How to dress in Jakarta as a woman
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
We visited the Indonesia capital of Jakarta for the first time in 2016.
It was a short trip though one in which I quickly learned how to dress in Jakarta as a woman.
To provide some context, we'd stopped in Jakarta for 2 nights to attend my husband's friend's wedding. We would then be traveling on to Bali for our main vacation.
The majority of the clothes we'd packed were suited for summer and for our trip to Bali: shorts, t-shirts etc. Having traveled to other countries in South-East Asia before I was aware of how to pack appropriately for the weather.
However, while my previous experience had served me well for understanding the weather in SEA Asia there was something vital that I'd forgotten: the diverse cultural differences.
But, this was something I'd quickly learn about, plus the women's dress code in Indonesia, on this short trip.
The following is based on my personal experience of visiting Jakarta as a western woman. It won't apply to everyone and I ask you to bear this in mind when reading.
How to dress in Jakarta as a woman
Can women wear shorts in Jakarta?
Women can wear shorts in Jakarta. However, in my experience, they raised some eyebrows and attracted some unwanted attraction.
To add some context I was wearing knee-length shorts, a loose vest top and sneakers. My husband was wearing similar attire but with a t-shirt. Were my shorts indecently short or ultra revealing? Absolutely not.
Shorts were my go-to item of clothing during our 2-day trip given the sweltering temperatures in the capital. By 10am, temperatures in Jakarta were already in the early 80s°F (30s°C).
My experience as a western woman in Jakarta
Given that it was our first trip to Jakarta we'd planned to see some of the city's top attractions. Our plans were to see the National Monument and the Istiqlal Mosque during our one day in Jakarta.
My husband and I made it to the first monument and began exploring the vicinity without any issue — at first.
Things slowly started to change when I began noticing that people, mainly women, were staring at me. I paid little attention because getting stared at is something I'd become accustomed to when traveling.
What's more, as a woman of color living in Italy I expected their stares to stem from curiosity more than anything else.
Judgemental staring
As we continued to explore the area — with few western tourists — I began to feel more self-conscious. The harmless glances had turn into fixated stares, some of which felt judgemental in nature. These were coming from men as well as from young women.
My husband was wearing similar attire too but no-one battered an eyelid.
Trying hard to ignore it became increasingly difficult as my husband started noticing it too. He also treated it lightly at first but felt differently after we passed a group of men sitting by the mosque.
I felt their eyes looking me up and down — and it wasn’t out of admiration for my sneakers. We started hearing wolf whistling and some of the men even began following closely behind. Though I remained calm as did my facial expression, I felt very intimidated.
Needless to say, my husband and I hailed a taxi and left the area.
To make it clear, we'd no intention of entering the mosque. For one, we're not Muslim and so wouldn't even attempt to go inside. Second, we didn't know whether the mosque was open to (non-muslim) visitors. We simply were there to see it from the outside.
Map of Indonesia
The right way to dress in Jakarta as a woman
If there's one word that I think best describes how to dress in Jakarta as a woman, it's conservative.
Any type of tight or slightly revealing clothing will draw attention. Even though you may see locals and young Indonesian women wearing such clothing, as a foreigner, the spotlight immediately shines upon you.
Overall, my experience in Jakarta wasn't a comfortable one, especially in reference to the dress code for women.
Because of this, I recommend female travelers to pack the following items for Jakarta.
- Long maxi skirts are a comfortable and weather appropriate choice
- Linen pants/loose culotte style trousers — to keep cool in the humidity and to help prevent insect bites
- A light shawl to cover your arms
- Loose linen tops or t-shirts
The list of clothing is similar to what I advise women to pack for Morocco. I also suggest bringing a sun hat when visiting Jakarta and Indonesia in general.
It not only protects you from the strong sun but it also covers your hair when outdoors.
As a foreign non-Muslim woman, I also felt that having my hair uncovered made me stand out more.
