Set in the centre of a fountain on one of central Jakarta's most prominent alun-aluns (public squares) is the Salamat Datang, or Welcome Monument. Built in 1962, it's just across from the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, the city's original luxury hotel. At the very top is a man and a woman, each with an arm up waving a warm welcome.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.31 MILES
The National Museum is the best of its kind in Indonesia and an essential visit. The enormous collection begins around an open courtyard of the 1862…
1.03 MILES
It is here that Jakartans come to take a breather from the traffic. The figurative centre of Jakarta, Merdeka Square (merdeka means independence) is…
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4.19 MILES
Kota’s central cobblestone square, surrounded by imposing Dutch colonial buildings, is Jakarta's most attractive location and a popular gathering spot for…
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8.09 MILES
Families will love Jakarta's kite museum, located in a quiet backstreet in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta. Inside a traditional Indonesian house, complete…
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1.3 MILES
Over 1700 works of art by foreign and Indonesian artists are part of the National Gallery collection. While only a few works are on display at any time,…
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4.03 MILES
This museum presents an engaging and easily consumed history of Indonesia from a loosely financial perspective, in a grand, expertly restored,…
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3.8 MILES
Opened in late 2017, Museum Macan is Indonesia's first modern and contemporary art museum and an exciting cultural development for the city. It was built…
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3.53 MILES
This large Chinese Buddhist temple compound dates from 1755 and is one of the most atmospheric and important in the city. The main structure has an…
Nearby Jakarta attractions
0.41 MILES
Literally in the shadow of the rarefied upscale world of the Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia malls, this kampung (traditional neighbourhood) is…
0.57 MILES
Barack Obama attended this government-run elementary school from 1969 to 1971. It's in a fairly posh neighbourhood and is known as the school of choice…
3. Museum Perumusan Naskah Proklamasi
0.66 MILES
This atmospheric mansion saw historic events as Indonesia proclaimed its independence at the end of WWII. It was the home of the Japanese naval commander…
0.71 MILES
A village green surrounded by mansions, this area is a preservation zone for the colonial bungalows. Many really qualify as mansions and have the art-deco…
1 MILES
Very much a worthwhile visit if you've any interest in weaving and fabrics, this museum houses a collection of around 2000 precious textiles, including…
1.01 MILES
Built in 1987, this enormous statue near a major road junction depicts the Hindu hero Arjuna in his chariot pulled by eight horses.
1.03 MILES
It is here that Jakartans come to take a breather from the traffic. The figurative centre of Jakarta, Merdeka Square (merdeka means independence) is…
1.15 MILES
Dozens of pint-sized spotted deer wander a large tree-shaded enclosure in the southeast corner of the park.