Cheap flights to Jakarta, Indonesia from $258

Why visit

Jakarta is Indonesia’s capital city, situated on the northwest coast of the island of Java. Many travellers who take flights to Jakarta will be bound for other parts of Indonesia, and will stick close to the Jalan Jaksa, the backpacker street, for the duration of their stay. Jakarta is not an immediate charmer – its nickname is the Big Durian after all, and one of the kindest meanings is that Jakarta is an acquired taste – but the city has more than enough to engage the visitor for a few days.

This 24-hour city is Indonesia in microcosm – a fusion of Javanese, Indian, Chinese, and Dutch cultures. To take the pulse of the historic city, start at Kota and weave your way through the throng to get to Taman Fatahillah. This square is home to Jakarta’s finest museums – the History Museum, Fine Arts Museum and Puppet Museum.

Merdeka Square is flanked by the important government buildings such as the Presidential Palace (Istana Merdeka) and the Supreme Court. In the centre stands Monas, the national monument. The column, topped by a golden flame, was conceived by Indonesia’s first president Sukarno. A lift whizzes tourists to the top from where there are sumptuous views of Jakarta – smog permitting.

When you have had enough of museums, head to Sunda Kepala and watch some old-fashioned toil. The old harbour has been a gateway for traders and sailors since the 1500s.

The old colonial area of the city can be found to the north. Here, visitors can sample the local Peranakan cuisine, which is the product of Chinese influence on an area once under Dutch control, after getting off their flights to Jakarta.

Those with a hankering for shopping should head south where upscale shopping malls cater for locals and visitors alike while more adventurous types can board a ferry and head out towards Kepulauan Seribu or Thousand Islands, which are actually closer to 100 in number but still worth visiting for a selection of water-based outings including diving and wind surfing.

Jakarta climate

Jakarta has a tropical monsoon climate which is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures throughout the year are generally between 24 and 33 degrees Celsius and humidity levels are high, about 70 per cent during the whole year. The peak and low season is therefore related to the distinct wet and dry seasons. 

Getting around Jakarta

Forget about renting a car to get around Jakarta. The traffic is so busy and the taxis so reasonably priced that you won’t need to think about driving. Choose licensed taxis and make sure the meter is turned on to avoid any disagreements later on.

There are more than 20 bus companies in Jakarta, but buses are busy at all times of the day.

Bajaj are orange, motorised tricycles, akin to the Thai tuk-tuk, with space for two passengers. They’re a popular choice in Jakarta, nimble enough to get through the heavy traffic. Motorcycle taxis are nimbler still. Again, set on a price before you set off.

Getting downtown from the airport

From Soekarno Hatta International, there are a couple of options for getting downtown. The Damry Bus runs from early morning till late evening.

There are official taxis at the airport. There’s a small charge for using the airport taxis – based on the destination. Ensure the meter is on before setting off.

What is good to know if travelling to Jakarta?

• A park with full-scale replicas of traditional Indonesian houses, a cable car and monorail might sound a little tacky, but visiting Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a great way of getting a handle on the vast country of Indonesia. There are museums and a theatre, a lake with a miniature of Indonesia in the centre, gates and gardens, handicraft centre, fishing ponds, hostels and restaurants.