Jakarta Highlights Half-Day Tour - Monas, Istiqlal Mosque & Sunda Kelapa Harbor

Depart from your hotel and spend half a day
discovering Jakarta's history and culture

This is an approx. 5-hour tour with an English-speaking guide and a driver. After pickup from your hotel or apartment in Jakarta, travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the National Monument, Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, Kota Tua (Old Batavia), a puppet studio and Sunda Kelapa Harbor before returning to your hotel. Entrance fees, donations, bottled water and toll and parking fees are included.

Visit Monas, Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral

Pass through Merdeka Square and spend about 1 hour at the 132-meter National Monument (Monas), topped with a golden flame symbolizing Indonesia's freedom. Then visit Istiqlal Mosque, known as the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and Jakarta Cathedral directly opposite. Built in Gothic style in 1891, the cathedral features tall spires, stained-glass windows and three altars arranged in a semicircle.

Walk through Old Batavia and learn about wayang puppets

Around Fatahillah Square, the heart of Old Batavia, buildings once used as the governor's office, banks, a hospital, a post office and a courthouse now house museums and shops. Explore the area with your guide for about 1 hour, with time for a short break.

At the Makutharama Puppet Studio, meet a puppet master, learn how traditional Indonesian wayang puppets are made and handled, and see a collection of puppets from across Indonesia.

Finish the tour at the old Sunda Kelapa Harbor

Pass the 17th-century Kota Intan drawbridge and arrive at Sunda Kelapa Harbor at the northern end of Batavia. This was the port used when the Portuguese and Dutch first arrived in Indonesia; see the traditional wooden schooners known as "pinisi" and the busy docks.

※ Tour times and itinerary may change due to local traffic conditions.
※ The National Monument is closed on Mondays and public holidays, and Istiqlal Mosque on Fridays; a short stop is made outside instead.