Jakarta, Indonesia’s massive capital, is an interesting amalgamation of dynamic cultures with influences from Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and Europen. The influences can be reflected well in its architecture, food, and people. 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, but the beauty of Jakarta is best explored in the winter months from November to January.
Jakarta in December is often a good time to visit as the capital has plenty to offer in terms of the modern city of the country. While Bali is a more laid back approach for a vacation amidst pristine beaches, Jakarta offers a lot more on the plate with its own uniqueness and a hybrid culture waiting to be explored. Let’s find out what are the exciting things you can do while on your trip to Jakarta in December.
6 Things To Do In Jakarta In December
From marveling at the intricate architecture and exploring the historic realms of Jakarta, the Indonesian capital is a mix of many cultural influences, let’s us find out what are the exciting things to do in Jakarta in December.
1. Shopping In Menteng
One of the main purposes of visiting Jakarta is shopping, you can go on a shopping spree in Jakarta and take advantage of this at one of the famous markets called Menteng. Menteng is a flea market that is famous for a wide range of goods including textiles, handicrafts and artsy items. You can even satiate your cravings by indulging in heavenly food items available at the market. The main market is called the Jalan Surabaya Flea market which was first opened in the 1970s and is known for antique items. Find yourself a good shop where you’ll find some hidden treasures like vinyl records and ornate wood carvings.
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2. Visit Monas
The 137-m high monument is a must-visit in Jakarta because if it’s 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, a visit to the Monas Tower involves an insight into the glorious and tumultuous past of Indonesia. 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 the most historically significant area of Jakarta that also goes by the name of 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 happens to be the prime attraction of this area. The best way to explore this neighbourhood on bicycles. Imbibe the cultural art and unwind amidst the relaxed atmosphere of Kota Tua. If you’re feeling 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 pangs.
4. Visit The Skye Bar
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 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)
Get charmed by narrow winding lanes of this bustling market that are 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 every year. The shops sell everything from electronic gadgets to traditional snacks and souvenirs to take a slice of Jakarta back 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.
6. Visit Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo is home to some of the Indonesian animals including Komodo Dragons and orangutans along with a wide variety of species. The zoo sprawls across 185 hectares of land and includes species from all across the world. It also boasts an array of indigenous flowers and plants, a great haunt to wander in the wilderness of Indonesia.
While there are plenty of things to do in Jakarta in December, this list gives you an idea of the best of the city life of Jakarta that will help you in planning 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 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. If you want to reach in the shortest traveling time, airways are the best option.
How many days does one need to stay in Jakarta to explore the place?
Jakarta is a complex and interesting place and you should have at least 4 days of the itinerary to explore the entire city. Less than 4 days is 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 purchase batik textiles, wayang puppets, congklak, 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 traveling, and make sure to keep local helpline numbers handy.
Is Jakarta an expensive place?
Jakarta is not an expensive place at all. With a budget of US $ 200 to US $ 400, you can have the best time there. Moreover, you will get a lot of selection in terms of food and places.
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Being an army kid, Yashasvi has had a fair share of traveling around the country and collecting erratic experiences in her little adventure jar. Choosing to follow her heart and combining her passion into a full-time job, she has been writing blogs about travel, lifestyle, and food for 2 years.
