Where you can find the best views in Jakarta
Indonesia's capital city Jakarta is hustle and bustle but if you know where to go it is a city full of beauty that will leave you in awe.
- September 2018
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Indonesian capital? These scenic city spots will do the trick.
1. Dining in the Clouds
Perched on the 56th floor of chic complex, The Plaza, The Altitude Grill opens in new window is the perfect spot for a quality meal with a view. Smack bang in the centre of the CBD, the restaurant overlooks the skyscraper-peppered skyline, as well as the iconic Monumen Bundaran HI (Hotel Indonesia Roundabout) and the national heritage-listed Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, which dates back to 1962. To make the most of the experience, reserve a table near one of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
2. Down History Lane
Located in Kota Tua or Old Town, Fatahillah Square is the go-to destination for a taste of Indonesia’s colonial history. The administrative centre of the Dutch in the 18th century, which was recently nominated for UNESCO heritage status, is lined with stately old buildings that house museums and cafes. The 0.73ha area is home to the Jakarta History Museum located in the former City Hall that dates back to 1710 and the Wayang Museum, which features a huge collection of puppets from around the archipelago. Also housed in a charming colonial building, Café Batavia opens in new window serves drinks and light meals amid opulent surroundings and walls lined with historic photographs.
3. Indonesia in a Nutshell
Located on the outskirts of the city, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, or Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park, makes a perfect getaway from the hubbub of Jakarta. The 101ha park features the cultures of the archipelago’s provinces in pavilions that reflect different styles of architecture, and also display clothing and artefacts from the respective regions. Other attractions include a lake with a miniature of the archipelago at its centre, cable cars, museums, and gardens that showcase orchids, medicinal herbs and cacti.
4. Rooftop Vista
Set on the fifth floor of the Kemang Icon by Alila hotel, the trendy rooftop restaurant and bar Edge offers a view of the city’s skyline, stretching from the hip area of Kemang to the skyscrapers in the CBD. Complete with a 16m-long infinity pool, a sunbathing terrace and a series of cabanas, the minimalist space is perfect for indulging in a sundowner or a meal (the restaurant specialises in both Indonesia and international food). The Edge Bistro hosts regular music events, including some with the best DJs in the city.
5. Bird's-Eye View
Jakarta’s most famous landmark, the National Monument, or Monas for short, is one of the best spots in the city to enjoy sweeping views of the whole metropolis, right up to the Java Sea in the north and Salak mountain in the south. The 132m-tall obelisk is topped by a 13m flame covered in golden foil which is just above the observation platform. To top off the experience, visitors can take a stroll through the surrounding 74ha Merdeka Square, or Freedom Square, which commemorates Indonesia’s fight for independence and features ponds, foundations and decorative reliefs.