More than simply traffic and street food, Jakarta has a wealth of enriching cultural experiences on offer. Whether it’s learning to make traditional batik clothes or taking a boat journey, here are the top cultural experiences in Jakarta or Indonesia’s capital.
But beyond the honks of their visitors and shiny buildings, travelers will find a profound town that consciously embraces its culture. From legacy sites to epic ship rides, find the most insightful cultural experiences in Indonesia’s capital.
Visit the art galleries
Jakarta’s diversity extends well to the bustling art landscape. Different inspirations and stories are depicted through other artworks, media, and fashion. From classic to modern public museums to personal galleries, the best artworks in Jakarta function as designs of the nation’s history and culture. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art at Nusantara (MACAN) is the newest and popular addition to the spectacle, showcasing contemporary arts from Indonesia and around the world.
Board a traditional vessel in Sunda Kelapa harbour
Apart from its historical importance as the cradle of Jakarta, Sunda Kelapa harbour is unquestionably a magical sight to see. Traditional boats are lined up neatly in the old harbour, with amazing colours painted over the boat’s sides.
While most people are there for the fantastic Instagram post in front of the gorgeous boats, it is possible to take it up a notch by getting on board. Negotiate a deal with the boatman and request him to take you around from the ornate conventional ship. The shore is also a superb spot to capture sunset and sunrise.
Stop by the houses of worship
Religion is among the most prominent and exciting dimensions of life in Indonesia. The nation acknowledges six main religions, which translates to a vibrant range of mosques, churches, and temples all over the capital. The iconic Istiqlal Mosque sits just across the neo-gothic cathedral, while another colonial church is right around the corner. Various temples with beautiful oriental buildings can be located across Chinatown.
Discover the nation’s ethnic textiles
You might not be a stranger to batik, the ornate, beautiful conventional cloth from Indonesia. However, the country’s diverse culture has some other fascinating cultural fabrics worth discovering. The Textile Museum in Jakarta showcases over 1,900 pieces, from the conventional woven fabric to modern textiles.
The museum also shows the tools, also contains a garden full of plants used for dyeing the cloth traditionally. Proceed beyond celebrating and get a hands-on adventure by joining the batik-making workshop arranged by the memorial.
Explore Setu Babakan Betawi Village
Long before the tall buildings, modern institutions, and metropolis lifestyle, the indigenous Betawi culture flourished in Jakarta. Now, it is almost impossible to see a conventional Betawi home in Jakarta’s urban neighbourhoods, and you can remain in the town for months without tasting its heritage foods or visiting one of those traditional performances. Luckily, the culture is maintained nicely in Setu Babakan. Here, you can go back in time and sample Betawi’s non-alcoholic”beer” while watching the operation of traditional music bands.
During the time, even through political chaos and episodes of history, TIM has only been elegant in its roles and applications. The compound has contemporary theatres, exhibition areas, a library, bookstores, and much more. Performances and performances follow a lively program, but something interesting and cultural is always happening here, from an orchestra into musicals, theaters to exhibitions.
Planning to visit Jakarta soon? Find out more about Jakarta and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.