A vibrant melting pot of east, west, and many other cultures, Indonesia’s sprawling capital is best navigated and enjoyed by visitors staying in one of the carefully selected Jakarta Boutique Hotels curated by Secret Retreats. Nicknamed the Big Durian, this cosmopolitan megalopolis can seem overwhelming to begin with, but by choosing the best places to stay in Jakarta visitors will soon discover its charms as one of the most exciting and diverse cities in Asia. Among the skyscrapers is a city crammed with history and culture with a treasure trove of art galleries, museums, coffee shops, markets, green spaces, restaurants, and beyond the concrete jungle soft sandy beaches and tropical islands.
The best boutique hotels in Jakarta are easily accessible by taxi for those landing at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and many of the best places to stay in Jakarta are located in Batavia or the old colonial center of the city. Batavia was the name given to what became the capital city of the Dutch East Indies, and where modern-day Jakarta sits today. Founded by the Dutch in the eighteenth century and centered on the cobblestone square and colonial buildings of the Taman Fatahillah, the area contains not only some of the best Jakarta boutique hotels but also some of the favorite places to enjoy a drink and a meal with both visitors and locals. To the south of Taman Fatahillah is Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, where narrow alleys and winding streets reveal a bounty of Buddhist temples, mysterious shophouses, cafes, and eateries to explore.
Another area popular with Jakarta’s smart set is Merdeka Square (or Independence Square), located in the heart of the city. This grassy parkland is dominated by the impressive National Monument and is a perfect place to escape the bustling streets and mix with the locals. Stepping out of the front door of the best hotels in Jakarta Indonesia and finding your way around the sprawling metropolis can be an intimidating prospect but while on a Secret Retreats Indonesia travel itinerary that has been designed just for you by local travel professionals, we can assure you that we will always set you on the right path to discover and enjoy the best of Jakarta in this surprisingly convivial conurbation.
The best boutique hotels in Jakarta are easily accessible by taxi for those landing at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and many of the best places to stay in Jakarta are located in Batavia or the old colonial center of the city. Batavia was the name given to what became the capital city of the Dutch East Indies, and where modern-day Jakarta sits today. Founded by the Dutch in the eighteenth century and centered on the cobblestone square and colonial buildings of the Taman Fatahillah, the area contains not only some of the best Jakarta boutique hotels but also some of the favorite places to enjoy a drink and a meal with both visitors and locals. To the south of Taman Fatahillah is Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, where narrow alleys and winding streets reveal a bounty of Buddhist temples, mysterious shophouses, cafes, and eateries to explore.
Another area popular with Jakarta’s smart set is Merdeka Square (or Independence Square), located in the heart of the city. This grassy parkland is dominated by the impressive National Monument and is a perfect place to escape the bustling streets and mix with the locals. Stepping out of the front door of the best hotels in Jakarta Indonesia and finding your way around the sprawling metropolis can be an intimidating prospect but while on a Secret Retreats Indonesia travel itinerary that has been designed just for you by local travel professionals, we can assure you that we will always set you on the right path to discover and enjoy the best of Jakarta in this surprisingly convivial conurbation.
Hotels in Jakarta:
Getting Out and About from the Best Hotels in Jakarta Indonesia
As you might expect from Southeast Asia’s largest metropolis, there is plenty to see and do while spending time at the best hotels in Jakarta Indonesia. Although the best places to stay in Jakarta are scattered throughout the city, many of the major tourist attractions are concentrated in the center and in the north of the city. Kota Tua is the perfect place to start for those who enjoy exploring by foot, as a dedicated walking area takes you through the older buildings of Jakarta’s original downtown area. The Dutch-style colonial structures date back to a time when the region was known as ‘The Jewel of Asia’ because of its beauty and importance to the spice trade. Easily accessible to those staying at the best boutique hotels in Jakarta are the dozens of museums spread throughout the metropolis. Kota Tua is home to some of the best, including the Jakarta History Museum which tells the stories of the region from 400 BC to the present day. Museum Bahari is a celebration of the glory days as an internationally important port, and the Museum Wayang is for those who are interested in the magical world of puppetry and puppet theatre.The best boutique hotels in Jakarta provide guests with an oasis of calm, away from the bustle of the busy streets outside. And many visitors may be surprised at first glance to learn that Indonesia’s capital is actually home to nearly 1000 public parks and green spaces. Menteng Park is a large green space in the heart of the city that provides respite from the traffic, and Ragunan Zoological Park is home to the second largest zoo on the planet, a collection that contains all manner of flora and fauna including the majestic orangutan, who are indigenous to Indonesia – the perfect way to see orangutans is in the wild, while your spend supports their conservation, and you can do this on a Secret Retreats cruise.
To the north is Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, which has an aquarium, and in the east of the city is Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a celebration of Indonesia’s diverse cultures and truly fabulous birdlife. Heading south from the best places to stay in Jakarta will take visitors to the National Monument Park and the impressive Presidential Palace. It is here that the mighty Istiqlal Mosque continues its face-off with the equally impressive Jakarta Roman Catholic Cathedral just across the way. Art lovers will enjoy exploring the National Museum and National Gallery on the eastern side of the square.
Itineraries in Indonesia:
MAP OF ASIA
Dive into Indonesian Culture from the Best Places to Stay in Jakarta
You will never be far from a delicious selection of the world’s greatest cuisines when choosing the best places to stay in Jakarta. There are hundreds of places dotted throughout the city serving up a mouthwatering selection of Indonesian specialties and hundreds more offering delicacies from China, Japan, the West and beyond. Most of the best hotels to stay in Jakarta have great restaurants but for the more adventurous foodies, venturing out for some street food is not to be missed in Jakarta. And why not finish off an evening of dining with a spot of karaoke? This is Asia after all where karaoke is a popular night out for young and old alike, and there are plenty of opportunities for a private room in which you, with your family and friends, can sing your hearts out.It is not widely known, but guests enjoying the best hotels in Jakarta Indonesia are staying in an Asian city that attracts some of the world's largest music events. The city is regularly placed on the itinerary of the planet’s biggest music acts and hosts the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival every year where local and international artists come together to celebrate an eclectic mix of jazz, R&B, and reggae. Sports fans will also find plenty to occupy them with most of the best places to stay in Jakarta providing fitness facilities as well as access to sports including golf, football, tennis, and badminton. Although Jakarta may appear to be a crowded, congested, busy megalopolis, scratching below the surface and venturing out the door of the best boutique hotels in Jakarta will quickly reveal a multicultural gold mine of history, culture, and diversity.
Expect the warmest of welcomes from the biggest city in Southeast Asia with arguably the biggest heart when staying in the best hotels in Jakarta Indonesia curated by Secret Retreats for your Indonesia holiday travel itinerary.
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