Lucky for us who stay in the little red dot, our home is in such close proximity to our neighbouring countries. This gives us an excuse to have a quick weekend getaway whenever a long weekend arrives or whenever there is an airplane ticket promo (whichever comes first).

And let’s face it, Singapore has everything we could possibly want. But once in a while, an exploring trip overseas wouldn’t hurt – for a different experience, for a weekend of alternative fun, for feasting on the food that we do not really get back home, for any and every reason you can possibly think of! Traveling needs no excuse, though.

Jakarta is literally a short one-hour plane ride away from Singapore and there is so much you might not know about this metropolitan. What if we tell you that with S$300, you could have 10 different experiences that expose you to the Indonesian culture, get a taste of some of Jakarta’s famous cuisines, and have some pampering?

If this gets your attention, keep reading this itinerary that consists of 10 things to do in Jakarta for 3D2N with under S$300.

#1 HOP-ON HOP-OFF CITY TOUR

Jakarta’s latest pride to attract tourism into the city comes in a form of these double-decker tour buses that was introduced last year. The bus route that begins at Jakarta’s iconic Bundaran Hotel Indonesia will take a loop around the city centre, and everyone onboard will be able to catch a glimpse of the city’s great monuments and tourist attractions.

If you do stay in the suggested boutique hotel, Artotel Jakarta (read about it at the end of the article), it is walking distance to one of the designated bus stops, which is the Sarinah Department Store. It takes about 1.5 hours to make a full loop but some of the destinations are worth stopping by for, including the National Museum, Pecenongan Street Food area and the National Monument better known as Monas.

$: FREE

Daily: 7am – 7pm

#2 THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

If you appreciate the beauty of art and culture, National Museum is a place you should not miss. The artefacts mostly provide a glimpse to the rich culture of Indonesia from its 300 ethnic groups that are spread across 922 inhabited islands. Look out for the English tour that is available every second and fourth Saturdays of the month.

$: Rp 5.000/S$0.50 per person

National Museum
Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Central Jakarta
Mon to Fri: 8am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 5pm
Tel: +62 21 3868 172

#3 FEASTING AT AN AUTHENTIC PADANG RESTAURANT

You may say that you have had nasi padang many times, especially since nasi padang stalls are so common in Singapore. But you haven’t had an authentic Padang experience until you visit a Padang restaurant in Indonesia and ask the waiters to “hidangkan” your food.

Hidang literally means lay out all the food, and with that, the waiters will carry stacks and stacks of small plates filled with all kinds of Padang dishes and place them all on your table for your selection.

Don’t be surprised though, you didn’t just order everything on the menu! Eat only the dishes you want and the rest will not be charged to your bill. Any Padang restaurant will give you the same experience but Natrabu in Sabang is highly recommended.

$: Approx. Rp 60.000/S$6 per person

Natrabu
Jl. H. Agus Salim No. 29A
Menteng, Central Jakarta
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Tel: +62 21 3193 5668

#4 A FLASHBACK FROM THE PAST IN JAKARTA’S KOTA TUA (OLD TOWN)

Kota Tua is an officially designated area and heritage site in Jakarta. In 1972, the Jakarta’s governor decided that it was necessary to preserve what was left of the city’s architectural roots that were highly influenced by the Dutch.

Today, Kota Tua is still a popular area among tourists that is often circled by walking or by taking rented sepeda onthel (traditional bicycle). With just Rp 50.000/S$5, the renting of sepeda onthel will include a tour guide who will take you to five iconic places around Kota Tua.

$: Rp 50.000/S$5 per person

Kota Tua
Jl. Taman Fatahillah
No. 1, West Jakarta

#5 DINING AT JAKARTA’S HISTORIC LANDMARK – CAFÉ BATAVIA

Café Batavia is the second oldest building in Jakarta after Fatahillah Museum. Its colonial era décor is still very genuine and beautiful; it is akin to stepping into Jakarta in the 19th century.

This is definitely the place to savour the exquisite historical ambience. It is also a plus point that every corner of the place is Instagram worthy!

$: Mains from Rp 75.000/S$7.50

Café Batavia
Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No. 14, West Jakarta
Daily: 8am – 12am
Tel: +62 21 6915 531

#6 PLAY SLIDES AT WATERBOM

A water park may sound like a place for the kids, but it is not when it looks like Waterbom! Its Bali branch is an international favourite that was named the best water park in the world in 2011, but the Jakarta one is a great breezy place to escape from the Jakarta heat. With a lot of crazy slides and a “lazy river” to float around, we suggest spending half a day here for some unadulterated fun.

