IDR ($17 USD) that gives you 14 GB data. See all other Indonesia prepaid sim cards for tourists in the picture above.

Data Cellular Arrival Hall

Next to the Backbone Cellular store is Data Cellular, they sell a lot of different prepaid sim cards. If you are intended to buy an XL Axiata sim card then do NOT buy a sim card here, but at the XL Axiata store.

They Data Cellular store in the Arrival Hall also has a separate price sheet for Telkomsel prepaid sim cards for tourists. The cheapest sim card cost 200,000 IDR ($13 USD) and gives you 8 GB data.

XL Axiata Arrival Hall

The cheapest sim card at the XL Axiata store gives you 15 GB data for 200,000 IDR ($13 USD). That is significantly more data for the same price than a Telkomsel sim card at the other phone shops at Jakarta Airport.

Backbone Cellular outside

These are the prices for tourist sim cards at the Backbone Cellular store outside and they are pretty much the exact same as the store in the Arrival Hall. The same counts for the prices of the Data Cellular store in the Arrival Hall and outside.

The official Telkomsel store outside has the same prices as the other sim card shops at Jakarta Airport.

Expect to pay tourist prices for sim cards at Jakarta Airport. If you want the cheapest Indonesia prepaid sim card deals then you have to buy a sim card in a phone shop in Jakarta City center and not at the airport. At the airport they sell tourist sim cards for tourist prices. For example you can buy a Telkomsel top up for 100,000 IDR ($6.5 USD) that gives you 50 GB data.

Best sim card for tourists at Jakarta Airport

Based on the prepaid sim card plans and prices for tourists sim cards at Jakarta Airport Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that XL Axiata gives the best value for money sim card deal. XL Axiata offers a tourist sim with 15 GB data for 200,000 IDR ($12.8 USD) which is in fact also the cheapest tourist sim card at Jakarta Airport.

For my research about the best sim cards for traveling in Indonesia I also compared the network coverage maps of XL Axiata, Telkomsel, Smartfren and IM3.

XL Axiata, Smartfren and IM3 have a very decent 4G/LTE mobile data network, but it leaves no doubt that Telkomsel has by far the best 4G/5G network coverage in Indonesia.

For more info check out my complete guide for finding the best prepaid sim card for Indonesia in 2024  and find out why Traveltomtom rates Telkomsel as the best prepaid sim card for Indonesia.

However, when traveling to Jakarta and sticking to the standard tourist attractions in and around the city all mobile internet providers will provide good 4G/5G signal.

So what about e-sim cards compared to local prepaid sim cards?

Well, it is no secret that e-sim cards for Indonesia are more expensive than local prepaid sim cards. However, must add that e-sim cards are super convenient and as soon as you land in Jakarta you are already connected to the internet and enjoying data on your phone.

The best value e-sim card for Indonesia is an e-sim card from Nomad with 20 GB data for $39 USD.

Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an e-sim card for traveling to Indonesia in 2024 , including a comparison of the best e-sim cards and an answer to all FAQ about e-sims.

Data speed in Jakarta

The data speed wasn’t disappointing, but I had hoped it would be much faster. I did a speed test comparison between XL Axiata and Telkomsel at peak time in the heart of Jakarta and XL Axiata won the match.

XL Axiata showed a data speed of 23 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, Telkomsel came out much slower with 16 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.

I know this is just a moment in time but a fair reference at least.

All in all I came to the conclusion that there is not that much difference but because XL Axiata offers a cheaper data plan at Jakarta Airport and they came out best in the speed test I would suggest give XL Axiata a go when buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport.

However, if you decide to travel off the beaten path or intended to spend many hours on the road I still recommend a Telkomsel prepaid sim card for traveling in Indonesia.

I filmed my arrival at Jakarta Airport and in the vlog below you can see what it looks like disembarking the plane, going through immigration, picking up your luggage, go through all the checks and I show you where you can buy a sim card, what it cost and my conclusion about using an Indonesia prepaid sim card in Jakarta.

Order a prepaid sim card for your trip to Jakarta online

Remember that e-sim cards can only be used in e-sim compatible phones. If your phone is not e-sim compatible and you want to order a sim card for Indonesia on the internet then you have to look into buying an international prepaid sim card for Indonesia.

These pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put them in your phone during your flight and you are online as soon as the plane touches the ground in Jakarta and your international sim card connects to an available network.

Arrive prepared in Jakarta with an international prepaid sim card for Indonesia:

• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Indonesia directly online via SimOptions .

Also a last reminder that if you have an e-sim compatible phone you can order an e-sim card for Indonesia with very competitive prices. You can already get 1 GB data for just $5.5 USD and 20 GB data for $39 USD and you arrange everything online within just 2 minutes.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia via either Nomad , SimOptions or Airalo .

My experiences buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport

Although I know from previous trips to Indonesia that data plans and local prepaid sim cards in are really cheap, I still bought a prepaid sim card at Jakarta Airport for a tourist price.

As I mentioned before you can top up a Telkomsel sim card with 50 GB data for 100,000 IDR ($6 USD) but at Jakarta Airport they only give you 8 GB for 200,000 IDR ($13 USD). When you think about this it actually is a crazy difference in price, but on the other hand Jakarta Airport is the most convenient place to buy a local prepaid sim card for Indonesia. And for that convenience you pay a little extra.

Since I know how cheap it is to top up I would also never recommend to buy any sim card plan for more than most simple plan at the airport. When I arrive somewhere I simply want to be connected instantly and that is very easy at Jakarta Airport. The staff speaks all very good English and is super helpful and friendly.

In total I stayed 4 days in Jakarta and had no problems using my XL Axiata sim card. The data speed was pretty good. I stayed in the Pullman Jakarta Indonesia CBD  which actually had really fast WiFi so when in the hotel I used the WiFi. My girlfriend bought a Telkomsel sim card so we could compare and get the best sim card for visiting Jakarta for you.

Here is a TikTok video when we arrived at the Jakarta Airport.

@traveltomtom Which sim card is better Indonesia? Telkomsel or XL? 😁 Arrived at Jakarta Airport for our trip to Indonesia and first things first: buying a local prepaid sim card to stay connected. Let the games begin… @Jessmelu | Travel bought a Telkomsel sim card and I bought an XL sim card. I won the first battle, because for 200,000 IDR ($14 USD) I got 15 GB and Jess bought a Telkomsel sim card for 250,000 IDR ($16 USD) and got only 14 GB! #indonesia #indonesiatiktok ♬ original sound - Traveltomtom

How much data do you need?

I consider myself a very heavy data user, but even on a crazy day I won’t use more than 5 GB data. On average I use about 2-3 GB per day, mostly on social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. Make sure you don’t have Google Drive or iCloud enabled on data, but only on WiFi.

I am sure some of the above tips on how to stay connected when traveling to Jakarta were helpful. If you have any additional questions then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of Febraury 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Jakarta!

Some links in this article about the best ways to stay connected when traveling to Jakarta are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I earn a small commission. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

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Update April 12, 2024

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Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Indonesia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to  terrorism and natural disasters.  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not travel to:

• The provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) due to civil unrest.

Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Indonesia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, markets/shopping malls, and restaurants.

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions may result in disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, sanitation, and the availability of health services.

Demonstrations occur frequently and have the potential to become violent.  Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 

Indonesia’s revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. It is unclear how Indonesian authorities will implement the revised criminal code.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Indonesia.  

If you decide to travel to Indonesia:

• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. 
• Visit the websites for  Badan Geologi  (Indonesian Geological Agency, Indonesian language only) for the latest information from the Government of Indonesia on current natural disasters.
• Review the  CDC’s suggestions on how to prepare for natural disasters.
• Be aware of your personal safety and security at all times. 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• Follow the Department of State Facebook  and Twitter .  Follow the U.S. Embassy Jakarta on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report  for Indonesia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Central Papua and Highland Papua– Level 4: Do Not Travel

In Central Papua and Highland Papua, violent demonstrations and conflict could result in injury or death to U.S. citizens. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Armed separatists may kidnap foreign nationals.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Central Papua and Highland Papua as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before traveling to those areas.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months beyond arrival date. Indonesia does not accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for entry into Indonesia.

Two blank visa pages required for entry stamp

Yes, Visa or Visa on Arrival

100,000,000 Indonesian rupia (approx. $7,000 USD)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy jakarta.

Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 3 - 5 Jakarta 10110, Indonesia Telephone: +(62)(21) 5083-1000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(62)(21) 5083-1000 ext. 0 (operator) Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Surabaya Jl. Citra Raya Niaga No. 2 Surabaya 60217 Indonesia Telephone: +(62)(31) 297-5300 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(62)(811) 334-183 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Bali Jalan Hayam Wuruk 310, Denpasar, Bali Telephone: +(62)(361) 233-605 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya:+(62)(811) 334-183 Email:  [email protected]

American Consulate Medan, Sumatra Uni Plaza Building 4th Floor (West Tower) Jl. Let. Jend. MT Haryono A-1 Medan 20231, Indonesia Telephone: +(62)(61) 451-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(62)(61) 451-9000 Email:  [email protected]

The U.S. Consulate in Medan provides only emergency assistance to U.S. citizens and does not offer routine consular services.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Indonesia for information on U.S.- Indonesia relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Entry Requirements:  To enter Indonesia, your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Indonesia. If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will be denied entry into Indonesia. The Government of Indonesia will not admit travelers holding the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas.

Visa-on-Arrival:  If you meet the requirements, you can apply for a visa on arrival at some international airports, seaports, or land crossings. To apply for the visa on arrival, you must have an ordinary (non-emergency) passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date you plan to enter and the date you plan to leave Indonesia and a return or onward flight booking to another country. There is a 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah fee (about $35). The visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. You may extend a Visa-on-Arrival once at the immigration office one week before it expires for an additional 30 days for a maximum of 30 additional days, for another 500,000 Rupiah.

• Official visit or government duties;
• Business meeting;
• Procurement of goods;
• Official meeting; or

Electronic Visa-On-Arrival:  You may also apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) in advance if you are entering Indonesia at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta or Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. Check the e-VOA requirements from Indonesian Immigration before applying. To apply for an e-VOA see  https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/ .

Visa:  Travel for more than 30 days and travel for non-VOA purposes, including employment and journalism, requires that the appropriate visa be obtained from an Indonesian embassy or consulate before arrival. If you are traveling on an emergency passport, you must obtain a visa before arrival in Indonesia.

If you overstay your visa, you are subject to a fine of 1 million Indonesian rupiah (about $70 USD at current exchange rates; fees may change at any time) per day and may be detained and deported. U.S. citizens have been jailed for visa overstays or entering the country on the wrong visa class for their purpose of travel . Travelers coming to Indonesia for non-tourism purposes are strongly encouraged to consult Indonesian Immigration’s website. Travelers should generally carry a copy of their passport with them whenever possible to establish their identity and proof of Indonesian visa.

You must exit Indonesia using the same passport that you used to enter.  If this passport is replaced for any reason before you depart Indonesia, you must apply with Immigration to obtain a “special pass” (exit permit) in your new passport prior to departing.

Dual-Nationality:  Indonesia has laws that prohibit Indonesian citizens from holding additional nationalities. If you are an Indonesian with dual nationality, you could be compelled to renounce your Indonesian nationality through a formal act of renunciation. Please research Indonesian nationality laws and consult with a local attorney regarding any specific circumstance.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Indonesia. The Government of Indonesia screens incoming passengers in response to reported outbreaks of pandemic illnesses.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Extremists in Indonesia aspire to carry out violent attacks against Indonesian and foreign targets, and police have arrested more than 1,200 individuals on terrorism-related charges since 2018. Extremists may target both official and private establishments, including government offices, hotels, bars, nightclubs, shopping areas, restaurants, and places of worship. Be aware of your personal safety and security at all times.

Recent incidents of extremist violence include a December 2022 suicide bombing at a police station in Bandung, West Java that killed one police officer, a March 2021 bomb attack against a church in Makassar, South Sulawesi which injured 20 civilians, and May 2018 bomb attacks against three churches in Surabaya, East Java which killed 15 civilians and injured 50.

Demonstrations are very common in Jakarta, Surabaya, and other large cities, but less common in Bali. You should avoid demonstrations and other mass gatherings, since even those intended to be peaceful can become violent. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests.  Demonstrations may become more frequent ahead of the Indonesian general elections scheduled for February 2024.

