Solo Journey Jakarta
Varieties of Lady concerning the Globe – Cultural, Historical past, Nature GatG
Jakarta won’t be the primary place that springs to thoughts for a solo journey, however this vibrant, sprawling capital is certainly price a go to, particularly if you’re travelling to Bali because it’s only a quick flight away.
It has colonial allure and historical traditions and there are actions for each type of solo traveller. I hung out solo in Jakarta and share my ideas and recommendation under. Uncover what to do in Jakarta alone together with what to do within the evenings, how one can get round and advisable locations to remain for solos!
Is Jakarta Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?
On the whole, Jakarta is pretty protected, particularly in central and southern areas. Most locals are heat, respectful, and genuinely interested in foreigners, particularly in the event you’re a lady travelling alone. You might hear a pleasant “Hiya, Mister!” from children, as there does not appear to be a gender distinction in Indonesia.
Jakarta is definitely reachable from Bali and an important multi-stop vacation if you wish to discover extra of Indonesia away from the seaside vibes of Bali. As with every large metropolis you continue to want to remain alert in the event you’re solo.
Keep away from East Jakarta in the event you’re alone, particularly after darkish. It’s much less developed and extra conservative, so it’s possible you’ll really feel misplaced and expertise some stares.
Solely take out what you want with you and go away any valuables in your lodging. Keep away from sporting costly jewelry, and don’t wander into quiet streets at night time. Keep the place the opposite vacationers and locals are.
The zebra crossings do not appear to essentially work as locals simply stroll into visitors and make eye contact with drivers. It’s a bit daunting at first, however simply cross when the locals do and you will quickly get used to it.
Solo Journey Ideas for Jakarta
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Use Seize (the native Uber) for comfort and security. It is very easy to make use of.
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Gown modestly, particularly when visiting spiritual websites. Lengthy trousers or a skirt and coated shoulders are your finest wager. In case you go to the mosque, they provide you an abaya to put on that is included in your entry price.
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Keep away from consuming faucet water, bottled water is in all places and is affordable however I like to recommend taking a water filter bottle with you (I take advantage of this one!)
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Carry money, particularly for native markets. ATMs are broadly out there however will not be all the time dependable, so change some forex and have some with you simply in case.
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Be conscious of the air. They are saying that Jakarta is among the world’s most polluted cities however I did not discover it that unhealthy (Kathmandu is way worse). However if you wish to keep away from any air pollution, a masks or scarf might help in the event you discover it uncomfortable outdoors after some time.
- Take an umbrella. It is excellent for wet season and in addition retains the solar off you through the warmth too.
Issues To Do in Jakarta for Solo Feminine Travellers
Jakarta actually stunned me. It is a vibrant metropolis with many alternative areas and I could not imagine that I hadn’t visited earlier than!
It is not a metropolis that’s actually listed for a solo journey but it surely has a mixture of fascinating historical past, cultural points of interest, and is ideal for exploring solo. Whether or not you’re into tradition, native life, or simply people-watching, listed below are my favorite issues to do in Jakarta for solo feminine travellers.
Nationwide Monument (Monas)
That is town’s most iconic landmark (it appears to be like like a large torch particularly at night time). On a transparent day you possibly can head to the highest for panoramic views or simply stroll round Merdeka Sq. under. On the base you may discover a small however informative museum on Indonesia’s battle for independence. It’s an important intro to the nation’s proud historical past.
Istiqlal Mosque
I liked this mosque. It is some of the stunning ones that I’ve seen in Indonesia. This colossal mosque can match as much as 200,000 worshippers and is fantastically designed, with marbled flooring and cooling fountains. I joined their guided tour to find out about its symbolism and learnt that the variety of domes, pillars, and steps all characterize vital Islamic dates.
They offer you a gown to put on and in the event you’re fortunate it’s possible you’ll even get to bang the gong! (the man taking the tour is a tremendous photographer too!) * This was included on my half-day tour
Jakarta Cathedral
Proper throughout from the mosque, this neo-Gothic magnificence represents the spiritual concord Indonesia strives for. Step inside and also you’ll be struck by the peaceable environment and complicated stained-glass home windows. There’s additionally a small museum upstairs in the event you fancy a browse.
