North Jakarta (Indonesian: Jakarta Utara) is one of the municipalities of the Indonesian capital, along the Java Sea coast, and the location where Jakarta began to take shape. The colonial Dutch legacy still lives on at the Old Town (Kota Tua, at the border with West Jakarta) and the Sunda Kelapa harbour. When you are done with history, find amusement at Ancol, great food at Pluit or Kelapa Gading, and vibrant shopping destination at Mangga Dua. It is also the gateway to the Thousand Islands, and the location of Indonesia's busiest port, Tanjung Priok. Almost 2 million people, many of whom are of Chinese descent, call this part of the city home.
Get in
editBy train
editThere are only three railway stations in North Jakarta, at Tanjung Priok, Ancol, and Kampung Bandan. All three of these stations are on the commuter rail network's (KA Commuter Jabodetabek) pink line, which connects to Kota station in West Jakarta. In addition, Kampung Bandan station is on the yellow line, with a direct connection to Depok and Bogor. For most long-distance trains, you will need to go to Gambir or Pasar Senen stations in Central Jakarta.
By ferry
editThe 1 Tanjung Priok port is not only a container port, but also has a large passenger port terminal. All ferry ships to other areas across Indonesia dock there. Ferries operated by PELNI connect Tanjung Priok to all major ports, from Sumatra to Bali, and from Kalimantan to Papua. Obviously, taking a ferry is only a good option if you have a lot of time, as it takes several days to reach most other major islands.
By bus
editTransjakarta Line takes you to the western side of town, especially Pluit, from the downtown corridor of business districts. Line from East Jakarta ends at Ancol, Line goes right to the center of the Old City from Blok M and Sudirman, and Line ends at Tanjung Priok from East Jakarta.
By car
editThe Jakarta Inner Ring Road ends at Pluit in the west and Tanjung Priok at the east. The Outer Ring Road ends at Pantai Indah Kapuk in the west. The airport tollroad has a direct connection to the western side.
Get around
editBy bus
editTransjakarta Line is the best mode of public transportation available, taking you from the west end (Pluit) to the east end at Tanjung Priok (line ), via the most important points in the area, such as Kota (Line 1), Mangga Dua (Line 5) and Kelapa Gading.
By car
editThe Harbor Tollroad has a similar track to Line 12 of the BRT.
See
editThe Old City
editMost attractions throughout this area of town are accessible from the Line stops of Pakin & Museum Fatahillah.
- 1 Galangan VOC (VOC Shipyard), Jl. Kakap No. 1-3. Dating back to 1628, this is the former trade office and ship repair of the VOC (East Indies Trade Company) built by the Dutch. It is the center of the trade routes that stretched from Japan to Cape Town, from the Spice Islands to Persia. The place is now a restaurant, also called the VOC (Very Old Café), but still maintains what's left of history.
- 2 Jakarta Port Authority's Lookout Tower, on the corner of Jl Pakin and Jl Pasar Ikan, Sunda Kelapa, ☏ +62 21 315 4094. Established in 1834, it functioned as the watchtower for ships docking and departing Sunda Kelapa Harbor. No longer used, the building is in dilapidated condition.
- 3 Museum Bahari (Maritime Museum) (20 minute walk from Taman Fatahillah). A legacy of Indonesia's maritime past. Artifacts of boats from the Pinisi to the Navy, underwater life and the heroes of the Indonesian seas. Magnificent old building and very modest entry fee.
- 4 Sunda Kelapa Port (Head east along JL Pakin from Bahari Museum. The road swings to the north and changes name to JL Krapu after a few minutes walk a large gate is reached with signs warning against entry follow the road past the gate as it swings east changing name to JL Lodan Raya and take the first road to the north. When inside the port complex follow the sign to the Batavia Marina. Its about 8 minute walk in total from the museum.). This is where Jakarta began as Fatahillah defeats the Portuguese in a battle to conquer his kingdom in 1527. The old port area of Sunda Kelapa remains today as a bustling hub for inter-island trade. Graceful Bugis phinisi schooners, the world's last wind-powered sailing fleet used for trade, are still berthed at the quay as they have been for century.
Nature reserves
edit- 5 Muara Angke Nature Reserve (Cagar Alam Angke Kapuk), Jl. Pantai Indah Utara Raya (use the BKTB from Monas, Pluit, or Kota). This is the last nature reserve in Jakarta with mangrove plantations and wildlife still preserved. Look for the endemic birds, plants, monitor lizards and monkeys. Obtain a permit to enter at the Conservation of Natural Resources Office at Salemba, Central Jakarta. The reserve is very quiet, located about 500 meters from Pantai Indah Kapuk, Muara Karang Gate. Although there is no official parking area, you can park on the shoulder of the road in front of the park gate. No permit is required, because there aren't any guards.