The religious factor
I’ve traveled alone before to many countries that are just as conservative in nature. However, Jakarta was the first place I’d ever been where I felt so uncomfortable despite traveling with my husband.
The only difference between Jakarta and the other conservative places I’d been to was the religious factor. It was something that I'd wrongly overlooked, and in my lack of planning, I didn't consider packing more suitable clothing.
Unwritten women's dress code in Indonesia
While there are no legal laws regarding clothing, there does seem to be an unwritten women's dress code in Indonesia.
As we were going to Bali straight after, I didn't think too much about what clothes to pack for Jakarta. Lesson learned.
At the time, I didn’t think my choice of clothing was deserving of the looks and reactions I received. The humidity was so unbearable that the thought of covering up never even crossed my mind.
Saying that, I see myself as a conscientious traveler and always seek to respect the culture of any country that I visit. I never thought of my clothing choices as inappropriate but a friend of mine didn't feel the same way.
How to dress in a Muslim country
A good friend if mine, who is French and of Algerian and Moroccan descent, reacted differently to my story. As a practicing Muslim, she pulled me up on two points.
She asked whether I was aware of Indonesia being a strict Muslim country and whether I'd packed any ‘halal clothes’.
I answered yes to the first question and raised an eyebrow at the second. I'd never heard of the term before.
Halal clothes
She explained that she always packs ‘halal’ clothes whenever she travels. This is typically clothing that's loose-fitting and covers up a woman’s modesty. My friend suggested that I should've worn something more 'halal' like a maxi dress and covered up accordingly.
The truth is, I thought that the clothing that I'd packed was loose-fitting. Aside from swimwear and underwear, the shorts/vest tops and dresses in my suitcase were not tight-fitting.
I do however hold my hands up to not having done better research. I should've been better prepared, especially as someone that considers themselves to be a frequent traveler.
It didn't matter whether we were visiting for two days or for two weeks: cultural norms are cultural norms.
Where do you stand?
I’m usually the first to comment on respecting other cultures when traveling but on this occasion I feel a bit divided. I never intentionally set out to draw attention to myself and 'thought' I was following the country's cultural norms.
My views have nothing to do with religion either. I dress appropriately whether I travel to Belgium or to Bahrain and will continue to do so.
I've witnessed many occasions when tourists have blatantly ignored the cultural norms and practices of the country they were visiting. One trip that comes to mind is when I visited Bangkok many years ago.
Two Russian female tourists were standing ahead of us in the line to visit the popular temple Wat Phra Kaew. Despite being provided beautiful sarongs to cover up for a short time they outright refused to cover up. For me it was downright disrespectful to enter the Thai Buddhist temple wearing their attire of revealing shorts and tiny vest tops.
Despite my mixed feelings on this subject, I take my friend’s points on board 100%. It was a lesson learned for the future.
As for Jakarta, I can’t see myself visiting again anytime soon. But, if I do, I’ll be sure to prepare a set of ‘halal’ clothes even if we're there just for a stopover.
What do you think of this post on how to dress in Jakarta as a woman? Do you have an opinion on the topic? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, please keep them civil.
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Hello, I'm an Indonesian girl who grew up in Jakarta and had moved out of the city since. I think your experience is kinda skewed and there's some misinformation in what your friend conveyed as well. First thing first, it's not a strict Muslim country - law is secular and there are no regulations surrounding headscarves, dress codes etc. it's completely personal choice (I'm not a Muslim myself).
Although I agree that the overall dressing undertone is more conservative vs the west, it's still a range - if you go to the CBD, people are dressed in office or workwear; if you go to the malls, they may be dressed up or down, but tank tops and shorts are commonplace. If it's an occasion or an event, people may be dressed to the nines with gowns and cocktail dresses. If you go to a bar or a club then your typical night-out outfits are common. So your experience, while not isolated, may not be fully representative either.