$: Rp 250.000/S$25 for entry per person

Waterbom
No. 1 Pantai Indah Kapuk
Jl. Pantai Indah Barat, North Jakarta
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 9pm
Tel: +62 21 5596 6666

#7 CAFÉ HOPPING AT PIK (Pantai Indah Kapuk)

When in doubt of what to eat in Jakarta, go to PIK (read: peak). The area itself is a housing estate, but its entrance is filled with hundreds of restaurants, including some regional favourites such as Tim Ho Wan and Nam Nam Noodle Bar. The best part about PIK is that you could jump from one restaurant to a dessert place and then to a coffee shop, all within walking distance. It is really a whole enclave of goodies for the foodies.

For a casual yet tasty dining experience, Shao Kao is high recommended. As its name suggests, it is the Chinese version of barbecue. Authentically serving the taste of ‘shao kao’ from the streets of China, the skewered meat and vegetables to choose from are ready for grilling after being seasoned with distinctive Chinese spices. Prices range from Rp 4.000 – Rp 10.000 (S$.040-S$1) per skewer.

$: Approx. Rp 70.000/S$7

Shao Kao
Ruko Cordoba Blok F No. 6
Jl. Bukit Golf Mediterania, Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta
Opening hours: 5pm-2am
Tel: +62 21 9394 3939

Shirokuma is a Japanese dessert café that is famous for its matcha soft serve, and of course, very cute presentations. The simplest serving of matcha in a cone costs Rp 15.000/S$1.50.

$: From Rp 15.000/S$1.50

Shirokuma
Ruko Crown Golf Blok A No.32
Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 12am
Tel: +62 21 2923 7523

#8 A FULL BODY MASSAGE PAMPERING AT ZEN SPA

Perhaps, setting time aside for a spa session is tough when in Singapore, because we are ever busy with our lives – work, family and whatnot. But when you are on a holiday, you really should treat yourself to one of these relaxing and pampering spa sessions. Zen is a family spa that has all kinds of treatments just the way you like it, be it Balinese massage, oil-free massage or a body scrub session.

A full body hour-long massage costs Rp 205.000/S$20.50 and should do the trick to ease those knots in your body!

$: From Rp 205.000/S$20.50 for an hour of full-body massage.

Zen Spa
Jl. Gunawarman No. 43, Senopati
Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Tel: +62 21 726 2375

#9 QUICK BEAUTY FIX AT INSTANT PARLOUR

Going for a beauty fix in Jakarta is always a good idea as you would probably pay a quarter of what you otherwise would in Singapore. It is even better when the salon looks like a scene straight from the musical Hairspray (or Grease)!

You could the usual beauty treatments, from underarm waxing for as cheap as Rp 60.000/S$6, to a wash-and-blow for Rp 90.000/S$9, or manicure and pedicure for Rp 195.000/S$19.50.

$: Rp 195.000/ S$19.50 for manicure + pedicure

Instant Parlour
Jl. Senopati No. 16, 2nd Floor, South Jakarta
Mon to Fri: 7am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
+62 87 8817 00124

#10 FOOD ADVENTURE AT PASAR SANTA (SANTA MODERN MARKET)

Pasar Santa was actually just another traditional market. But very recently, its top floor has been converted into an interesting, cool and vibrant scene filled with Jakarta’s young crowd. The top floor is now filled with stalls selling “pop-culture food”, vinyl records, street clothing, good coffee and anything hip.

One of our favourite stalls would be Mie Chino that makes a very simple but mouth-watering bowl of Chinese Indonesian chicken noodles paired with beef balls (Rp 27.000/S$2.70). It is one of Indonesian’s comfort food packaged in an irresistible American Chinese takeaway-box style that makes you want to queue despite the long waiting time during lunch hours!

For a coffee fix, do try the interesting ice coffee options at Bear & Co. Coffee. The pipe-style beer dispenser that you’d normally see dispensing draft beer is what they use to dispense yummy drinks with names such as Nitro coffee, Cold brew, Yeti and California latte with prices ranging from Rp 35.000–Rp 50.000/S$4-S$5.