Discover Jakarta’s Previous City: Kota Tua
The Previous City is considered one of my favorite areas right here. You are feeling as if you’re stepping again in time amongst Dutch colonial buildings, horse-drawn carts, and quirky museums. It does not even really feel such as you’re in Indonesia.
The Fatahillah Square is on the coronary heart of the Previous City with meals carts and avenue performers. For a vacationer second, you can lease a brightly colored ‘onthel’ bike (full with matching hat!) and cycle across the sq..
See The Conventional Puppets at Museum Wayang
This hidden gem in Kota Tua showcases Indonesia’s shadow puppetry custom and also you get to satisfy the craftsmen who promote their puppets. There’s an eerie allure to it, particularly with puppets from throughout Asia. In case you’re round on a Sunday, catch a dwell efficiency with haunting music and intelligent storytelling.
I liked this place and spent ages right here on my tour. In case you can, do what I did and purchase a puppet to take dwelling as the cash helps help the museum and the craftsmen. * I visited the museum on this tour
Dine at Cafe Batavia
While you want a espresso cease or some lunch, this colonial jazz cafe is the proper solo lunch. It is proper within the Previous City so you possibly can sit close to the window and simply individuals watch. This famous cafe is among the oldest and is filled with vintage mirrors, with an old-world allure and you will be following within the footsteps of the well-known individuals who have been right here earlier than.
You possibly can see their pictures on the wall as you stroll up the steps. * I dined here with others from my half-day tour!
See Sunda Kelapa Port
Do you know Jakarta is definitely sinking? A trip to Sunda Kelapa Port actually brings this to life. Components of town sit simply two centimetres above sea degree, and once you see the sandbags lining the world, it’s a little bit of an eye-opener.
This historic harbour is the place the Portuguese first landed again in 1527, and it nonetheless buzzes with exercise right this moment. Large wood schooners, often known as pinisi, dock right here similar to they did centuries in the past, with porters hauling large masses by hand.
Examine The Water Ranges
Not removed from the port, in Jakarta’s Previous City (Kota Tua), there’s a small however highly effective monument that reveals the rise in sea ranges over time. It’s straightforward to overlook until somebody factors it out, however standing in entrance of it actually places issues into perspective, particularly understanding how susceptible town is to flooding.
You’ll cross by means of a few of Jakarta’s poorer neighbourhoods on the best way, so it’s finest to go to throughout daylight, ideally with a local guide who can share extra concerning the space’s historical past and the challenges it faces right this moment.
See The View From The Highest Library within the World
I do know {that a} library perhaps is not essentially the most thrilling of locations to go to however this one is a bit particular because it’s the best on this planet! The National Library of Indonesia has 24 flooring and in the event you head to the highest flooring you get beautiful views over town and the Nationwide Monument.
The library is free to enter and inside you may discover corners displaying Indonesia’s conventional paintings and cultural heritage in addition to spacious studying and dealing areas (it’s a library!)
Go Buying at Grand Indonesia & Plaza Indonesia
In case you fancy a little bit of procuring, Indonesian-style, these smooth malls are modern-day escapes from the warmth and visitors. You’ll discover every part from native designers to worldwide outlets similar to Zara, plus rooftop eateries and impartial cafes. Best in the event you want a breather or a little bit of retail remedy.
Or go to Sarinah Mall which is a little more native and historic. Sarinah was the primary ever mall in Indonesia! It’s been revamped and now has a pleasant mixture of Indonesian manufacturers, crafts, and locations to eat.
Style The Native Delicacies
A good way to satisfy others once you’re solo is to go on a meals tour. It is a really perfect strategy to spend a night and in addition to dine with firm too! Plus you get an opportunity to style the road meals from native distributors. * I recommend this food tour
Or you possibly can head to Glodok, which is Jakarta’s Chinatown earlier than it winds down early afternoon for some recent Chinese language meals.
