If you’re visiting Jakarta on a budget – here are my top 5 free things to do in the city.
Visitors often call Jakarta the Big Durian. When you taste Durian fruit for the first time – you will either love it or hate it – the same as the first time you visit Jakarta!
1 – Soak up colonial history at Jakarta’s Old Town
This area is a telling history of the Dutch colonial era. Many heritage sites here have been preserved as museums.
You will also find many locals performing on the streets and there is a famous cafe nearby named Batavia café – a great place to enjoy some authentic and traditional food and relaxed vibes.
Be sure to learn some of the local language to order your drinks!
If you want to find out more about the history of Indonesia, there are plenty of cheap museum here too:
- Jakarta history museum
- Wayang museum
- FIne art and ceramic museum
- Maritime museum
- Bank Indonesia museum
2 – Visit the heart of Jakarta – The National Monument
Located in the center of Jakarta, check out the National Monument for free from the outside.
For a spectacular view of Jakarta from above, go to the top of the monument, you’ll have to pay a small fee though – 20,000 IDR, or about 1.5 USD. The monument closes at 16:00PM.
if you are wondering what the large flame on top of the monument is, it represents our burning spirit throughout the struggle for independence in the colonial period.
There is also a beautiful park to the west of this area. I love to sit here and relax after my evening run!
3 – Check out the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia – Istiqlal Mosque
Within walking distance of the National Monument, you’ll find the largest mosque in Southeast Asia – Istiqlal Mosque.
Next to the mosque is the Catholic Cathedral of Jakarta, a great area which shows the harmony between different religions in Indonesia.
While you’re here, why not check out the main hall of the mosque – the architecture is majestic for sure!
A guide to visiting the mosque as a tourist
When you arrive, you’ll need to take off your shoes and follow signs for the tourist area. You will then need to register yourself.
Please bear in mind that you need to wear respectful clothing to go inside the mosque. If you wear short trousers or a short skirt, the staff here will lend you a robe for free to cover your legs. For women, remember to bring a scarf to cover your shoulders and head.
If you’re not a Muslim – don’t worry – the staff here are very welcoming to everyone and will be happy to help and guide you.
4 – Keep fit during your travels at Lapangan Banteng
Within walking distance of the Istiqlal mosque and National Monument, you’ll find Lapangan Banteng – a large sports park.
It has a jogging track, basketball field, a soccer field, and even a playground for kids!
Occasionally, you will find exhibitions and events taking place in the park, from food festivals to flora-fauna festivals.
Wondering what the big statue is in the park – it’s to commemorate the event of West Irian Liberalization which occurred between 1955 – 1960.
5 – Experience one of the oldest Chinese communities in Jakarta at Glodok Chinatown
If you love to explore different cultures and traditions, you should definitely visit Glodok Chinatown. This area is one of the oldest Chinese communities in Jakarta.
You’ll also find one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city here – Vihara Dharma Raya.
For those who are craving some delicious Chinese food – check out Petak Sembilan Market here. In this area, you can find some delicious Chinese noodles and you’ll find a number of pork dishes.
Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs from the market too!
If it is your first time visiting Jakarta, I recommend trying to explore the city with some locals.
You may meet locals in the areas above, your hostel or hotel, or you can find many people like me on travel apps – I use Couchsurfing!
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