Jakarta, a fishing village that evolved into a political and economic center
Located on the island of Java, Jakarta is the political, cultural and economic center of Indonesia. From a small fishing village in the 5th century, Jakarta has now developed into a cosmopolitan city. The city of Jakarta is divided into the Old Town and New Town areas. The Old Town area is characterized by unique landscapes and numerous monuments, many of which have been preserved in the typical European classical style. The New Town area offers a modern atmosphere and is the political and economic center of Jakarta.
Exploring Jakarta
As a huge and densely populated metropolis, Jakarta's contradictions are shown in the modern skyscrapers and limousines that interwine with the slums that lie just a short distance away. It is a mix of complex and intricate cultures, cuisines and histories that form a richly layered place to explored. For an in-depth experience of Indonesian culture in Jakarta, don't miss Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, located on the outskirts of the city. In the center of the park is a giant model of the Indonesian archipelago, divided into multiple zones representing the provinces of Indonesia, such as Central Java and Bali. Inside the park, there are miniatures of traditional buildings, museums, cultural performances and themed pavilions of each province, allowing visitors to experience Indonesia's diverse cultures in a single day.
In Jakarta Pusat (Central Jakarta), many iconic buildings can be found, such as the Monumen Nasional in Independence Square, the neo-Gothic style Jakarta Cathedral, and Masjid Istiqlal, Indonesia's largest mosque, all of which are worth visiting. Jakarta Utara (North Jakarta) offers great entertainment, with the famous Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Sea World Indonesia, the Art Market, a wide choice of comfortable hotels and many culinary delights. Jakarta Barat (West Jakarta) features a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its Old Town (locally known as Kota Tua or Old Batavia), where you can see buildings left behind by the Dutch and experience the European ambiance. You can also see the Museum MACAN in Nusantara, which is the first museum in Indonesia to exhibit modern, contemporary and international works of art.
With relatively low prices, Jakarta offers a number of large shopping centers, such as Mall of Indonesia and Pacific Place, ranging from luxury brands to local handicrafts. In terms of food, Jakarta offers a wide range of Indonesian flavors, including Padang beef (Rendang), fried rice (Nasi goreng), chicken soup (Soto Ayam), satay (Sate), and turmeric rice (Nasi Tumpeng). Also, various popular street food can be enjoyed here, such as Indonesian-style shumai (Siomay), salads (Gado-gado), and many deep-fried snacks (Gorengan), including deep-fried bananas, tofu, and vegetable patties served with sweet chili sauce or satay sauce, an integral part of Indonesia's food culture. Visitors can enjoy a rich variety of Indonesia's famous cuisine here.
The best travel season
Jakarta is warm and humid all year round due to its tropical climate. The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October) when the weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Come to Jakarta to explore the history and culture as well as the charm of the city!
City transportation
Jakarta, with its population of over ten million, often grapples with severe traffic congestion. It is advisable to make use of the public transportation system, such as the Transjakarta, which has dedicated bus lanes, covers a wide area and offers low fares. There is also an MRT system that started in 2019, making it easy and fast to reach the city center and major attractions. Moreover, major taxi apps such as Grab, GoJek, and Uber offer cars and motorcycles services, which allow you to get to your destination more quickly during traffic congestion. If you need to travel to West Java for business, you can take Indonesia's first high-speed rail, the Whoosh or KCJB, from Jakarta to Bandung, with an estimated travel time of about 46 minutes.
Search for flights with STARLUX Airlines to plan a trip to Jakarta, and enjoy a safe and high-quality flight experience that will stay with you for a lifetime!
FAQ
When can I fly to Jakarta with a lower fare?
You can plan your trip by taking the reference of the lowest fares found by travelers within the latest 48 hours. Log in as a COSMILE member at the time of ticket purchase to earn mileage upon completing your flight.
How many flights does Starlux fly to and from Jakarta every week?
STARLUX Airlines offers flights to and from Jakarta. You can check the detailed flight dates and information via timetable.
How to get from the airport to downtown?
The most convenient way to avoid traffic congestion is to take the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link, which takes about 46 minutes to reach the downtown area and allows you to transfer to a long-distance train to reach other cities. If you have enough time, taking a cab or using a taxi app is another straightforward option. Alternatively, Damri, the airport shuttle bus, offers a number of routes to the downtown area, with cheap fares and frequent operations, while Primajasa, the long-distance bus, can take you to cities such as Bandung, Bogor, and Bekasi.