- 6 Taman Wisata Alam Angke Kapuk (use the BKTB from Monas, Pluit, or Kota). Daily 08:00-19:00. Similar to Muara Angke but does not require a permit. Larger, even has a place to stay and playing boats. No DSLR cameras allowed. It is an artificial park, not a nature preserve, and patrons can plant mangrove trees there, if they obtain a ticket. Rp25,000.
Other
edit- 7 Kalijodo Park (Taman Kalijodo). Formerly a red-light district, it is the newest park in the city, with 3.4 hectares (8.4 acres) of land area besides the Krendang River. The park has international-standard skateboard facilities, a playground, an indoor football court, and an amphitheater.
Do
editAmusement parks
editFerris wheel in Dunia Fantasi ('Dufan') theme park in Ancol, North Jakarta.
Cinema
editMost malls have at least one cinema. For a rate of Rp50,000 you have a plush seat and a big silver screen. Other theaters, though, are willing to go beyond just watching movies. Here are some cinema that have more facilities, rather than just movie theatres.
- 2 CGV Cinema Central Park (formerly Blitz Megaplex), Mall of Indonesia 2nd Floor, Jl. Boulevard Barat Raya, Kelapa Gading., ☏ +62 21 4586 8100. This is one of the few theaters that screens non-Hollywood movies alongside your typical blockbuster. The Satin Class has recliner seats, while the Velvet Class contains a bed fit for a couple's night out at the movies. M-F Rp30,000; Sa-Su, public holiday: Rp50,000. Satin: M-Th Rp50,000; F-Weekend, Public holiday: Rp75,000. Velvet: M-Th Rp140,000; F Rp160,000; Sa-Su, public holiday: Rp200,000. Discounts apply for local movies, special fares for Hindi movies.
- 3 Emporium Pluit XXI The Premiere, Emporium Pluit Mall Unit 5-10, Jl. Pluit Selatan Raya, ☏ +62 21 666 76421. A movie theater experience taken to the next level. Table dining before the movie. Dedicated studio with plush pillows and bedding. There is a game arcade center inside it.
Golf
edit- 4 Damai Indah Golf, Jl Marina Indah, Pantai Indah Kapuk, ☏ +62 21 588 2388.
- 5 Golf Bandar Kemayoran, Jl. Trembesi Blok D3-D4 Kota Baru Bandar Kemayoran, ☏ +62 21 654 1156, fax: +62 21 654 5486.
Races
edit- Jakarta ePrix is a Formula E motor-race held in Ancol semi-street circuit. The next race will be held on 3-4 June 2023.
Buy
editShopping Malls
editShopping centers are concentrated on Pluit (west side), Mangga Dua (central side) and Kelapa Gading (east side)
Pluit
edit- 1 Baywalk Mall, Jl. Pluit Karang Ayu B1 Utara, ☏ +62 21 2962 8000. A newest addition to the area with premium eateries and chain department stores. Has a dedicated seating area with view of Jakarta's seas and a seaside seafood restaurant.
- 2 Emporium Pluit Mall (locally abbreviated EP or Empo), Jl. Pluit Selatan Raya, ☏ +62 21 666 72 999. The first mall you'll typically see as you enter Pluit. A small but tall mall, with premium upper-middle-class fashion. Food options are abundant, both premium and budget, the food court has cheap food on par with chain brands.
- 3 Pluit Junction (locally abbreviated PJ), Jl. Pluit Selatan Raya, ☏ +62 21 666 07 388. A sleepy and lonely mall across the Emporium Pluit with basic shops. Good only for a fitness center, movies (the cheapest in the area) and watching a live football match at its center stage.
- 4 Pluit Village (locally abbreviated PV), Jl. Pluit Indah Raya, ☏ +62 21 668 3888. The first mall built in Pluit, now sleepy with middle class shops. The best place around to get a haircut, and eat at the food court with authentic Indonesian and Chinese cuisine — no chain brands. Matahari department store and Carrefour also fill up the mall.
- 5 PIK Avenue, Jl. Pantai Indah Kapuk Boulevard, ☏ +62 21 22570999. Daily 10AM-10PM. Opulent and futuristic style mall with chic fashion tenants, flagship tech shops, and a dedicated Japanese food court alongside other mid-range to splurge options.
