Things to Do in West Jakarta

The main square in Kota Tua, lined with Dutch colonial buildings and cafes. A popular meeting spot with street performers and bike rentals.

🕐 always open

💡 Arrive before 10am for cooler air and fewer selfie-stick sellers. The square's cobblestones get hot by midday.

A mid-18th-century Chinese Buddhist temple in Glodok (Jakarta's Chinatown). Colourful, ornate, and still active for worship.

🕐 8am-5pm

💡 Dress modestly and remove shoes inside. Visit around 10am when incense fills the air and the caretaker may offer a brief history.

A small, quiet green space in Menteng with a central pond, art sculptures, and shady trees. Popular with joggers and families on weekends.

🕐 6am-9pm

💡 Bring your own mat and snacks. The park has free Wi-Fi from nearby government buildings – good for a break.

Also called the Museum of Jakarta History, housed in the old city hall building in Kota Tua. Covers Jakarta's history from prehistoric times to independence.

🕐 Tue-Sun 9am-3pm

💡 Entry is IDR 5,000 (about 30p). Go early on a weekday to avoid crowds and see the colonial-era courtyard.

Housed in a grand Dutch colonial building, this museum traces Indonesia's monetary history through interactive exhibits and old notes.

🕐 Tue-Sun 8am-3:30pm

💡 Entry is IDR 5,000. The daytime sound-and-light show (free) runs every hour from 10am. Takes about 90 minutes to see thoroughly.