As with many locations in Asia, the basic-looking canteen-style eating places are generally the very best. Do not let the plastic chairs put you off as these ‘warungs’ do nice meals! If the locals are consuming there, then you already know it is going to be good.
What I really like concerning the metropolis is that Jakarta has a thriving espresso scene. Cafes similar to Titik Temu, Giyanti Espresso Roastery, and One Fifteenth Espresso provide single-origin brews, cosy vibes, and funky native crowds. They’re nice spots for journalling, studying, or simply reflecting in your journey over a flat white.
What To Do in Jakarta at Night time
Simply since you’re alone, do not let that cease you from exploring town at night time. It is not actually the place to get together but it surely there are some nice locations to take pleasure in a drink with a great view or dwell music. You do should be a bit cautious at night time too. Order a Seize taxi to and out of your vacation spot and persist with well-lit areas. If someplace does not really feel proper then simply belief your intuition and discover someplace that has a nicer vibe.
Central Jakarta has the very best collection of rooftop bars, dwell music venues, and worldwide eating places.
SKYE Bar sits on the 56th flooring of the BCA Tower and affords a panoramic view of town. Because the solar units and the lights begin to twinkle, it’s fairly magical. It is the proper place to sip a cocktail whereas absorbing the excitement round you.
Eden Rooftop Bar on the Park Royal Resort is certainly definitely worth the view. Perched on the ninetieth flooring (yep, ninetieth!), it’s the best rooftop in Indonesia. I like to recommend coming right here for golden hour views. It’s an important spot to deal with your self to one thing a bit particular and also you get the prospect to decorate up too.
For a spot that is extra low-key, Cafe California is a small native venue with a heat, relaxed vibe. It’s a type of locations the place you possibly can sit again with a drink, take heed to dwell acoustic music, and never really feel misplaced as a solo traveller.
Jakarta is cut up into East Jakarta, West Jakarta, North Jakarta and Central Jakarta. The town is actually unfold out and if you’re attempting to get wherever throughout rush hour then it’s a good suggestion to remain close to the sights. Listed below are my suggestions for various areas to remain in.
Menteng in Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat) is one of many metropolis’s most elegant and historic areas, with tree-lined streets, colonial structure, and a mixture of embassies and authorities buildings. It is very walkable by Jakarta requirements and near main landmarks like Monas (the Nationwide Monument).
Thamrin sits in Central Jakarta, proper on the coronary heart of town. Sudirman stretches into South Jakarta and is a part of the principle enterprise district (CBD). The MRT runs alongside this hall, making it tremendous handy. Each are glorious bases for first-time guests who need fashionable comforts and straightforward transport.
Kemang in South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan) is thought for its boho vibe, with a lot of cafes, indie outlets, artwork areas, and a powerful expat presence. It’s extra laid-back and residential in comparison with the high-rises of Sudirman, however the visitors can get hectic on weekends.
Jakarta has a wide range of lodging from 3 star to five star worldwide inns. In case you’re visiting right here on a price range, you may additionally discover hostels the place you possibly can keep in dorm rooms to maintain the prices down. In case you’re not sure the place to remain, under are advisable lodging for solos together with the place I stayed! * Click here for all other accommodation in Jakarta
After staying in Timor Leste, the lodging right here was such good worth! Suppose skyscrapers, a pool, gymnasium, restaurant. So when my airport switch pulled as much as this resort, I used to be so so completely happy! My room was large. There was a big pool and gymnasium, and three eating places. You possibly can even select your personal espresso on the espresso bar. The breakfast buffet was the biggest choice I’ve ever seen in all of my travels. And the employees went above and past to make sure my keep was superb. Tip – ensure you ask for a bathe and do not go for the nook rooms which have tub tubs. * Check prices & availability: Merlynn Park Hotel
This 4-star resort is an efficient location, only a 17 minute stroll to the Nationwide Monument. The resort has a stunning environment and the employees all through the resort are actually pleasant. There is a pool, gymnasium and a laundry room and every room has a piece desk in case you want to work throughout your keep (or simply plan the remainder of the your journey!) Breakfast is included within the worth too. * Check prices & availability: Ashley Tugu Tani Menteng
This 5-star resort is actually inexpensive. It’s just one km from the prepare station and near the unique shopping center with avenue meals simply strolling distance away. There’s a spa, magnificence salon and a 24-hour gymnasium in addition to a Japanese restaurant and a delicatessen. Rooms include a metropolis view. * Check prices and availability for Sari Pacific Jakarta
If you wish to deal with your self, this 5-star resort situated within the Previous City is incredible! It’s near the Puppet Museum and Cafe Batavia, and is filled with artwork of historical past. There’s a spa and gymnasium, espresso store, restaurant and a terrace. Every room is soundproofed and has its personal theme with a backyard or metropolis view. You possibly can even take a tour of the situation to study extra concerning the artwork and historical past. It’s positively a singular keep. * Check prices & availability: House of Tugu
I like to recommend getting out of town and exploring extra of the island. Java is actually lush and you may calm down in a pure sizzling spring, style the Lupi espresso or see an lively volcano. This is the day trip that I did that coated all of those locations.