Kelapa Gading
editKelapa Gading is a more well developed upscale center of North Jakarta, having been built since the 1970s. It's like a town of its own with malls that have basically everything!
- 6 Mal Artha Gading (sometimes abbreviated MAG), Jl. Artha Gading Selatan No. 1, ☏ +62 21 4585 8180. Huge middle class mall with more than 300 shops and many food options. A batik center filled with accessories of such motifs can be found at the 5th floor.
- 7 Mal Kelapa Gading & La Piazza (sometimes abbreviated MKG), Jl. Bulevar Kelapa Gading, ☏ +62 21 453 1101. A series of 4 malls on one single street! A place for all budgets. The best place to enjoy your meal with five food courts in different themes, and the best place to shop for fashion in the area. The adjacent La Piazza is a similar but much smaller place.
- 8 Mall of Indonesia (abbreviated MOI), Jl. Bulevar Barat Kelapa Gading. An upper-middle-class style mall, a newest addition to the region. Has an indoor amusement park with a roller coaster. The best place for lounging with coffee shops and stores outside the mall.
Mangga Dua
editMangga Dua area is evenly split between the North and Central areas so check out the respective district for sleeping and more shopping options.
- 9 ITC Mangga Dua, Jl. Arteri Mangga Dua, ☏ +62 21 601 1789. This is the cheapest place in Jakarta when it comes to clothing, but haggling is still the norm. Thousands of independent clothing lines in line with counterfeit brands. Very crowded on the weekends, watch out for pickpockets.
- 10 Mangga Dua Square, Jl. Gunung Sahari No 1, ☏ +62 21 6231 3000. A more upscale option at Mangga Dua, but modest compared to elsewhere in Jakarta. Has a modest outdoor food court catering to Chinese tastes and a club upstairs. Houses many hotels that provide an optimal connection to Ancol.
Markets
edit- 11 Ancol Art Market (Pasar Seni Ancol) (Within the Ancol Theme Park). Wondering where to buy art in Jakarta? This is where the locals go, especially for Indonesian traditional arts. It's a collector's paradise!
Eat
editA particular feature of Jakarta's North area is the dedicated districts for culinary delights. Ethnic Asian specialties can be found at Pantai Indah Kapuk for a wide range of prices while Chinese and seafood restaurants are abundant at Muara Karang on the west side. Kelapa Gading on the east side have uniquely themed dining that fits for all budgets. There are definitely too many restaurants to be listed here, you'll be spoiled with choices! Most of these areas consist of East Asian restaurants (or Chinese Indonesian) though, so if you are looking for something else, the shopping malls usually have it.
Budget
edit- 1 Kwetiau Akang, Jl. Muara Karang Raya No. 21, ☏ +62 21 6610359. From Rp20,000. Parking may be tough because the restaurant does not provide its own, but it is worth the time! Famous in the area (and all over Jakarta) for its rice vermicelli (kwetiau), a choice of fried (dry) or siram (wet with gravy). Toppings are usually shrimp, beef (or pork), scrambled eggs, and shallots. From Rp35,000.
- 2 Le Bridge, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Jl. Pasir Putih Raya,. In the middle of the water, the establishment is connected by a man-made causeway that entices couples to hang out waiting for the sun to set. Its menu consists of western cuisine as well as finger bites. One of the cheapest non-chain brand options at Ancol. There are no restrooms due to the fact it is in the middle of "nowhere"! Snacks from Rp20,000; Mains from Rp35,000.
Mid-range
edit- 3 B'Steak, Jl. Muara Karang Raya No.42, ☏ +62 21 6603045. A Western style dining, specialties are its pancakes and steaks, but they also have fish & chips and pasta. You can choose your own sides (mashed potato, fries, or wedges) and gravy. Mains from Rp30,000.
- 4 Oyster Dealer, Cove at Batavia PIK, Kamal Muara, ☏ +62 21 7199289. 09:00-22:00. An oyster bar. It also serves mocktails and cocktails. Start from Rp85,000.
- 5 Zenbu House of Mozaru, Jl. Pluit Karang Barat G6 No. 34, ☏ +62 21 6678020. This restaurant takes your typical Japanese cuisine to the next level. As its name suggests, its specialty is the mozaru, rice on the bottom layer, followed by meat and sauce, finally topped with mozzarella cheese — you can choose different options for the first three! There are other things too, especially salmon, pasta, and abundant vegetarian options. From Rp45,000.
Splurge
editUpper scale restaurants can usually be found at Ancol.
