Want to head to Indonesia’s popular cities but not sure which to conquer first? How about getting Jakarta and Bandung off your bucket list? The two are amazing places to visit in their own ways- Jakarta is jam packed with people, and a hustling and bustling city that never sleeps! Once you’ve experienced this delightful chaos, head over to Bandung to unwind and breathe in cleaner air and look at greener pastures! Let’s go through a quick itinerary you can use to experience them both in just less than a week! ❤️
Day 1: Refuel and Explore the city!
- Welcome to Jakarta! First things first, be sure to get yourself a cuppa’ for your first day out! ? May we recommend you a delightful little Muslim friendly coffee joint called Giyanti Coffee Roastery to start your day?
Address: Jl. Surabaya no.20, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia
Phone: (021) 3192 3698
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9.30am to 5.30pm (Closed Sunday and Mondays)
- Now that that's settled, let’s head off to discover abit more about Jakarta’s must visit places! First on the list is the stunning Jakarta Cathedral, with its Neo-Gothic architecture that’s located directly across Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque!
- Continuing on our ‘culture-soaking’ day, the National Museum of Indonesia is next to visit! Learn all about Indonesia’s rich history, culture and tradition while you’re here!
- Before you leave, be sure to take a picture or two at the National Monument (Monas) nearby, which symbolizes the struggle for Indonesia’s Independence!
- We’re pretty sure you’re itching to cool off and shop by now, so off the Grand Indonesia you go! A huge mall with tons of International brands and eateries that’ll keep you busy for hours!
- When you’re done shopping, it’s time for dinner at the well known Pondok Laguna restaurant for (halal but they do serve beer!) traditional Indonesian seafood! Reservations (and the deep fried gourami) are highly recommended!
Address: Jln. Batu Tulis Raya no. 45, Jakarta 10120, Indonesia
Phone: +62 21 3459991
Day 2: Shop Like a Local!
- After breakfast, spend the morning strolling along Kota Tua, or also known as Jakarta Old Town and relive the days when Indonesia was still colonised by the Europeans! Be sure to bring your cameras for super Instagram worthy shots all around!
- Walk your way to Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Square) and check out the Jakarta History Museum, the Wayang Museum and even the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum if you’re a fan of the arts and culture while you’re there! Visit the lively stalls around for tasty Indonesian snacks and products that’ll keep you entertained along the way! ?
- What trip to Kota Tua would be complete without stopping by the historical Batavia Café for a trip back into the olden days of Dutch colonial and classical dining?
Address: Jalan Pintu Besar Utara No.14 Jakarta Kota Jakarta Barat, DKI Jakarta 11230, Indonesia
Phone: +62 21 691 5531/ +62 21 691 5534
Opening Hours: 8am-12am Mon-Thurs/ 8am-1am Fridays/ 7am-12am Sun/Public Holiday
- Skip the malls and check out Jalan Surabaya Flea Market right after for some fascinating local antiques and products you’d never imagine finding! Oh, and be sure to bargain like theres no tomorrow! ?
- Not a fan of antiques? Don’t fret! Skip the heat and visit the humongous Mangga Dua to find everything from a morning market to fashionable clothings at ITC Mangga Dua to electronics at Harco Mas Mangga Dua as it is the biggest wholesale centre in Jakarta! You can literally shop til you drop! ?
Day 3: Continue shopping, because why not? ?
- Your first stop for the day is Tanah Abang Textile Market for some of the best local shopping experiences (and maybe one of the most hectic, don’t say we didn’t warn you! ?) you could get in Jakarta! You’ll spend hours here looking through fabrics, Muslim wear and other types of goods as it is known to be the largest textile market in South East Asia! Wear comfortable shoes!!
- After your very interesting morning, head off to Bale Lombok for some delicious traditional dishes from Bali and Lombok!
