Jakarta, Indonesia’s massive capital, is an exciting amalgamation of dynamic cultures with influences from Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and Europen. Its architecture, food, and people reflect the influences well. The old town, Kuta Tua, is home to Dutch colonial buildings, Glodok (Jakarta’s Chinatown) and the old port of Sunda Kelapa, where traditional wooden schooners dock.While the best time to visit Jakarta is during the dry weather, the beauty of Jakarta is best explored in the winter months, from November to January.  Jakarta in December is often an excellent time to visit as the capital has plenty to offer regarding the country’s modern city. While Bali is a more laid-back approach for a vacation amidst pristine beaches, Jakarta offers much more on the plate, with its uniqueness and a hybrid culture waiting to be explored. Let’s discover the exciting things you can do during your trip to Jakarta in December.

6 Things To Do In Jakarta In December

From marvelling at the intricate architecture and exploring the historical realms of Jakarta, the Indonesian capital is a mix of many cultural influences; let’s find out what exciting things to do in Jakarta in December.

1. Shopping In Menteng

Flea Market Menteng in Jakarta

One of the primary reasons for visiting Jakarta is shopping. You can take advantage of a shopping spree in Jakarta at one of the famous markets called Menteng. Menteng is a flea market famous for various goods, including textiles, handicrafts and artsy items. You can even satiate your cravings by indulging in heavenly food items at the market. The primary market is the Jalan Surabaya Flea Market, which first opened in the 1970s and is known for its antique items. Find a good shop where you’ll find hidden treasures like vinyl records and ornate wood carvings.

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2. Visit Monas 

enjoy panoramic views of Jakarta

The 137-m high monument is a must-vis Jakarta because of its stunning architectural beauty that you can marvel at for hours. Monas Tower is the most famous monument in Jakarta and one of the prime attractions for tourists travelling to Jakarta. It stands tall as a symbol of independence in Indonesia, which was declared in 1945 after years of Dutch colonial rule. Located in Merdeka Square, visiting the Monas Tower involves an insight into Indonesia’s glorious and tumultuous past. Relish the past of Indonesia and make a trip down memory lane at this tourist spot on your visit to Jakarta.

3. Explore Kota Tua

This part of the city is Jakarta’s most historically significant area, also known as Old Town Batavia. Stroll around the area and, soak in the historic vibes of this part of Jakarta, marvel at the intriguing architecture that dates from the Dutch colonial period. Visit the cobbled town central town square, which is the prime attraction of this area—the best way to explore this neighbourhood is by bicycle. Imbibe the cultural art and unwind amidst the relaxed atmosphere of Kota Tua. If you’re tired and need the energy to revive, you can also head to many quirky cafes to refresh yourself and grab a quick bite to satiate your hunger.

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4. Visit The Skye Bar

Beer Drinks

Surrounded by soaring skyscrapers, Skye Bar is a rooftop bar on a 57-story building that gives the best panoramic views of Jakarta in the city. Witness the breathtaking skyline of Jakarta while you sip on a cocktail and indulge in the lip-smacking delicacies of this rooftop bar. It is one of the first things to do in Jakarta in December to get some sunshine on a chilly winter morning.


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5. Explore Glodok (Jakarta’s Chinatown)

best places for street shopping in Jakarta

Get charmed by this bustling market’s narrow winding lanes lined with food carts, temples and hawker stalls. The historic Chinatown of Jakarta is a chaotic and maze-like neighbourhood that attracts thousands of tourists annually. The shops sell everything from electronic gadgets to traditional snacks and souvenirs to take a slice of Jakarta home with you. This is a famous haunt for shoppers and foodies alike; taste unique food items while you shop for pretty trinkets and learn about the history of Chinatown from a shopper or a local.

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6. Visit Ragunan Zoo

Zoo in Jakarta

Ragunan Zoo is home to some Indonesian animals, including Komodo Dragons, orangutans, and various species. The zoo sprawls across 185 hectares of land and includes species from all over the world. It also boasts an array of indigenous flowers and plants, a great haunt for wandering in the wilderness of Indonesia.

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While there are plenty of things to do in Jakarta in December, this list gives you an idea of the best of Jakarta’s city life, which will help you plan your trip to Jakarta in the best way possible. Make sure you add these things and places to your itinerary list, and if you know of any more things to do in or near Jakarta, mention them in the comments below and tell us about your experience!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Jakarta In December

How is the weather in Jakarta during December?

The weather in Jakarta stays hot and humid throughout the year, but it stays at its low seasons between October to May. In Jakarta in December, the temperature stays between 25 to 31-degree Celsius.

Which is the best place to shop in Jakarta?

Menteng is a great shopping destination for everyone who wants to shop in Jakarta. It is a flea market that sells a lot of handicrafts, textiles and artistic items.

How to reach Jakarta from Bali?

One can reach Jakarta from Bali by taking trains, ferries, and buses and it won’t take more than 24 hours to reach there. Suppose you want to achieve it in the shortest time possible. In that case, airways are the best option.

How many days does one need to stay in Jakarta to explore the place?

Jakarta is a complex and exciting place, and you should have at least 4 days of the itinerary to explore the entire city. Less than 4 days are not enough to visit every tourist spot in Jakarta.

What are the best things to purchase in Jakarta?

When you are visiting Jakarta then you should buy batik textiles, wayang puppets, songkok, batik paintings, gamelan, keris and many more. You can also buy local cravings done in stone and wood.

What are some of the best places to visit in Jakarta during December?

Menteng, Monas, Kota Tua, The Skye Bar, Glodok, and Ragunan zoo Assam after notable places that you can visit in Jakarta during December.

Is Jakarta a safe place?

In terms of safety, Jakarta can be regarded as a medium. Also, you should be cautious while travelling and keep local helpline numbers handy.

Is Jakarta an expensive place?

Jakarta is not costly. You can have the best time there with a budget of US $ 200 to US $ 400. Moreover, you will get a lot of selection in terms of food and places.

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Category: Indonesia, Jakarta, Things To Do

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