Being the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta is the city where everything happens. Entertainment, excitement, and adventure await in Jakarta. With all the happenings in this vibrant city, you’ll need a fitting retreat to stay. From quaint homestays for budget travellers to posh 5-star hotels for jet setters, this city has something to offer to everyone. A weekend getaway is also something that many people might need to keep their level-headedness. The locals’ best-kept secret is they usually go for a quick trip to neighbouring cities, such as Bogor, Bandung, and Lembang, although many of them travel a bit further. Some of the favourite cities for a weekend getaway are Solo, Yogyakarta, and Lampung which are located across the island. Whether you’re a local in Jakarta, or you’re a tourist who visited the city, keep reading this list to get inspired for the best weekend getaways from Jakarta, Indonesia.
1. Bogor and Puncak Highlands (from USD 315.0)
Bogor probably is one of the most convenient cities for a weekend getaway from Jakarta, as it is only 60 to 70 km (37 to 43 mi) away. If you’re familiar with the train timetable, you can actually go for your weekend adventure to Bogor by train in under one hour’s time. A road trip can also be an option if you’re looking for sceneries, although the route taken might be further since you’ll have to go around through Puncak Highlands but the view of lush tea plantation and botanical gardens will be worth it.
The two main attractions in Bogor - Bogor Botanical Gardens and Bogor National Palace - are located in one area. At the Botanical Gardens, you can take a leisurely walk among more than 5,000 species of tropical plants. While at Bogor National Palace, you can take photos of the adorable deers that are roaming free on the palace’s yard.
Jakarta to Puncak Highland Private Full-Day Trip plus Lunch
Duration: 10 hours
2. Cikarang
Cikarang is a bustling district located just outside the city, perfect for quick road trips from Jakarta. It offers a unique blend of urban energy and cultural charm, making it a must-visit destination for travellers. Explore the lively streets filled with local markets, shops, and restaurants, where you can indulge in delicious street food and immerse yourself in the local culinary scene.
Take a stroll through Cikarang’s parks and green spaces, offering a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Enjoy the picturesque views and soak in the tranquillity of nature. For adventure enthusiasts, Cikarang also offers various outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, allowing you to explore the surrounding natural landscapes.
3. Thousand Island (from USD 200.0)
Thousand Island is probably one of the most favourite beaches near Jakarta, and Sepa Island is the current hype for people to visit, especially those who love to dive. You will need to take a speedboat ride from the Marina Port to get there and be welcomed by the white sands on the coastline that will make you even more excited to explore the underwater beauty. If you’re not into diving or snorkelling, there are still many other watersport activities that you can do with your companions such as banana boat riding, jet skiing, or even canoeing. The hotels at Thousand Island are also top-quality, with their brilliant services and gorgeous settings that will make you want to stay longer.
Paradise in Thousand Island (BEST PRICE) with Travel Insurance & Souvenir
Duration: 10 hours
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Cirebon (from USD 151.0)
The city that’s popular as the Shrimp City is known for its history, culture, and food. Cirebon is a 4-hour train ride away from Jakarta, and you can even leave after working hours since the train station opens 24 hours in Cirebon. Take a guided tour at Kraton Kasepuhan to learn more about the old Javanese kingdom and see the elegant architectures that are a perfect blend of Javanese, Sundanese, Islamic, Dutch, and Chinese culture. Another place where you can learn about the ancient Javanese kingdom is Sunyaragi Cave, a meditation palace for the kings of the past. Don’t forget to try the famous cuisines of Cirebon, Sega Jamblang (Jamblang rice, mixed rice that was wrapped using teak leaves), and empal gentong (beef stew and soup, eaten with rice).
(Seat in Coach) Explore Cirebon One Day Tour
Duration: 10 to 12 hours
5. Sukabumi
A small town that will surely bring you a sense of peace, Sukabumi is located between Bogor and Cianjur. You can reach the city by bus or train, although with the train you will need to make a transfer in Bogor since there’s no direct train yet from Jakarta. Besides shopping for locally made handicrafts and food, there are several activities that you can do while exploring the city.
If you’re staying near Halimun Hills, you can take a walk at the tea farm and admire the view of Sukabumi city on the background, before stopping at the tea shop to have a nice cup of tea to enjoy in the chilly weather. Surfing can also be an option for you to do while staying at Sukabumi. There are two favourite spots to surf, Cimaja Beach and Ujung Genteng.
