From Bali to Mount Ijen

This is Kawah Ijen, culminating at 2799 meters (9084 ft) above sea level and renowned for the turquoise lake that its crater shelters. Driving from Bali to Mount Ijen takes 5 hours 30 minutes including the ferry crossing. You can hike during the day to see the turquoise lake and night to see the famous blue flames. Ijen is listed in UNESCO Global Geopark.

Here, unlike Bromo, no accommodation is available in the immediate vicinity. We advise you to take start  in the town of Banyuwangi and find a minibus to drop us off there in the middle of the night to watch the sunrise (more practical details await you at the bottom of the article). The closest accommodations: Banyuwangi (1 hour) or Bondowoso (2 hours).

Mount Ijen Craters. Ijen Crater is one of the mountains that has a beauty that is very suitable as a photographic object. around the crater there are trees that can add to the beauty of the ijen crater. In Ijen Crater, we can also enjoy the blue fire phenomenon at night where there are only 2 of these phenomena in the world and one of them is here in Ijen and and in Dallol mountain, Ethiopia. HarfiBimantara, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The mount Ijen

Kawah Ijen is a volcano located near Bali, east of Java. The crater of this volcano is filled with an acid lake and its heart is a sulfur deposit.

Mount Ijen, known as “Kawah Ijen” in Indonesian, is an active volcano located in the east of the island of Java. It is located in the middle of a breathtaking landscape of volcanic cones and culminates at 2799 meters (9084 ft). Its crater contains a sulphurous lake of turquoise color, considered the most acidic lake in the world and, at night, you can also observe the famous electric blue flames which emanate (emerge) from the crater.

Many travelers travel to the island of Java, by ferry from the port of Gilimanuk in Bali, to do this must-do hike and then continue their journey with the Mount Bromo trek. Follow our guide to find out everything you need to organize your night hike on Mount Ijen, whether on your own or via an agency, you will be amazed.

What is the time difference between Kawah Ijen and Bali?

Bali is 1h ahead of Kawah Ijen. When 3:50 PM in Kawah Ijen, it’s 4:50 PM in Bali.

What time to start the hiking?

If you want to descend into the crater to see the blue flames, you have to get to the top of the volcano before 3am, so you have to leave the hotel at midnight.

If you don’t want to descend into the crater but just enjoy the sunrise over the lake, you can leave the hotel at 3 a.m. to arrive at dawn, which we did.

Make an appointment with your taxi to pick you up at the desired time from your hotel. Plan a little margin ahead…

How to get to the plateau of Mount Ijen?

The Ijen plateau is accessible by the towns of Bondowoso west of Ijen or by the port of Banyuwangi in the far east of Java, the city where you will disembark if you come to Java by ferry from Bali.

Generally, travelers from West or Central Java head to Probolingo Station which provides several daily trips to Banyuwangi. From Banyuwangi, count 1h30 drive to Mount Ijen. Java is also rather well served by direct buses to Bondowoso, or Banyuwangi from Probolingo bus station.

If you come from Bali by ferry and you come to Java to directly climb Mount Ijen, you can also disembark at the port of Ketapang then go by taxi or car to Bondowoso or Banyuwangi which are not very far from the port.

Kawah Ijen volcano and crater lake, Java, seen from Landsat 8 (American Earth observation satellite launched on February 11, 2013). NASA Earth Observatory image by Jesse Allen, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information for going from Bali to Mount Ijen by bus

1. Take the local bus to the port of Gilimanuk in West Bali

In Pemuteran, you will need to catch the local bus on the big main road. There are regular ones, ask at the warungs where the stop is. The journey to the Gilimanuk pier is about thirty kilometers. The bus will drop you off in front of the port. Ask for the ferry to Java and buy your ticket at the cash desk (around IDR 35,000 for a return ticket in 2019, i.e. € 2 per crossing). A paper is to be filled in with surname, first name, nationality etc…

2. Arrival at Ketapang port in Java

At the exit of the ferry in Ketapang, I advise you to move away a little from the pier and to negotiate a bemo or a taxi away from the touts. Fix the price beforehand and don’t be fooled, because the drivers very often try to make detours to inflate the price of the race.

How to get from Banyuwangi to Ijen Volcano?

There are 2 options to see the volcano:

Either you book a tour with the hotel with a driver or a minibus that will take you to the volcano for around €80 per person, but you can just as easily organize everything yourself by taking a taxi to bring you to the level from the Paltuding parking area at the foot of the Kawah Ijen volcano.

We advise you to find it in advance, either on the internet or by negotiating a taxi away from the pier. Few Balinese taxis agree to go to Java, for them it’s the end of the world. It is better to find a taxi on Java by paying attention to scams!

Get your transport info here: Bali Airport PickUp, Drop-Off Service, Excursion, Travel and Transportation Services at Villa Carissa

The taxi ride takes about 30 minutes from Banyuwangi. He will leave you at the parking lot and wait for you. Take note of the location of his car, because when you return, there will be a hundred buses and vehicles parked here. The entrance to the path is well indicated and begins after the wooden hut.

Hike during the day to see the turquoise lake

A crazy view of the turquoise lake of the Ijen volcano and the sulfur extraction mine. Moreover, Kawah Ijen means “green crater” in Indonesian. The fumaroles (solfataras) loaded with hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide will react on contact with oxygen and condense into a bright orange liquid sulfur deposit.

