Highlights
- Renting a colourful vintage-style bicycle to explore the cobblestone streets of Fatahillah Square in the historic Old Town.
- Taking a lift to the top of the 132m-high National Monument (Monas) for panoramic views of the entire megacity.
- Indulging in a luxury shopping spree at Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia followed by a fancy Sunday buffet brunch.
The Story
Is it just me, or is Jakarta actually the most underrated city in Southeast Asia? I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from the Indonesian capital, but the vibe was absolutely electric and the shopping was literally next level. I stayed in the Menteng area which was so chic and filled with the most aesthetic cafes for my morning matcha fix.
I spent my first day acting like a total tourist in Kota Tua, the old town, where I rented a bright pink bike to cruise around the Dutch colonial buildings in Fatahillah Square—it was giving major vintage vibes! For lunch, I obsessed over the gado-gado and satay from a street stall before heading to the National Museum to see that spooky Shiva sculpture. I even braved the queue for the Monas monument because the view from the golden flame at the top is just iconic for the grid.
Overall, Jakarta was a total dream for a city break and way more affordable than I thought, especially for the luxury you get at the malls like Grand Indonesia. It’s the perfect holiday for anyone who loves a mix of history, high-end fashion, and spicy food. Just a cheeky warning: the traffic is absolute madness, so definitely use the trains or just stay in your hotel spa if it all gets too much!