First trip to Jakarta
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
I'll never forget our first trip to Jakarta.
There are some cities in this world that would cause a sleepless night from the sheer excitement of visiting. Unfortunately, Jakarta isn't one of them.
My travel buds were far from tickled on finding out we'd be in the Indonesian capital for my husband's friend’s wedding.
Despite being a city girl at heart, I much prefer traveling outside urban areas, particularly in South-east Asia. The experience is always more authentic and rewarding.
His friend's (born and raised Indonesian) reaction to us visiting did little to raise my hopes.
Husband: we’re coming to Jakarta for your wedding!
Him: really? Why?!
Ok, so he never really asked 'why', but the tone of his voice suggested otherwise.
On arrival at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport we entered the first round of Jakarta traffic. It was the last thing we wanted, or expected after a 14-hour flight from London and a 2-hour transfer in Singapore.
Arriving at our hotel
Our hotel was based in Dharmawangsa Square and conveniently connected to a shopping mall. THE 1O1 Jakarta Sedayu Darmawangsa is a modern, and central, choice in Jakarta. Away from the busy roads, it’s a quiet, green and residential part of Jakarta.
The large gated homes give the impression of a quiet, and affluent, neighborhood. Nearby were a few local restaurants that also looked promising (at least from the outside).
Our severe jetlag and grogginess from the flight kept us confined to our immediate space that first night. By no means a memorable dinner, we found a local restaurant inside the mall. We ordered 2 portions of the Indonesian national dish, Nasi Goreng, and soon after called it a night.
What to expect on your first trip to Jakarta
Not many sights to see in Jakarta
Personally, I'm not that keen on visiting south-east Asian capital cities, and much prefer visiting the islands. While Bangkok has its charms and Manila can be interesting, the real beauty of the country lies beyond.
Unless you've a reason to visit, for example, visiting family or friends/celebratory purposes, a quick stopover will suffice.
With a very short stay planned, we tried to be smart about managing our time — an almost impossible task in Jakarta. We set off wanting to see 3 sights: the National Monument (MONAS), the Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral.
⏩️ Book: Jakarta full-day highlights tour (7 hours)
The entrance to the National Monument beckons visitors with its pristine mowed green laws, and colorful flower beds.
Explore the grounds
The grounds extend into a park of sorts, though not the type where you can bring a picnic (more botanical gardens).
Standing at 132m, the tower was built to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence. Its symbolic significance impressed more than the structure itself — an obelisk-shaped tower with few defining features.
You can see the top of the mosque's grand circular dome while walking around the site of the National Monument. From afar, it's quite impressive.
For me, the most interesting characteristic about the mosque is its location almost opposite the Jakarta Cathedral.
The Roman Catholic church was built around the end of the 19th century when the country was still under Dutch rule. It was last renovated in 2002 in a neo-Gothic style. The twin spires of the cathedral situated across a small footbridge from the mosque makes for a great photo.
If you plan on staying longer than a day in Jakarta consider joining a tour. Something like this Jakarta full-day highlights tour is an easy way to see all of Jakarta's most important monuments and more.
What's more, it's led by a knowledgeable local guide who'll show other sights that we didn't get to see.
Wedding aside, there was another reason why we didn’t get to see more of the city, and that was the traffic.
Map of Indonesia
Worst. Traffic. Ever.
To say that the traffic in Jakarta can be slightly off-putting is an understatement.
I remember speaking with an English professor, Dr Stephen Whitehead, who lived in Thailand at the time. He was brutally honest about the traffic in Jakarta, and having experienced it for ourselves, he wasn't kidding.
Believe everything you hear or read about the traffic situation in Jakarta, because it’s all true.
I’ve been in some horrendous traffic jams in my time in other Asian cities, but Jakarta took the whole cake.
Get a taxi
Cars are really the only way to get around Jakarta. Buses are available but it'll take even longer to reach a destination given the passenger stops.
If you're looking for a reliable taxi service in Jakarta, the Bluebird Taxi Group is a good choice. They're easy to spot, with the rank of blue cars, and drivers wearing distinctive blue shirts with printed bluebirds. There's a good reason why it's called the Bluebird group.
Bluebird taxis are also by far the cheapest — very handy when you’re stuck for 40 minutes between two close points.
Visit Jakarta as a stopover
If you've made it to this point, it'll come as little surprise to read that we won’t be returning to Jakarta anytime soon. I’d only recommend it as a stopover visit for anyone curious to see it in person.
If you're thinking about going, and have more time, the National Museum and Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua Jakarta) look interesting.
We read that there were plans to build a metro extension in Jakarta's financial center. Only time will tell whether this will help to alleviate the city’s traffic problem or simply add to the current chaos.
What are your thoughts on our first trip to Jakarta? Are you keen to visit yourself one day? Let me know in the comments below.
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I have visited south east Asia extensively but never thought of Jakarta as you quite rightly said in your post it’s one of those places which don’t get planned and nor are you excited when you have booked. Looks like another main city in south east Asia which you want to stay away from and quite rightly the traffic alone puts you off. With very limited things to do and in the city would only make this a stop over destination. Thanks for sharing.