The color of Lake Kawah Ijen comes mainly from two parameters. The first is of course due to its extreme acidity. But the acidity does not entirely explain the magnificent hue of this lake. You also have to add a subtle touch of molten metals to the recipe to get the right combination.

Sunrise over lake in Ijen crater, Jawa, Indonesia. Syselpunk, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An open pit sulfur mine

Going down to the bottom of the crater, you will be able to see the daily life of the miners who venture to the bottom of the crater every day to collect sulfur with their pickaxe. If you ever get tired during your hike, tell yourself that every day, no less than 300 miners descend and ascend the crater 2 to 3 times a day, carrying up to 80kg (176 lbs) of sulfur per person. They load large blocks of sulfur into their two baskets tied with a wooden stick and placed on their shoulders.

The composition of the lake, as follows:

• 1,300,000 tons of aluminum sulphate
• 600,000 tons of hydrochloric acid
• 550,000 tons of sulfuric acid
• 200,000 tons of alumina
• 170,000 tons of iron sulphate
• 140,000 tons of magnesium sulphate
• 120,000 tons of calcium sulphate
• 100,000 tons of potassium sulphate
• 30,000 tons of 99% pure sulfur

Sulfur is 90% used to prepare sulfuric acid, the basic product of the chemical industry, used to make fertilizers and lead-acid batteries, making car batteries, oil refining, water processing, and mineral extraction. Other applications for sulfur-based chemicals include rubber vulcanization, bleaching paper, and product making such as cement, detergents, and pesticides. And some gunpowder too.

Traditional Sulfur Miners at Kawah Ijen. It is heartbreaking to see the miners making their way up from the bottom of the crater, carrying 80-90 kg of sulfur in baskets on their shoulders. Still the experience is definitely worth it and a must see place. Emjeha, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hike at Night to see the blue flames of Mount Ijen

Mount Ijen is best known for its famous blue flames, visible at night. These electric blue flames appear during the combustion of sulfuric gases.

The gases escape from the fissures of the volcano at high pressure and at a temperature of up to 600°C (1112°F). Then, the gases ignite when they come into contact with the air, which creates the famous blue flames which can reach up to 5 meters (6.5 ft) in height.

Blue fire of Kawah Ijen, East Java, Indonesia. Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

These volcanoes that produce blue flames: an unusual case of natural chemiluminescence

At night, the craters of certain volcanoes, such as Dallol in Ethiopia or Kawah Ijen in Indonesia (on the island of Java), offer a grandiose, exceptional and intriguing spectacle: they seem to produce blue lava. In fact, it is the flames above the lava that are azure blue in color.

But where does this blue color come from? It is mainly due to the large amount of sulfur present in the crater. Thus, the sulfur vapors which escape with a temperature of 200°C (392°F) ignite on contact with the air producing blue flames which can sometimes reach up to 5 meters (16.5 ft) in height.

The blue sulfur flames in the Ijen Caldera. Arie Basuki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Descent into the crater to see the blue flames

At this place, we can admire the blue flames, if the conditions allow it (there should not be too much wind). You can wait a few minutes, nothing happens. Then suddenly shows a small formation of blue flames. After 5 minutes, the flame has grown, it’s a real little blue fire that burns!

How to hike to Mount Ijen?

The hike consists of climbing the volcano at night to arrive at the summit an hour before sunrise. Once at the top, while it is still dark, you will descend into the crater to observe the famous blue flames that emerge from it. You will then have to go back up to enjoy a breathtaking view of the crater and the surrounding mountains, and admire the emerald lake at sunrise.

Total hiking time is around 2 hours from Paltuding. The journey continues until you reach the Paltuding Post and you can go to the location by climbing 3 km (1.85 miles) to the edge of the Ijen Crater caldera.

The departure is around 2am from the beginning of the trek. Throughout the ascent, the path is well indicated, wide and without rocks, but the slope is sometimes very steep. You will quickly be out of breath, but since the climb to the summit is no more than 4km, you have plenty of time to take breaks.

The last 30 minutes of the hike (which lasts no more than 2 hours in total) are flat. Finally, the most exhausting part of the hike is the descent to the bottom of the crater, then its ascent before sunrise.

Ijen Volcano at dawn. Ijen Volcano houses the most acidic lake in the world, it is also a source of sulfur, such sulfur creates a chemical reaction that makes the flames in the volcano blue. Jrivera175, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What to bring for the hike?

• A gas mask to protect you from sulfur fumes that sting the nose and eyes and are dangerous for the lungs!
• A flashlight or headlamp because the hike is done at night.
• Warm clothes: sweaters, gloves, hats. It is very cold at the top of the volcano! And possibly a rain poncho, in case of a downpour…
• Good walking shoes (but no need to buy real trekking shoes)
• Something to eat for breakfast (cereal bar, dried fruit…) and at least 1L of water per person, because there is nothing to buy to drink or eat during the ascent.
• If you want to get to the starting point of the trek on your own, you will need a powerful scooter because the slope is steep.

The view of Mount Ijen, Banyuwangi, Indonesia. Hildaniar Novitasari, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Can you climb Mount Ijen without a guide?

Yes ! You can easily climb Mount Ijen without a guide. As explained above, the path is wide and really well indicated. Also, there will be a lot of hikers around you. So you can’t get lost. In reality, the only time the guide can be useful is during the descent and then the ascent of the crater. Indeed, the path to the bottom of the crater is narrow and quite difficult, and can be slippery at times. But go at your own pace and you’ll be fine 🙂

For fares: if you go by yourself to the starting point of the hike from Banyuwangi, count 6,000 IDR for the toll on the road. Then, entrance to Mount Ijen costs IDR 150,000 per person (for tourists) and 10,000 for locals.