- 6 Bandar Djakarta, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Pintu Timur, Jl. Lodan Timur No. 7, ☏ +62 21 645 5472. This is the one of the favorite seafood options in Jakarta. It hosts what resembles a seafood market where you can pick your own fish and have them cook it, or you can order just by sitting at your table and let them do all the work, but the seating area is actually what draws everyone: its panorama of the coastline and the sea breeze, notoriously hot by the afternoon, cool at night. Perfect for group dining as you will be overwhelmed by the size of your meal! From Rp60,000.
- 7 Segarra, Pantai Carnaval - Jakarta Bay City, Jl. Lodan Timur No. 7, ☏ +62 21 64710101. A perfect place for a couple and a candlelit dinner under the open sky. Luxurious hotel-like dining experience with Indonesian, Japanese, Italian, and Western options. The sofa chairs on the beach facing the sea or near the pool are the best seats in the house, yet very often reserved in advance. A minimum order must be placed if you wish to sit there though. From Rp90,000.
Desserts
editIce cream:
- 8 Ollino, Jl. Danau Sunter Utara Block C1/2A, Sunter, ☏ +62 21 6583 4565. Ice cream parlor. Great Tutti Frutti.
Pastries:
- 9 Manon Chocolatier & Patissier, Jl. Nias Raya GN no.6, Kelapa Gading., ☏ +62 21 4584 77 81. A French pastry and chocolate shop. Known for signature macaroons, delicious cakes, and chocolates.
Drink
editThe North is where middle or high school kids tend to hang out, thus bars may not be obvious apart from signs that explicitly indicate so. The Pantai Indah Kapuk has its fair share of pubs, cafés, bobba teas, and ice cold desserts. Be sure to come early in the meal time on the weekend as this area is instantly a huge blast! Moving over to Ancol, Mangga Besar, and Mangga Dua, this is where the passionate yet shady nightlife of Jakarta is!
Coffeehouses
editLike in any other parts of Jakarta, North Jakarta has tons of options for coffee-drinkers. The market of co-working spaces is also emerging so surely you won't have a hard time to find one.
- 1 Copper Club Specialty Coffee, Jalan Tarian Raya Timur W1 no 23, RT.5/RW.9, Pegangsaan Dua, Kelapa Gading, 14240, ☏ +628118081168. 9AM-9PM. Specialty coffee place near Kelapa Gading district. Offers various local and international coffee beans for both filtered and espresso.
- 2 KOCIL Specialty Coffee, Jalan Tarian Raya Tim. No.X-21, RT.3/RW.9, Pegangsaan Dua, Kelapa Gading, 14250, ☏ +6281218010220. 7AM-10PM.
Sleep
editNote: Three hotels in North Jakarta (All Sedayu Hotel Kelapa Gading, El Hotel Royale Jakarta Kelapa Gading, and 101 URBAN Jakarta Kelapa Gading) have been assigned as medical worker resting place nor as an isolation place for covid-19 patients. Please be extra careful when you stay at those hotels despite the pandemic is slowing down. | |
(Information last updated 20 Apr 2022) |
Budget
edit- 1 Favehotel Kelapa Gading, Jl. Gading Indah Raya No.8 Blok C-32, ☏ +62 21 451 4048. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Budget hotel in the Kelapa Gading area. Standard rooms with modern style and minimalist design. From Rp300,000.
- 2 Favehotel Pluit Junction, Jalan Pluit No. 1, Pluit Penjaringan (Attached to Pluit Junction Mall), ☏ +62 21 6670 000. From Rp350,000. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Budget hotel in the Pluit area, attached to a quiet mall. Small rooms with modern facilities, small lobby and dining area. Conveniently located in front of the BRT station.
Mid-range
editKelapa Gading
edit- 3 Harris Hotel Kelapa Gading, Jl. Bulevar Kelapa Gading Blok M ( stop: Sunter Kelapa Gading), ☏ +62 21 4587 8200, fax: +62 21 4587 8222. The best hotel within the Kelapa Gading area. Modern and minimalist style interior with a sense of orange, in both the rooms and the public areas. Decent restaurant and swimming pool. Direct access to Mal Kelapa Gading. From Rp650,000.
- 4 All Sedayu Hotel Kelapa Gading, Jl. Raya Boulevard Barat (Mall of Indonesia, Lobby 5), ☏ +62 21 2936 5000, fax: +62 21 2936 5001, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 4-star hotel right inside Mall of Indonesia
- 5 1O1 URBAN Jakarta Kelapa Gading, Boulevard Bukit Gading Raya, ☏ +62 21 458 488 67, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A hotel with 171 rooms. From Rp300,000.