Currently, travel by U.S. government personnel to the provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) is restricted to mission-essential travel that is approved in advance by the Embassy. Papuan separatists have kidnapped foreigners in the past and a New Zealand national was kidnapped by a separatist group in Nduga Regency in February 2023.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime:   In the last year several American citizens were victims of violent and serious crimes in Indonesia, particularly in Bali. As with any major tourist destination, U.S. citizens traveling in Indonesia are especially encouraged to always remain vigilant of their surroundings and read the following advisories carefully. Take sensible measures to protect yourself and your belongings.  Closely monitor bags and luggage and carry only essential items. Take particular care of your passport and bank cards and avoid traveling alone.

Police presence and responsiveness is less than it is in the United States, making it more difficult to report crimes quickly and receive police attention. U.S. citizens often cite language barriers as a major hindrance when reporting crimes.

Pickpocketing, sexual assault, vehicle theft, armed car-jacking, snatch and grab robberies of cell phones and purses, and residential break-ins are common. Avoid traveling to isolated areas late at night. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly vehicles or individuals that might be following you.

Use a reputable taxi company or hire a taxi either at a major hotel or shopping center and ensure the driver’s identity card is visible. If you are booking a car via a mobile app, always ensure that the driver is the same as the person on the app, share your journey with a friend via the in-app option, and know the contact information for the app’s security center. Be aware of drivers falsely claiming to be registered with online ride hailing apps.

Credit card fraud is a common problem in Indonesia. Criminals have “skimmed” credit/debit cards to access and drain bank accounts. Use an ATM in a secure location, such as a major bank branch, and check the machine for evidence of tampering. Monitor your account statements regularly.

Tourists and Indonesians have suffered from serious illness and have even died from "drink-spiking” and drink poisoning incidents, particularly in clubs and nightspots in urban and tourist areas. There have been reports of sexual assaults and drink spiking in Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands.  Make sure drinks are prepared in your sight and be careful about accepting drinks from strangers at clubs and parties or leaving drinks unattended. Tourists have also been robbed after taking visitors to their hotel rooms, and in some cases have found that their drinks were spiked. There have also been deaths and serious illnesses caused by drinking alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol. These cases have occurred in bars, shops, and hotels in popular tourist areas like Bali, Lombok, the Gili Islands, and Sumatra.

Sexual Assault:  Women travelling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse. Sexual assault, harassment, and rape occur. To minimize the risk, avoid travelling alone, especially at night; remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas; and be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Local authorities may not respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General.  

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Participating in demonstrations on a tourist visa can lead to deportation.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams occur in Indonesia. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Victims of Crime:

Sexual assault:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek prompt medical assistance, contact the Embassy or nearest Consulate, and call the local police at 112. For a criminal investigation to be initiated by the police, the victim must make a full statement to the local police, in person.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault may choose to be accompanied by a translator.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Follow this link for more information
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism and recreational activity industries are unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  Water sports, especially diving, can be hazardous in Indonesia with operators lightly regulated and hyperbaric chambers available only in Bali and Ambon.  Traffic is hazardous in Indonesia and U.S. citizens are frequently injured while riding rented motorbikes. Wearing a helmet is required by law. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities, and only basic stabilization may be available. Serious injuries require medical evacuation to another country. First responders are generally unable to provide urgent medical treatment or to access areas outside of major cities. Boat and ferry incidents are frequent; vessels rarely carry appropriate sizes and numbers of safety vests; passengers are encouraged to bring their own. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage ( http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health/insurance-providers.html ).

Please note:   The U.S. Embassy and Consulates do not pay the medical expenses of private U.S. citizens in Indonesia. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure adequate medical insurance coverage or funds for medical expenses.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to Indonesian laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Criminal cases can take months or even years to resolve, and suspects can be held without charges for up to 60 days, and in many cases longer. Indonesia‘s revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay up-to-date.

If you are convicted of possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Indonesia, you may be subject to heavy fines, long jail sentences, and even the death penalty. Some prescription medications that are available in the United States are illegal in Indonesia. Some drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are illegal in Indonesia. Marijuana, Cannabis, hash, “edibles,” and products containing CBD or THC remain illegal in Indonesia, including for medicinal purposes. A medical prescription does not make it legal. If you take such products to Indonesia or purchase or use them in Indonesia, you can be arrested and face imprisonment, fines, deportation, or the death penalty. Illegal drug convictions often result in lengthy prison sentences, even at the simple possession level. Indonesian prison conditions are harsh and do not meet U.S. standards. Many prisons are overcrowded and provide minimal services. The costs of basic services, including healthcare, often must be borne by the prisoner.

Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• nternational Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  LGBTQI+ status or conduct is not illegal, but local authorities sometimes take legal action against, or tolerate harassment of people engaging in LGBTQI+ relationships or openly expressing LGBTQI+ identity. Some local governments have passed laws criminalizing LGBTQI+ relationships. Same-sex marriages or civil unions recognized as valid in other countries are not legally recognized in Indonesia. The Indonesian Parliament revised the criminal code to include penalties for cohabitation and sex outside of marriage. These revisions, however, will not come into force until January 2026, and how they will be implemented is unclear.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details .

Sharia Law:   Sharia law is enforced in Aceh province and may exist unofficially or through local legislation in other areas. The law is intended for Muslims and should not apply to non-Muslims or foreign visitors. You should be respectful of local traditions, mindful of social norms, and seek guidance from local police if confronted by Sharia authorities. 

Earthquakes and Tsunamis:  There are approximately 4,000 earthquakes per year in Indonesia, or more than 10 per day on average. While most earthquakes are mild, some cause significant destruction and can trigger tsunamis. Tsunami warning systems may not be operable, or reports of tremors and tsunamis may be delayed. Local construction standards are lower than in the United States, and many structures including hotels and malls are prone to damage or collapse in an earthquake. Access to disaster-affected areas is often difficult and assistance from the U.S. Embassy may be limited.

If a major earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, you should follow the instructions of local authorities, bearing in mind that a tsunami could arrive within minutes. The Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning Centre issues tsunami warnings when a potential tsunami with significant impact is imminent or expected.

Volcanoes:  There are 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia. Eruptions frequently cause travel delays, displace local populations, and disrupt economic activities. 

Environmental Quality:  Air quality in Indonesia’s major cities can range from "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy." Current air quality data for Jakarta can be found on the Embassy’s  Air Quality  page. Tap water is not potable throughout Indonesia and should not be consumed. 

Mountain Hiking:  When hiking in mountainous areas, obtain current information on local conditions, travel with a reputable guide, have overseas medical insurance, and carry a local mobile phone. Never go hiking or climbing alone. Particularly dangerous trails may not be clearly labeled as such. Hikers on Puncak Jaya in Papua should have realistic primary and backup plans for climbing down the mountain. Tour operators have abandoned climbers. Taking shortcuts through private property is considered trespassing and is not a safe or legal alternative to a proper plan. If possible, ensure your hiking plans are registered and known to local authorities and/or tourism operators, as this helps identify your presence in these areas in the event of an emergency. 

Dual Nationality:  Indonesian law does not recognize dual nationality for adults over 18 years of age. U.S. citizens who are also Indonesian nationals may be required to renounce their Indonesian citizenship and may also be deported.  Please visit our Dual Nationality page .

Travelers with Disabilities:  Persons with disabilities will face severe difficulties in Indonesia as most public places and transportation facilities do not accommodate disabled people. The law in Indonesia prohibits discrimination against persons with mental and physical disabilities, but the law is seldom enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be extremely limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   Women traveling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse. Sexual assault, harassment, and rape occur. To minimize the risk, avoid travelling alone, especially at night; remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas; and be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. While domestic violence is illegal in Indonesia, these laws are rarely enforced. Local authorities may not respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General and seek medical attention. See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

The Government of Indonesia requires all non-Indonesian citizens entering the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Medical Care:  For emergency services in Indonesia dial 112.

Sanitation and health care conditions in Indonesia are far below U.S. standards. Routine medical care is available in all major cities, although most expatriates leave the country for all but the most basic medical procedures. Physicians and hospitals often expect payment or sizable deposits before providing medical care, even in emergency and/or life-threatening situations. See our  Embassy's  website for a list of English-speaking doctors and hospitals, but keep in mind that even in large cities the quality of English-speaking medical personnel will vary and there are often communication difficulties. In remote areas there may be no English-speaking medical personnel. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Ambulance services are not widely available, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:   Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation, which can exceed over $100,000 per person.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Be aware that Indonesian authorities may consider some prescription drugs as illegal narcotics. The Indonesian government does not publish a list of which pharmaceuticals are considered contraband, and these decisions may be arbitrary.

