Planning Your Trip

Indonesia’s capital city is home to almost 10 million people and is both a bustling, sprawling metropolis — it’s the country’s economic and political center — as well as its cultural hub with historic sites, museums and other attractions reflecting the city’s long history of Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and European influences. Here is what to pack to make the most of your visit whether for business or pleasure.

A collection of traveler’s items including a cellphone, laptop, notebook, watch, glasses and more

Business Travel

As a bustling global business center, Jakarta regularly hosts corporate visitors from around the globe, and The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place is conveniently just steps from the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the heart of the financial center.

Men should pack a sleek suit and plan to wear a tie for business meetings. Though with temperatures that regularly hover above 80 and with high humidity, it is recommended to wear breathable natural materials and a lightweight shirt.

Women should bring Western business attire like a skirt suit or pair of slacks and a blouse.

Small gifts are frequently given as a token of respect, so bring a few thoughtful souvenirs from your hometown to bestow upon your business associates.

Sunrise creates an impressive silhouette of Jakarta’s city skyline with skyscrapers and buildings

Exploring the City

Whether taking a break between business meetings or traveling on holiday, there are many artistic, historic and cultural attractions to explore in Jakarta. Pack a few key items to enjoy everything the capital city has to offer.

From its equatorial perch, Jakarta sees high temperatures in the 80s and plentiful sunshine year-round. Bring a pair of sunglasses for touring and a wide-brimmed hat for particularly warm days.

Lightweight clothes are key both to mitigate the heat and to lessen the impact of the consistently high humidity. Focus on light layers in natural fibers like linen and cotton.

Bring a light layer like a cardigan or a scarf both to ward off the chill from air conditioning as well as — for women — to double as a head scarf should you decide to visit the modern Istiqlal Mosque, for example.

Evening Chic

Nightlife is thriving in Jakarta whether you’re looking for lingering conversation at a coffee shop, a formal dinner out or dancing and revelry at one of the many clubs. Whatever your plans, here’s what to bring.

For a more formal dinner, attire should more closely approximate what one might wear to a business meeting — for men, slacks and a collared shirt, and for women, a smart dress.

For social evenings at coffee shops, wear comfortable, relaxed clothes.

Many nightclubs have strict dress codes. For men, this means nice shoes and a polished-looking shirt (leave the tennis shoes or torn jeans at the hotel). For women, wear a skirt or dress and almost always sport a pair of high heels.

Don’t Forget:

January through March is rainy season in Jakarta and monsoons are regular occurrences. Be sure to bring an umbrella and perhaps a rain jacket or poncho.

There is so much to see and do in Jakarta — modern architecture alongside historic cultural treasures; the country’s business center intermingles with world-class museums, dining and shopping. Before your visit, plan a few activities in advance to experience all the capital has to offer.

Spa Appointments

Begin a visit to the hotel’s Spa & Health Club by taking advantage of the relaxing facilities like a whirlpool, sauna, steam rooms and a cold plunge pool. Continue the pampering by reserving massage services like the 90-minute Synchronized Massage or Pacific Traditional Signature Massage; or an Aroma Fusion Facial or Timeless Myoxy Caviar and Pearl facial. For a particular treat, the two-hour Balinese Boreh Ritual or Javanese Royal Rituals are luxurious indulgences.

Dining Reservations

Jakarta offers a vast array of food from across the archipelago, but seafood is always close to the heart of Indonesians. Enjoy locally sourced shellfish at PASOLA Restaurant — book a table close to the window to get a view of Jakarta’s skyline. For a truly spectacular night, arrange for a dinner alfresco to take in the impressive skyscraper views from a private candlelit gazebo while enjoying a special four-course menu with wine pairings and butler service.

Museum Tickets and Cultural Sights

There are many museums and attractions to fill your days while visiting Jakarta. Start with a trip to the Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum, containing examples of everything from sculptures to traditional batik. For those interested in history, the Jakarta Museum of History and the National Museum both house impressive collections of relics from pre-history to present day. Make a point of visiting the National Monument, a marble obelisk topped with a gold flame.

Outdoor Excursions

If you are looking to escape the bustling city, many options are nearby. For children, or the young at heart, spend a day at Ancol Dream Land, a recreational center with an amusement park, a handicraft market and an oceanarium. Or visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a unique park that spans 250 acres and is meant to represent the varied landscape and cultures of Indonesia. For something truly wild, about 90 minutes away is the Taman Safari, a conservation site spanning more than 400 acres and featuring spectacular animals like the komodo dragon, Himalayan black bear, white tiger and more.

Java is only the fourth largest island in Indonesia but houses more than half of the country’s population thanks to the presence of Jakarta, the archipelago’s enormous capital. Situated on Java’s northwest coast, Jakarta hums with 1,500 years’ worth of culture and tradition, well-preserved within its modern, skyscraper-studded skyline. Many treasures are to be found within this magnificent melting pot of a metropolis — from street food worth traveling for to unique museums to high-end shopping. Experience the best of everything with The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place as your luxe home base.

A Culinary Tour

Jakarta is not only the capital of Indonesia but also the epicenter of Indonesian cuisine, a place where you’ll find mouth-watering spicy noodle bowls and vibrant vegetable salads topped with tangy-sweet peanut sauce at seemingly every turn. Plus, as a port town in an island nation, Jakarta’s food scene comes with a heavy dose of international flavor, most prominently from China, Europe and India.

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The Perfect Weekend

Indonesia’s marvelous capital, Jakarta, is a massive melting pot of culture, ethnicity, food and art. In other words, an incredibly fun and lively destination for a weekend getaway. But because of its sheer size and volume of people (and cars), the metropolis can overwhelm even experienced world travelers. Follow this itinerary to take in the best of Jakarta with the least amount of big-city stress.