Visiting Kota Tua Jakarta: A Blend of Culture and History in One Place + How to Get There

As the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta serves as the primary entry point for international tourists. It’s Indonesia’s largest and most modern city, acting as the hub of government, economy, and the busiest metropolis in the country. Despite its fast pace, Jakarta is steeped in history, making it an essential stop for those looking to enhance their knowledge of Indonesia.

No trip to Jakarta would be complete without visiting one particular landmark: Kota Tua Jakarta. This historic district is your first gateway to understanding Indonesia’s past.

Why Should You Visit Kota Tua?

As you explore Kota Tua Jakarta, you’ll be greeted by a variety of classic European-style buildings with touches of Chinese influence, each structure telling its own unique story. Walking through the old streets and museums filled with historical artifacts, you’ll feel the weight of history all around you.

Beyond its historical significance, Kota Tua Jakarta offers a range of activities and attractions. You can rent bicycles, enjoy meals in quaint restaurants and cafes, and immerse yourself in the cultural and historical charm of the area. It’s an enticing destination for both local and international tourists alike.

Kota Tua Jakarta is rich with experiences waiting to be explored. This article delves into the various activities you can enjoy in this historic district, including a brief history, public transportation options, tourist attractions to visit (along with ticket prices), culinary delights, and the best times to experience this remarkable area.

Wondering about how safe Jakarta is? Read Safety in Jakarta: A Guide for Travelers

Brief History of Kota Tua

The tourist area of Kota Tua Jakarta, also known as Old Batavia (Oud Batavia), is a compact historical district, covering 13 square kilometers across both North and West Jakarta. Its proximity to Sunda Kelapa Harbor made Kota Tua a major trade center in Asia during the 16th century.

This strategic location, coupled with abundant resources, led to the area becoming the center of government during the Dutch East Indies administration. The early history of Kota Tua Jakarta dates back to 1526 when Fatahillah, under the orders of the Sultanate of Demak, attacked Sunda Kelapa Harbor, which was then under the Kingdom of Padjajaran. After successfully capturing the harbor, it was renamed Jayakarta Harbor.

In 1619, forces of the Dutch trading company, Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), led by Jan Pieterzoon Coen, entered Indonesia, destroyed Jayakarta, and renamed it Batavia. By 1635, Batavia had expanded to the west bank of the Ciliwung River, with buildings designed in the Dutch architectural style, complete with canals separating different blocks.

The construction of Batavia was completed in 1650, establishing it as the headquarters of the VOC in the East Indies. Batavia became a key trade center in Asia, both domestically and internationally, via shipping routes. It earned the titles “Jewel of Asia” and “Queen of the East” for its prominence.

During World War II, under Japanese occupation, Batavia was renamed Jakarta. In 1972, Governor Ali Sadikin issued a gubernatorial decree designating Kota Tua Jakarta as a heritage site to preserve the authenticity of its Dutch colonial buildings and architecture.

How to Get to Kota Tua as a Local

Kota Tua Jakarta is easily accessible by various modes of public transportation. Here are the routes and ways to reach Kota Tua Jakarta:

Using KRL (Commuter Line)

You can easily get to Kota Tua Jakarta by taking the KRL commuter line, an intercity electric train in Jakarta. Just purchase a KRL ticket at any train station and head to Jakarta Kota Station.

If you’re arriving from the airport and want to go straight to Kota Tua, take the Airport Train to Duri or BNI Station. The fares for the Airport Train vary depending on whether you choose executive or premium class. The executive class ticket costs around Rp. 70,000, while the premium class ticket is about Rp. 30,000.

Arriving to Soekarno-Hatta Airport? Read How to Get from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to City Center.

Once you arrive at Duri or BNI Station, hop off the train and head to the ticket counter to buy a KRL ticket to Jakarta Kota Station. The KRL ticket costs around Rp. 3,000.

KRL tickets are e-tickets in the form of a Multi Trip Card (KMT), which you can reload with a certain amount. The card itself costs around Rp. 30,000, with a minimum balance of Rp. 10,000.

The KMT can also be used for other transportation modes like Transjakarta (busway), Jakarta LRT, Jakarta MRT, and even electric trains to nearby cities.

Once you arrive at Jakarta Kota Station, it’s just a 200-meter walk to Kota Tua Jakarta—about a 5-minute stroll.

Backindo Tip: Download the KAI Access app to check schedules, routes, and find the nearest station to your location. The app is available both on Android and iOS. 

Also, don’t forget to keep your KMT balance above Rp. 5,000 to avoid fines.

Using Transjakarta (Busway)

Transjakarta, also known as the Busway, is the most popular public transportation in Jakarta. If you want to take the Busway to Kota Tua, first check where you’re staying and ask the hotel staff where the nearest Transjakarta stop is. The Transjakarta route that passes this area is called Blok M.

Even though you can find all the bus stops on Google Maps, it might be useful to download the Transjakarta app, especially if you’re staying in Jakarta for a while. The app provides bus routes and schedules from the nearest stop, making it easier to navigate the city.

