10 Amazing Free Activities in Jakarta

Car free day activities in Jakarta
Car free day activities in Jakarta | © Fendy Winardi / Flickr
Edira Putri

It’s almost unbelievable what zero rupiahs can get you in Jakarta: heritage tours, fountain shows, and even fine art exhibitions. No matter how much you have in your pocket, these free activities are bound to keep you entertained.

No matter your budget, there is something for everyone in Jakarta. From contemporary street art spotting, to eco-rallies, here are 10 amazing free activities to try in Indonesia’s dynamic capital.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Explore the Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua)

Jakarta’s Old Town neighbourhood is a fascinating collection of remnants from the city’s past. As an important sea port town during the Dutch colonial era, the area is dense with many of the city’s oldest and most historic buildings. All you have to do to enjoy it is walk around and explore the old town area, one charming nook to another. Many of these buildings have been repurposed as museums, although the tickets costs are very cheap. Highlights of Jakarta Old Town you can enjoy for free include Fatahillah Square, Rumah Akar, and the Sunda Kelapa harbour.

Fatahillah Square, Jakarta Old Town

Kota Tua, Jalan Pintu Besar Utara, RT.7/RW.7, Kota Tua, Pinangsia, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

Stroll around Suropati Park

Suropati Park is tucked in the middle of Jakarta’s concrete jungle, surrounded by elegant buildings of the upscale Menteng residence. The park is a neatly landscaped green area lined with tall shady trees occasionally moved by a natural fresh breeze so rare in the city. Suropati Park has a mix of nature, urban liveliness, and an artistic vibe. Six ASEAN monuments are on display, dozens of doves are making this park their home, and you can occasionally find groups or individuals practising their musical instruments under the trees.

Suropati Park│

Suropati Park, Jalan Taman Suropati, RT.5/RW.5, Menteng, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

Appreciate lively street art at Kalijodo

The colourful murals on the walls seem to perfectly wash over the neighbourhood’s dark past as a notorious spot for prostitution and illegal gambling. Now, the area has taken a much more innocent turn, with green areas, skate parks, childrens’ rides, and vibrant street art. You can play, walk around, take pictures, and just generally have fun the locals’ way. Once in a while, this area also hosts various events such as music shows or educational programmes for children.

Street art at Kalijodo, Jakarta

RPTRA Kalijodo, RT.4/RW.5, Angke, North Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

Visit the National Gallery

Despite housing many of the nation’s most monumental and prestigious artworks, tourists can enter the National Gallery of Indonesia free of charge. As one of the most prominent art and culture spaces in Jakarta, the gallery has more than 1,700 items in its collection. The space is organised to reflect the nation’s different eras and movements, contextually showcasing works from legendary artists such as Raden Saleh and Affandi to emerging contemporary artists. The gallery also hosts various temporary exhibitions in addition to the permanent collection.

Galery National Of Indonesia, Jalan Medan Merdeka Timur, RT.6/RW.1, Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia, +62 21 34833954

Explore Jakarta’s Chinatown

One of the best way to enjoy Jakarta’s lively and peculiar Chinese-Indonesian culture is on foot, around the corners of Glodok Chinatown area. This part of town has a strong oriental atmosphere, signified by the architecture, people, businesses, and, most prominently, ornate temples and shrines. The Chinatown is also home to many of the city’s oldest and legendary vendors, from restaurants to barbershops.

Jin de Yuan Temple in Glodok, Jakarta

Glodok, West Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

Experience car-free day

What started as an environmental initiative has become a well-loved tradition and lifestyle for Jakartans. Every Sunday morning, hundreds of people take to the streets of Sudirman and Thamrin; walking, running, or cycling through the usually jam-packed business district. The festivity occasionally includes public or corporate events, entertainment performances, marches, and other programmes.

Car free day activities in Jakarta

Visit historical houses of worship

A true testament to the nation’s diversity, the Gambir area of Jakarta is home to historical houses of worship from different religions. It’s where a neo-gothic cathedral sits across a post-independent grand mosque, and just around the corner is an old colonial Protestant church. These religious buildings are also heritage sites that you can visit for free or for very little cost.

The majestic Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta

Ride the TransJakarta bus

OK, riding the bus is not free but at less than 30 cents, a ticket costs a mere pittance. The integrated bus lines can take you virtually anywhere in the city. Be sure to try Line 1, that will take you from the Old Town of Jakarta through the presidential palace complex and the National Monument and through the dynamic business district, with its tall offices and mega-malls. Riding the spacious, air-conditioned bus is a convenient way to sight-see around the city in the sticky tropical weather and beat the traffic.

Transjakarta stop│

Tour the Pasar Baru market

Exploring a market can be fun even if you don’t have money to burn – especially if the market doubles as a cultural and historical attraction. Also known as Jakarta’s Little India, many of this market’s vendors are of Indian descent, and still keep their traditions and customs, which have mixed with the local culture. The market is packed with stores, restaurants and food stalls. The unique mix of old buildings and lively market scene create a wonderful atmosphere to experience even if you’re not coming home with a mountain of shopping bags.

Pasar Baru│© Everyone Sinks Starco / Flickr

Pasar Baru, Jalan Gereja Ayam, RT.1/RW.3, Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

Watch the fountain show at National Monument

The Merdeka Square in Central Jakarta is not only home to the impressive National Monument. It is in itself a popular spot for exercise or simply hanging out with the view of the monument, surrounded by verdant parks. Every weekend, the square gets even more lively with a spectacular fountain show, complete with dramatic lights and music.

Monumen Nasional, Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

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