$: Rp 100.000/S$10 for a meal and drink

Pasar Santa
Jl. Cisanggiri II, South Jakarta
Daily: 3pm – 10pm (food stalls usually run out by dinner time)

ACCOMODATION & TRANSPORTATION TIPS

Jetstar Frenzy Friday:

There are about three budget airlines that fly from Singapore to Jakarta daily. Out of the three, we recommend Jetstar’s great Frenzy Friday. Prices start from S$40 for a one-way ticket from Singapore to Jakarta, taxes are inclusive. With such a weekly deal, you don’t necessarily have to wait for a travel fair or book months in advanced!

$: S$80 for return airplane tickets

Artotel Jakarta:

Artotel is a recommended boutique hotel in Jakarta, and is famed for the artistic themed rooms and décor. It is located right in the heart of the city and within walking distance to Jakarta’s famous street-food stretch. It is also a 5-minute drive from Jakarta’s two hugest shopping malls, Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia.

$: S$120 for 2 persons/S$60 per person

Jl. Sunda No. 3, Jakarta Thamrin
Central Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 3192 5888

Uber transport:

Unfortunately, in Jakarta, it is not exactly safe to rent a motorbike to get around, like what tourists would usually do in Bali. Renting a car is a possible option but driving in Jakarta can be extremely frustrating due to the daily traffic congestion. A recommended option is to rent a car and a driver, but Uber has a cheaper rate and it is more often than not reliable.

$: Approx. S$90 for 2 persons/S$45 per person for 3 days

TOTAL EXPENSES FOR A 3D2N GETAWAY

Hotel stay (2 nights): S$120 for 2 persons/ S$60 per person
Return airplane tickets: S$80 per person
City transport: S$45 per person (3 days)
Food: S$32 per person
Entertainment: S$30.50 per person
Self-pampering: S$40

TOTAL: S$287.50 per person (all-inclusive)

About the writer:
Charina Prinandita is a non-superficial person with a very superficial taste in shoes. Aside from the aformentioned shoe obsession, restaurant hopping with her girlfriends and travelling with her boyfriend sum up the few things that put her in her happy place.

The hustle and bustle of the metropolitan Jakarta is dominated by the city’s young blood finding what’s hot in the latest social scene. Just like its neighbouring South East Asian capitals like Singapore and Bangkok, a high number of snazzy hangouts start popping up in different parts of the city.

Not to worry though, Jakarta definitely has something for everyone. Whether you’re the city’s cool hipsters, the exclusive elite club, the young and fabulous or the glamorous expats, you will find where you belong in Jakarta’s social scene.

But with such vibrant options of eateries and drinking haunts, don’t you sometimes get confused? Keep reading this guide that will spell out the 10 new hip destinations to check out in Jakarta!

#1 HIDE AND SEEK SWILLHOUSE

This particular hangout attracts crowd with its refreshing concept that they’d like to call Steampunk (more affectionately known as the concept of invention). This concept is not only reflected in their interior, but also throughout their specialties such as Fruit Lobster Sandwich, Truffle Cream Orechiette and Braised Back Ribs with Basmati Rice. Fancy food doesn’t have to break your bank apparently, as their prices range from an affordable Rp 70.000 to Rp 300.000!

This stylish bar turns it up a notch past 10pm as the lighting gets dimmer and the music gets louder. Trust me when I say that you’ll occasionally rub shoulders with some of Jakarta’s top young and fab names.

Fairground SCBD LOT 14
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 52-53, South Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 5150 366

#2 POTATO HEAD GARAGE

Almost the exact opposite of its laid-back sister establishment Potato Head Beach Club in Bali, elegant would be the perfect description for this fine dining restaurant cum cocktail lounge. With its all-white interior and chandeliers hanging from its high ceiling, it is almost like walking into the set of the movie The Great Gatsby.

The long dining tables are replaced for sofas at night as the young and fabulous mingle with cocktails in hand or dance along the spacious hallways.

Fairground SCBD LOT 14
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 52-53, South Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 5797 3330

#3 H GOURMET & VIBES

Literally good vibes only at this spot. Its rustic and industrial-style interior combined with chill Ibiza-lounge melody coming from the DJ booth will make you understand why the cool hipster kids of the town digs this place.

