Morning
When in Jakarta. Start the day with a scrumptious brunch at Maple & Oak in the upscale Menteng district. The cozy space atmosphere paired with modern design is the perfect setting to enjoy their light bites or filling dishes and end the meal on a sweet note with a dessert. From there, head to Giyanti café nearby and have a taste of authentic Indonesian coffee from locally sourced beans.
Midday
Market Stroll. One mile away awaits Jalan Surabaya, Jakarta’s legendary open-air market that sells a delightful hodgepodge of traditional and modern artifacts across the many cultures that have influenced this massive city. If you’re looking for a piece of authentic home décor, from ancient Indonesian tribal masks to Chinese jade dragons, this is your spot.
Bird’s-Eye View. Ride the lift to the top of Monas, the National Monument in the center of Merdeka Square and take in Jakarta from more than 400 feet high. If it’s not a clear day, keep your feet on the ground: Merdeka Square contains multiple national memorials and statues, a fountain and top-notch people watchin
Afternoon
Best Street Food. Jakarta’s widely celebrated street food comes in two types: carts on the road and small, family-run eateries in more-or-less permanent locations. Be sure to visit Jalan Sabang, walking distance from Monas, where you’ll discover an array of carts and tents selling cuisine across the archipelago. The specialty is, of course, gado gado, an Indonesian favorite of lightly steamed vegetables, fried tofu and/or tempeh, and eggs in a sweet peanut sauce. Add lontong (banana leaf-wrapped rice cakes) to round out the dish.
Take a Break. Eastern medicine cites proper digestion and low stress as keys to good health. Keep yourself in prime condition with a detoxifying deep tissue massage at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place. The day spa is a tranquil oasis on the eighth floor, including a soaking tub, sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool.
Evening
A Dinner To Remember. Reserve a table at enchanting Bunga Rampai, where authentic Indonesian cuisine is served in a rustic-yet-elegant setting. The restaurant is one of Jakarta’s hottest venues for traditional Indonesian cuisine. Bunga Rampai’s menu epitomizes Indonesian comfort food, done the right way. They serve an authentic Indonesian fare, with a few Dutch additions to the menu. Housed in a classic Dutch building, walk into Bunga Rampai and you’ll instantly feel its elegant Indonesian charm.
Rooftop Toast. Often, in a city of skyscrapers, the best evenings end with a sky-high nightcap at Skye Bar and Restaurant, 56 floors up on the roof of the BCA Tower. Once it gets late, local DJs spin tunes.