The Best (MUST TRY) Things to Do in Jakarta – A Guide for Malaysians

Jakarta—some people call it chaotic, some call it a shopper’s paradise, and for food lovers… well, it’s heaven on earth. But if you ask me, this city is a mix of old and new, tradition and modernity, hustle and chill—all blended into one.

As Malaysians, we’re lucky that Jakarta is just a short flight away (about 2 hours from KLIA). But what’s surprising is that many of us only think of Jakarta for business trips, transit flights, or shopping sprees in Tanah Abang. Betul tak? 😆

But trust me, this city has so much more to offer. From heritage walks in Kota Tua to chasing sunsets in the Thousand Islands, slurping down legendary bakso to getting lost in the largest malls in Southeast Asia—Jakarta is an underrated adventure waiting to happen.

So, kalau kau tengah plan a weekend getaway, this guide is for you. Let’s explore the best things to do in Jakarta—from history and culture to food and fun! 🚀

1. Explore Jakarta’s History & Culture 🏛️

Jakarta isn’t just skyscrapers and shopping malls. If you’re a history lover (or just looking for some cool Instagram spots 📸), here are the best cultural places to visit:

📍 Kota Tua (Jakarta’s Old Town)

If you’ve ever wondered what Jakarta looked like back in the Dutch colonial era, Kota Tua is where you go. The old Dutch buildings, cobblestone streets, and colorful bicycles give major Melaka vibes, but with an Indonesian twist.

🚲 Things to do here:
✔️ Rent a vintage bicycle (topi warna-warni included!) and cycle around Fatahillah Square.
✔️ Visit Museum Sejarah Jakarta (Jakarta History Museum) to see artifacts from the city’s past.
✔️ Stop by Café Batavia for coffee with a colonial-era aesthetic—feels like stepping into a different century!

📍 Monas (National Monument) – The Icon of Jakarta 🇮🇩

Monas is Jakarta’s answer to KL Tower—it’s an iconic 132-meter tall monument that symbolizes Indonesia’s struggle for independence.

🔥 Why visit?
✔️ Take the lift to the top for a breathtaking 360° view of Jakarta.
✔️ Explore the underground museum that tells the story of Indonesia’s independence.
✔️ Snap a photo with Monas during sunset or sunrise—the golden flame at the top literally glows!

📍 Istiqlal Mosque & Jakarta Cathedral – A Symbol of Religious Harmony ☪️✝️

Now, this is something special. Right opposite each other, you’ll find Istiqlal Mosque (the largest mosque in Southeast Asia) and Jakarta Cathedral (a stunning Neo-Gothic church).

💡 Interesting fact:
Indonesia’s Muslim-majority population built Istiqlal, and its chief architect? A Christian named Frederich Silaban. 🫶 That’s the beauty of Indonesia’s religious harmony!

✔️ Visit Istiqlal to admire its grand architecture & massive prayer hall.
✔️ Pop into Jakarta Cathedral to see the gorgeous stained-glass windows and intricate details.

2. Shopping Heaven – From Malls to Street Markets 🛍️

Let’s be real—no Malaysian goes to Jakarta without at least one luggage full of shopping loot. Whether you’re a luxury hunter or a budget bargain warrior, Jakarta has something for everyone.

📍 Grand Indonesia & Plaza Indonesia – For The ‘Kaya Raya’ Shopping Experience 🏙️

If you love the Starhill, KLCC, or Pavilion kind of vibes, these two malls are the place to be. You’ll find all the international brands, from Gucci to Zara, and also some atas local brands you can’t find in Malaysia.

✔️ Check out:

● Central Department Store (for stylish Indo fashion brands like Cotton Ink & Danjyo Hiyoji)

● The Food Hall (for premium Indo snacks & coffee—YES, you can bring them home!)

● Haidilao Jakarta (their service level is NEXT-LEVEL compared to Malaysia!)

💰 Budget Level: $$$

📍 Thamrin City & Tanah Abang – Wholesale Shopping Madness 🛒

Okay, kalau you nak beli kain batik, telekung, or baju raya for the whole family—these are the ultimate shopping spots. You’ll see Malaysians shopping here like they’re suppliers for the whole kampung. 😂

🔥 What’s the difference?

● Thamrin City – More organized, air-conditioned, easier to navigate.

● Tanah Abang – OG wholesale shopping spot, bigger, more chaotic, but crazy good deals!

✔️ Buy:

● Kain batik & kebaya murah-murah 💃

● Telekung with gorgeous embroidery (good as gifts!)

● Baju Raya, jubah, & casual Indo fashion

💰 Budget Level: $-$$

📍 Pasar Baru – The Old-School Shopping Gem 🎭

This one’s for the aunties and uncles who love nostalgia. A market filled with old-school tailors, fabric shops, and authentic Indian & Chinese stores selling perfumes, textiles, and even those minyak wangi in classic glass bottles.

✔️ Why shop here?

● More traditional shopping experience.

● Great for tailor-made clothes (like how KL’s Jalan TAR used to be back in the day).

● Indo-style perfumes at a fraction of the price!

