Central Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, and exciting things to do in Central, Jakarta. Plan your itinerary with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Central

Central is a bustling district located in the heart of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. With its strategic location, it serves as the gateway to many popular tourist destinations in the region, such as Bandung, Bogor, and Puncak. Central is also home to numerous cultural and historical sites, scenic views, and exciting outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Central has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Central

Here’s a list of the top attractions to visit in Central:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. National Museum of Indonesia
  2. Merdeka Palace
  3. Istiqlal Mosque
  4. National Monument (Monas)
  5. Jakarta Cathedral
  6. Jakarta History Museum
  7. Fine Arts and Ceramic Museum

Natural Attractions of Central: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
  2. National Park of Indonesia
  3. Ragunan Zoo
  4. Keong Emas Imax Theatre
  5. Ancol Dreamland

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central

For those who are looking for outdoor adventures, Central has many hiking and biking trails to offer. Some of the best hiking/biking routes in Central include:

  1. Cikuray Mountain
  2. Tangkuban Perahu Mountain
  3. Parahyangan Mountains

Best Things to Do in Central: Activities and Tours

  1. Jakarta Old Town City Tour
  2. Jakarta Night Tour
  3. National Museum Walking Tour
  4. Jakarta Cycling Tour
  5. Jakarta Food Walking Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Central

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip in Central:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit National Museum of Indonesia and explore Jakarta Old Town
Day 2 Take a Jakarta Night Tour and try local street food
Day 3 Visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and Ancol Dreamland
Day 4 Experience Parahyangan Mountains hike/bike trail
Day 5 Visit National Park of Indonesia and Ragunan Zoo
Day 6 Explore Merdeka Palace, Istiqlal Mosque, and Monas
Day 7 Enjoy a Jakarta Food Walking Tour and shop for souvenirs

Food and Drink Scene of Central

Central is a foodie’s paradise, with a rich culture of local cuisine to taste and enjoy. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to add to your food tour list:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Soto Betawi
  2. Nasi Goreng
  3. Sate
  4. Gado-Gado
  5. Bakso

Local Beverages

  1. Es Cendol
  2. Wedang Ronde
  3. Bir Pletok
  4. Es Kelapa Muda

Where to Stay in Central: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Central has plenty of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and budgets. Here are some of the recommended hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Central:

  1. Pullman Jakarta Indonesia Thamrin CBD
  2. Keraton at The Plaza, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jakarta
  3. The Hermitage, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Jakarta
  4. Pop! Hotel Central Jakarta
  5. Capsule Hotel Old Batavia

What to Buy in Central: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Central is a hub for unique and authentic Indonesian souvenirs and products. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Batik fabric and clothing
  2. Traditional Indonesian handicrafts
  3. Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee)
  4. Indonesian spices and condiments

Local Culture and Customs of Central

Jakarta is a melting pot of different cultures, and as such, it’s important to respect the diverse customs and traditions. Here are some of the local customs to keep in mind:

  • Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
  • Always use your right hand when shaking hands or passing objects.
  • Modest dressing is recommended when visiting mosques or religious sites.
  • Bargaining is common in markets and street vendors.

Best Time to Visit Central

The best time to visit Central is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is generally pleasant, with low humidity and minimal rainfall. The high season for tourism is also during these months. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and cheaper travel costs, visiting during the off-season (October to April) is a good option, but be prepared for the wet season’s daily rain showers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while traveling to Central:

Do:

  • Carry small change for local transportation and street vendors.
  • Learn basic Indonesian phrases, including greetings and polite phrases.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water or eat raw fruits and vegetables.
  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious sites.
  • Touch someone’s head, as it is considered disrespectful in Indonesian culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Central

While Central is generally safe for travelers, it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Here are some tips to stay safe while exploring Central:

  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places.
  • Use a reputable taxi or ride-hailing service instead of hailing a taxi on the street.

Health in Central

Travelers to Central should be up to date on routine vaccinations, particularly those for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever are also prevalent, so make sure to protect yourself by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.

Getting to Central: Transportation Options and Logistics

Central is easily accessible from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, located about 21 miles away. Here are some transportation options to get to Central:

Airports Near Central

  • Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
  • Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP)

Bus Stations Near Central

  • Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal
  • Cililitan bus terminal

Other Options

  • Taxi or ride-hailing service
  • Private car rental with a driver

How to Get Around in Central

The most convenient and efficient way to get around Central is by using a taxi or ride-hailing service such as Grab, Gojek or Blue Bird Taxi. If you prefer public transportation, buses and commuter trains are available but the language barrier can be challenging to navigate.

Where to Go Next from Central: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Central is a great starting point to explore other popular destinations in the region. Some of the nearby destinations include:

  • Bandung
  • Bogor
  • Puncak

Conclusion

Central is an exciting destination that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and nature. With so many things to see and do, it’s easy to see why Central is an increasingly popular destination amongst travelers. Whatever your interests, Central is sure to offer an unforgettable experience of Indonesia’s unique mix of modernity and tradition. Plan your trip now and explore the best of Central Jakarta!

Harmoni Central Busway station, where a lot of lines connect to the suburbs of the city. Harmoni Central Busway station, where a lot of lines connect to the suburbs of the city. ''Monas'' up close and personal ''Monas'' up close and personal One of the flower pots of Taman Menteng One of the flower pots of Taman Menteng Mangga Dua is the de-facto Chinatown of Jakarta, due to the flourish of businesses owned by Chinese Indonesians. Mangga Dua is the de-facto Chinatown of Jakarta, due to the flourish of businesses owned by Chinese Indonesians. Entrance to Pasar Baru Entrance to Pasar Baru ''Es selendang mayang'' ''Es selendang mayang'' The Hotel Indonesia roundabout with the ''Selamat Datang'' statue standing at the centre of the fountain. The Hotel Indonesia roundabout with the ''Selamat Datang'' statue standing at the centre of the fountain.