Solo Travel Jakarta
Types of Girl about the Globe – Cultural, History, Nature GatG
Jakarta might not be the first place that springs to mind for a solo trip, but this vibrant, sprawling capital is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are travelling to Bali as it’s just a short flight away.
It has colonial charm and ancient traditions and there are activities for every kind of solo traveller. I spent time solo in Jakarta and share my tips and advice below. Discover what to do in Jakarta alone including what to do in the evenings, how to get around and recommended places to stay for solos!
Is Jakarta Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
In general, Jakarta is fairly safe, especially in central and southern areas. Most locals are warm, respectful, and genuinely curious about foreigners, especially if you’re a woman travelling alone. You may hear a friendly “Hello, Mister!” from kids, as there doesn’t seem to be a gender distinction in Indonesia.
Jakarta is easily reachable from Bali and a great multi-stop holiday if you want to explore more of Indonesia away from the beach vibes of Bali. As with any big city you still need to stay alert if you’re solo.
Avoid East Jakarta if you’re alone, especially after dark. It’s less developed and more conservative, so you may feel out of place and experience some stares.
Only take out what you need with you and leave any valuables in your accommodation. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, and don’t wander into quiet streets at night. Stay where the other tourists and locals are.
The zebra crossings don’t seem to really work as locals just walk into traffic and make eye contact with drivers. It’s a bit daunting at first, but just cross when the locals do and you’ll soon get used to it.
Solo Travel Tips for Jakarta
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Use Grab (the local Uber) for convenience and safety. It’s really easy to use.
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Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Long trousers or a skirt and covered shoulders are your best bet. If you visit the mosque, they give you an abaya to wear that’s included in your entry fee.
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Avoid drinking tap water, bottled water is everywhere and is cheap but I recommend taking a water filter bottle with you (I use this one!)
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Carry cash, especially for local markets. ATMs are widely available but are not always reliable, so change some currency and have some with you just in case.
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Be mindful of the air. They say that Jakarta is one of the world’s most polluted cities but I didn’t find it that bad (Kathmandu is much worse). But if you want to avoid any pollution, a mask or scarf can help if you find it uncomfortable outside after a while.
- Take an umbrella. It’s perfect for rainy season and also keeps the sun off you during the heat too.
Things To Do in Jakarta for Solo Female Travellers
Jakarta really surprised me. It’s a vibrant city with many different areas and I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t visited before!
It’s not a city that is really listed for a solo trip but it has a mix of fascinating history, cultural attractions, and is perfect for exploring solo. Whether you’re into culture, local life, or just people-watching, here are my favourite things to do in Jakarta for solo female travellers.
National Monument (Monas)
This is the city’s most iconic landmark (it looks like a giant torch especially at night). On a clear day you can head to the top for panoramic views or just stroll around Merdeka Square below. At the base you’ll find a small but informative museum on Indonesia’s fight for independence. It’s a great intro to the country’s proud history.
Istiqlal Mosque
I loved this mosque. It’s one of the most beautiful ones that I have seen in Indonesia. This colossal mosque can fit up to 200,000 worshippers and is beautifully designed, with marbled floors and cooling fountains. I joined their guided tour to learn about its symbolism and learnt that the number of domes, pillars, and steps all represent significant Islamic dates.
They give you a robe to wear and if you’re lucky you may even get to bang the gong! (the guy taking the tour is an amazing photographer too!) * This was included on my half-day tour
Jakarta Cathedral
Right across from the mosque, this neo-Gothic beauty represents the religious harmony Indonesia strives for. Step inside and you’ll be struck by the peaceful atmosphere and intricate stained-glass windows. There’s also a small museum upstairs if you fancy a browse.
Explore Jakarta’s Old Town: Kota Tua
The Old Town is one of my favourite areas here. You feel as though you are stepping back in time among Dutch colonial buildings, horse-drawn carts, and quirky museums. It doesn’t even feel like you’re in Indonesia.
The Fatahillah Square is at the heart of the Old Town with food carts and street performers. For a tourist moment, you can rent a brightly coloured ‘onthel’ bike (complete with matching hat!) and cycle around the square.
See The Traditional Puppets at Museum Wayang
This hidden gem in Kota Tua showcases Indonesia’s shadow puppetry tradition and you get to meet the craftsmen who sell their puppets. There’s an eerie charm to it, especially with puppets from across Asia. If you’re around on a Sunday, catch a live performance with haunting music and clever storytelling.
I loved this place and spent ages here on my tour. If you can, do what I did and buy a puppet to take home as the money helps support the museum and the craftsmen. * I visited the museum on this tour
Dine at Cafe Batavia
When you need a coffee stop or some lunch, this colonial jazz cafe is the perfect solo lunch. It’s right in the Old Town so you can sit near the window and just people watch. This famous cafe is one of the oldest and is full of antique mirrors, with an old-world charm and you’ll be following in the footsteps of the famous people who have been here before.