Their Southern style American food and yummy cocktails are also worth coming for. I tried the Good’ol American Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Bacon (Rp 75.000) paired with Nutellish Shake (Rp 45.000) and it was the bomb! I later found out that Nutellish was a concoction of blended Nutella with Baileys, just the perfect adult milkshake everyone needs.

Jl. Gunawarman No. 41, South Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 2751 0167

#4 PARC19

Parc 19 has a warm welcoming feeling with its simple, unpretentious wooden furnishing and cement flooring. It is a terrace bistro that has an indoor and outdoor dining within a glass house relying mostly on natural lights. It is the hangout of Jakarta’s cool hipsters as it hosts events such as guest DJ appearances on a regular basis.

Jl. Taman Kemang no. 19
Kemang, South Jakarta
Tel: + 62 7199988

#5 CLOUD LOUNGE & LIVING ROOM

As its name suggests, this place is literally above the clouds! Its cosy open air setting at the 49th floor offers a magnificent 360 degrees view of the city’s skyline. This “living room” is filled with snug sofas that provide great front row seats at sunset time.

The after work crowd starts pouring in at around 5pm for sunset cocktails. Both weekdays and weekends alike, Cloud seems to be the choice for the glamorous expats and young executives in the city.

The Plaza Tower 49th floor
Jl. M.H Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 2992 2448

#6 LOEWY

If you’re into the Parisian roadside bistro style, Loewy is the place for you. With retro décor of wooden floor and white brick walls, it feels like travelling into the 1940s Paris. Sitting out on the terrace while drinking wine, it is the ideal night out scenario for the expats of Jakarta.

Oakwood Premier Cozmo
Jl. Lingkar Mega Kuningan E4.2 No. 1, Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 2554 2378

#7 BAU-HAUS 1933

What makes Bau-haus so exciting and special is its concept as a secret meeting venue. With the entrance that is hidden and its location at the basement, only people “in the know” know about this place. Secluded and small, Bauhaus caters to a niche group of Jakarta’s exclusive elite club that avoids mainstream bars and lounges.

You will easily spend around Rp 600.000 for a two-person dinner as prices are on the hefty side for Jakarta’s standard. While their interesting tapas such as Sea Clams & Naan (Rp 70.000) and Garlic Vodka Prawn (Rp 90.000) might not be for everyone, it is definitely an experience if you fancy something different!

The East Plaza Building Mega Kuningan
Kav. E3.2 No.1, Basement Floor, South Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 2952 7173 /+62 21 2952 7174

#8 NIP & DRAM

Nip & Dram is the perfect gentlemen’s nest. While it is not exclusively for men, its main focus as a Whisky and Fine Spirit bar that also offers a range of cigars clearly targets the exclusive elite club of Jakarta’s upper-class men.

It is highly recommended for those who search for a classy and intimate hangout accompanied by live jazz music. But only go there if you don’t mind paying the sky-high price tag for exclusive cocktails and hard-to-find single malt bottles!

The Landmark Centre II – Ground Floor
Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 1, Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 5790 3991

#9 PAO PAO LIQUOR BAR & DIM SUM

It is not like anything I’ve been to before, but it sure reminds me a lot of the setting of the traditional restaurants where fights happen in old Hong Kong movies. Weaved rattan chairs paired with round tables, dim lighting and murals on the wall surely give out the atmosphere.

Who would have ever thought that dim sum and liquor would be a match made in heaven? I certainly wasn’t convinced until I went and tried it myself! I have come back for this dim sum platter (Rp 125.000) many times now and Pao Pao is always a great place to go to when you feel like a dressing-down night out in town.

Jl. Senopati No. 16
Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 2751 0698

#10 BLOWFISH

It is indeed where everyone from different social scenes in Jakarta comes into one when it comes to a night out dancing. Blowfish that has been around for 11 years was once a Japanese-inspired club that has reinvented itself with a futuristic cutting-edge design. This new concept has now successfully bumps up its status to be the most popular nightclub establishment in the city. It maintains its elite reputation by being selective of their guests for everyone’s comfort and safety.

Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto No. 42
City Plaza at Wisma Mulia, Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 5297 1234

About the writer:
Charina Prinandita is a non-superficial person with a very superficial taste in shoes. Aside from the aformentioned shoe obsession, restaurant hopping with her girlfriends and travelling with her boyfriend sum up the few things that put her in her happy place.