U.S. citizens are advised against mailing or shipping by courier any medications to Indonesia. Indonesian authorities pay close attention to packages containing pharmaceuticals and may detain or arrest recipients of both prescription and over the counter medications. Even if a medication is legal or has been prescribed in the United States, it may be considered an illegal narcotic in Indonesia. U.S. citizens are advised to only hand carry prescription medications into the country, in the original packaging with a copy of any prescription. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot assist you with the importation and/or release of medications.  

Marijuana, Cannabis, hash, “edibles,” and products containing CBD or THC remain illegal in Indonesia, including for medicinal purposes.  A medical prescription does not make it legal.

Local pharmacies carry a range of products of variable quality, availability, and cost. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a significant risk; patronize only reputable pharmacies. Malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and  Zika virus  are mosquito borne diseases in Indonesia.  Prevention of mosquito bites  is strongly encouraged; malaria preventive medication is needed in some areas. Pregnant women should be aware that Indonesia is a  CDC Zika risk area  and that Zika can be spread by mosquitos as well as  sexual contact . Diarrheal diseases are very common throughout Indonesia and  food and water precautions  are recommended. Rabies is prevalent in animals and animal contact should be avoided.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. See the OPTIONAL stock language below for additional suggestions.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Indonesia.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Indonesia.

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Water Quality

• Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

General Health Language

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Tuberculosis
• Chikungunya
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Indonesia.

Air Quality

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Indonesia. Consider the impact smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Traffic in Indonesia is hazardous, congested, and undisciplined. Traffic signals are frequently ignored and often in disrepair. Motor vehicles share the roads with other forms of transportation such as pedicabs and pushcarts. Buses and trucks are often dangerously overloaded and travel at high speeds. Accidents between a car and a motorcycle are viewed as the fault of the driver of the car. Consider these risks before driving your own vehicle, especially if you are unaccustomed to Indonesian road conditions.  When an accident results in personal injury, Indonesian law requires both drivers to await the arrival of a police officer to report the accident.

Public Transportation:   Air, ferry, and road accidents that result in fatalities, injuries, and significant damage are common. While all forms of transportation are regulated in Indonesia, oversight is spotty, maintenance may not be properly performed, and rescue and emergency capacity are limited. Indonesia has experienced several fatal plane crashes and non-fatal runway overruns in recent years. Also in recent years, several ferry accidents and a train collision resulted in dozens of fatalities and even more injuries because of over-crowding and unsafe conditions.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Also, visit  Indonesia's national tourist office  online for road safety information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Indonesia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Indonesia’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Since 2014, several private pilots have inadvertently crossed into Indonesian airspace and have been detained and paid heavy fines. If you intend to fly on private aircraft through Indonesian airspace, get clearances from Indonesian aviation authorities before you depart. 

Maritime Safety and Security:   Inter-island travel by boat or ferry can be dangerous: storms can appear quickly, vessels may be over-crowded and lack basic safety equipment, and safety standards vary. Ferries have sunk, resulting in loss of life. The Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency records boat and ferry accidents resulting in injuries and deaths yearly. Boats and ferries used in tourism or general transportation frequently break down, stranding passengers or capsizing; not all boats are equipped with adequate life vests. Make sure you are satisfied with safety equipment and life jackets before travelling. 

Piracy:  Maritime piracy and other related crimes in and around Indonesian waters continue. Recent reports include thefts of valuables or cargo from boats that are in port and out at sea. Before traveling by sea, especially in the Strait of Malacca between Riau Province and Singapore, and in the waters north of Sulawesi and Kalimantan, review the current security situation with local authorities. Be vigilant, reduce opportunities for theft, establish secure areas on board, and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Indonesia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts on the  Maritime Administration website . Information may also be posted to the websites of the  U.S. Coast Guard  and the  National Geospace Intelligence Agency  (select “broadcast warnings”).

In recent years, private vessels have inadvertently anchored in Indonesian waters, especially near Singapore, and have been detained and paid heavy fines.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Indonesia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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