6. Solo
Also known as Surakarta, Solo is the humble twin sister of Yogyakarta. It’s strong in Javanese culture and history, and is less touristy. The fastest way to get to Solo from Jakarta is by a plane and that will take around 45 to 50 minutes. While in town, you can visit several historical Javanese architectural gems. For instance, the Keraton Kasunanan and Puro Mangkunegaran are two buildings that hold valuable historical and cultural meaning for the Javanese kingdom. The buildings also have a strong mixture of traditional Javanese and classic European designs.
Besides being famous for being the hometown of Indonesia’s president, Joko Widodo, Solo is also well-known for batik. The most popular spot is Batik Danar Hadi, where you can visit the museum in this city to see its collections over the years.
7. Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is one of the favourite holiday cities for Jakartans and also for many people from all over the world. It might be for the charming ambience of traditional Javanese and modern lifestyle that blends well. From Jakarta, it only takes around a 50-minute flight to Yogyakarta. One of the most popular activities in Yogyakarta is watching the Ramayana Dance under the bright full moon at Prambanan Temple.
Yogyakarta is also famous for the number of temples it has and one of them is the largest Buddhist temple in Asia - Borobudur Temple, where you can see the sunrise from there. Also on Vesak Day, people release lampions from the temple and creating a serene mood. If you fell in love with Yogyakarta batik during your stay, you can stroll along Malioboro and Beringharjo Market for some shopping.
8. Lampung
Back in the ‘80s and '90s, Bandar Lampung was famous as a stopping point for those who travel from Java to Sumatra, and also the other way around, by road and ferry. However, since the rise of new flight routes and less expensive flight fares, Bandar Lampung tends to be overlooked by tourists, both domestic and international, who opt for more popular spots.
There are many activities that you can do during your stay in Bandar Lampung, including visiting Gita Persada Butterfly Garden that was built to help preserve the extinct butterflies in Bandar Lampung due to deforestation. The local art market in Bandar Lampung is also one of the favourite places to visit, and here you can find many locally made handicrafts and artworks that you can bring home as souvenirs.
9. Lembang
Similar to Bandar Lampung, Lembang is also a city that was popular back in the ‘80s to '90s among Jakartan people. It’s located just on the outskirts of Bandung. Going to Lembang might give the tropical people a little touch of experiencing winter. Nowadays, the temperature is not as cold as it used to be, but it is still one of the favourite places for short getaways from Jakarta.
Also, what was once a quiet and straightforward town has now evolved into a touristy city. The Floating Market Lembang is a place that shouldn’t be missed out. Souvenirs and food are available in this place with friendly prices and if you’re looking for a more educational attraction to take your child to, the oldest observatories in Indonesia, Bosscha, provides science tours for its visitors.
10. Banten
This city is probably one of the closest destinations for weekend trips from Jakarta since there are parts of Southern Jakarta that are already part of Banten. You can even drive for around one hour to get to Banten from Jakarta and be surprised at the change from Jakarta’s hectic traffic to Banten’s calm ambience.
Several tourist spots that you can visit include Ujung Kulon National Park that’s famous as an endangered animals’ conservation park in Java. Tanjung Lesung and Umang Island are also popular destinations for those who are looking for a weekend getaway at the beach from Jakarta.
11. Cianjur
Cianjur is a small town that’s located between Puncak Highlands and Bogor. If you’re interested in ancient sites, then Cianjur is an excellent travelling option for you. Here you can find the largest megalithic site in Southeast Asia, Gunung Padang Megalithic Site, that you can reach by driving around 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) to the south from the city.
There’s also Manangel Mountain where you can hike up to see the panoramic view of Cianjur and its neighbouring towns. At this site, you can also find an ancient stone that has a footprint that came from the old time. If you want to visit Cianjur, you can make it a day tour from Jakarta or stay for the whole weekend in Puncak or Bogor.
Treat yourself with a weekend holiday
If you’ve been thinking about what to do in Jakarta this weekend, this list has got you covered. Living in a fast-paced and busy city can get a little too much after some time. So when it feels like you have reached your limit, it’s time to plan an exciting getaway outside of Jakarta with your family, partner, or friends. Which city from our list will be your next destination?
Frequently asked questions about the best weekend getaways from Jakarta, Indonesia
1. What places near Jakarta offer visitors a tranquil and relaxing experience?
If you want to spend your weekend under the loving embrace of tranquillity, the perfect destination to pin to your map are: i) Banten, ii) Cianjur, iii) Bogor and Puncak Highlands, and iv) Yogyakarta.
2. What exciting outdoor activities are available near Jakarta?
For outdoor enthusiasts, the best adventures outside Jakarta are: i) surfing at Sukabumi’s Cimaja Beach and Ujung Genteng, ii) hiking at Manangel Mountain in Cianjur, and iii) cycling in the natural landscapes of Cikarang.
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