How to Plan a Trip to Jakarta
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Indonesia needs.
Your 4-step Jakarta plan
Step 1 — Book flights to CGK
Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK) is the main gateway to Jakarta. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to CGKStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Kota Tua (Old Town Batavia) for the best first-time visit — Dutch colonial architecture around Fatahillah Square.
Where to stay in JakartaStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Kota Tua (Old Town Batavia), then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Jakarta.
Things to do in JakartaStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Airport Railink to Manggarai / BNI City is $3 and takes 45 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
CGK arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Same as Bali — VoA for 60+ nationalities, USD 35. Some ASEAN nationalities visa-free. Apply at the VoA counter before immigration.