You can see their photos on the wall as you walk up the stairs. * I dined here with others from my half-day tour!
See Sunda Kelapa Port
Did you know Jakarta is actually sinking? A trip to Sunda Kelapa Port really brings this to life. Parts of the city sit just two centimetres above sea level, and when you see the sandbags lining the area, it’s a bit of an eye-opener.
This historic harbour is where the Portuguese first landed back in 1527, and it still buzzes with activity today. Massive wooden schooners, known as pinisi, dock here just like they did centuries ago, with porters hauling huge loads by hand.
Check The Water Levels
Not far from the port, in Jakarta’s Old Town (Kota Tua), there’s a small but powerful monument that shows the rise in sea levels over time. It’s easy to miss unless someone points it out, but standing in front of it really puts things into perspective, especially knowing how vulnerable the city is to flooding.
You’ll pass through some of Jakarta’s poorer neighbourhoods on the way, so it’s best to visit during daylight hours, ideally with a local guide who can share more about the area’s history and the challenges it faces today.
See The View From The Highest Library in the World
I know that a library maybe isn’t the most exciting of places to visit but this one is a bit special as it’s the highest in the world! The National Library of Indonesia has 24 floors and if you head to the top floor you get stunning views over the city and the National Monument.
The library is free to enter and inside you’ll find corners displaying Indonesia’s traditional artwork and cultural heritage as well as spacious reading and working spaces (it is a library!)
Go Shopping at Grand Indonesia & Plaza Indonesia
If you fancy a bit of shopping, Indonesian-style, these sleek malls are modern-day escapes from the heat and traffic. You’ll find everything from local designers to international shops such as Zara, plus rooftop eateries and independent cafes. Ideal if you need a breather or a bit of retail therapy.
Or visit Sarinah Mall which is a bit more local and historic. Sarinah was the first ever mall in Indonesia! It’s been revamped and now has a nice mix of Indonesian brands, crafts, and places to eat.
Taste The Local Cuisine
A great way to meet others when you’re solo is to go on a food tour. It’s an ideal way to spend an evening and also to dine with company too! Plus you get a chance to taste the street food from local vendors. * I recommend this food tour
Or you can head to Glodok, which is Jakarta’s Chinatown before it winds down early afternoon for some fresh Chinese food.
As with many destinations in Asia, the basic-looking canteen-style restaurants are sometimes the best. Don’t let the plastic chairs put you off as these ‘warungs’ do great food! If the locals are eating there, then you know it’s going to be good.
What I love about the city is that Jakarta has a thriving coffee scene. Cafes such as Titik Temu, Giyanti Coffee Roastery, and One Fifteenth Coffee offer single-origin brews, cosy vibes, and cool local crowds. They’re great spots for journalling, reading, or just reflecting on your trip over a flat white.
What To Do in Jakarta at Night
Just because you’re alone, don’t let that stop you from exploring the city at night. It isn’t really the place to party but it there are some great places to enjoy a drink with a good view or live music. You do need to be a bit cautious at night too. Order a Grab taxi to and from your destination and stick to well-lit areas. If somewhere doesn’t feel right then just trust your instinct and find somewhere that has a nicer vibe.
Central Jakarta has the best selection of rooftop bars, live music venues, and international restaurants.
SKYE Bar sits on the 56th floor of the BCA Tower and offers a panoramic view of the city. As the sun sets and the lights start to twinkle, it’s pretty magical. It’s the perfect place to sip a cocktail while soaking up the buzz around you.
Eden Rooftop Bar at the Park Royal Hotel is definitely worth the view. Perched on the 90th floor (yep, 90th!), it’s the highest rooftop in Indonesia. I recommend coming here for golden hour views. It’s a great spot to treat yourself to something a bit special and you get the chance to dress up too.
For a place that’s more low-key, Cafe California is a small local venue with a warm, relaxed vibe. It’s one of those places where you can sit back with a drink, listen to live acoustic music, and not feel out of place as a solo traveller.
Best Area To Stay in Jakarta
Jakarta is split into East Jakarta, West Jakarta, North Jakarta and Central Jakarta. The city is really spread out and if you are trying to get anywhere during rush hour then it’s a good idea to stay near the sights. Here are my recommendations for different areas to stay in.
Menteng in Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat) is one of the city’s most elegant and historic areas, with tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and a mix of embassies and government buildings. It’s very walkable by Jakarta standards and close to major landmarks like Monas (the National Monument).
Thamrin sits in Central Jakarta, right at the heart of the city. Sudirman stretches into South Jakarta and is part of the main business district (CBD). The MRT runs along this corridor, making it super convenient. Both are excellent bases for first-time visitors who want modern comforts and easy transport.
Kemang in South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan) is known for its boho vibe, with lots of cafes, indie shops, art spaces, and a strong expat presence. It’s more laid-back and residential compared to the high-rises of Sudirman, but the traffic can get hectic on weekends.