Subang: Generally known as the Pineapple Metropolis, you’ll see a large pineapple statue at a roundabout. Locals say to not eat pineapple too early within the day (it’s believed to upset the abdomen). Sweetness settles on the backside, so pineapples are hung the other way up to let the sugar unfold.
Sari Ater Scorching Springs: Positioned close to Subang, these enjoyable springs are excellent for a day of self-care. Foot massages value round 50,000 IDR (£2.50) and a full physique therapeutic massage is about 100,000 IDR (£5).
Tangkuban Perahu Volcano: This volcano can be included on the day tour. What makes it distinctive is the simple entry as you possibly can attain the crater by automobile and stroll alongside well-maintained paths across the rim. As you stroll up the crater you cross native sellers making wood cups from Batik wooden and different handmade items.
You may as well purchase ginger tea and snacks to maintain you heat because the temperature plummets on the prime. I introduced fridge magnets from right here that have been comprised of the volcanic stone!
Getting Round Jakarta
Relying on the place you’re staying (the Previous City for instance), you might be able to stroll to a couple of the sights however Jakarta is a sprawling metropolis so you will want transport to get round.
I do not advocate hiring a automobile because the visitors might be chaotic. As an alternative, I used the Seize app to name taxis for after I wasn’t on a tour. It is protected, dependable, and cheaper than most taxis.
For brief distances, tuk-tuks (referred to as bajaj) are distinctive to Jakarta and a enjoyable strategy to get round. Simply be certain that to all the time agree on a worth first.
If you wish to take the bus, Jakarta has particular buses only for ladies! These pink buses are a women-only house and have been launched to cut back sexual harassment on public transport. The standard buses are orange buses (that are electrical) however it’s possible you’ll favor to hop on a pink one!
For the trains, Jakarta’s MRT (Mass Speedy Transit) and LRT (Gentle Rail Transit) provide a faster strategy to journey throughout town. Each networks are absolutely air-conditioned, which is good within the metropolis’s tropical local weather. The MRT runs between South and Central Jakarta, whereas the LRT connects the principle areas in East Jakarta. The trains run incessantly, and are nicely sign-posted with bulletins in each Indonesian and English too. Purchase your ticket on the ticket counters or on the machines on the stations.
From the Airport
There are two principal airports in Jakarta. Soekarno-Hatta Worldwide Airport (CGK) and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP). In case you’re flying in from Bali then be certain that to verify which airport you arrive at to your airport switch because the airports are roughly half-hour aside.
Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Worldwide Airport (CGK) is round 40–90 minutes from central Jakarta, relying on visitors. You possibly can both discover the devoted pickup zone for Seize and order a Seize taxi as an alternative of an airport taxi. In case you do take an airport taxi, go to the official taxi rank and keep away from anybody shouting “taxi taxi.” Or take the Airport Rail Hyperlink that drops you at BNI Metropolis station in central Jakarta. * Use Rome2Rio to plan your journey
