The Perfect Weekend
Our Itineraries:
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.
Day
1
MORNING
- Fresh Start.
Start the day with a peaceful stroll through Taman Suropati park, taking in the beauty of the surrounding greenery.
MIDDAY
- Beautiful Indonesia.
Get acquainted with this island nation’s history at Monas, a national monument to commemorate the fight for independence. You’ll find a National History Museum at the bottom of the monument displaying scenes from a pre-historic Indonesia.
AFTERNOON
- Grand Cinematic.
The XXI Cinema in Plaza Senayan elevates the experience of watching movies in its premiere section with spacious reclining chairs, blanket, and a butler to deliver snacks right to your seat.
- Afternoon Pick Me Up.
As a nation rich in spices and agriculture marvels, the local coffee is a must-try. Head back to Senopati, which is home to a variety of coffee shops.
EVENING
- Dinner at Plataran.
For an unforgettable meal, make a reservation at Plataran, Dharmawangsa, which serves refined Indonesian and Asian-inspired cuisine. With a design that resembles a traditional royal Javanese compound, the space overlooks an old-fashioned style garden.
- Night Life Scene.
Popular with ex-pats, foreign correspondents and visiting dignitaries, the Dragonfly is a Jakarta hot-spot. Enjoy the relaxed lounge vibes in the evening, or come later and watch as the space transforms to a dance club.
Day
2
MORNING
- Go Carless.
Wake up early and enjoy a brisk walk or jog during Jakarta’s Car-Free Day in the Sudirman and Thamrin areas. From 6 to 11 a.m., vehicles are barred from the area, with the exception of the TransJakarta bus. Enjoy an active morning alongside locals and street entertainers.
- Brunch Time.
Brunch is one delightful Western trend that has found firm footing in Jakarta. Start your day with a decadent Sunday meal at Pacific Restaurant & Lounge, where everything from oysters and scallops to upscale renditions of Jakarta’s famous street food are available.
MIDDAY
- Old-Style Shopping.
The best place to experience Jakarta’s traditional open-air shopping is in the Menteng market on Jalan Surabaya Street. Stalls are packed with all manner of home décor, from many countries and time periods, along with vintage handbags, jewelry and anything else you can fit in a shopping bag.
- Modern-Day Shopping.
Jakarta is known for its megamalls, across all spectrums of shopping, from bargain to luxury. Get a sense for the metropolis’s mall culture at its largest, the 6.9-million-square-foot Grand Indonesia. All the high-end retailers are here, plus favorite brands like H&M and Zara.
AFTERNOON
- A Bite to Eat.
Jakarta’s megamalls are more than just retail. At Grand Indonesia you’ll find 124 restaurants ranging from ice cream shops to local and international chains to one-of-a-kind gourmet kitchens.
- Arts and Crafts.
Stop by Alun-Alun, to browse through a rich collection of traditional and contemporary textiles from around Indonesia, antiques, jewelry, and even souvenirs to bring home to your loved ones.
EVENING
- Farewell Dinner.
Enjoy one last taste of this dynamic city at Tugu Kunstkring. The kitchen is highly regarded for its exceptional modern Indonesian cuisine, and the lavish interior makes you feel like royalty. The grand building dates to 1914, when it housed the Fine Arts Circle of the Dutch East Indies.