Best Hotels in Jakarta For Solos
Jakarta has a variety of accommodation from 3 star to 5 star international hotels. If you’re visiting here on a budget, you’ll also find hostels where you can stay in dorm rooms to keep the costs down. If you’re unsure where to stay, below are recommended accommodation for solos including where I stayed! * Click here for all other accommodation in Jakarta
Merlynn Park Hotel – $$
After staying in Timor Leste, the accommodation here was such good value! Think skyscrapers, a pool, gym, restaurant. So when my airport transfer pulled up to this hotel, I was so so happy! My room was huge. There was a large pool and gym, and three restaurants. You can even choose your own coffee at the coffee bar. The breakfast buffet was the largest selection I have ever seen in all of my travels. And the staff went above and beyond to ensure my stay was amazing. Tip – make sure you ask for a shower and don’t go for the corner rooms that have bath tubs. * Check prices & availability: Merlynn Park Hotel
Ashley Tugu Tani Menteng – $$
This 4-star hotel is a good location, just a 17 minute walk to the National Monument. The hotel has a lovely atmosphere and the staff throughout the hotel are really friendly. There’s a pool, gym and a laundry room and each room has a work desk in case you need to work during your stay (or just plan the rest of the your trip!) Breakfast is included in the price too. * Check prices & availability: Ashley Tugu Tani Menteng
Sari Pacific Jakarta, Autograph Collection – $$
This 5-star hotel is really affordable. It’s only 1 km from the train station and close to the original shopping mall with street food just walking distance away. There’s a spa, beauty salon and a 24-hour gym as well as a Japanese restaurant and a delicatessen. Rooms come with a city view. * Check prices and availability for Sari Pacific Jakarta
House of Tugu – $$$
If you want to treat yourself, this 5-star hotel located in the Old Town is fantastic! It’s close to the Puppet Museum and Cafe Batavia, and is full of art of history. There’s a spa and gym, coffee shop, restaurant and a terrace. Each room is soundproofed and has its own theme with a garden or city view. You can even take a tour of the location to learn more about the art and history. It’s definitely a unique stay. * Check prices & availability: House of Tugu
Jakarta Day Trips
I recommend getting out of the city and exploring more of the island. Java is really lush and you can relax in a natural hot spring, taste the Lupi coffee or see an active volcano. This is the day trip that I did that covered all of these places.
Subang: Known as the Pineapple City, you’ll see a giant pineapple statue at a roundabout. Locals say not to eat pineapple too early in the day (it’s believed to upset the stomach). Sweetness settles at the bottom, so pineapples are hung upside down to let the sugar spread.
Sari Ater Hot Springs: Located near Subang, these relaxing springs are perfect for a day of self-care. Foot massages cost around 50,000 IDR (£2.50) and a full body massage is about 100,000 IDR (£5).
Tangkuban Perahu Volcano: This volcano is also included on the day tour. What makes it unique is the easy access as you can reach the crater by car and walk along well-maintained paths around the rim. As you walk up the crater you pass local sellers making wooden cups from Batik wood and other handmade goods.
You can also buy ginger tea and snacks to keep you warm as the temperature plummets at the top. I brought fridge magnets from here that were made from the volcanic stone!
Getting Around Jakarta
Depending on where you are staying (the Old Town for example), you may be able to walk to a few of the sights but Jakarta is a sprawling city so you will need transport to get around.
I don’t recommend hiring a car as the traffic can be chaotic. Instead, I used the Grab app to call taxis for when I wasn’t on a tour. It’s safe, reliable, and cheaper than most taxis.
For short distances, tuk-tuks (called bajaj) are unique to Jakarta and a fun way to get around. Just make sure to always agree on a price first.
If you want to take the bus, Jakarta has special buses just for women! These pink buses are a women-only space and were introduced to reduce sexual harassment on public transport. The usual buses are orange buses (which are electric) but you may prefer to hop on a pink one!
For the trains, Jakarta’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) offer a quicker way to travel across the city. Both networks are fully air-conditioned, which is ideal in the city’s tropical climate. The MRT runs between South and Central Jakarta, while the LRT connects the main areas in East Jakarta. The trains run frequently, and are well sign-posted with announcements in both Indonesian and English too. Buy your ticket at the ticket counters or at the machines at the stations.
From the Airport
There are two main airports in Jakarta. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP). If you’re flying in from Bali then make sure to check which airport you arrive at for your airport transfer as the airports are approximately 30 minutes apart.
Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is around 40–90 minutes from central Jakarta, depending on traffic. You can either find the dedicated pickup zone for Grab and order a Grab taxi instead of an airport taxi. If you do take an airport taxi, go to the official taxi rank and avoid anyone shouting “taxi taxi.” Or take the Airport Rail Link that drops you at BNI City station in central Jakarta. * Use Rome2Rio to plan your journey
