Where to Stay in Jakarta Guide

Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, is a vibrant metropolis combining modern skyscrapers, historic sites, diverse cultures, and lively neighborhoods. When choosing where to stay in Jakarta, factors such as your budget, purpose of visit, interests, and preferred atmosphere will influence your choice. Whether you're a business traveler, a family on vacation, a backpacker seeking adventure, or an expatriate settling in, Jakarta offers a variety of districts to suit your needs.

This guide provides an in-depth overview of Jakarta’s key neighborhoods, recommended accommodations, transportation insights, local attractions, and practical tips to optimize your stay.

Understanding Jakarta’s Districts

Jakarta is divided into several main regions, each with its own character and appeal. Here’s a breakdown:

Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat)

• The political, cultural, and historic heart of the city.
• Home to government buildings, museums, and iconic landmarks.
• Suited for: sightseeing, culture, business travelers.

South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan)

• The most trendy and upscale area.
• Popular among expatriates and wealthy locals.
• Known for nightlife, shopping, and green residential neighborhoods.

North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara)

• Port area with waterfront views.
• Offers recreational spots and access to beaches.
• Ideal for: leisure, waterfront activities, family outings.

West Jakarta (Jakarta Barat)

• Culturally diverse with traditional markets and historic sites.
• Famous for Chinatown and Kota Tua (Old Town).
• Suitable for: history buffs, cultural exploration.

East Jakarta (Jakarta Timur)

• Less touristy, more industrial.
• Good for exploring local markets or visiting suburban attractions.

Read About Discover Jakarta's Top Neighborhoods

Where to Stay in Key Neighborhoods

Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat)

Characteristics: The city’s political and cultural hub, with a mix of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, museums, and government offices.

Jakarta Business Traveler's Guide: Must-Dine, Must-Do & Where to Stay

Why stay here?

• Proximity to major landmarks such as Monas (National Monument), Istiqlal Mosque, and the Presidential Palace.
• Easy access to transportation hubs like Gambir and Tanah Abang Stations.
• Good choices for nightlife and dining options.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta
  A flagship luxury hotel offering world-class service, infinity pool with city views, and easy access to Bundaran HI (the iconic fountain and roundabout). Perfect for luxury travelers and business travelers.
• Mandarin Oriental Jakarta
  Known for its elegant rooms, excellent spa, and fine dining, this hotel provides a sophisticated stay in the city center.
• Ascott Jakarta
  Offering serviced apartments with fully equipped kitchens, ideal for longer stays or travelers who prefer a home-like atmosphere.
• Budget options:
  • Fave Hotel Pasar Baru – Affordable, well-located, ideal for budget-conscious visitors.
  • Amaris Hotel Wahid Hasyim – Central location with good amenities at a reasonable price.

Attractions Nearby:
Kota Tua (Old Town), National Museum, Plaza Indonesia mall, Sarinah Shopping Center, Thamrin City.

South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan)

Characteristics:
A luxurious, cosmopolitan zone with upscale neighborhoods, trendy cafes, and vibrant nightlife.

Why stay here?

• Close to shopping malls such as Pacific Place, Kemang, and Pondok Indah Mall.
• Popular among expats for its modern amenities and green spaces.
• Excellent dining scene with international cuisines.

Hotel Recommendations:

• The Dharmawangsa Jakarta
  A luxurious boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens, perfect for relaxing in style.
• Amaris Hotel Pondok Indah
  Affordable option near Pondok Indah mall, good for budget travelers wanting comfort.
• Budget options:
  • POP! Hotel Kemang – Compact, stylish, budget-friendly in trendy Kemang.

Attractions Nearby:
Kemang nightlife and dining, Poin Mall, Blok M Square, Taman Menteng.

North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara)

Characteristics:
Port and waterfront districts with recreational areas and access to beaches.

Why stay here?

Attractions and Activities in North Jakarta:

• Ancol Dreamland: A major recreational complex that includes Dunia Fantasi (Dufan) theme park, SeaWorld Indonesia, Ocean Eco Park, and Atlantis Water Adventure. It’s perfect for families and thrill-seekers.
• Taman Impian Jaya Ancol: Besides theme parks, this area offers beaches, waterfront dining, and waterfront walks.
• Harbor and port areas: Helpful if you’re arriving by ferry or cruise.

Hotel Recommendations in North Jakarta:

• Putri Duyung Ancol
  A beachfront resort within the Ancol complex, offering direct access to the beach, suitable for families and beach lovers.
• Bersantai Suites Ancol
  A comfortable, mid-range hotel with modern amenities, family-friendly and convenient for visitors exploring Ancol.
• Lancaster Hotel
  Located near the city’s business district, this is a more upscale choice that offers comfort and easy access to North Jakarta attractions.
• Budget options:
  • Ozone Hotel Ancol – Affordable, family-oriented, featuring modern amenities.

Additional Tips:
North Jakarta is generally more recreational and less suited for business travelers or those looking for luxury city-center hotels. It’s best suited if your main focus is leisure and entertainment.

West Jakarta (Jakarta Barat)

Characteristics:
A district rich with cultural diversity, historic sites, and traditional markets. Known for Chinatown (Glodok) and Kota Tua (Old Town), West Jakarta embodies Jakarta’s colonial history.

Why stay here?

• To explore Jakarta’s colonial heritage and historic sites.
• For an authentic experience in bustling markets and Chinatown.
• It offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the busy city center.

Attractions:

• Kota Tua (Old Town): Colonial buildings, museums (Fatahillah Museum), cafés, and the Sunda Kelapa harbor.
• Glodok (Chinatown): A lively area known for markets, traditional food, and shops.
• Mangga Dua: A major shopping district famous for electronics and fashion.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Favehotel Kota Tua
  Affordable, modern, and located conveniently for exploring the old town.
• Aston Kartika Gajah Mada
  Comfortable accommodations with easy access to historic sites and markets.
• Budget options:
  • Ibis Style Jakarta Gajahmada – A reliable budget hotel near Kota Tua.

Practical Tips for West Jakarta:

Stay here if you’re a history enthusiast or want to experience Jakarta’s colonial past. The neighborhood may feel less modern compared to the city center but offers a rich cultural immersion.

East Jakarta (Jakarta Timur)

Characteristics:
Emerging and less tourist-oriented, East Jakarta is more industrial but has some interesting attractions like the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park), which showcases Indonesia’s diverse cultures.

Why stay here?

• Good for exploring suburban attractions.
• Budget-friendly options.
• Convenient for visiting Taman Mini or Cibubur.

Attractions:

• Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: A cultural park displaying traditional architecture, costumes, and crafts from across Indonesia.
• Cibubur: Known for its markets, open spaces, and weekend markets.
• Rawabunga: A popular shopping and community area.

Hotel Recommendations in East Jakarta:

• Grand Cempaka Resort & Convention
  Suitable for families and events, with gardens and swimming pools.
• Favehotel Cibubur
  Economical stay option, suitable for short visits and exploring the area.
• Batiqa Hotel Cibubur
  Modern amenities and comfortable rooms, ideal as a base for exploring eastern attractions.

Best Use:

Choose East Jakarta for access to cultural parks and local markets, especially if you’re interested in experiencing local Indonesian culture and traditions.