Jakarta is never boring. One of the world's largest cities, the Indonesian capital has countless fun activities and unique places to visit. Whether you are alone or with your loved ones, you can make the most of your experience as an expatriate and explore this city that never sleeps. Have fun, discover, and strengthen your ties with your loved ones.
Things to do alone in Jakarta
Museums
Have you moved to Jakarta alone? Head for the museums! If you wish to learn more about a country or about a city's culture and history, museums are the perfect way to do it. While in Indonesia, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in Jakarta's rich cultural and historical heritage by visiting must-see museums that are located around the city, among which are the following:
- Fatahillah Museum (Jakarta History Museum)
- National Museum
- National History Museum
- National Gallery
- Bank Indonesia Museum
- Mandiri Museum
- Wayang Museum
- Textile Museum
- Maritime Museum
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
As opposed to weekends, during weekdays, these museums are quieter. Be aware, however, that they shut at 3 or 4 pm during the week and are closed on Mondays. On Sundays, opening hours are generally extended to 5 pm in most museums. However, make sure to check the museums' opening hours when planning to visit them. During public holidays (there are a lot here in Indonesia!), the museums will most likely be closed.
Shopping
If, like for Jakartans, shopping is your thing, then Indonesia's capital city is the place for you. The city's shopping malls, which are popular entertainment venues in the country's capital, include food courts, restaurants, and indoor facilities such as game rooms and multiplex cinemas.
Grand Indonesia is Jakarta's most famous shopping mall, but there are also two other malls that could be of some interest to you: Mall Taman Anggrek and Pondok Indah Mall, both of which have large ice rinks. And if you wish to see even more, check out the amazing Jakarta Aquarium, located at the luxury Neo Soho mall. Furthermore, many of Jakarta's shopping malls are known to host food and cultural events, but if you are looking for the most interesting ones, visit Mall Kelapa Gading, Central Park Mall and Ancol Beach City Mall.
Expat events
Lastly, it's always good to know that embassies and expatriate forums in Jakarta often organize meetings and exchanges. Some of these events are held during the week after working hours and are a great way to have fun while making new connections. Be sure, however, to check the various expat forums and websites regularly so that you don't miss any interesting events in Jakarta.
Things to do as a couple in Jakarta
Selamat makan (enjoy your food)
If you and your partner have just moved to Indonesia, try a night tour of the capital city. Step out for a romantic and especially scrumptious dinner with Jakarta's vibrant and tasty cuisine. Besides, the city has upscale hotels in the center and south, with rooftop restaurants and bars perfect for a dinner for two.
In Jakarta, it's almost inconceivable to go hungry. There are so many street food vendors, roadside food stalls, and high-end rooftop restaurants scattered all around the city. And if you are the foodie type, be aware that the city offers many options to share delicious meals with your co-workers, for instance. Dining out with your friends and colleagues will give you a great opportunity to bond and learn more about the local culture.
Jakarta's strategic location results in a local cuisine that is heavily influenced by many other cultures. Across the city, you will encounter virtually every type of world cuisine: Chinese, Japanese, American, French, Italian and even Moroccan, etc. But you should, of course, try some of the local specialties.
Below are some of the must-try local dishes in Jakarta:
- Kerak telor
- Nasi goreng tek-tek
- Soto Betawi
- Nasi Padang
- Ketoprak
- Gado-Gado
- Otak-otak (Grilled fish cakes)
- Gorengan (fritters)
Thousand Islands
And if you think you both deserve a romantic and relaxing weekend, why not fancy a trip to one of Jakarta's Thousand Islands? Many local agencies offer very interesting package tours that can lead you and your special one to one of the many islands of the Indonesian archipelago and enjoy their beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and great restaurants that serve fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Some of the most romantic islands are Bidadari Island, Tidung Island, Harapan Island, Putri Island and Pari Island.
Nightlife
Jakarta boasts one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in Asia, even though the city is largely Muslim. Whether you're looking for a quiet night out with a glass of wine or for a night at the club, you'll always find something to suit you.
Most of Jakarta's poshest hotels come with high-end bars and chic lounges. Alternatively, you can relax and have a drink in one of the bars on Jalan Jaksa, a popular tourist spot renowned for its relaxing atmosphere and reasonable prices.
On the other hand, if you prefer getting far from the hustle and bustle of the city, opt for the various bars in Ancol. There are plenty of cafes and bars offering live jazz, soul, grunge or classic rock every night, and if you are more into world music, you may as well find a variety of different musical genres from all over the globe.
Things to do with family or friends in Jakarta
With friends or family? Don't worry! There are theme parks such as Dufan, Jakarta's largest amusement park, located in Ancol. And you may turn into a perfect tourist group by visiting SeaWorld, Atlantis and Ecopark. Alternatively, your happy bunch can go banana boating or paintballing.
With your family, you can also opt to go to Ragunan, the Jakarta Zoo. However, if your schedule and budget don't allow you to go too far, try to visit the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah park.
It's just Indonesia downscaled. The park is full of museums, galleries, attractions, and replicas of traditional houses of various local indigenous peoples.
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