I wear denim shorts a lot when outdoors in Jakarta. I think what made you stand out was the fact that you're a foreigner and yes, many people in Jakarta are still not used to foreign tourist presence given that the city is also full of non-Jakartans aka people who migrate there from nearby provinces or other far-flung towns or cities. And sadly, yes, catcalling still happens - that's on them and sorry that it happened.
In summary, know where you are going exactly within the city and dress for the place and occasion. It's false to generalize that "loose fitting" clothing is the norm and "halal" clothing is to be worn across Indonesia, lest Jakarta. That's just an opinion, based on what little you knew and concluded - in reality, a sizeable no of us don't dress like that.
Hi Jennifer thank you for your feedback. It was my first time in Jakarta, not Indonesia, so I wasn't aware of the other cultural norms you're referring to. I appreciate you offering your side and providing a local's perspective
I recently move to Jakarta because of my husband, he is not a Muslim. And I was here a lot of times before I moved. And from the beginning I never wore short clothes that I would wear in Europe, because I did my research.y clothes were loose or tight. People only sometimes looked (not starred) at me because I'm obviously different. But it's ok I don't mind.
For what the women wear here, it's not completely true that they all dress "halal". There are so many natives who wear shorts like short shorts, tank tops. So you see a lot of skin. And I didn't see the guys behave weird. I think in depa da an the people and where exactly you are in the city. Because what I see daily is a mix of what people wear.
Even though I still will not expose to much skin, because I don't want to cause I'm not a native and because of the sun. When it burns it burn, so I like my skin to be coverd.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, it's good to read other opinions
Lisa I actually think you should respect the cultural norms of that country. I agree with your French friend. People in cultures shouldn't adapt themselves to what tourists think is OK or right in terms of how they dress. For example my best friend went to Europe and said that he went to into a hotel sauna with his wife and said Men and women were in their nude and they were the only ones that had bathing suits on.. He thought it was a little strange and weird. But in that culture that's just what they do he said. They never went nude and never would but that in that culture It's not a big deal.
It was a lesson learned, thank you for your comment
As someone who grew up in Indonesia and Malaysia, your comments are spot on. Men take it as an invite to throw slurs at you if you wear what is considered to them immodest clothing. Even as a young teenage girl. And it's based heavily on the fact that Indonesia and Malaysia are Muslim. Bali is more relaxed because they are Hindu. Moving to America was one of the most freeing experiences for me in terms of what women could wear.
Hi Kirsten, thank you so much for your perspective. I have always thought about that time and whether I was wrong. But, as I said in the post, I wasn't indecently dressed, and was with my male partner. It's always good to have a female point of view on this.
This is not true of my experience in Jakarta at all and we were there for over a week and explored far and wide. I wore shorts and t-shirts the entire time and literally no one batted an eyelid and in fact most locals were very friendly and welcoming. I did the same in UAE, Brunei, Malaysia, Turkey, Egypt, many Muslim countries. Sure there are some like Saudi who enforce dress codes and of course going into a mosque is different, though in those circumstances I've only had to wear a head scarf and a slip over long skirt, the later my husband also had to wear too, my t-shirt and tattoos not being an issue. Maybe it's because I don't wear "short shorts" and usually wear board shorts etc and never wear vests. But I've never had a problem or any adverse reactions. Most people are aware that you are a visitor and that you also might not be the same religion as them. Indonesia is mostly Muslim but its also a country with many different religions, even in Jakarta there are Christian and Hindu communities. Similarly in Malaysia where there are a lot of Buddhists who adhere to different principals. So people generally don't mind as long as you're not walking around half naked, male or female, which could be said for many places in the world regardless of religion.
Thank you for your feedback! I wrote this based on my experience in Jakarta but I'm sure others didn't or won't experience the same. I learned to be better prepared when traveling to more conservative places, as I felt very uncomfortable during our time there.
Lisa: I would wear loose fitting wide leg pants, so would friends. No dresses or skirts. Tourists should dress modest in any country they tour. Besides I would never travel to a Muslim country myself.