To buy a ticket, you can purchase a Multi Trip Card (KMT) at the Busway stop ticket counter. It’s the same card used for intercity trains (KRL). The card works on a tap-in system, and the fare will be automatically deducted from your balance.

Transjakarta ticket prices vary depending on the time of day:

• 05:00 AM – 07:00 AM: Rp. 2,000
• 07:00 AM – 12:00 AM: Rp. 3,500
• 12:00 AM – 05:00 AM: Rp. 3,500

Using GoJek or Grab

If you want to experience the city while riding through Jakarta’s streets, Gojek or Grab online motorcycle taxis and car services that you can easily book through an app.

Just download the Gojek or Grab app from the Play Store or App Store. Keep in mind that when setting up your Gojek account, you’ll need an Indonesian phone number.

Backindo Tip: In Jakarta's traffic, motorbikes are not only faster but also cheaper than cars. If you’re traveling alone, we highly recommend avoiding booking cars altogether, especially during rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM).

Places to Visit in Kota Tua Jakarta

Kota Tua Jakarta offers a variety of attractions to explore. You can visit several museums, enjoy cultural performances, relax in charming cafes, sample street food, and much more. So what to see and do in the Old Town?

Fatahillah Museum

The Fatahillah Museum, also known as the Jakarta History Museum, is a significant landmark that once served as the administrative center or city hall of Batavia. It was constructed between 1707 and 1710 by order of Governor-General Joan Van Hoorn.

Inside the museum, you’ll find extensive information about Jakarta’s history, with displays in both Indonesian and English. The museum houses a collection of historical artifacts, including replicas from the Tarumanegara and Padjajaran kingdoms, archaeological finds from Jakarta, and antique furniture dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

In addition to its historical exhibits, the museum offers several interesting photo spots that are perfect for filling up your gallery and showing off on Instagram.

Basic Information

• Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for foreigners is Rp. 50,000 (approximately 3.5 USD).
• Museum Hours:
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 09:00 AM – 03:00 PM
  • Friday: 09:00 AM – 01:30 PM
  • Saturday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM
  • Monday and public holidays: CLOSED

Puppet Museum (Museum Wayang)

Not far from the Fatahillah Museum is the Puppet Museum, which houses an extensive collection of puppets from various regions of Indonesia and abroad.

Puppetry, or wayang, is a traditional drama performance using human-shaped puppets made from carved leather or wood, typically operated by a puppeteer known as a dalang.

At the Puppet Museum, you can explore a wide range of puppet collections, including Wayang Kulit (shadow puppets) from Java and Bali, Wayang Golek (rod puppets) from Sunda, and many other types of puppets from different regions across Indonesia.

The museum also showcases puppets from around the world, with examples from Malaysia, Thailand, Suriname, China, Vietnam, France, India, and Cambodia.

In addition to its exhibits, the Puppet Museum occasionally hosts puppet performances accompanied by traditional gamelan music, offering a unique cultural experience. These performances typically take place once a month, with details and schedules usually shared on the museum’s​ official Instragram account.

Basic Information

• Admission Fee: The admission fee to the museum for foreigners is Rp. 50,000 (approximately 3.5 USD).
• Museum Hours:
  • Monday: CLOSED
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 AM – 03:00 PM
• Official Instagram Account: For updates on monthly performances, check the museum’s official Instagram account

Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics

Another must-visit destination in Kota Tua Jakarta is the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics. This museum features a diverse collection of artworks by Indonesian artists, dating back to the 1800s.

For a hands-on experience, you can also join pottery-making classes offered at the museum. These classes teach various techniques, including pinching, molding, and using a potter’s wheel. Each workshop lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, and if your group has fewer than four people, no reservation is needed—just inform the staff at the counter when you enter the museum.

Although the workshop is conducted in Indonesian, this doesn’t mean you can’t participate as a foreigner. It will still be a unique and enjoyable experience, where much can be learned through observation and practice.

Basic Information

• Admission Fee: The admission fee to the museum for foreigners is Rp. 50,000 (approximately 3.5 USD). The pottery workshop also costs Rp. 50,000 (approximately 3.5 USD)​
• Museum Hours:
  • Monday: CLOSED
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 AM – 03:00 PM
• Official Instagram Account: For updates on events and workshops, check the museum’s official Instagram account

Sunda Kelapa Harbor and Bahari Museum

Still within Kota Tua Jakarta, you can walk (or better take taxi) north to Sunda Kelapa Harbor, a site that witnessed the glory of maritime trade during the Dutch East Indies administration.

At the harbor, you’ll see various Indonesian ships, including historic vessels and the pride of Indonesia, the Pinisi ship.

Not far from Sunda Kelapa Harbor is the Maritime Bahari Museum, which showcases a wide range of maritime artifacts. These include ships, anchors, cannons, telescopes, and other maritime equipment that reflect Indonesia’s rich maritime heritage.