Unfortunately I won't be returning anytime soon! It has potential, so maybe in the future it will get better...
Whenever it comes to Jakarta, the only thing I hear is its chaotic traffic. I haven't heard anything good about this destination. I am sure that I would not like to travel to this Location anytime soon. But brave you who dared to visit and explored Jakarta.
Unfortunately it's all true. I didn't get to see many sights, and I wasn't impressed by what I did see.
Yeah, even from the pics it doesn't look very exciting - but as you said if you have relatives and a good cause to travel it isn't so bad. My boyfriend says that the worst Asian city is Colombo. The best one (and we agree on that) is Hanoi!
I haven't been to Colombo or Hanoi, so will have to add to the list!
Thanks for sharing. I am traveling to Indonesia later this year and will probably avoid Jakarta. Traffic and pollution are a couple of things that really get under my skin!
Happy to assist! It's not for me, but others may like it.
That traffic looks crazy! Quite a post to prepare me for when I hit Jakarta next year. Thanks for your honesty.
Good luck! Bring a book or create a new playlist to entertain you 😀
Jakarta looks awesome but it's a shame you didn't enjoy it. I have only ever really enjoyed Bangkok in South East Asia and like you suggested, would probably just use Jakarta for a stopover.
For me, that's all it ever will be I'm afraid.
Great piece of truth-telling. I think, whilst most people get stuck on a notion of fantasy travel, they sometimes forget that negatives are rarely amiss.
Thank you! I know most bloggers just show the bad, but we also need to be honest with our readers about our experience.
I'm India, and am quite used to bad traffic. But Jakarta was nearly unbearable even for me. Personally I rate its traffic the second worst among all places I've visited, the worst being Dhaka, Bangladesh. I went to Jakarta on work, and hardly ventured out when not absolutely necessary given the state of the traffic.
Wow, so it must be bad then! Thanks for the heads up on the traffic situation in India too! I'll be sure to avoid the big cities too.
I can understand your disappointment with Jakarta. I was equally disappointed with the ‘well marketed’ damp squibs Melbourne and Sydney. I would perhaps still want to visit Jakarta for maybe a day to see for myself what it is like. As you said, I might use it as a stop-over.
I think that would be a good option. I've not yet been to Melbourne and Sydney, so it's interesting to read this!
I never been to Jakarta, and reading your post gives me a lot of idea, and I did take notes! Jakarta is one of the gorgeous place I wish to visit and have a spa weekend. But I wouldn't expect a lot, and just go with the flow.
That's the best attitude! I hope you get to see more of it that I did.
Sorry to hear it wasn't as exciting of a trip. My close friend in college was actually from there and I've always thought about visiting. Not so sure anymore because I sure as hell ain't a fan of traffic hahaa.
You've been warned! If you're going to Bali, you may want to drop by, but other than that, I wouldn't recommend it.
hmm, so I know little about Jakarta but I too tend to shy away from major capitols in most cities. I kind of felt the same way in Bangkok especially about the traffic.
The Monas memorial seems cool and I would have loved to see your pics of the Jakarta Cathedral. Guess I will use it as a jumping off point to other places there.
That's a good idea Eric. I'm glad I stopped by, but it's not somewhere I'll be returning anytime soon.
Heavy traffic and little to do--yep, that about sums up what I would imagine a trip to Jakarta to be like. It's funny--I love big cities in general, but in Southeast Asia, I'm all about the smaller cities and natural attractions (okay, and Bangkok). I am dying to visit Indonesia, but without a family event drawing me there, I think I'll take your advice and skip Jakarta!
You're not missing out Kate! I try to be positive about a city, but wanted to be truthful about my experience in Jakarta too.
Jakarta is in my bucket list, Sure this post will be great help for the people who step there first. Great post, and hope you had a memorable time.
Thanks, but that wasn't the sentiment of my post! Thanks for dropping by anyway.
You are right, big cities can be noisy, characterless and crime filled. However, every now and then, you find some gold. For example, many friends told us not to go to Mexico City and it turned out to be one of our best trips.
I think the key is research before you commit. Posts like this are a great way to get more insight. I also love your suggestion to try a stopover. Stopovers are a great way to get a feel of a city without committing to much time. Wherever possible we take 24-48hr stops to break up our long-haul flights with that exact objective. You can also get great deals on flights and accommodations that way.
That's good advice Anthony. Stopover flights are a good way to see something new, and in a short space of time.
Hah! As a cyclist I am proud! The picture of traffic jam and the lonely cyclist is so cool! For sure I am going to rent one if I am in Jakarta.
That's a good idea! You'll definitely beat the traffic.
That's pretty funny. There are many cities out there still coming into their own. With a little bit of investment, and increased tax revenue, I'm sure they'll make the city far more livable in the decades to come.
I hope so too! We can only wait and see...
Thanks for sharing your honest views of Jakarta. It seems like so many posts are feel good ones that this one is a breath of fresh air. It does look like there are some interesting things to do there, but that traffic is the worst. I'll admit, cities with these kinds of traffic issues aren't high on our list for travel.