Climbing Mount Ijen from Bali with an agency

If you prefer to be taken care of from start to finish, it is possible to go through an agency: Private transport A/R between Bali and Ijen, Ferry crossing, private guide for the ascent.

Ijen Crater Facility

Traveling to Ijen Crater certainly aims to enjoy the natural beauty of Ijen Crater with facilities that are quite complete and in accordance with our tourism needs. Here are some of the facilities in the Ijen Crater tour, including:

• Food stalls
• Toilet
• Parking location
• Mask rental
• Tour guide
• Local taxi
• Sunrise view point
• Blue fire view pont
• Souvenirs

Photo credit (main picture): Ardhanragil (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Must See Places in Indonesia | A Guide to the Country’s Best Attractions to Explore and Discover

Have you booked your villa in Seminyak center (South Bali)?

Located in Seminyak Center – Bali, Villa Carissa offers a private swimming pool and enclosed garden to guarantee your privacy. You can book your private pool villa here with us.

From Bali to Bromo

If Indonesia is studded with volcanoes, Mount Bromo, on Java, offers with its immensity and surreal beauty one of the most incredible natural spectacles in the whole country. The fastest way to go from Bali to Bromo takes 3 hours 30 minutes. First of all you need to take a plane from Bali Airport (DPS) to Surabaya (SUB) around 1 hour, then drive from Surabaya to Bromo Cemoro Lawang (the village closest to Mount Bromo) takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Or you can drive from Bali to Bromo takes 10 hours.

To live new experiences and meet great people. The trip opened our eyes and especially the doors to new worlds. Culminating at 2389 meters above sea level, Mount Bromo is one of the many active volcanoes of Indonesians, located east of the island of Java. This volcano is part of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. Its crater is 200 meters deep and has a diameter of 800 meters.

Mount Bromo has a vast crater (10 km in diameter, the result of the violent volcanic history of the Tengger caldera) seems “pierced” by the often smoking peak of Bromo. Huge plains of ash and volcanic sand stretch to the towering crater cliffs, and the nearby peaks of Kursi and Batok appear as menacing companions to Bromo. The crater is best seen filling the horizon at sunrise. In order to see this admirable scorched-earth landscape, 4×4 excursions depart around 3:30 am from the nearby town of Cemoro Lawang.

Morning atmosphere on Mount Bromo, East Java. Hasiholan Siahaan XIV, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3 Ways to get from Bali to Bromo

By plane and car

Flying is by far the fastest and easiest way to reach Bromo from Bali. The flight from Bali Airport to Surabaya (SUB) takes 1 hour and then drive from Surabaya to Bromo takes 2 hours 30 minutes.

What airline companies run direct flight services from Bali and Bromo?

• Citilink
• Lion Air
• AirAsia
• Garuda

Driving from Bali to Bromo

By car from Bali to Bromo takes 10 hours.

From Surabaya to Bromo

By bus from Bali to Surabaya, then to Cemoro Lawang (the village closest to Mount Bromo)

This is the most used route to get there. To get there from Surabaya, you have to go to the Bungarasih bus terminal (also called Purabaya) and then from there take a bus to Probolinggo. From Probolinggo it is then possible to take a minibus to Cemoro Lawang (the village closest to Mount Bromo).

How to get to Mount Bromo by bus or train?

From Probolinggo: by bus

Probolinggo is the nearest big city to Mount Bromo, located in North Java. You can get to Probolinggo by bus (or train, see below) from Surabaya: go to Bus Terminal Bungurasih the bus station located south of Surabaya to catch a bus that will take you to Probolinggo. The trip is inexpensive (50,000 IDR on average) and takes about 2 hours. You can book a bus ticket on this site

Once you arrive in Probolinggo, you can take a minibus to the village of Cemoro Lawang. The price per person is IDR 35,000 if the bus is full (about 15 seats).

From Surabaya: by train

You can also take the train from Surabaya to Probolinggo and then a minibus from Probolinggo to Cemoro Lawang. The train station in Surabaya to get to Probolinggo is called Surabaya Gudeng, economy class train tickets cost on average IDR 30,000 (yes, it’s cheaper than the bus!) and the trip also takes 2 hours. To book a train ticket, the best site is Tiket.com, a reliable site for booking train tickets, planes and hotels in Indonesia.

In summary, the best way to see the sunrise at Mount Bromo is to do the trip: Surabaya – Probolinggo – Cemoro Lawang 🙂

Crater of Mount Bromo, Java, Indonesia. Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Everything you need to know to organize your hike to Mount Bromo in Java

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a national park located in the east of the island of Java in Indonesia. It is made up of a mountainous region whose highest point is Mount Semeru at 3,676 m, the highest peak in Java. The Tengger Massif and Mount Bromo are part of the park. There are also 4 lakes: Ranu Pani, Ranu Regulo, Ranu Kumbolo and Ranu Darungan, and about fifty rivers.

Read also: Hiking Mount Batur in Bali | Hike to witness the sunrise from the top of the volcano!