💰 Budget Level: $

3. Foodie Adventure – Makan Till You Drop! 🍜🍢

Alright, now for the best part of any trip—FOOD! Jakarta’s food scene is crazy sedap, and some dishes might even remind you of home (but with an Indo twist!). Get ready to makan non-stop!

📍 Warung Nasi Padang Garuda / Sederhana – The Ultimate Nasi Padang Experience 🍛

Yes, we have Nasi Padang in Malaysia, but eating it in Jakarta just hits different. You get a huge spread of dishes, and you only pay for what you eat.

🔥 Must-try dishes:
✔️ Rendang sapi (tender, slow-cooked beef rendang)
✔️ Dendeng balado (crispy beef with spicy sambal)
✔️ Gulai tunjang (beef tendon in curry—sooo good!)

💰 Budget Level: $$

📍 Sabang Street – Jakarta’s ‘Jalan Alor’ of Street Food 🌃

At night, Jalan Sabang comes alive with hawker stalls, local warungs, and roadside eateries. If you’re the type who loves night market-style dining, this is your spot.

🔥 What to eat:
✔️ Sate Ayam & Sate Kambing (juicy grilled meat skewers with Indo-style peanut sauce)
✔️ Martabak Manis (Indonesian thick pancake with crazy toppings—Nutella, cheese, condensed milk!)
✔️ Mie Ayam (Jakarta’s take on wantan mee, but no soup!)

💰 Budget Level: $

📍 Bakso President – Legendary Meatball Soup 🍲

Indo-style bakso is a MUST. And if you love Malaysian bakso, you’ll be blown away by Jakarta’s version. Bakso President is famous because their bakso comes in different textures—soft, crispy, stuffed, and even “bakso urat” (chewy tendon meatballs).

🔥 Why people love it?
✔️ Served with kuah sup panas-panas 🤤
✔️ Can add fried dumplings & noodles for extra shiokness
✔️ Affordable & super satisfying

💰 Budget Level: $

📍 Kopi Es Tak Kie – The OG Indo-Style Kopitiam ☕

If you need a solid kopi fix, forget Starbucks. Head to Kopi Es Tak Kie, a 100-year-old coffee shop that still serves coffee the old-school way.

🔥 What to order?
✔️ Kopi Es Susu (Sweet iced coffee with condensed milk)
✔️ Kopi Hitam (For hardcore kopi lovers—no sugar, no fuss!)
✔️ Pair it with Roti Bakar (toasted bread with kaya or chocolate)

💰 Budget Level: $

Phew! Dah kenyang ke belum? 😆 Jakarta’s food scene is next-level, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. When you get there, confirm makan kaw-kaw!

Awesome! Now, that we know where to eat, let’s get into the Fun & Unique Experiences and Day Trips & Nature Escapes sections. This is where we explore the exciting, unexpected, and even chill parts of Jakarta that most Malaysians don’t think about. Let’s go! 🚀

4. Fun & Unique Experiences in Jakarta 🎡🎨

Jakarta isn’t just about shopping and food—there are plenty of cool, fun experiences that go beyond the usual touristy stuff. Here are some must-try activities!

📍 Taman Mini Indonesia Indah – The Whole of Indonesia in One Place 🌏

If you don’t have time to explore Bali, Sumatra, or Papua, don’t worry—Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is like a mini Indonesia in one giant park. Each province has its own traditional house (think Kampung Budaya style), and there are tons of cultural performances happening all the time.

🔥 Why visit?
✔️ Experience all of Indonesia’s culture without leaving Jakarta.
✔️ Ride the cable car for a breathtaking aerial view of the park.
✔️ Check out the museums, water parks, and even a Komodo Dragon exhibit!

💰 Budget Level: $$

📍 Ancol Dreamland – Jakarta’s Theme Park by the Sea 🎢🏝️

If you’re traveling with family, kids, or even a group of friends, Ancol Dreamland is the place for some serious fun. It’s Jakarta’s version of Sentosa Island but bigger!

🔥 What’s inside?
✔️ Dunia Fantasi (Dufan) – Think of it as the Disneyland of Indonesia (minus Mickey Mouse). It’s packed with thrilling rides! 🎠
✔️ SeaWorld Jakarta – Not as big as Singapore’s, but still fun for an underwater adventure 🐠🐬
✔️ Ancol Beach – A chill seaside escape if you want a relaxing sunset moment 🌅

💰 Budget Level: $$$

📍 Glodok – Jakarta’s Chinatown 🏮🍜

If you love the vibes of KL’s Petaling Street or Penang’s George Town, Glodok is Jakarta’s hidden Chinatown gem. This place is full of old-school charm, unique temples, and delicious Chinese-Indo food.

🔥 What to do here?
✔️ Visit Vihara Dharma Bhakti, the oldest temple in Jakarta, built in 1650.
✔️ Hunt for Kwetiau Sapi Mangga Besar – the most famous fried beef kuey teow in Jakarta.
✔️ Try Bakpia (Indo-style tau sar piah), a flaky pastry filled with mung bean or chocolate.

