Where to Go to in Jakarta for 48 Hours

Ever felt like going out of the country but you only have the weekends free? If you think 48 hrs. is too short to travel and experience a lot of things, then, think again. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours is going to show you that you can experience a lot in only 2 days. Our destination to review: Jakarta, Indonesia.

First Day

On your first day of tour, you may want to check in first in a nearby hotel. After freshening up, Jakarta hotels mostly offer great views from the balcony but to really experience the place, we suggest you head out.

For a little peek in the city, Monas, a 132-obelisk at the center of Medan Merdeka, topped by a golden flame is one of the most famous to go to. Since this is a popular place though, you may want to keep your wallets in close range. A lot of fraudsters are in the lookout for tourists’ valuables.

Wander through the charming residential lanes south of Kebon Sirih to an alley which is known as the Culinary Centre, but is actually a row of foodstalls and folding tables that offer cheap, freshly cooked food from across the region.

Historic city of Kota is also a place to see which is also to Jakarta Bay so it can give you a fresh stroll of both modern and old city. The well-to-do suburbs, Menteng and Kuningan, sit just to the south of the city centre while trendy Kemang and Blok M, further south and south west respectively, offer an array of bars, clubs and restaurants. We also recommend experience riding Bajaj (motor-rickshaws) and ojek (motorbike taxis).

Second day

Take a brunch on the Social House and meet other expatriates. From Plaza Indonesia, head east into upmarket Menteng, which has wide, tree-lined streets and a smattering of small parks. Find delicately-cut shadow puppets, carved wooden masks and an array of chandeliers, silks and metalwork miscellany at the antiques market along the length of Jalan Surabaya, a five-minute walk away. Prices vary considerably according to quality, condition and your haggling prowess – aim for half the initial price.

Another place to visit is the dark-domed Immanuel Church and if you are visiting on a Sunday, you may get a chance to experience a grand service. The church might be faded but its grandeur says more. After that, you may want to experience snorkeling or just ferry riding. Thousand Islands have silver beaches and clear water that's perfect for that kind of sport.