Sunrise in the steaming crater of Mount Bromo with stately Mount Semeru imposing in the background. Alec.bernstein, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The preparation to climb Mount Bromo

From the village of Cemoro Lawang: on foot or by jeep

Cemoro Lawang is the village at the foot of Mount Bromo where most visitors come to sleep before climbing to see the sunrise. This village is accessible from Probolinggo and you will easily find hotels or guesthouses there. From Cemoro Lawang, count about 1 hour of walking to go to Mount Bromo, or you can directly rent a jeep in a group (5 to 6 people depending on whether you take a driver) for IDR 400,000.

Departure by jeep and climb

To see the sunrise at Mount Bromo, you leave around 3:30 am from Cemoro Cawang. If you rent a jeep, allow 1 hour to reach the starting point of Mount Bromo. The distance is short but there is a horde of jeeps on the road so it goes really very slowly…

Then the jeep drops you at the starting point and you walk under a beautiful starry sky (if the weather is good) until reach the viewpoint overlooking Mount Bromo and its crater. The ascent on foot is widely accessible even for the less athletic, and takes barely 1 hour (45 minutes to be exact).

Read also: From Bali to Mount Bromo (East Java) Complete Guide to Sunrise Hike + Tips

Arrival at the summit for sunrise

Once you get to the viewpoint, the view is simply spectacular! It is without exaggerating one of the most beautiful landscapes of Java. You can have a local breakfast at the top: banana fritters (pisang goreng) fried with the means at hand right before your eyes, which adds so much charm to this unique experience. And for really nothing: 2,000 IDR each! You can also buy hot or cold drinks.

Descent to the sea of sand then ascent of the smoking crater

A small crossing of the “sand sea” leads me at the foot of the Bromo.

Then you descend and return to the jeep around 6:30 a.m. to see the smoking crater. Again, the scenery is breathtaking. A sea of black sand stretching as far as the eye can see, locals moving from one point to another on their horses, itinerant sellers of bananas, masks, ponchos and souvenirs of all kinds…

To see the crater, you have to take a staircase of about 200 steps, but the ascent is very easy. This is the only downside: there are so many people that you take a break every 2 steps.

Exploring Bromo National Park

Once you arrive at Bromo National Park, there are several activities and attractions to explore:

• Sunrise viewpoint: Watching the sunrise over Mount Bromo is the most popular activity in the area. You can hike up to the viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan to watch the sunrise, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and caldera.
• Bromo Crater: The Bromo Crater is an active volcano that last erupted in 2019, and hiking to the crater offers a unique experience of getting up close to an active volcano.
• Sea of Sand: The area surrounding Bromo is known as the Sea of Sand, a vast expanse of sand that covers the caldera floor, giving the area an otherworldly and surreal feel.
• Other scenic spots: The area around Bromo has several scenic spots, such as the Savanna and
• Whispering Sands, offering stunning views of the mountains and caldera.
• Cultural experiences: The Tenggerese people, who live around Bromo, have their own unique culture and traditions, adding a cultural element to your visit to Bromo National Park.

Tips and Useful information

Is a guide mandatory for Mount Bromo?

No, you do not need a guide at all to climb Mount Bromo. On the other hand, it is strongly recommended to rent a jeep and a driver because the climb to the starting point of Mount Bromo is really long on foot and complicated because you take the same road as all the jeeps. Almost no one does it on foot.

Mount Bromo, East Java, Indonesia. 22Kartika, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What to bring?

• Warm clothes: hat, gloves, sweater… It is really cold at the top, you will be very happy to be covered while waiting for sunrise.
• Torch or headlamp: depending on the tour you take, it will not always be provided so it is better to have your own lamp.
• 1L of water/person and a few snacks: once the sun is up, it is really hot on the sea of sand and above the crater. And apart from pisang goreng and bananas, there is no food on site so don’t forget to bring your own.
• A scarf or something to protect you from the dust: on the sea of sand and going up the crater there is a lot of dust, so if you have a scarf or a cloth to cover your mouth and nose, it can be very practical. Otherwise, they sell pharmacy masks on site.

Tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes for hiking to the summit of Mount Bromo.
• Hire a jeep or a motorcycle for exploring the area, as it can be difficult to navigate the rugged terrain on foot.
• Respect the local culture and traditions, and ask for permission before taking pictures of people.

In conclusion, a visit to Bromo National Park is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed when traveling to Indonesia. With its stunning natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and adventurous activities, Bromo National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Photo credit: Andhika Bayu Nugraha, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have you booked your villa in Seminyak center?

Located in Seminyak Center – Bali, Villa Carissa offers a private swimming pool and enclosed garden to guarantee your privacy. You can book your private pool villa here with us.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, Villa Carissa’s three-bedroom villas offer comfortable and luxurious accommodations in the heart of Seminyak center. With modern amenities and beautiful Balinese design, the bedrooms at Villa Carissa are the perfect place to relax and unwind during your stay in Bali.

From Bali to Jakarta

The direct flight from Bali to Jakarta takes 1 hour 35 minutes and this is the fastest way to go from Bali to Jakarta. Driving from Bali to Jakarta takes 18 hours, this route includes a ferry, using the toll / express way.

To help you visit Jakarta, we have created a complete guide with places to see, activities to do in and around Jakarta. Here is the list of the 20 must-see places to visit in Jakarta. Have you decided to spend a few days in the Indonesian capital but you don’t know what to do in Jakarta?

