Very short trip to Jakarta - how to make the most of it?

We%26#39;re planning a trip to Indonesia in the begining of May and intend to spend two days in Jakarta. Actually, more like one and a half days - we arrive in Jakarta from Lombok on Friday morning and leave on a late night flight on Saturday. So that leaves us with Friday afternoon and evening and almost all of Saturday (we only have to be at the airport at about 9 P.M.).

With so little time, can anyone suggest how to make the most of our trip? we%26#39;re mainly interested in sightseeing, although doing a bit of shopping would be good, but it%26#39;s not top priority (I%26#39;m thinking of maybe doing the shopping on Friday evening, after seeing some sights).

So what are the must-see, must-visit places in Jakarta that will help us get an idea of what the city is like?

Also, could you please give some suggestions on what hotel to stay at. Our whole trip will be pretty low budget, so we%26#39;re prepared to splurge in Jakarta on a nice 5 or 4 star hotel. Saying that, I%26#39;d still preffer not to spena more than 100 euro a night, so that leaves out the Shangri-la, Hyatt, etc. The main thing we%26#39;re concerned about hotel-wise is the location. It should be close enough to main attractions so that getting there by taxi won%26#39;t take too long (I%26#39;ve heard that the traffic is terrible). Also, I%26#39;d like to stay somewhere that%26#39;s walking distance to a mall, places to eat, etc. (although as far as I understand Jakarta isn%26#39;t very pedestrian friendly, is it?). We were thinking about staying in the Sultan hotel, as thare are great rates for it on asiarooms. But I%26#39;m concerned about the location. Or maybe the Crowne plaza, as the reviews on tripadvisor for this hotel are pretty good. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Very short trip to Jakarta - how to make the most of it?

Hello,

First of all I would like to comment about the hotel.

The Sultan and Crowne Plaza are actually not too far from each other. However, despite its 5 star status, The Sultan is somewhat lack in standard and inconsistent service (especially after the management left Hilton Group UK). Crowne Plaza is also quite laid back.

Other hotel you can consider is Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta (4 star). The location is quite strategic, close to night crowd as well as some shopping malls.

For sightseeing, you can read these articles first, tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294229-s1/…20Do

You can pick up which attraction that attracts you the most. You will have an option to either do it on your own or join a city tour. How many of you are in a group?

Very short trip to Jakarta - how to make the most of it?

Thank you for your reply. I%26#39;ll see what rates I can find for the Pan Pacific, as it does seem to be a good option, thanks.

There are two of us travelling. I have thought about joining a group tour, but we usually preffer to explore on our own, at our one pace. What I want to see most (from what I%26#39;ve read about Jakarta) is the National monument, as it%26#39;s probably Jakarta%26#39;s most famous landmark, and Old Batavia. I%26#39;m also considering Taman mini Indonesia or Ancol park.

Is one afternoon enough for the National monument and surrounding area and Old Batavia? Maybe we could do them both on Friday afternoon, then do some shopping on Friday evening, and on Saturday morning we could go to mini Indonesia or Ancol. It%26#39;s just hard for me to plan, as I have no idea about distances, how much time each sight takes, etc. Are mini Indonesia and Ancol actually worth a visit? And if we only have time for one of them - which one would you recommend?

Have you read what I%26#39;ve written in the travellers articles of Jakarta (the link I give you previously)? Then you can decide which one is more attractive to you, Ancol or Taman Mini (Miniature Park).

Can I suggest you with a trip itinerary?

Day 1 (Friday)

Afternoon (what time? after lunch?)

If you can finish hotel check-in just around 1 or 2PM, then you can visit National Monument/Monas (take taxi from hotel, ask to drop you off at the entrance of the tower, not the entrance of the square, as you%26#39;ll need to walk quite far and no pedestrian awnings available). Spend some time from the observatory and see some dioramas in the museum underneath the building. Then go to Old Batavia complex (Museums open til around 4/5PM). You can take some photos of you with the old buildings from Dutch colonial era. Having some high tea at Cafe Batavia (see for green awnings opposite Jakarta History Museum)-- although the price is not that cheap, but the nostalgic feelings can somewhat cure.

At night, if you stay at Pan Pacific, you can enjoy night stroll along the busy street besides and behind the hotel. Quite a lot of eateries there (also shop for souvenirs at Sarinah department store). Alternatively, you can go to Plaza Indonesia or Grand Indonesia shopping town, upscale malls with lots of chic cafes, bars, and Hard Rock Cafe (at Plaza Indonesia).

Day 2

Morning-Afternoon

You can spend the day at either Monas or Taman Mini (depends on your preference).

Early evening - you can spend the time for last minute shopping or get refreshed.

Some tips:

1. Prepare at least 2,5 hours from the hotel to the airport. Check-in counters close 45mins before departure time. Although traffic on Saturday is lighter, but we never know. depart from the city at 6.30PM or 7PM is okay for 9PM flight (more convenient if you can check in online).

2. Every passenger going out from Jakarta airport need to pay airport tax Rp150,000/person for international bound flights. This is payable at airline check-in counter. So remember to spare Rp300,000 (for the two of you for this purpose).

3. You can catch taxi easily from hotel lobby (each 3-5 star hotels have its own taxi rank). Taxi can also be hailed easily from the road side.