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Get up high

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The high-speed lift at Jakarta’s BCA Tower takes passengers from the ground to the observation deck on the 56^th floor in just 10 seconds. Stay for dinner and drinks at SKYE, the rooftop bar and eatery with unmatched city views.

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Explore Chinatown

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Jakarta’s Chinatown is the largest and one of the oldest in South-East Asia, dating back to the mid-1700s. Locally known as Glodok, a wander through the incense-perfumed alleys to sample the tasty street food makes for a perfect afternoon.

Visit the National Museum of Indonesia

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The National Museum of Indonesia occupies an elegant colonial era building in Merdeka Square. The diverse collection of more than 140,000 objects includes ancient Hindu-Buddhist art.

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Explore Old Town Batavia

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Old Town Batavia, officially known at Kota Tua, is packed with Dutch Colonial architecture. In the city’s historical quarter, you can visit the Fatahillah Museum (also known as the Jakarta History Museum), see Kota Intan bridge, which was built in the 17^th century, and have lunch at Café Batavia on Fatahillah Square.

Hit the greens

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Jakarta is a golfer’s dream, with an array of world-class golf courses to choose from. Royale Jakarta Golf Club and Jagorawi Golf & Country Club are some of the best to work on your swing.

Shop at Taman Anggrek Mall

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There are more than 150 shopping malls in Jakarta – which can make it tricky to be discerning. Taman Anggrek is a good place to start, with more than 400 stores (both international and local brands) over seven floors.

Let the kids go wild at Ancol Theme Park

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This sprawling amusement park, north of the city, is host to several different “worlds”. Dunia Fantasi has over 40 rides and attractions, including roller-coasters, flume rides and spinning tea cups, while the Atlantis Water Adventure complex is great spot for families to cool off thanks to a wave pool, an array of water slides and artificial beaches

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Admire the biggest mosque in South-East Asia

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Istiqlal Mosque takes up a jaw-dropping 90,000 square metres in central Jakarta and has a capacity of 120,000 people. Non-Muslims are not permitted inside the prayer hall but are allowed to view the space from the upper floors.

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Visit the National Gallery of Indonesia

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One of Jakarta’s most important cultural institutions, the National Gallery of Indonesia houses more than 1700 paintings, sculptures and other works from Indonesian and foreign artists. It offers a peaceful reprieve from the oft-hectic city streets, and best of all, admission to the permanent exhibition is free.

Eat at a five-star restaurant

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Jakarta’s culinary scene is evolving rapidly. For a memorable meal, make a reservation at Plataran Dharmawangsa, designed emulate a traditional royal Javanese family compound serving fresh Indonesian dishes, or Oku, a premium Japanese restaurant in a Scandi-styled space.

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Bag a bargain at Jalan Surabaya Flea Market

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You’ll use every last kilogram of the baggage allowance on your flight home after a visit to Jalan Surabaya Flea Market in the Menteng District. Antiques, textiles, records, old cameras, clothing, books and pretty much anything else you could want can be found among the stalls.

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See Merdeka Palace

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The official residence of Indonesian president Joko Widodo, the Dutch colonial-era building has been the site of several important historical events, including the declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1949.

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See Monas National Monument

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The National Monument, locally referred to as Monas, rises 137 metres over Merdeka Square in central Jakarta. Ascend the monolith to the observation deck, which offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding metropolis.