Jakarta is the Indonesian capital, is located in the North East of the island of Java and has no less than 11 million inhabitants. At the antipodes of Bali, Jakarta still has some nice surprises in store for you and is often a must for travelers from Southeast Asia. Jakarta and Bali being not far apart, this is the perfect opportunity for you to include a visit to the capital in your trip.

All means are possible to reach Jakarta from Bali or vice versa: car, ferry, plane, train. Your choice will be made according to your available time, your budget and your objectives.

From Bali Jakarta by air

The main airport of Jakarta, Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the one operating flights to Bali, the duration of the flight is on average 1 hour 50 minutes, sometimes a little bit less, the airlines offering these flights are:

• Airasia
• Super Air Jet
• TransNusa Airlines
• Batik Air
• Citilink
• Garuda indonesia
• Sriwijaya Air
• Lion Air

Competitive prices

With Airasia which I think is the cheapest, the one-way Bali Jakarta starts at 24€ (airport taxes included) and the round trip at less than 50€! Cheaper than a one-way TGV ticket.

Bali Jakarta by land

You can use a combination of bus, train and ferry or even drive to reach Jakarta from Bali. In the end you will see more landscapes and you will pay slightly less but it will take you much longer.

Bali – Jakarta by Bus

You can book a seat on a bus that will travel all the way from Bali to Jakarta from Denpasar. The companies operating these routes:

• Lorena
• Pahala Kencana

The trip lasts 24 hours, the buses are clean and your ticket includes meals. However, delays are frequent and can be very long. Around 25€ /person.

Bali – Jakarta by Bus and Ferry

Bus from Bali to Yogyakarta: For less than 20€ buses departing from the airport in the evening will take you to Yogyakarta (Ferry passage is included) in about 15 hours.

Train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta: From the station the express train reaches Jakarta in 8 to 10 hours at a cost of around 18€

Menteng, the old history of Jakarta

First of all, Jakarta is a megalopolis which is certainly not the most beautiful place to visit in Indonesia, but it is a very lively city with cultural and historical places to see.

What to do and see in Jakarta?

Jakarta has a population of over 30 million. It is a cosmopolitan city with many cultural mixes with Javanese, Malay, Arab, Indian, Chinese and European influences. But where is Jarkarta? Jakarta is on the northeast coast of the island of Java in Indonesia.

Picture of Jakarta, from top to bottom: panoramic nightview, Jakarta old Town, Bundaran HI, Monas, Jakarta traffic, Istiqlal Mosque. Gunkarta (compilation), source authors listed above (for correct attribution), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit Jakarta: the must-sees

1. National Monument or Monas

Monumen Nasional or national monument in English, is the most famous monument in Indonesia. It’s a bit like the Eiffel Tower to the French. It is a 137 meter high tower located in downtown Jakarta at Merdeka Square.

This monument was erected in memory of the many struggles for Indonesian independence. Its construction took about 14 years and passed through the hands of the first two presidents of the Republic of Indonesia.

At the top of the tower, there is a flame composed entirely of gold. To have access and visit the Monas, the entrance is paying. You will be able to climb to the top of the tower by elevator to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Jakarta and its region. You will find on the ground floor many works retracing the history of Indonesia.

Monumen Nasional is for us a must place to visit in Jakarta.

Jakarta National Monument (Monas Monument). The history of monas begins. After the center of government of the Republic of Indonesia returned to Jakarta after previously being based in Yogyakarta in 1950, following the recognition of the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia by the Dutch government in 1949, President Sukarno began planning the construction of a National Monument which was equivalent to the Eiffel Tower in the field right on in front of Merdeka Palace. The construction of the National Monument Monument aims to commemorate and preserve the struggle of the Indonesian nation during the 1945 independence revolution, so that it continues to inspire and inspire the spirit of patriotism for the next generation of the nation. Herusutimbul, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square literally means “Independence Square” in Indonesian. It is a public square located in the center of Jarkata.

It is the second largest public square in the world with an area of one square kilometer. In the center is the famous Monumen Nasional that we described earlier in this article.

It is a huge must-see place to visit in the city of Jakarta.

2. Old Batavia – Fatihillah Square and Museum

Fatihillah Square or Fatihillah Square is the historical center of the old quarter of Batavia (Old Batavia). This is the center of the old city of Jakarta.

There is the famous Fatihillah Museum which traces the history of Indonesia, the Wayang Museum and the Kota Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics. It is a pedestrian tourist area without any cars.

You can walk around the neighborhood and discover lively places to visit in Jakarta.

Fatahillah Square in Jakarta (view from the Jakarta History Museum‎). Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jakarta History Museum (The Fatahillah Museum)

Jakarta History Museum (Indonesian: Museum Sejarah Jakarta), also known as Fatahillah Museum or Batavia Museum, It is located in Fatahillah Square in Old Jakarta in Kota Tua (Old Town).

The building was built in 1710 and renovated into a museum in 1974. There are rare objects dating from prehistoric times found in the Jakarta region and on the island of Java in Indonesia.

The museum also traces the history of the country’s colonization by the Netherlands until independence in 1945. You can also visit not far from there the Wayang Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts and Kota Ceramics.

Jakarta History Museum at Fatahillah Square. Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0)

3. The Seribu Islands

The Seribu Islands are an archipelago made up of around 100 islands off Jakarta about 45 kilometers away. Known as Kepulauan Seribu, the archipelago is a collection of tropical, paradise-like islands off the coast of Jakarta.