Thanks Laura Ann. I wasn't alone, I was with my partner. Loose fitting pants are good. It depends on the country you're travelling in. Here in Italy, we women can wear what we want. I've never seen any incidents of catcalling despite the stereotype about Italian men.
Oh this was really unfortunate, I wasn’t aware about Indonesia being such a conservative country, as I have always seen gals dressed casually while in Bali. Nevertheless I completely agree with on respecting other cultures while travelling. Dressing up considering the local cultures and traditions is very important.
I agree! Bali is much different as it's very western and has been for a long time. Jakarta however is definitely not the same!
I live in a Muslim country Lisa (UAE)and honestly, what you felt in Jakarta, is not the norm. It really depends on which country you're travelling to. I have also travelled to other Muslim countries such as Lebanon & Jordan and that's how it is - some cities like Dubai, Beirut are really open and you can pretty much wear anything without being frowned upon. Yet there are cities (within the UAE even) such as Sharjah where they'll stare at your even if you're in fitted clothes, like you're roaming around naked. End of the day, you can either learn to ignore the stares and dress as you like or if you're extremely uncomfortable with those stares, just dress 'conservatively'. Since I come from a pretty conservative country too (India), I have learned the knack of wearing what I feel comfortable in and ignoring the stares! But that's me 🙂
Thank you for sharing your experiences Medha! I think that, coming from the west, women are more used to wearing what they want. But it's good to know there are other Muslim countries where you won't be stared at. I think it's also great you just ignore the stares, it's a good strategy!
Its a very honest account and I feels great to read about the honest confession that you were not well-informed. Its very important to respect the culture the country follows and being a Traveler we should be doing it. It happened with me in Bhutan when I was refused to enter the dzong due to my sleeveless top and unfortunately i was not carry a scarf. Thats why I always carry one extra dress, fully covered whenever I travel to any foreign country.
That's a great tip! I've yet to visit Bhutan, but now I will be prepared 🙂
I do understand the divided situation you are in. I am currently based in Malaysia and I do experience the same situation you have in Jakarta. While I know that Indonesia can be a strict Muslim country (similar to Malaysia), there is still a huge diversity in the culture, with many Chinese, Indian and Christians also living their everyday lives here. In Malaysia, while I see many conservatively dressed women, I do also see women who choose to wear shorts or slightly tighter clothing. However, should you plan to visit a Mosque, well then you must definitely cover up because this is not the place to not dress modestly. I find maxi dresses are quite fine and also t-shirts are great to wear. I tend to try and pick shorts which are not too short. I think a balance is the best approach.
Thanks Soraya for sharing. I never had any intentions of going inside the mosque in Jakarta, just wanted to see the building. Yes, it's a challenge knowing what to wear, but now I'm more informed 🙂
Dressing up modestly, is of key importance, specially when visiting places, which have a religious sentiment attached to it. Even back in India, I usually recommend everyone, to go fully covered, when going to a place of worship, like a temple/mosque. Experiences like the one you had, usually end up spoiling the whole travel plans, for a lot of people.
Yes, unfortunately I learned the hard way. But now, I'm more prepared and know better!
What an interesting read I never really thought about it this way and I never knew this about Jakarta. I thought it was like the other places in the same countries in the area like Bali. I too would feel very uncomfortable if men were falling me to and wolf whistling that is not nice. I will definitely check the dress code next time I travel somewhere
Thanks Mel. But we learn from unpleasant experiences, and I now have more looser fitting clothes!
I personally think respect is a two way street. Your way of dressing does not give local hooligans a right to follow you, stare at you, or make sexist comments. However, the sad reality is that prejudices and patriarchy exists in many parts of the world, and it might be better to conform, especially as a visitor in a land that is alien to you, if only for your safety.
Trust me, I've learned better for next time!
