Where to stay and what to do in Jakarta—a holiday travel guide
Where to go and what to see
Have you been looking into spending your holidays in Jakarta? We’ve got you covered with our travel guide, from where to stay to where to go.
There are many places I’ve been meaning to visit around Southeast Asia, and Jakarta has been at the top of my list for a while. Not only is it culturally rich, but it’s also home to Rich Brian, of whom I am a very big fan. So, to quench my wanderlust and tickle my travel bone, I booked a five-day trip to the city to really immerse myself in all it had to offer.
Ahead, find out how I spent my (work) week in the city, and what I think was definitely worth a visit.
Luxury living
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Where you stay can make or break your experience, so my best advice for anyone looking to visit Jakarta is to pick the right accommodation. For me, that was the St. Regis—it ticked every box and struck the perfect balance between comfort and convenience.
The hotel is infused with a quintessentially Indonesian flair, from the kitschy local trinkets displayed throughout the hotel’s facade to the thoughtful details of its stunning interiors. No joke—when I first pulled up to the hotel, I gasped because it was so gorgeous. The gasping then continued from the lobby, through the check-in process and past the point when I opened the doors to the incredible Caroline Astor Suite I would be staying in.
Said gasping promptly turned into a squeal of pure euphoria when I was informed that I would have the signature St. Regis Butler at my disposal during my stay—a service I definitely took advantage of as much as possible. Who knew you could ask for a body pillow at 2am or a fresh glass of orange juice at regular one-hour intervals?
Honestly, I could have spent the whole trip exploring just the hotel—and I almost did! Whatever I wanted was at my fingertips. If I fancied a swim, the pool was just downstairs. If I wanted to work out, the fitness centre was open 24/7 (and it came with a personal trainer and elective classes). If I needed some TLC, the spa was waiting for me. In the end, I’m glad I did eventually venture past the front door of the St. Regis, but there was a lot to keep me happy within its opulent walls.
A little bit of culture, a little bit of glam
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Remember when I said where you stay is important? Luxuries aside, location is everything. Jakarta’s traffic is notoriously heinous, so if you want to maximise your quality time in the city, you’ll want to stay close to all the attractions. The St. Regis is located in Jakarta’s Golden Triangle District, meaning the hotel is just steps away from the city’s biggest shopping centres and a short drive away from tourist attractions like the Monas Tower monument and the Jakarta History (Fatahillah) Museum.
The classic tourist route was a great deal of fun and super interesting, but I think the cultural highlight of my trip was getting to learn the art of batik directly from Iwan Tirta’s in-house artisans. For the unfamiliar, Iwan Tirta is one of Indonesia’s most celebrated batik artists, having created a catalogue of over 10,000 original batik designs in his lifetime that have each been turned into a wearable piece of Indonesian heritage. I had the pleasure of watching the brand’s latest Mahitala Private Collection make it down the runway at the St. Regis’ Maisonette Social Space—a privilege I’m not likely to forget any time soon.
Food, food and more food
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It goes without saying, but the food scene in Jakarta was one of the biggest highlights of my visit. I had a little bit of everything during my stay, from brunch bites to nasi padang to fancy steak dinners, and the variety kept my palate thoroughly entertained. Better yet, I never really had to go too far to get a great meal. For instance, Garuda—which I’m told is one of Jakarta’s most famous nasi padang spots—was within a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Maple and Oak, a wonderful brunch spot I noshed at, was within a 10-minute drive. That said, most of the best meals I enjoyed actually came from inside the St. Regis itself.
Bel Étage is where I had breakfast every morning, enjoying the delectable breakfast buffet spread of local and Western delights, as well as mouth-watering morning specials like pancake stacks and salmon bagels. What more, from lunch through to closing, the restaurant put authentic Indonesian cuisine on the menu—spicy and steeped in flavour.
The Rosé Gourmand Deli had me gawking in awe at its appetising sandwiches, cheeses, and pastries, while the lobby’s Drawing Room stuffed me full of its luxurious afternoon tea delights. PS: If you sit at the hotel’s lobby from 6pm, you’ll be able to watch the Sound of Light installation and observe the art of sabrage (and the art of complimentary champagne) on Fridays and Saturdays.
My favourite of all the eateries in the hotel, however, was the New York-inspired J.J.A. restaurant. Serving up locally sourced ingredients in the context of contemporary cuisine, the five-course meal I had here was immaculate.
Nightlife galore
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The final part of this guide is arguably the most important: where to party in Jakarta. For those in search of live music and a great atmosphere, the St. Regis Bar (located just under J.J.A.) is a fabulous spot to perch. If not, heading out to the Senayan area will have you met with countless bars and clubs to hop between. And, if you want to really keep the party going, karaoke in Jakarta is top tier—take it from me, a veteran.
All in all, if you’re putting Jakarta on your must-visit list for the holidays or the new year, make sure to tick off at least some of these must-sees while you’re there. Happy travelling!
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