Kepulauan Seribu literally means “thousand islands”. It includes in particular the national marine park of Pulau Seribu. The islands are accessible by boat from Jakarta and promise superb marine expeditions.

Of the total of 110 islands, only 11 are inhabited and the others are either private or still natural and unspoilt. The most famous are: Bidadari Island, Ayer Island, Onrust Island, Tidung Island, Pari Island, Pramuka Island, Sepa Island, Pelangi Island, Macan Island and Putri Island.

There, you can explore the seabed and discover superb paradisiacal beaches. We strongly advise you to do this activity in Jakarta!

North Kepulauan Seribu. An airplane shot of the island chain of Kepulauan Seribu to the north of Jakarta. The picture is centered on the densely populated Kelapa-Harapan Island in the center, the island is linked with a bridge on the east-west direction as well as a pier to the south. To the north of the island is a rectangular shaped Panjang Island, the only island in Kepulauan Seribu which contains a landing strip. Rochelimit, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Kota Tua (Old Town District)

Kota Tua district is part of downtown Jakarta also known as Old Batavia. The district has an area of about 1.3 square kilometers and is located in the northwest of the city of Jakarta.

It is a large district which contains in particular the Chinese district that we advise you to visit in Jakarta.

There are many remarkable and historical places. Unfortunately, time takes its toll and these buildings tend to deteriorate. Only a few have been renovated such as the Wayang Museum or the old post office in Kota Tua (Old Town).

Street atmosphere in the Old Town (Kota Tua) area of Jakarta. Muhammadsyahid, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Here is a list of some places of interest to visit in the Kota Tua district in Jakarta:

• Batavia cafe
• The Jembatan Kota Intan drawbridge
• Gereja Sion Church
• Luar Batang Mosque
• Yuan Jin Temple

Wayang Museum (Traditional Puppet Museum)

The Wayang Museum is located in the old quarter of Kota Tua in downtown Jakarta. It is a museum dedicated to the Indonesian art of Wayang. This art is a game of shadows and puppets.

In this museum, one can observe wood or leather creations that enliven shows. This cultural place is a good way to learn more about the art of wayang, an Indonesian specialty.

Museum Wayang Jakarta. At first the building used by this museum was named De Oude Hollandsche Kerk or Dutch Old Church and it is said that the church was first built in 1640. Then in 1732 it was repaired and changed its name to De Nieuwe Hollandse Kerk or Dutch New Church. This building lasted until 1808 and was destroyed by an earthquake that occurred in the same year. Now at the location of the former ruins, a building was built which is now referred to as the puppet museum building and then its use and designation was inaugurated as a museum on August 13, 1975. Nash ravers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Jakarta

The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Jakarta is located in downtown Jakarta on the island of Java. It is a neo-Gothic style cathedral which was rebuilt in 1901.

It replaces a church built in 1810 but which was destroyed by fire in 1826, collapsed in 1890. It was rebuilt during the Dutch East Indies period.

Its local name is Gereja Santa Maria Diangkat ke Surga. It is a superb building to visit in the center of Jakarta.

The reconstruction of the current building was completed in 1901, during the time of the Dutch East Indies, after a ten-year interruption due to financial difficulties, and inaugurated under the name of De Kerk van Onze Lieve Vrouwe ten Hemelopneming (in Dutch, “Church of our dear lady taken up into heaven”).

Jakarta Neo-Gothic style “The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. One of the most beautiful historical building in Jakarta. Gunawan Kartapranata, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

6. The Great Istiqlal Mosque

The Istiqlal Mosque is located towards the large Merdeka Square in the center of Jakarta in Indonesia. It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

The mosque, located at the northeast corner of the very large Merdeka Square, was built on the site of the former Dutch-built Prins Frederik fort.

It can accommodate more than 110,000 people, which is to say the immensity of the building. Its construction began in 1964 and was completed 20 years later in 1984.

Its hemispherical dome measures 45 meters (147 ft) in diameter. It is one of the must-see places to visit in the city of Jakarta!

Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta. Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

7. Jakarta Art building

The Jakarta arts building is also known as Gedung Kesenian Jakarta. It is a concert hall located in the center of Jakarta.

You can attend concerts or plays in a superb building that dates from the colonial era. The Jakarta arts building has Dutch colonial style architecture.

It is a very beautiful building to visit in central Jakarta, even without attending a show or concert.

Front entrance of Jakarta Art Building (Gedung Kesenian Jakarta). Albertus Aditya, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

8. Pulau Bidadari Island

Pulau Bidadari belongs to the Kepulauan Seribu Archipelago and Marine Park off the coast of Jakarta. It is a beautiful island to visit.

The beaches of Pulau Bidadari are heavenly: white sandbanks and turquoise blue water with beautiful seabed.

Pulau Bidadari or Angel island is one of the islands in Kepulauan Seribu which has attracted many tourists and a haven for tourists who want to explore the thousand islands. Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) are famous for its beautiful islands that were there, including Angel Island. Angel Island is surrounded by many large trees and has a beautiful view. Previously the island is called Pumered Island and Sakit Island, but later changed to Angel Island inspired by islands in Kepulauan Seribu such as Nirvana Island, the Island Princess and other islands that show the name of a matter that relates to heaven or beauty. The island is located between the island of Onrust, Kelor Island, Khayangan Island and Anyer Island, including in the South Thousand Islands sub-districts and Thousand Islands districts. Distance from Marina Ancol to Angel Island is only about 30 minutes by speed boat. Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The island is also covered with mangrove forests which are home to some fairly rare exotic plants such as the tree of peace or ebony trees. Many plant species are protected on the island.