Address: Jalan Tanah Abang II No. 103, Gambir, RT.1/RW.1, Cideng, Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10150, Indonesia
Phone: +62 21 3520677
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm
- After fuelling up, head over to Thamrin City Shopping Mall for a more relaxed atmosphere in comparison to the hustle and bustle of Tanah Abang earlier today! If you didn’t manage to grab a lot of textiles and clothing there, don’t fret!
- Thamrin City Shopping Mall is a less crowded version of Tanah Abang and features tons of Muslim wear, textiles and batik, souvenirs and also special Pasar Tasik stores!
- After a full day of shopping, have a great dinner and pack up as tomorrow we're leaving Jakarta and heading off to beautiful Bandung! ?
Day 4 – Jakarta to Bandung
Goodbye Jakarta, hello Bandung!
- Good morning! We hope you had a good nights rest as your travel time to Bandung from Jakarta will take approximately 2-4 hours depending on your mode of travel!
- Most people suggest taking a scenic train ride to Bandung from Jakarta, so if you’re a lover of scenery- this might be the best option for you!
- You can get more information here on tickets and other travel info.
Credit: @vinaross23 on Instagram
- After checking in and resting up for a bit, your Bandung adventure awaits! Breathe in the fresh air and relax as you’re surrounded by lesser crowds and cooler air as compared to busy Jakarta!
- Check out artsy Braga Street and be transported back to the colonial era as you stroll along its many cafes, vintage buildings and simply take in its charming atmosphere.
- Check out the traditional musical performance at Saung Angklung Udjo - a one stop cultural workshop that features a wooden puppet show (Wayang Golek), traditional dance and music and interactive sessions where guests can join in on the fun during the performances!
Credit: @didits446 on Instagram
- Before sunset comes, hire a private car (or drive up, if you’re adventurous!) to Moko Hill (Bukit Moko) for stunningly picturesque views of Bandung! Be sure to pack a jacket as it is cold up there (and of course, as it is the highest peak in Bandung)!
Day 5 – The Paris of Java
Credit: @tsalsafira on Instagram
- Rise early, as you’re off to the famous Kawah Putih, an extremely beautiful turquoise lake that fills a dormant volcano crater! Be sure to bring masks or buy one there as the smell of the sulphur is very strong!
Credit: @agusm123 on Instagram
- Next stop is Rancabali Tea Estate, just a couple minutes away from Kawah Putih! Enjoy the gorgeous greenery and sip a cup or two of local Rancabali tea while you relax and soak in the views
- Spend the rest of the day at Dusun Bambu, an eco-tourism spot that is simply breathtaking with fun activities to do and fancy eats to fill your tummy! Best yet, take lots of pictures and enjoy sustainable living while you’re here (and away, of course)!
- Head to Kampung Daun for dinner with a view! Noted for it’s truly romantic and relaxing ambience amidst local music and dancing, you’ll be able to experience Indonesian culture at its best right here!
Day 6 – Shop Til You Drop!
Credit: @uzeerputeh on Instagram
- Bandung is famous for its factory outlets, which makes it an absolute haven for shoppers! So before you head home, make sure to visit these few FO’s and pick up everything you can! (But be weary of fakes, so keep an eye out when you shop!)
- First off, head to Rumah Mode as you can find everything from branded goods from Ralph Lauren and Armani (to name a few), clothing, shoes and other things as well! It’s often crowded here as it is the most famous FO in Bandung!
Credit: @ediewu83 on Instagram
- Next is Heritage Factory Outlet, well known for its old colonial façade outside! A good selection of clothes can be found here, along with a café for you to rest at after shopping!
- Head on over to Cihampelas Street (also known as Jeans Street) where you can find superheroes featured on every shop! Things aren’t of the best of quality here, but they’re certainly cheap!
Credit: @wey.akhdiat.appel on Instagram
- Cool off and spend the rest of your day at Cihampelas Walk Shopping Mall right after for more shopping and eateries!
And that’s about it for a truly fulfilling trip out to Jakarta and Bandung in only 6 days! We hope that this itinerary would be made useful to you, and that you’ll have a truly wonderful time exploring the unique places and experiencing the amazing culture that makes Indonesia special?
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