- 6 éL Hotel Royale Jakarta, Jl. Bukit Gading Raya Kav. 1, ☏ +62 21 4587 3355, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A 4-star hotel with 303 rooms.
- 7 Whiz Prime Hotel Kelapa Gading, Jl. Raya Boulevard Barat, Komplek Ruko Inkopal Blok B No. 18, ☏ +62 21 2452 0101, [email protected]. A 3-star hotel located near Mall of Indonesia. From Rp400,000.
Other areas
edit- 8 Grand Asia Hotel, Jl. Bandengan Selatan No.88 ( : Jembatan Tiga), ☏ +62 21 6660 6969. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. One of the best hotels in the Pluit area. Contemporary Asian minimalist interior. Executive lobby lounge,Cathay Chinese restaurant and The Cafe international cuisine. Dragon Phoenix lounge for a karaoke bar. From Rp700,000.
- 9 Mercure Ancol (formerly Hotel Horison), Jl. Pantai Indah, Ancol, ☏ +62 21 640 6000, fax: +62 21 640 6123. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. The former Horison Hotel has its exterior relatively unchanged, but the rooms are slowly being renovated. Ask for the newer rooms. Two restaurants and bars each, and a big pool for a swim. From Rp450,000.
- 10 Novotel Mangga Dua, Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya No. 1 ( stop: Gunung Sahari Mangga Dua), ☏ +62 21 6231 2800, fax: +62 21 6231 2900. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Attached to Mangga Dua Square, convenient to Ancol. Nice and crisp rooms with parquet flooring, either facing the pool or the city. An ordinary restaurant, but exceptional pool and cheap massage. From Rp500,000.
- 11 Hotel Zia Sanno Jakarta - Pluit, Jl. Pluit Selatan Raya No. 2 (in front of Pluit Hospital, Line : Landmark), ☏ +62 21 6606060, fax: +62 21 660-4944. In-room Wi-Fi provided at the more expensive rooms. Complimentary shuttle service to airport and shopping mall. From Rp750,000.
- 12 Sunlake Hotel (formerly Hotel Danau Sunter), Jl.Danau Permai Raya Blok C.1 Sunter, ☏ +62 21 650 9969, fax: +62 21 650 9970. All suite hotel facing Lake Sunter. Some restaurants specializing in Korean, Japanese, and Indian. Big pool and bar. From Rp900,000.
- 13 Mercure Jakarta Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jalan Pantai Indah Kapuk, ☏ +62 21 2257 1000, fax: +62 21 2257 1999. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A mid-range hotel only 15 minutes away from the airport, steps away from a wide array of eateries and supermarkets, and only a lift ride to the PIK Avenue mall. From Rp700,000 per night.
Splurge
editAll of the hotels listed here are in the Ancol area.
- 14 Grand Dafam Ancol Jakarta (formerly "Aston Marina"), Marina Mediterania,Tower A, Jl. Lodan Raya No. 2A,, ☏ +62 21 6983 7120. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. 358 units of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments plus two exclusive penthouses. Apartment style hotel with kitchen, but you still can have breakfast downstairs. From Rp2,000,000.
- 15 Putri Duyung Resort, Jl. Lodan Timur No. 7, ☏ +62 21 2601680, fax: +62 21 260 1691. Cottages, bungalow and a secluded beautiful beach. From Rp1,300,000.
Stay healthy
editMedical assistance
editHospitals with 24 hr emergency room, Unit Gawat Darurat (UGD) (ER)
- RS Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jl. Pantai Indah Utara 3, ☏ +62 21 588 0911, +62 21 588 5188.
- RS Atma Jaya, Jl. Pluit Raya No. 2 Jakarta Utara, ☏ +62 21 6606127, +62 21 6606130, +62 21 6690771, +62 21 669109.
- RS Royal Progress (formerly "RS Medika Gria"), Jalan Danau Sunter Utara, Sunter Paradise Real Estate 1-5, ☏ +62 21 6400261.
- RS Pluit, Jl. Raya Pluit Selatan No. 2, ☏ +62 21 668-5006, +62 21 668-5070, +62 21 669 8066.
- RSU Daerah Koja, Jl. Deli No. 4, Tanjung Priok, ☏ +62 21 498 699, +62 21 496 132.
Go next
edit- The Thousand Islands National Park is in Jakarta bay, with boats departing from Ancol in North Jakarta.
- If you have a lot of time, you can take a PELNI ferry from the Tanjung Priok port to all other regions of Indonesia.
Routes through North Jakarta |
Anyer ← West Jakarta ← | W E | → Central Jakarta → Panarukan |