You will be able to stroll in a luxuriant nature also inhabited by monitor lizards. A great experience to do a few kilometers from Jakarta

The clear water of Angel island (pulau Bidadari). Pulau Bidadari or Angel Island is one of the islands in Kepulauan Seribu which has attracted many tourists and a haven for tourists who want to explore the thousand islands. Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9. The National Museum of Indonesia

The National Museum of Indonesia is called Museum Nasional or Museum Gajah in Indonesian. It is located in downtown Jakarta on the island of Java. Formerly the headquarters of the Dutch Society of Dutch East Indies Arts (the Bataviaasche Genootschap), the museum officially opened in 1868, and is known as the Gedung Gajah (Elephant House) in reference to the bronze statue in front of the museum, donated by King Chulalongkorn of Thailand in 1871.

There are many works that trace the history of Indonesia. It is one of the oldest museums in Indonesia and widely considered the most interesting.

The original purpose of the establishment was to promote research mainly in the field of history, archaeology, ethnology and physics. Indonesian cultural diversity and the history it bears witness to makes it one of the richest in Southeast Asia. The museum has a collection of 61,600 prehistoric and anthropological objects, and 5,000 archaeological objects from all over Indonesia and Asia.

National Museum of Indonesia, a Dutch colonial architecture. Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

You can visit in particular the treasure room in which there are many jewels.

It is a museum to do with the family to learn more about the history of Jakarta and Indonesia.

Unfortunately, the parts are not always indicated. Here are some benchmarks:

The Chamber of Treasures. The hall features treasures acquired from different Indonesian kingdoms, various Istanas, Kratons and temples in the Indonesian archipelago.

The pieces are arranged by islands: Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo, Sulawesi, and eastern Indonesia (Nusa Tenggara, Maluku and Papua). There are various precious royal objects such as jewelry and weapons in gold and precious stones. There are also collections of Balinese golden kriss, golden royal crowns, a golden throne, golden royal insignia, swords and even a golden shield.

The ceramic collection

The collection includes ceramics from the Majapahit empire but also from China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Burma. Chinese ceramics that date back two millennia provide a good insight into Indonesia’s maritime trade over the centuries. The Chinese sailed to India via Indonesia as early as the Western Han period (205 BC to 220 AD) as part of the maritime silk route.

The ethnography collection

The ethnographic collection includes a wide variety of objects that are part of daily Indonesian life as well as other pieces that are used in ceremonies and rituals. The collections are classified according to the geographical locations of each of the regions and islands of the Indonesian archipelago: Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Bali, Lesser Sunda Islands (Nusa Tenggara), Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua. Examples of ancient cultures include Nias and Batak in Sumatra, Badui in Java, Balinese, Dayak in Kalimantan, Toraja in Sulawesi, and Asmat and Dani in Papua. The lifestyles of these people have remained unchanged for centuries. They still practice traditional customs (adat) to determine their daily activities and ceremonies.

The prehistory collection

There are artifacts dating from the Stone Age, such as fossil skulls and or skeletons of Homo erectus, Homo floresiensis and Homo sapiens, stone tools, menhirs, beads, stone or bronze axes .

The collection of relics

There are old relics of colonial Indonesia, from the days of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to the Dutch East Indies. Most of the pieces are old colonial furniture. However, most of the collections has been moved to Jakarta History Museum which mostly presents the history of Jakarta especially the colonial history of Batavia (Old Jakarta).

The inner yard of the National Museum Jakarta. Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

10. The National Gallery of Indonesia

Still in the theme of museums, here is the Galeri Nasional Indonesia or The National Gallery of Indonesia. It is an art gallery and museum located in the city of Jakarta.

If you love art, this is the place for you. There are collections of local Indonesian and international artists.

There are more than 1700 exhibited works of different styles. Many world famous works are also exhibited in the gallery. It is a cultural institution that tries to raise awareness about the importance of making art.

National Gallery of Indonesia, Gambir, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Chongkian, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

11. The old port of Sunda Kelapa

The old port of Jakarta which is called Sunda Kelapa is a very pleasant place to walk around.

The old port of Sunda Kelapa is located in the Ciliwung River estuary in Jakarta. It was the main port of the kingdom of Sunda at the time.

Today, there are old wooden boats and ancient phinisi schooners. It is also the starting point for many trips to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.

It is a beautiful port to visit and to take beautiful photos.

Sunda Kelapa harbor. Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

12. Glodok Chinatown and Temple

Glodok Chinatown is located in the old district of downtown Jakarta: Kota Tua. There are beautiful traditional Chinese houses and beautiful temples.

There is a special atmosphere with food smells. This Chinatown is home to the beautiful Buddhist temple of Dharma Bahkti. We also advise you to do the main street Gajah Mada which is a popular avenue for shopping in Jakarta.

The Gateway to the Glodok Chinatown at the Pancoran street in Jakarta, Indonesia. RasyaAbhirama13, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Vihara Dharma Bhakti Temple (also known as klenteng Jin De Yuan or Kim Tek Ie.)

This is a Chinese Buddhist temple located in Glodok Chinatown in downtown Jakarta. Built in 1650, it is the oldest Chinese temple in Jakarta.

