Over the last few years, Indonesia has emerged as one of the go-to destinations for travel lovers across the globe. Beyond the stunning Bali beaches, you can also explore places like the Gili Islands, Lombok, Jakarta, and Java. For your next vacation, we recommend visiting Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. This city offers a striking contrast of modern skyscrapers and traditional kampungs (villages), delicious street food and Insta-worthy cafes, and a shopping scene that’s sure to impress any shopaholic. And to ensure you have the time of your life there, we have made a quick guide to make your travel easier around this city.
How To Apply For An Indonesian Visa?
Indonesia is a popular destination among Indian tourists. According to reports, about 710,688 Indian tourists visited the country in 2024. However, it is to be noted that Indonesia is not visa-free for Indians. So, if you’re planning to visit Jakarta soon, then you can get a visa on arrival (VoA) or apply for an e-visa online.
The VoA is available at 16 designated Indonesian airports. It allows a 30-day stay and can be extended for an additional 30 days at the immigration office. E-Visa is a much faster and safer alternative that you can apply for online. It takes about three business days to process. The fee for a tourist visa to Indonesia is about ₹3,000.
To apply for an Indonesian e-Visa, here’s everything you’d need –
1. Valid passport – Valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Indonesia.
2. Completed visa application
3. Recent passport-size photographs
4. Proof of accommodation
5. Travel itinerary – with round-trip flight reservations or detailed travel plans.
6. Travel insurance
7. Financial proof – Evidence to show sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
Here’s how you can apply for an Indonesian e-visa –
1. Head to the Indonesia Electronic Visa Portal.
2. Select the type of e-Visa and fill out the application with personal information and travel details.
3. Scan and upload a copy of your passport, passport-sized photograph, and all the required documents.
4. Pay the e-visa fee.
5. Review and submit the application.
6. Once approved, you will receive your e-visa via email. Print a copy of your e-visa to present during your trip.
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Flights From India
Direct flights from India to Jakarta are limited. IndiGo operates daily non-stop flights from Mumbai to Jakarta. Cities like Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata have connecting flights to Jakarta via various international hubs. Airlines like Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Malaysia Airlines: (via Kuala Lumpur), AirAsia (via Kuala Lumpur), Scoot (via Singapore) and SriLankan Airlines (via Colombo) offer one-stop flights from India to Jakarta. The average flight prices range from ₹20,000 to ₹25,000–depending on route, time, and season.
Things To Do In Jakarta
While you’re in Jakarta, don’t forget to do these things –
1. Stop by the National Monument (Monas). The iconic monument is a symbol of Indonesian independence and even has a museum and observation deck.
2. Explore the Kota Tua area. This neighbourhood in the downtown area of Jakarta has beautiful Dutch colonial buildings and museums, and you can click dozens of pictures there.
3. Head to the Jakarta History Museum. Located by Fatahillah Square, the museum details the city’s colonial past.
4. Visit the Istiqlal Mosque. It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and is open to non-Muslims as well.
5. Drop by the Jakarta Cathedral. Built in the neo-Gothic style, this cathedral is right across from Istiqlal Mosque.
6. Spend some time at the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. This recreational area is actually a miniature cultural park that showcases traditional houses and cultures from all 34 Indonesian provinces.
7. Shop to your heart’s content at malls like Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia. Or you can visit markets like Pasar Baru and Tanah Abang Market.
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Must-Visit Places In Jakarta
Jakarta has something for everyone! If you’re visiting the city for the first time, then don’t miss out on these places to soak in the essence of the Indonesian capital –
1. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara
2. Museum Wayang
3. Taman Impian Jaya Ancol
4. Suropati Park
5. Bogor Botanical Gardens – about two hours away from the city
6. Thousand Islands
7. Jakarta Aquarium Safari
8. Ragunan Zoo
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Cost Of Travel
Now that we have enticed you enough to travel to Jakarta, we’re sure you must be wondering how much this trip will cost you. Well, depending on how you wish to travel, an average 4-day trip to Jakarta from India can cost you anywhere between ₹40,000 to ₹75,000. This mainly depends on travel style, accommodation, and activities you choose during your travel. Here’s a budget breakdown for the trip that will help you plan your travel better –
1. Flights are a major expense. If booked well in advance, then a round-trip can cost anywhere between ₹20,000 to ₹35,000.
2. If you’re travelling on a budget, then hostels and guesthouses can cost around ₹1,000 – ₹2,000/night. A mid to luxurious hotel can cost ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per night.
3. Eating local restaurants and street food stalls can cost around ₹500 – ₹1,000 per day. Upscale restaurants and cafes can cost ₹2,000 and more per day.
4. Local transportation taxis and buses can cost around ₹300 – ₹500 per day.
5. Entry fees to tourist attractions like museums and parks can cost around ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 for the entire trip.
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We hope this information will help you plan a memorable trip to Jakarta.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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