Thanks Heidi! I don't want to sugar coat something if it's not true.
Thanks for the tip, i will avoid the capitals, the do not go to posts are just as important as the go to ones! Hopefully your next trip will be more fun!
I couldn't agree more! It's important as bloggers to be truthful - even if the truth may be hard to swallow sometimes.
I will be passing through Jakarta next month. This is useful info. I usually don’t love cities either, but one day here on our way to Bali sounds interesting!
You've been warned! I kid, just read my tips, stick to Bluebird taxis, and bring a book to read!
Jakarta was never really on our list of places to visit in Indonesia. But its always a good to have an idea of what to expect from a city when you are going to visit for the first time. Thanks for the post if we ever had to visit will keep in time to visit the old town and the cathedral.
I've never visited Jakarta but I hate heavy traffic. I have to admit, that the photo above with the cars and motorbikes surprised me.
It really can look like that!
Those are great places to see, just plan in advance!
Heyyy I am visiting Bangkok tomorrow and Manila in May I was thinking about Jakarta too but I may head to Kuala Lumpur then! Jakarta sounds so exotic but yes I got your point after one month living in China regarding the traffic! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
You're welcome! I know the traffic is bad in SE Asia, but I couldn't get used to it! Enjoy your travels there.
I was also thinking to visit Jakarta during Bali trip. But the worse traffic didn't permit me to do so. But wish to explore some day. Let's see, hopefully a metro extension will help to reduce the traffic 🙂
I hope so too! There could be some potential there, but not just now!
Not that I had any high expectations from the Indonesian capital but when I went to Bali, I did consider if I should visit another city in Indonesia and Jakarta came to my mind too. But I couldn't make it and felt bad that I had to cut it out of the plan. I don't feel that bad anymore ! Haha. I am so glad I didn't miss much!
Unfortunately you didn't miss anything! It's a real shame as there's plenty of potential. However, the traffic really is that bad, that I can't recommend going right now.
Oh no...a pity your experience wasn't so great. I personally never had Jakarta on my list, but i can believe the traffic there must have been as horrendous as you described. I visited Bali during pea holiday season and we also spent so much time in traffic jams. I hope they do implement better transport too. I think the beaches and islands are best.
Thanks Bee! Yes, it's never great to write about a negative, but I had to be honest about my experience. Bali is far better, and a world away from the traffic and chaos!
Jakarta was never high on my bucket list either and now I know why! I appreciate your honest review since there are so many other places to visit. We have enough terrible traffic in Southern California - I don't need to have to deal with it on vacation!
Thanks Lois! I'm sure there's no-one who enjoys being stuck in traffic, but Jakarta is another category in itself!
it is good you even saw the National Monument (MONAS), the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral. With that much traffic, it would have been so frustrating. The same thing is true of Metro Manila, my hometown!
Thanks Carolina, it was frustrating but still good we managed to see some of Jakarta's sights!
It is very sad that you did not enjoyed much in Jakarta. Traffic jam really look worse. Good you stayed at Dharmawangsa Square which is near to shopping mall and also much green and quiet.
Yes Yukti, unfortunately Jakarta isn't for me, and I won't be returning anytime soon. Our area was better and much greener 🙂
Too bad Jakarta wasn't really upto your expectations. I haven't been to any of the far eastern countries yet, though Cambodia and Philippines are high up in my wishlist! I haven't read much about Jakarta yet, so I really can't comment on weather I want to visit or not!!!
No worries! I don't want to put anyone off, these are purely my comments from my own experience. I don't mind a little chaos, it makes it fun (sometimes)!
I have visited Jakarta many times for work and love the nightlife in the city. I do agree the traffic is terrible, and yes even worse than Manila. I too always use blue bird taxis, if there is a problem they can call every blue bird in the area to drive to your vehicle.
Hi James, we used blue bird too: they were much cheaper, and pretty reliable, even in all the traffic! Thanks for commenting 🙂
I have to admit I have never really been too keen on visiting either. I thought maybe I'd read this and think 'oh wow, now I do want to go'........ Regardless, once you mentioned the traffic I was gone. If it's worse than other parts of Asia then, OMG! No thank you!
Hi Erin, I just want to be honest to other travellers, and I'm definitely not making up the traffic situation. Jakarta has potential, and maybe if they have a train there, it could be better!
Wow it sounds crazy with the traffic, definitely intimidating! Your photos are beautiful though. Nice post!
Thanks Mimi, it wasn't the best experience, but definitely an eye-opener!
Me and my family are planning on visiting Indonesia on our trip starting this September, and after reading this we will defo have to check out Jakarta as there seems like loads to do! However the traffic sounds brutal. Great article.
I wish you and your family all the best of luck there David, it's brutal, but there are some highlights when you finally get to them! Thanks for commenting.
I have a reason to go to Jakarta since my best friend live there. I am planning to visit the city soon and will keep this blog in mine. Thank you for sharing your experience
Good luck out there Swati, especially in the humidity and all the traffic! Will look out for your blog on your experience too.
Many thanks for the kind words Jona, most appreciated!