Basic Information

• Admission Fee: The admission fee to the museum for foreigners is Rp. 50,000 (approximately 3.5 USD).
• Museum Hours:
  • Monday: CLOSED
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 08:00 AM – 03:00 PM
• Official Instagram Account: For updates, check the museum’s official Instagram account

Sunda Kelapa is a public space without an entry fee.

Kali Besar Area and Kota Intan Bridge

If you want to enjoy the evening in Kota Tua Jakarta, consider spending time walking in the Kali Besar area and visiting the Kota Intan Bridge.

Located on the west side of Kota Tua Jakarta, along the Ciliwung River, this area offers a scenic spot for a leisurely stroll. The Ciliwung River is one of the longest rivers in the region, originating in Bogor, West Java, and flowing into Jakarta.

A floating pedestrian path runs along the river, perfect for capturing moments with the historic Kota Tua buildings as your backdrop.

One of the highlights of this area is the Kota Intan Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Jakarta, built during the Dutch colonial era in 1628. The bridge was ingeniously designed to be flexible, opening and closing to allow ships to pass through the Ciliwung River, while also helping to prevent flooding.

Performances and Bicycle Rentals

Fatahillah Square in Kota Tua Jakarta often comes alive with art performances and attractions by groups of street performers. These include traditional acts like Debus, Kuda Lumping, magic shows, and more.

To show your appreciation for these performances, it’s a good idea to make a minimum donation of Rp. 50,000.

Around the museum, you can also take photos with “silver men” who mimic Indonesian freedom fighters or colonial-era figures.

For a more immersive experience, consider renting an old-fashioned bicycle, complete with accessories like hats or costumes, to enhance the retro vibe as you explore the area.

Acaraki Cafe

Tired of walking around Kota Tua? Refresh yourself with traditional herbal drinks, known as jamu, made from various Indonesian spices. Jamu offers numerous health benefits, such as relieving fatigue, reducing pain, and cleansing the body.

Acaraki Café serves jamu in a unique and modern way. Here, a barista prepares jamu with the same flair as a coffee barista, blending traditional practices with a contemporary twist. The art of making these drinks is not only entertaining but also invigorating, especially with the distinctive aroma of jamu that refreshes the body.

If you’re new to jamu, start with Jamu Beras Kencur, made from pounded rice and kencur extract, with added sugar or honey for sweetness. This light and tasty drink is great for treating stomach problems, refreshing the body, and increasing appetite.

Another popular option is Jamu Kunyit Asam, made from turmeric and tamarind. It helps alleviate stomach issues and reduces body pain. Jamu Kunyit Asam is especially delicious when served with ice and a touch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste. You can also request ice and sweeteners separately to adjust the flavor to your liking.

In addition to traditional drinks, Acaraki Café offers a variety of Indonesian dishes rich in flavors from local spices. You can enjoy dishes like Nasi Bakar Ayam Asam Manis, Nasi Kare Singkong, Tempe Mendoan, and more.

Prices for drinks and food at Acaraki Café are quite affordable, ranging from Rp. 10,000 to Rp. 100,000.

Batavia Cafe

Within Kota Tua Jakarta, you’ll find Batavia Café, a popular dining spot that offers a variety of coffee and serves both Western and traditional Indonesian dishes. The café is located directly across from Fatahillah Park, making it a prime location to soak in the historic atmosphere.

Batavia Café is renowned for its charming setting, occupying one of the historic buildings in Kota Tua Jakarta. The interior is designed in a 19th-century style, with furniture inspired by the 1930s, creating a nostalgic and elegant ambiance.

The café features a spacious area with two floors, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options. Here, you can enjoy a selection of coffees from different regions across Indonesia, as well as traditional Indonesian dishes.

I recommend Nasi Meener, a flavorful mixed rice dish with yellow rice, meat, chicken satay, urap-urap (a vegetable salad with grated coconut), and peanut chips. Other popular menu items include oxtail soup, tongue steak, and eggplant with chili sauce, all traditional Indonesian dishes presented with a modern twist.

If you prefer Western cuisine, Batavia Café also offers pasta, burgers, and desserts with authentic flavors.

For those who enjoy cocktails, the café serves unique drinks made with a blend of alcohol and Indonesian spices. One standout is The Ronde, a mix of honey whiskey, brown sugar, peanuts, and Beer Pletok, a traditional Jakarta drink made from ginger and other spices.

However, it’s worth noting that the food at Batavia Café can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from Rp. 60,000 to several hundred thousand rupiahs. Despite the cost, dining in this 1930s-style café is an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Café Hours: Batavia Café is open from 09:00 AM to 12:00 AM, allowing you to enjoy the nighttime atmosphere of Kota Tua Jakarta while sipping a cup of hot coffee.

Explore Jakarta’s Old Town with a Local Guide

Tired of exploring Jakarta on your own. You can always book a tour with a local guide. Check our favorite tips:

Frequently Asked Questions