Travel journal · Indonesia

A Day in Jakarta

Eight highlights between Merdeka Square, Old Batavia and Chinatown (Glodok), with halal meals, a central hotel and the details of every transfer.

CurrencyRupiah (IDR, Rp)

Time difference from Paris+5 h in summer, +6 h in winter

Electricity230 V, type C and F sockets

Official languageBahasa Indonesia

Entering Indonesia

Visa: the visa on arrival (VOA) or e-VOA costs about 500,000 IDR (€24 to €28) for 30 days. Visa exemption remains suspended for French citizens. Check current fees before you leave.
All Indonesia arrival card: free and mandatory for every traveller, children included. Complete it within the 3 days before arrival at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id.
Passport: allow at least 6 months' validity from the date of travel.

Money and exchange

Rule of thumb: €1 is worth about 20,000 IDR. A bowl of soto at 40,000 IDR works out at about €2.
Withdrawals and exchange: withdraw cash from bank ATMs (Visa / Mastercard). Only exchange money at authorized money changers or at a bank.
Payment: cards are accepted at the hotel and in large shopping centres. Keep cash for Glodok and smaller businesses.

SIM card and internet

Operator: Telkomsel offers the best overall coverage.
At the airport: expect to pay 150,000 to 400,000 IDR (15 to 25 GB). Your passport is needed for registration.
eSIM: install it before you leave (a compatible, unlocked device is required).

Seasons and health

Climate: hot and humid all year (27 to 33 °C). Dry season from May to September, rainy season from November to April.
Health: do not drink tap water. Bring mosquito repellent. Carry any medication in its original packaging, with the prescription.
Before you leave: consult a doctor or an international vaccination centre about vaccines and medication.

Language: useful phrases

Terima kasihThank you

Selamat pagiGood morning

PermisiExcuse me

Berapa harganya?How much is it?

Ini halal?Is this halal?

Recommended apps

Grab / GojekCars and motorbikes with driver (fares set in advance).

Maps.me / Google MapsFor offline travel and navigation.

xe.comCurrency converter.

Google TranslateUseful in offline mode.

A one-day itinerary

8:30 AM departure from the hotel ≈ 8:30 PM return Indicative hours 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM Note Monas and most museums are closed on Mondays

Schematic map: approximate positions, routes drawn as straight lines.

8:30 AM Hotel and breakfast

Hotel Borobudur Jakarta

5-star hotel on the edge of Lapangan Banteng park, with a large swimming pool and several restaurants.

View on Google Maps → Book on Booking.com

Walk, 12 to 15 min (800 m)Past Lapangan Banteng park, or 5 minutes by Grab or Gojek.

9:30 AM Monument and spirituality

Istiqlal Mosque

The largest mosque in Southeast Asia, designed by the architect Friedrich Silaban.

Fee: free (donations welcome).

Tips: modest, covering clothing required.

View on Google Maps →

Walk, 12 to 15 min (800 m)Across Merdeka Square, or 5 minutes by Grab or Gojek.

The Monas, a 132 m obelisk on Merdeka Square

11:15 AM National monument

Monas (National Monument)

A 132 m obelisk topped by a gold-covered flame. The base houses a history museum. You can go up to the top by lift.

Fee: entry to the site and museum: about 5,000 to 15,000 IDR (extra charge for the panoramic lift, about 15,000 to 25,000 IDR).

Please note: closed on Mondays.

View on Google Maps →

Grab or Gojek, or walkTo reach the restaurant district from Monas, take a Grab or Gojek, or walk to Gondangdia KRL station.
See the route to the restaurant on Google Maps

Bowl of soto betawi, beef soup in coconut milk, with rice

1:00 PM Lunch

Soto Betawi H. Ma'ruf

Historic restaurant founded around 1940, known for its traditional beef soup in coconut milk (soto betawi).

Address: Jl. RP Soeroso 36A, Gondangdia.

View on Google Maps →

KRL train, about 20 min, then a 5 to 10 min walkWalk 5 to 10 minutes from the restaurant to Gondangdia station. Take the KRL line towards Jakarta Kota.

Journey details and payment

Take the KRL line towards Jakarta Kota (northern terminus, about 20 minutes' journey), then walk 5 to 10 minutes to Fatahillah Square. By car, allow 30 to 45 minutes by Grab depending on traffic.

Paying for the train: buy a rechargeable card or a single-use pass (Trip Ticket / KMT) at the ticket counters or machines at the station, in cash. The journey costs a few thousand rupiah.

White colonial façade with green shutters at the Jakarta History Museum

3:15 PM Old Batavia and museums

Fatahillah Square and Jakarta History Museum

Historic heart of the old town (Kota Tua), surrounded by colonial-style buildings. Lively pedestrian square.

Fee: access to the square is free. Entry to the History Museum (former town hall): about 5,000 to 10,000 IDR.

View on Google Maps →

Grab or Gojek, or walkShort ride to the Chinatown district (Glodok).

Blue ceramic tea set and green tea leaves

4:30 PM Tea break in Chinatown

Chinese Tea Time at Pantjoran Tea House

Tasting of traditional Chinese teas in an emblematic historic building at the entrance to Chinatown.

View on Google Maps →

Walk, a few minutesPetak Sembilan market is right next to the tea house.

Bags of dried fruit, nuts and sweets at a traditional market

5:15 PM Stroll

Petak Sembilan Market (Glodok)

Free stroll on foot through the lively alleys and the traditional market, right next to the Pantjoran Tea House.

View on Google Maps →

Walk, a few minutesThe restaurant is right next to the market.

Bowls of hand-pulled noodles topped with coriander and spring onion

6:30 PM Halal dinner

Lanzhou Lamian, Glodok

Hand-pulled noodle specialities in a Chinese Muslim restaurant, right next to Petak Sembilan market and the Glodok district.

Address: Jl. Pancoran No. 6.

View on Google Maps →

Return by Grab or Gojek, 25 to 40 minBook from the restaurant: evening traffic is heavy.

8:30 PM Return

Back at the hotel

Return to the Hotel Borobudur by Grab or Gojek: allow 25 to 40 minutes depending on evening traffic.

View on Google Maps →

Disclaimer

This document is a sample travel journal provided for illustration (showcase) by your Travel Planner. Information, hours, prices and booking terms are indicative and may change over time. Please check everything before making reservations or travelling.