Few people would describe Jakarta as a city filled with beautiful spots to take gorgeous pictures, but there are plenty of those places out there – you just need to know where to look.
Here we highlight 15 places in Jakarta that offer fantastically photogenic scenery that we guarantee to be worthy of sharing on social media. Not only will shots from these spots definitely get you a ton of likes on Instagram (even with #nofilter) you might even find your favorite new oasis of serene beauty in the city.
Skye
This iconic spot is impossible to omit from the list. Located in the heart of the city, 56 floors up, is the gorgeous Skye Lounge, where you can enjoy fine food and a panoramic view of the city skyline. You can visit the Southern-American inspired indoor & outdoor lounge at anytime of the day and you will find the impulse to whip out your camera to capture the breathtaking sights hard to resist. BCA Tower Lt. 56, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat – 10350. Map. Website.
Kota Tua
Discover some #IndonesianHeritage at this historical hotspot. With its mix of preserved and crumbling colonial era architecture and lively festival-like atmosphere, this area is ripe with picture potential. Strolling around Kota Tua, which translates to “Old City”, and fill your timeline with some real Jakarta history. Map
Lara Djonggrang
Enjoy authentic Indonesian food in one of the most enchanting and cultural eateries in Jakarta. Inspired by the legend of a stunningly beautiful princess from Javanese mythology, this restaurant showcases the region’s mystical history through its detailed interior design, decorated and furnished with unique antiquities. It is nearly impossible to not shoot a shareable image inside its confines. Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro No.4, RT.3/RW.2, Gondangdia, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat -10350, Indonesia. Map. Website.
Ancol
Ancol is one of the most popular spots for Jakartans to visit on the weekend, located along Jakarta’s coastal waterfront. The lush atmosphere makes it a great spot to spend your day and explore countless photo-worthy spots. You could walk along its famous bridge and witness a kaleidoscopic sunset at Le Bridge, bask in the sun at Segarra Beach Club, or simply stroll along the beach with your camera and it would be a day well spent. Jl. Lodan Timur No. 7, Ancol, Jakarta Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14430. Map. Website.
Cacaote Patisserie, Brasserie and Bar
Perhaps the prettiest eatery in the happening Senopati neighborhood, Cacaote serves up elegantly plated European cuisine in a neoclassical setting. The two floors are decked out in different elegant designs; the first floor is draped in chic pastels while the second floor is a contrast of bold and stylish colors. Their gem-like pastry creations also make for some extremely classy food porn. Jalan Senopati Raya No.80, Selong, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan. Map. Website
The Edge at Kemang Icon by Alila
One of the must-go spots in nightlife-centric Kemang is The Edge, a stunning rooftop bar located in the Kemang Icon by Alila, where you can enjoy the glorious romantic scenes, during the day and night and the in-between. Jl. Kemang Raya 1, Jakarta Selatan. Map. Website.
Jalan Surabaya
Photo hunters would do well to take a stroll down Jalan Surabaya, an antiques market selling a wide range of unique antiques (some antiques might be newer than others, ahem), everything from wooden sculptures and ornate lamps to old-fashioned accessories like rotary telephones and analog cameras. No need for any vintage photo filters here. Jl. Surabaya, Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat- 10310. Map.
Artotel
At the whimsical and eccentric Artotel, every corner is considerably insta-worthy. As the name implies, the hotel’s unique exterior and interior designs are artily inspired, and the gorgeous rooftop bar, BART, offers even more picturesque possibilities. Jl. Sunda No.3, RT.8/RW.4, Gondangdia, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat -10350. Map. Website.
Branche Bistro
Chill at Jakarta’s very own ‘greenhouse’. This new casual and chic French bistro’s design is a breath of fresh air compared to most other cafes in the capital. The two floors are enclosed with glass windows and ceiling, letting you take sophisticated pictures with the natural light during the day and twinkling stars at night. Jalan Senopati No. 33, Jakarta -12190. Map. Website.
Monas
Jakarta’s National Monument aka Monas is probably the most iconic spot in the capital. The 137-meter tall marble obelisk is crowned with a flame coated in 35 kg of gold and is surrounded by lush parks. Upon request, an elevator can transport visitors to the observation platform, which offers a bird’s eye view of the lively cityscape all the way out to the sea. Don’t let naysayers tell you the hand-on-top-of-Monas pose is a too cliche, it’s popular for a reason! Map.
Raffles Jakarta
This relatively new hotel is glamorously decked out with rich Indonesian aesthetic touches, elegant interiors and vibrant colors. The work of iconic Indonesia artist Hendra Gunawan really comes to life here. After you’re tired of photo taking you can head to the gorgeous Writer’s Bar for a cocktail or, if it’s Sunday, over to the Art Cafe to enjoy one of the city’s most extravagant brunches. Ciputra World 1, Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 3-5, Jakarta Selatan -12940. Map. Website.
Istiqlal Mosque
The exquisiteness of the largest mosque in Southeast Asia is hard to describe, which is why pictures are really necessary to capture it. Istiqlal Mosque stands out with its 45 meters diameter dome, supported by 12 massive columns covered in aluminum plates with 4 balconies. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed to visit and enter the mosque after a briefing from a guide and fulfilling certain simple rules like proper attire. This place is an absolute must to include in your snap-stories. Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Ps. Baru, Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat -10710 Map.
3rd Avenue
This sophisticated whisky bar features magnificent skylights and and luxurious furniture. Your photos will look unequivocally chic and regal here. Jl. Senopati No.64, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan. Map.
Taman Wisata Alam Angke Kapuk, Pantai Indah Kapuk
You can escape the concrete jungle here at one of the few eco-tourism attractions in Jakarta. Surrounded by lush greenery, you can spend your day sailing around the mangrove forest, hiking through the camping grounds and water huts, walking on the wooden bridge and simply exploring the lovely environs while filling up your camera roll. Jalan Garden House, RT. 8 / RW. 1, Kamal Muara, Penjaringan, Jakarta Utara -14470. Map.
Salt Grill by Luke Mangan (Altitude)
Situated in the heart of the city on the 46th floor of The Plaza, this opulently appointed restaurant by Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan has stunning views inside and out. It is almost impossible to refrain from snapping shots of the gorgeous aerial view of the city center and the glamorous interior designs. Natural light, check. Beautiful scenery, check. Perfectly picturesque spot, check check check. Oh and the food is pretty spectacular, too.The Plaza Office Tower, Level. 46, Jl. M. H. Thamrin No. 28 – 30, The Plaza Office Tower, Jakarta Pusat. Map. Website.
