South Travel Guide
Planning a trip to South, Jakarta? Read our detailed travel guide including the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more!
- Introduction to South
- List of Places to Visit in South
- Hiking/Biking Routes of South
- Ciliwung Trail
- Sudirman-Thamrin Route
- Best Things to Do in South: Activities and Tours
- Explore Jakarta’s Nightlife
- Shopping at Pasar Santa
- Visit Local Batik Producers
- Week-Long Itinerary for South
- Food and Drink Scene of South
- Where to Stay in South: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in South: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of South
- Best Time to Visit South
- Do’s and Don’ts of South
- Safety and Health
- Getting to South: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in South
- Where to Go Next from South: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to South
South is a bustling district located in Greater Jakarta, in Western Java, Indonesia. It is famous for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and scenic landscapes. The district is a popular tourist destination among local and foreign visitors alike. In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive tour of South, including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, and more.
List of Places to Visit in South
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
National Museum of Indonesia
The National Museum of Indonesia is a must-visit for history buffs. The museum houses over 140,000 historical, prehistoric, and ethnographic artifacts from all over Indonesia. The exhibits include ancient weapons, textiles, ceramics, and musical instruments.
Museum Nasional Keprajuritan
The Museum Nasional Keprajuritan is dedicated to the Indonesian military. The museum has a vast collection of military equipment, including tanks, airplanes, and weapons. The exhibits are well-maintained, and the guides are knowledgeable about Indonesian military history.
Jakarta History Museum
The Jakarta History Museum is located in the old town area of Jakarta. It was once the residence of the Dutch Governor-General during the colonial era. Today, it serves as a museum, showcasing the city’s history, culture, and architecture.
Natural Attractions of South: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo is Indonesia’s oldest and largest zoo. It is home to over 3,500 animals, representing more than 270 species. The zoo is located in a lush forested area, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience nature up close.
Cilandak Town Square
Cilandak Town Square is a beautiful park located in South Jakarta. The park features a lake, jogging track, and picnic areas. It is an excellent spot for a relaxing afternoon picnic or a morning jog.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a cultural park that showcases Indonesia’s diverse cultures and traditions. The park features traditional houses, museums, and galleries displaying textiles, handicrafts, and other cultural artifacts.
Hiking/Biking Routes of South
Ciliwung Trail
The Ciliwung Trail is a popular hiking trail that runs along the Ciliwung River from Bogor to Jakarta. The trail offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding landscapes. It is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenging hike.
Sudirman-Thamrin Route
The Sudirman-Thamrin Route is a scenic bike route that runs through Jakarta’s business district. The route offers stunning views of the city’s modern architecture and skyscrapers. It is an excellent option for cyclists looking for an urban adventure.
Best Things to Do in South: Activities and Tours
Explore Jakarta’s Nightlife
South Jakarta is home to some of the best nightclubs and bars in the city. Visitors can enjoy live music, dance performances, and excellent food and drinks.
Shopping at Pasar Santa
Pasar Santa is a hipster market that offers a wide variety of locally made goods, such as clothes, accessories, and food. It is an excellent spot to buy unique souvenirs and support local businesses.
Visit Local Batik Producers
Indonesia is famous for its batik textiles. Visitors can take a tour of local batik producers and learn about the intricate process of creating batik fabrics. They can also purchase authentic batik products to bring home.
Week-Long Itinerary for South
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit National Museum of Indonesia and Ragunan Zoo |
| Day 2 | Explore Jakarta’s Nightlife |
| Day 3 | Hike the Ciliwung Trail |
| Day 4 | Visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and Pasar Santa |
| Day 5 | Take a tour of local batik producers |
| Day 6 | Relax at Cilandak Town Square |
| Day 7 | Explore Jakarta’s Colonial History at Jakarta History Museum |
Food and Drink Scene of South
Must-Try Dishes
Ayam Goreng Kalasan
Ayam Goreng Kalasan is a traditional Javanese fried chicken dish. It is marinated in coconut water and served with sambal and rice.
Nasi Uduk Betawi
Nasi Uduk Betawi is a popular breakfast dish in Jakarta. It consists of steamed rice cooked with coconut milk and served with fried chicken, fried tofu, and peanut sauce.
Local Beverages
Es Cendol
Es Cendol is a refreshing Indonesian drink made with coconut milk, jelly noodles, and palm sugar.
Teh Botol Sosro
Teh Botol Sosro is a bottled iced tea that is a popular beverage in Indonesia. It is made with black tea and sweetened with cane sugar.
Where to Stay in South: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
South Jakarta offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some of the most popular hotels in the district include:
- The Dharmawangsa Jakarta
- The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place
- Gran Melia Jakarta
What to Buy in South: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Indonesia is famous for its handicrafts, textiles, and batik fabrics. Visitors can purchase souvenirs such as batik shirts, traditional puppets, and intricately carved wooden masks. They can also buy locally made products such as tea, coffee, and spices.
Local Culture and Customs of South
Indonesia is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors should respect the local customs and traditions and dress modestly when visiting places of worship. It is also appropriate to remove shoes before entering someone’s home.
Best Time to Visit South
The best time to visit South is from May to September when the weather is dry and pleasant. The district can be visited year-round, but visitors should be prepared for heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (October to April).
Do’s and Don’ts of South
Do:
- Respect the local customs and traditions.
- Carry a copy of your passport and visa at all times.
- Bargain when shopping at local markets.
Don’t:
- Drink tap water.
- Take photographs of people without their permission.
- Disrespect public property.
Safety and Health
Safety in South
South Jakarta is a relatively safe district, but visitors should take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and theft. They should also be careful when crossing the street as traffic can be heavy.
Health in South
Visitors should drink bottled water and avoid eating street food that is not cooked thoroughly. They should also get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever before visiting Indonesia.
Getting to South: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near South
The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is the primary airport serving Jakarta. It is located approximately 30 kilometers from South Jakarta.
Bus Stations Near South
The Jakarta International Bus Terminal is located in the nearby city of Depok. Buses operate from the terminal to various cities in Indonesia.
Other Options
Visitors can also take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service such as Grab to get around South Jakarta.
How to Get Around in South
Public transportation in South Jakarta includes buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services. Visitors can also rent a car or a motorcycle to explore the district.
Where to Go Next from South: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
South Jakarta is a gateway to many nearby destinations, including:
- Bogor Botanical Gardens
- Puncak Pass
- Taman Safari Indonesia
Conclusion
South Jakarta is a vibrant and exciting district, offering visitors a diverse range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. From exploring Jakarta’s nightlife to hiking scenic trails, South Jakarta has something for everyone. Plan your visit today and enjoy all that this amazing district has to offer!
South Image Gallery
The Ragunan Zoo is a popular weekend destination for Jakarta's families.
Pondok Indah Mall, the favourite mall of most ex-pats in Jakarta