Mirella Pandjaitan
May 15, 2025
Escape the everyday of Jakarta and dive into a weekend of wonder, where sun-drenched mornings melt into lazy afternoons, and starry skies whisper secrets only the quiet can hear.
Indonesia is a world of wonder at your doorstep. You can discover palm trees fringing picturesque beaches, lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, smouldering volcanoes rising from the sea, ancient temples whispering tales of forgotten kingdoms, and passionate traditions that have stood the test of time.
A weekend getaway is your perfect pause, wrapped in adventure and sprinkled with serenity with your loved ones.
Indonesia has a destination with your name on it—all just a road trip away from Jakarta and minus the airport chaos. Yes, booking a flight isn’t necessary! So, if you have no clue on how to spend your weekend, especially with long weekends rolling in the year, go ahead and venture out with the best Jakarta weekend getaway ideas we’ve prepared.
Time is not an issue—you simply need a little nudge that travelling can be done over a weekend getaway.
Batu Karas, a laid-back surf town
Batu Karas is idyllic for those who prefer their getaways with a side of simplicity and soul. Think gentle waves ideal for beginners, small beachfront cafes, and warm, welcoming locals. It’s the type of place where time slows down and flip-flops are part of the dress code. For a bit of adventure, head to nearby Green Canyon for a jungle-lined river ride that feels like something out of a movie. A little note: Batu Karas is the furthest destination on this list, reaching up to 11 hours by road.
Read also Best Adventure and Outdoor Activities in West Java
Cangkuang Temple, a hidden gem in a lake of legends
Cangkuang Temple is a charming slice of West Java’s spiritual and historical past, and the only surviving Hindu temple in the region, three-and-a-half hours away from Jakarta, either by car or public bus via Garut. Built in the 8th century during the Galuh Kingdom, this modest yet meaningful structure sits on a tiny island in the middle of a serene lake—reachable only by a hand-paddled bamboo raft. The island is home to just six traditional houses, a mosque, heritage graves, and a museum, all preserved in harmony with local customs that have remained unchanged for generations.
Read also Things to Do in Garut
Gunung Gede Pangrango, Java’s twin-peaked wonder
Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, a three-hour drive from Jakarta, is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The park boasts an abundant biodiversity featuring dense rainforests, misty meadows, sulfur springs, and alpine flora. Its twin volcanoes—Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango—offer challenging yet rewarding trails with panoramic sights at the summit. Whether you're trekking to waterfalls or spotting exotic birds, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a gateway to Indonesia’s wild heart.
Gunung Padang, Indonesia’s mysterious megalith
Move over, Giza—Indonesia may be home to the world’s oldest pyramid. Nestled in the misty hills of West Java, Gunung Padang is a megalithic marvel believed to date back as far as 20,000 BC. At first glance, it appears to be a hillside scattered with ancient volcanic stones, but beneath the surface lies a terraced structure that could rewrite history books. The journey from Jakarta leads you through quaint villages and tea plantations before you reach the base, where a short hike takes you to the summit. Up top, you’ll wander through enigmatic stone formations steeped in legend, with panoramic views and a palpable sense of mystery. While the site remains largely under the radar for international tourists, on-site guides (included with your ticket) share fascinating insights into what many believe could be the remnants of a long-lost civilisation.
Krakatau, a volcanic legend reborn
Dare to explore the dramatic legacy of Krakatau, the infamous volcano whose 1883 eruption changed history? Located in the Sunda Strait, this volcanic island chain offers a thrilling blend of geological wonder and natural beauty. Adventurers can hike to the rim of Anak Krakatau (“the child of Krakatau”), where sulfur vents and lava rocks paint a surreal, alien landscape. Many tours also include snorkelling in coral-rich waters or sailing past lava-formed islands that rose from the ocean. Just prepare to embark on a five-to-six-hour journey by road and sea.
Pelabuhan Ratu, a mystical coastal escape
Pelabuhan Ratu is up to four hours by car. This coastal escape charms with its rugged cliffs, black sand beaches, and a touch of mysticism—thanks to the legend of Nyi Roro Kidul, the Queen of the Southern Sea. Beyond the folklore, it’s a haven for seafood lovers, surfers, and nature enthusiasts. You can unwind in natural hot springs at Cisolok, chase waterfalls, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze with a fresh coconut in hand. It’s close enough for a road trip, yet far enough to feel like a true escape.
Tanjung Lesung, seaside luxury with wild side adventures
Tanjung Lesung in Banten is a 15-kilometre stretch of postcard-perfect coastline, merely three to four hours from Jakarta. Lounge on soft sands, dive into coral-rich waters, or paddleboard through calm blue lagoons here. The nearby Ujung Kulon National Park—home to the elusive Javan rhino—offers epic eco-adventures for wildlife lovers. With accommodations ranging from beachfront villas to funky container pods, Tanjung Lesung is the perfect blend of indulgence and exploration.
Turtle Beach, witness nature’s gentle marvel
Pangumbahan Beach in Sukabumi is where you can witness the heartwarming ritual of baby turtles making their way to the sea. This conservation beach is a sanctuary for green sea turtles, and each evening at dusk, hatchlings are gently released onto the sand as they instinctively crawl toward the waves. You can also tour the turtle nursery and observe caretakers unearth newly hatched turtles from the sand. While swimming isn’t ideal due to the powerful waves, the emotional connection to nature here is unmatched.
