Jakarta — Indonesia's Megacity
Jakarta is with over 30 million inhabitants (metropolitan area) one of the largest metropolitan regions in the world — and one of the least visited capitals in Asia. Most tourists fly directly on to Yogyakarta or Bali. A mistake, because Jakarta has a raw, unfiltered energy that is addictive.
The Old Town Kota Tua (Old Batavia) with its Dutch colonial buildings tells of the VOC past. The Fatahillah Museum in the old town hall and the Wayang Museum (shadow puppet theater) are worthwhile. The Monas (National Monument) — a 132-meter-high obelisk with a golden flame — towers over Merdeka Square and offers a panoramic view over the endless city.
For street food fans, Jakarta is paradise: Pecenongan in the Chinatown district of Glodok transforms into an endless street food mile in the evening. Nasi Uduk (coconut rice), Soto Betawi (beef soup), and Kerak Telor (crispy egg rice omelet) are Jakarta specialties you won't find anywhere else.
The modern districts Menteng, Kemang, and SCBD show the other Jakarta: trendy cafés, rooftop bars, galleries, and an emerging creative scene. The Istiqlal Mosque — the largest mosque in Southeast Asia — stands directly opposite the Cathedral: a symbol of Indonesia's religious tolerance.
💡 Tipp
Jakarta has a notoriously bad traffic — the worst congestion in Asia. Use only the MRT (new, clean, fast), the TransJakarta bus (dedicated lanes!), or GrabBike. During rush hour, a 10 km car ride can take two hours. 1–2 days are enough for Jakarta, then continue to Yogyakarta.