💰 Budget Level: $

5. Day Trips & Nature Escapes 🌴⛰️

Jakarta is a crazy busy city, but if you need a break from the traffic, you don’t have to go far. Here are two perfect day trips to escape the hustle and bustle.

📍 Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu) – Beach Escape Near Jakarta 🏝️🌊

YES—you can find beautiful islands and beaches just off the coast of Jakarta! Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) is a group of small islands, perfect for snorkeling, diving, or just relaxing with a coconut in hand.

🔥 Best islands to visit:
✔️ Pulau Macan – Eco-resort island, perfect for a private beach staycation.
✔️ Pulau Pramuka – Best for snorkeling and clear blue waters.
✔️ Pulau Bidadari – Has an old fort and is the closest island to Jakarta.

💡 How to get there?

● Take a speedboat from Ancol Marina (about 1 to 2 hours)

● Book a day tour package for a fuss-free trip

💰 Budget Level: $$-$$$ (depends on the island)

📍 Puncak (Bogor Highlands) – Cool Weather & Tea Plantations 🌿☕

If you love the cool, misty vibes of Genting Highlands or Cameron Highlands, then Puncak is your perfect escape from Jakarta’s heat. Just a 2-3 hour drive from the city, it’s where locals go for fresh air, beautiful tea plantations, and scenic mountain views.

🔥 Things to do in Puncak:
✔️ Visit Gunung Mas Tea Plantation – Sip fresh tea while overlooking rolling green hills.
✔️ Check out Taman Safari Indonesia – A drive-through safari where you can feed giraffes and see lions up close! 🦁
✔️ Chill at Cimory Riverside – A riverside café famous for its fresh dairy products and beautiful garden views.

💡 Pro Tip:

● Best time to visit? Weekdays – Puncak is a popular weekend getaway, and the traffic on weekends can be brutal.

● Bring a jacket! The weather can get chilly, especially at night.

💰 Budget Level: $$

6. Practical Tips for Malaysians 🇲🇾✈️

Before you pack your bags and fly off to Jakarta, here are some important travel hacks to help you navigate the city like a pro!

📌 Best Time to Visit Jakarta

Jakarta is a tropical city, so hot and humid weather is expected year-round. But if you want to avoid crazy traffic jams and overcrowded malls, here’s the best time to visit:

✅ Avoid: Public holidays & long weekends (Jakarta’s malls and roads get PACKED).
✅ Best time: Weekdays and the dry season (May – September) for outdoor activities.

📌 How to Get Around – Transport Tips 🛵🚇

Jakarta’s traffic (macet!) is legendary—so you need to be smart about transport.

🚇 MRT & TransJakarta Buses – The best way to skip the traffic in key areas like Sudirman & Blok M. Cheap and reliable!
🛵 Gojek & Grab – For fast and affordable rides, especially for short distances. You can even order GoFood (Jakarta’s GrabFood equivalent).
🚖 Blue Bird Taxi – The safest and most trusted taxi company (avoid random street taxis!).

💡 Pro Tip:
If you’re feeling adventurous, try ojek (motorbike taxis) on Gojek or Grab. They zip through traffic like magic! 🚀

📌 Currency Exchange & Payment 💰

● Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) – RM1 ≈ IDR 3,300 (subject to change)

● Cash or card? Many places accept cards, but local markets, warungs, and street food stalls prefer cash.

● Best place to exchange money? You’ll get better rates in Malaysia than exchanging in Jakarta!

📌 Language Tips – Bahasa Indonesia for Malaysians 🇮🇩🗣️

Good news! Bahasa Indonesia is super similar to Bahasa Melayu, but here are some fun differences:

🚗 Transport:

● "Teksi" in Malaysia → "Taksi" in Indonesia

● "Bas" in Malaysia → "Bus" in Indonesia

🍽️ Food:

● "Mee" → "Mie" (e.g., Mie Ayam)

● "Kicap" → "Kecap" (Be careful! Indo "kecap" means sweet soy sauce, not soy sauce!)

🛍️ Shopping:

● "Murah sikit boleh?" → "Bisa kurang, ya?" (For haggling at markets 😆)

● "Terima kasih" → "Makasih" (Casual way of saying thanks)

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you don’t speak full Bahasa Indonesia, a smile and “Makasih, ya!” will always earn you good vibes! 😄

📌 Budget Planning – How Much Should You Prepare? 💵

Jakarta can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. Here’s a rough guide for daily expenses:

💡 Pro Tip: You can enjoy Jakarta on RM100 – RM150 per day if you’re budget-conscious. But if you love shopping and makan non-stop, bring more lah! 😆

7. Jom Terbang ke Jakarta! 🇮🇩✈️

So there you have it—a complete guide for Malaysians to explore Jakarta! From heritage and culture to shopping, food, and fun experiences, Jakarta is a city that surprises you in the best way.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a longer adventure, Jakarta has something for everyone.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with your travel buddies! And if you need more travel tips, don’t forget to visit trip.com!

📍 Dah ready ke nak terbang ke Jakarta? Jom lah! 🚀🇮🇩