Top Rated Attractions in Jakarta

The Batavian Society of the Arts and Sciences was established on this site in 1778; however, due to its rapid growth, the building was transformed into a museum in 1862. Having officially opened its doors in 1868, the museum journeys through the iconic timelines of the country. Cradled in the heart of Central Jakarta, this museum is a moving window into Indonesia's rich history and its indelible cultural heritage. Dubbed as the 'Elephant Building' due to the glorious, bronze-built elephant sculpture fronting it, this museum is as much a symbol of historical insights as it is of architectural magnificence. Spanning the fields of anthropology, numismatics, archaeology, history, and prehistory, this elaborate museum is home to exquisite collections which include ancient ceramics, an extensive line of batik-printed textiles, dazzling ornamentation and stone statues which are soulful vestiges of the Buddhist epoch. With an extensive focus on research, education, and conservation, the museum now has a new section called 'Gedung Arca', which houses a number of permanent exhibits that chronicle the many cultural nuances of the country.

This old City Hall of Batavia occupies the site of its two predecessors. The current building of fine Dutch architecture was completed in 1710 and once served many civic and judiciary functions. Beneath the front portico lie some cells which were used as dungeons. The museum took over the premises in 1974 and offers a fine glimpse into the city's colonial past. Thirty-seven ornate rooms display Dutch furniture, old maps, antiquities and Dutch East India Company (V.O.C.) memorabilia, recreating the atmosphere prevalent during the Dutch era. In the rear courtyard stand two ondel-ondel statues.

Claimed to be one of the finest art spaces in the city, Museum MACAN features some of the most impressive works of modern art. This unique art space digs deep into the world of modern art, thorough a collection intriguing works that throw light on a vast number of cultural, historical and social situations of the country. Apart from its permanent art collection, the museum also doubles up as an educational venue, playing host to numerous workshops and exhibitions wherein various topics of art and culture are left open for discussion.

Located inside a beautiful 18th-century Neo-Renaissance building in Jakarta, Museum Bank Indonesia served as the primary central bank from 1953 until its transformation into a museum in 2009. The museum has many documents, newspapers, photographs, and artifacts that showcase the banking and monetary history of the country since before colonial days. They also have currency notes and coins on display dating back to the 14th Century. Furthermore, visitors are treated to an extraordinary experience as the museum is exceptionally preserved with friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always ready to answer any questions.

Built in 1962 under the name Gelora Senayan, the Bung Karno Stadium is a multi purpose arena used for football matches most of the time. This beautiful stadium is under the control of the Central Goverment and is used by the Indonesian national football team to practise for big international matches. This awesome ground with international standard has also hosted the Asia Cup final in 2007 between Saudi and Iran and has also played host to numerous Championship Games.

Art:1 New Museum delves into the world of contemporary art and explores the impact of history on it. Set inside a build, that itself could be considered a work of art, this is must visit for those with a keen eye for the aesthetics. This fanciful art museum is home to a vast collection of paintings, photographs and a number of other interesting installations that discuss some of the more pressing matters of the current generation. The museum also provides a platform for budding young artists to display their skill through a number of featured events, workshops and themed exhibitions.