This 3000 square meter temple is a regularly visited tourist spot in Jakarta. Believers come here to burn incense and light candles to ask for protection from the Almighty and ask for prosperity.

If you go there during the Chinese New Year period, the temple is packed with visitors. It remains a very interesting place to visit in the capital Jakarta. Vihara Dharma Bhakti is the center of Chinese festivities in Jakarta. The ghost festival (Cioko) is organized there in the courtyard as well as the lantern festival (Cap go meh). During the colonial period, a Chinese opera Baba-Nyonya was performed every vesak, accompanied by Batavian music played on the keroncong and traditional games.

Vihara Dharma Bhakti (Kim Tek Ie 金德院). Gunawan Kartapranata, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

History

The Vihara Dharma Bhakti complex was built in 1650 under the order of Lieutenant Kwee Hoen. The temple was then named Guanyin Pavilion in honor of Bodhisattva Guanyin. The original name, 觀音亭, is pronounced Kwan Im Teng in Hokkien and Guānyīn tíng in Mandarin. This term is itself the origin of the word klenteng which is the general name for designating Chinese places of worship in India.

The temple was completely burnt down in the 1740 Batavia Massacre.

The Kong Koan, a Chinese organization created by Governor-General of the Dutch Indies Gustaaf Willem Baron van Imhoff following the incident, restored the temple in 1755 under the leadership of Chinese captain Oei Tji-lo. The restored temple was given the name Kim Tek Ie or Jīn Dé Yuàn.

At the end of the Dutch East Indies, the Kong Koan was disbanded. The management of Chinese temples in Indonesia was then handed over to an organization named Dewan Wihara Indonesia or DEWI. Following the nationalization of names in 1965, DEWI recommended the name Vihara Dharma Bhakti in place of Kim Tek Ie for the temple, in a nationalist effort to remove all names of foreign origin from Indonesia.

On the morning of March 2, 2015, Vihara Dharma Bhakti suffered severe fire damage from an accident caused by candles. The ornate roof and more than 40 ancient sculptures suffered the onslaught of flames.

13. Taman Mini Indonesia Park

Taman mini Indonesia park literally means the miniature park of beautiful Indonesia. It is an amusement park of about 1 square kilometer to visit in the city of Jakarta.

He wears his name well since he represents all the 27 provinces of Indonesia with different pavilions. Each pavilion represents the costumes, architecture, music and traditional dances of its province.

It is a real cultural center in which there is a lake with islets representing the archipelago of Indonesia. The people of Jakarta like to meet in this park because many activities are offered there.

It is a beautiful park to do with the family in the city of Jakarta.

Boat ride at Indonesian archipelago lake, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta. Gunawan Kartapranata, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

14. Ragunan Zoo

Ragunan Zoo is in the South region of Jakarta. It is a 140-hectare animal park that is home to more than 270 species of animals and more than 170 species of plants.

Real green lung of Jakarta, Ragunan Zoo is a great activity to do with the family. You can see rare animals like the Sumatran tiger, the Komodo dragon or the Kaosar.

It is also a place where many Indonesians come to do their sport early in the morning. It must be said that green places are rather rare in the city of Jakarta…

Main entrance, Ragunan Zoo, Jakarta, Indonesia. Midori, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hang out places in Jakarta

1. Skye Bar rooftop

Here is one of the most beautiful rooftops in Jakarta. The bar is located on the 57th floor of the BCA Tower in downtown Jakarta.

It is a restaurant / bar that allows you to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the rooftops of Jakarta. The panorama is really very cool in this trendy bar.

You can eat international cuisine or drink very good cocktails “with a view”.

Address: Jl. M.H. Thamrin no. 1. Located on 56th Floor, Menara BCA, Jakarta 10350 Indonesia

SKYE BAR & RESTAURANT, Jakarta – Menu, Prix & Restaurant Avis – Tripadvisor

SKYE Bar & Restaurant, Jakarta : consultez 2 020 avis sur SKYE Bar & Restaurant, noté 4 sur 5 sur Tripadvisor et classé #60 sur 10 114 restaurants à Jakarta.

2. Tugu Kunstkring Paleis Restaurant, €€€€ Dutch, International, Asian

This is the place to eat in Jakarta. Guaranteed wow effect. Make sure your taxi driver knows the address as the location is not always easy to find. Arrival at night if you come at night. The place has a lot of allure. It is a 1914 palace that has been renovated by the Tugu group to regain its original luster.

There are huge murals, an antique shop just in case. The menu offers several styles of cuisine, Indonesian, Asian, Western. I tasted the not hot enough Oxtail soup, mash croquettes, good but lukewarm rendang and delicious red rice.

Several decorated rooms that takes you to a bygone era. It feels like we are back in the 19th century.

There is a show with fans offered by the waiters, guaranteed atmosphere. As we dragged to eat, the kitchen could no longer make desserts, which is unworthy for an establishment of this standing. The decor is really impressive. There is a sublime Chinese bar. The establishment has enormous charm and potential. It remains for the Tugu group to finally offer a cuisine that lives up to this setting.

Bataviasche Kunstkring. Architect P.A.J. Moojen (1879-1955). The text on the building front reads “Immigrasiedienst – Djawatan Immigrasi” (Immigration services). Maarten van der Bent, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo credit (main picture): Gunawan Kartapranata, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Wiew around Medan Merdeka (Merdeka square), the center of Jakarta and Monas (National Monument) on the foreground with rising Jakarta skylines on the background.

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