I've been in this situation many times before as well - I do think it is our responsibility as a traveler to respect the country we are visiting by researching things prior to our trip like how to dress appropriately. As women, we might not be used to dressing so conservatively in our own country, but then we expect (and I use the word we quite broadly to reflect current political debates in Australia at the moment which is where I'm from) travelers to our country to respect our dress customs (there is a lot of debate about women not wearing the burqa in public), so why should we not respect their culture when we travel in return. And then we complain (not having a dig at you, just speaking generally), that we feel uncomfortable with cat calls and sexual harassment, which could have likely been very much avoided if we had dressed appropriately. I think it's a balancing act anyway 🙂
I completely agree. In hindsight, it taught me to be more prepared for when I travelled to Morocco, which wasn't as strict, but still conservative. And believe me, I would never have worn my long shorts if I had known the stares I would have received!
I understand the situation. Certain places in India are like that as well. You'll end up getting stared by locals. But as you say, its more to do with curiosity than religion. But yeah, I felt this weird enough in Europe. At Vatican, it was by chance that I took a tee with sleeves and wore jeans on that day. So many were asked to coverup with those tacky looking ponchos!!!
That's so interesting to know! The Vatican is the centre of the Catholic church, and as a Catholic, I'm prepared for this! Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
I completely understand how you felt. Similar happened to me in Egypt. I traveled to Cairo during Ramadan. It was over 100 degrees out and I wore shorts. I felt so uncomfortable and so self conscious. Well it was a lesson learned for me that's for sure.
Oh wow, I can only imagine how you felt. I haven't yet been to Egypt but have heard so many unpleasant things unfortunately about the local men there...
I had stares on me to while traveling but it has nothing to do with the dresscode but because I am Thai and my husband is a foreigner/white. But back to the appropriate clothing...whenever I travel to a musulman country, I always wear thin long trouser and long sleeve shirt and I always bring a scarf. That way, I am sure that when they stare at me its not because of how I am dressed.
Thanks Dada, I have the same type of clothing when I went to Morocco! I definitely felt more aware of my gender but with my partner, I didn't feel as conscious of it.
You would probably have been fine in other parts of Indonesia (Bali) and in most of the rest of SE Asia in that outfit so I can understand how you got caught out. I got similar attention once in Turkey (in a beach resort) and since then I tend to cover up more in general. But even if you do cover up you're not always guaranteed to dodge the attention. My sister and I got loads of unwanted hassle in Egypt even though we were covered from head to toe. It sucks - men don't have to worry about this!
I know exactly what you mean Emily! And you're absolutely right about being ok in other SE Asian countries, but Jakarta is not one of these places! I've heard many women talking about extreme harassment in Egypt; I've not yet been, but will definitely be prepared if I do go!
This is such a tricky and sensitive topic! For me personally, I dress in a way that makes me feel comfortable. This completely depends on where I am. For example, in Guatemala (where I am right now) some areas are more conservative than others. So some places I cover up more. This is because it makes me feel really uncomfortable getting stared at! I went out one day in a dress that wasn;t fitted but it was a little on the short side. After an hour of being stared at I ended up putting on some leggings. I do think it's wrong that I should be made to feel bad for the way I'm dressed. But it's not my culture and I personally hate feeling uncomfortable. If I wasn't so self-conscious I wouldn't care. Sometimes traveling as a woman is so tough. Especially when it comes to clothing. Really really appreciate your post it's good to know other people struggle with this as much as I do!
Thanks Claire! It's so good to hear another perspective from a woman. I've not yet been to Guatemala, but I'm sure you also attract attention because you're a foreigner and a female. I'm sorry to hear you've not felt comfortable at times out there. Stay safe, and enjoy the beauty of the country!
It is frustrating for travelers indeed! Most often I just turn to Google images or chat up in Facebook groups to find what the locals dress like! Sometimes Google images is misguiding showing traditional costumes that day to day outfits. FB works in chatting up with locals to get a picture what is suitable for the weather as well as doesn't offend the locals!
That's a really good tip! I must remember that for next time, thank you!
