Before the exhibition, a captivating two-day tour was meticulously arranged. Due to the late arrival and the need for an early start for the sea trip, the maritime adventure was scheduled for the second day (see another note). The first day was dedicated to exploring the city’s highlights, with a stay at the Vertu Harmoni Jakarta (Harmony Hotel), strategically located for easy access to all attractions.
🐚Summary: Order of attractions – Morning: Cathedral, Mosque (pay attention to closing times)
Afternoon: Miniature Park
Evening: Old Town Fatahillah Square (if the return flight is late, the old town can also be visited on the last day)
↗️Morning: Religious Tour – The two sites are conveniently close, so it’s best to dress modestly in long sleeves and pants. The mosque’s last reception is at 11:30.
⛪️Jakarta Cathedral
The third largest Catholic church in the world, this magnificent structure is free to visit and requires no reservation.
🕌Istiqlal Mosque (across the street from the cathedral)
Upon entering the main gate, turn left and head to the visitor center, an unmarked black glass house, for registration. You will be provided with a red robe or a red cloth to wrap around as a skirt, depending on your attire. While these robes are very photogenic, they may have a slight odor due to frequent use by visitors.
However, the visual appeal is worth it. Guided tours run every half hour, with English explanations throughout. Translation software can be handy. The guide will point out the best spots for photos. Remember to remove your shoes when entering; they provide bags for carrying them. Overall, the morning itinerary is quite relaxed and enjoyable.
🐚Return to the hotel for a leisurely lunch and a refreshing nap at noon
↗️Afternoon: Cultural Tour
🏞️Miniature Park, reminiscent of the Window of the World in Shenzhen
Tickets: Be sure to purchase tickets online by 3 PM local time at the latest. We nearly missed out due to the time difference, and same-day online purchases were not possible.
Additionally, only local bank cards are accepted. Fortunately, the staff kindly assisted us by asking other local visitors to buy tickets on our behalf. The park is expansive, and the ticket includes shuttle bus fees. There are also various performances to enjoy.
↗️Evening: Humanistic Tour
⛲️Old Town of Jakarta, one of the best-preserved Dutch colonial architectural ensembles in Southeast Asia.
Take a taxi to Fatahillah Square, where you can enjoy band performances, bicycle rides, and even palm readers, adding a touch of whimsy to the evening. For dinner, savor the ambiance at the century-old Cafe Batavia.
That sounds like a great way to kick off the trip! I especially love how they planned the stay near all the attractions—super convenient. It must have been fascinating to see both the Cathedral and the Mosque in one morning. Looking forward to hearing more about the maritime adventure next!