1. National Monument
Without question, the National Monument or Monas (short for Monumen Nasional) is Jakarta’s most recognizable structure. Standing at 132 meters (433 ft) in the center of Merdeka Square, it was built from 1961-1975 to commemorate Indonesia’s struggle for independence from the Dutch empire.

I didn’t realize this until recently, but the monument’s cup and tower structure was designed to resemble a lingga and yoni – two Hindu symbols often shown together to represent male and female energies. Together, they symbolize harmony, balance, fertility and eternal life.

Entrance to the park is free but you’ll need to pay IDR 15,000 to enter the monument itself. This will give you access to the National History Museum and both viewing platforms, including the one at the top which is 115 meters (377 ft) above ground level.

I went to the National Monument on my own but you can also go on this guided tour that takes you to Monas, the Indonesia in Miniature Park, and the Museum of Indonesia.

2. Istiqlal Mosque
Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Like Monas, it was built to commemorate Indonesian independence from the Dutch, with the name istiqlal meaning “independence” in Arabic.

Pictured below is the grand domed prayer hall with its twelve massive stainless steel-covered columns. I wasn’t expecting it but Istiqlal Mosque turned out to be one of my favorite stops in Jakarta. It felt so calm and peaceful here. With more time, I would have loved to just lay down and enjoy the atmosphere.

The mosque is located to the northeast of Merdeka Square so you can go here after visiting the National Monument.

3. Jakarta Cathedral
In a show of religious tolerance and diversity, standing directly in front of Istiqlal Mosque is Jakarta Cathedral. Built in 1901, it’s a Roman Catholic cathedral that serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Jakarta. Indonesia is predominantly Muslim but it does have a Catholic Christian community amounting to about 3% of the country’s population.

The cathedral is literally a stone’s throw away so you can make a quick stop here after visiting Istiqlal Mosque. It’s interesting to see two important structures from two different religions standing so close to each other. I read that former president Soekarno did this on purpose as a show of religious tolerance and unity.

4. National Museum
I was planning on spending a couple of hours here, but after walking to Istiqlal Mosque from Monas under Jakarta’s intense afternoon sun, I didn’t have the drive to walk back.
Also known as the Elephant Museum thanks to the elephant statue in front, the National Museum of Indonesia is regarded as one of the best and most complete museums in the country. There you’ll find over 160,000 objects ranging from ancient artifacts, textiles, statues, and ceramics that tell the story of Indonesia’s territories and its long history.

If I could do this day over, then I’d start here then make my way to Monas before proceeding to Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral. Admission to the museum is just IDR 10,000.
Suggested Length of Visit: 2-3 hours / Admission: IDR 10,000
Photo by Aleksandar Todorovic via Shutterstock

5. Kota Tua (Old Town / Old Batavia)
This was my favorite stop in Jakarta. Kota tua means “old city” and refers to a neighborhood comprising the original downtown area of Jakarta. Here you’ll find Dutch buildings dating back to the 17th century, to the time of the spice trade when this former walled settlement served as the Asian headquarters of the Dutch East India Company. Today, it’s a vibrant area that’s popular with both locals and tourists alike.
Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua), Indonesia

I had fun just walking around Kota Tua and enjoying its atmosphere but there are a few small museums you can visit here as well. There’s a history museum, a fine arts and ceramics museum, an Indonesian wayang puppet museum, and two bank museums.

It’s easy enough to visit Kota Tua on your own but if you’d like to go on a guided tour, then you can book one through Get Your Guide (Option 1 | Option 2).
At the heart of Kota Tua is Fatahillah Square where you’ll find these colorful antique bikes called sepeda ontel. You can rent them for IDR 20,000 and ride them around the square’s open areas for thirty minutes. Each bike comes with a matching floppy hat.