I think it is indeed key to be informed... I always travel with one long pants and T-shirt for that day I visit a temple or other religuous building. But indeed sometimes it is difficult to know with is 'the norm'.
Thank you, I agree. Sometimes, especially as westerners, it's always hard to know what is the correct etiquette.
I've never been to a Muslim country before, so I've never really thought about it. I agree that there is a fine line of respect and being yourself. Thank you for sharing; it gives me some ideas to ponder.
Happy to help you ponder on this Stacey! Yes, I'm planning on visiting Morocco in the autumn, so will have to prepare better for this trip 😀
It can be really tiresome for women especially while travelling across the world with all the clothing codes. I think it's not just about specific countries but specific places where these codes are monitored. I do think there is a thin line between respecting someone's religion or implementing one's believes and often both combine together leaving a tourist especially unaware. Nice of you to share your experience for others to be aware.
Thanks Raghav, I appreciate your feedback on this 🙂
Such a rubbish experience. Im glad you managed to get advice and managed to dress to their dress codes! Couldn't have imagined how you were feeling! Thanks for sharing!
Hi David, yes it was! It does suck being a woman and travelling, because you can feel really vulnerable, even when you're minding your business!
Thank you for this eye-opening post as I'm set to travel to Indonesia soon and I'd have roamed around Jakarta streets with shorts and whatnot. My best friend is Indonesian and lives in Medan. I don't know if Medan is completely different to Jakarta but all she wears is 'short' shorts and she's not met with any trouble yet. I agree with you saying that we should be aware and dress accordingly. Usually in conservative backgrounds with hot humid weather, I'd wear loose cotton pants, harems, palazzo pants paired with a cotton top.
You're so welcome Zinara! I'd be interested to know what your friend's experience in Medan will be like. I'm not familiar with the place, but please do let me know how you get on! Yes, next time, I'll definitely wear something different!
I totally wouldn't have thought to wear anything like a halal either. Like you said it was hot! I could do a maxi dress, i am glad you had a friend who understand and gave ya some pointers. I am sorry you were uncomfortable, i would've been too though. You didn't do it on purpose though so i hope they understand you didn't do it out of disrespect. I want to travel out that way so bad! Hah, I'm jealous!
Thanks Leslie, it's good to hear someone else, and a woman, who agrees with me on this subject. I absolutely meant no disrespect! Aw, I hope you make it to that part of the world one day, but beware... it gets very hot! Bali's never a bad place to visit! Thanks for stopping by.
Its really good to hear that there are still a lot of people who respect the customs of other countries especially the dress codes. Sometimes, tourists just don't mind of the stuffs they wear in another country as long as they feel comfortable with it. Thank you for sharing!
Absolutely Ann, I agree with you! I always respect the country I'm travelling in; and this experience was eye-opening!
Really interesting article !! It's true that we must be aware of that, and I like your friend's expression 'halal clothes" 🙂
Thanks Cindy, I think we do need to be aware, especially as female travellers. Lucky that men never have this problem!
Wow, completely 100% understand your point of view when you say " I do hold my hands up to not being better informed. I should’ve been better prepared, especially as a traveller, and as a writer. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve visiting for two days or two weeks: etiquette is etiquette. I’m usually the first to comment on respecting other cultures when travelling, but on this occasion I feel a bit divided. I plan to take on board my friend’s points 100%, though I still call myself a respectful traveller."
It is frustrating that in 2017 women still need to be aware of what to wear or not (in this case for religious matters), it is a problem that we haven't found yet and hope that things will change, but in any case thanks for this tip in case i'm planning a trip to Jakarta.
Really interesting article.s
Thank you Simone! I totally agree, as I meant zero disrespect! Coming from Europe and travelling to South-East Asia, you have to be careful about dress, etiquette, as other countries, ie, Philippines and Thailand, are more liberal. If you do get to Jakarta, watch out for that traffic, it's awful!