16 Best Things to Do in Gambir Jakarta (History, Art and Culinary)

Gambir is better known as the name of the train station located in Central Jakarta. Gambir area is right in the heart of Jakarta which is the center of Indonesian government. Although it may sound boring, there are actually many interesting places to visit in Gambir area. Let’s find out the best things to do in Gambir Jakarta ..!

1. Visiting National Monument (Monas)

Once you set foot in Gambir Station, you can see Monas standing upright. From here you can get a good angle to photograph Monas.

Visiting Monas is a must when you are in Gambir. Monas is a symbol of the struggle of the Indonesian people for independence from colonialism.

How to Get There
National Monument (Monas) is located in Gambir, Central Jakarta. There is no fee to enter Monas area. But to get into Monas, visitors will be charged. Payment of admission uses e-Money, which is Rp 10,000 for adults and Rp 2,000 for children. To get to the top of Monas visitors will be charged again, which is Rp 5,000 for adults and Rp 2,000 for children. Opening hours for Tuesday – Friday is 8 am – 4 pm and 7 pm – 10 pm; while for Saturday – Sunday is 8 am – 4 pm and 7 pm – 0 am. Please note that every Monday Monas is closed. Visiting Monas is just one of cheap and fun things to do in Jakarta.

2. Visiting Cathedral Church

Cathedral Church is one of the oldest and grandest churches in Indonesia. The church was completed in 1901 and has the official name of The Church of Our Lady at Assumption.

The architecture of the Cathedral Church is very distinctive and fascinating, the Neo Gothic style. Because of its beauty and history, the Government has established the Cathedral Church as Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

How to Get There
The Cathedral Church is located at Katedral Street, Central Jakarta. It’s free entry. Opening hour is according to worship schedule. If you wonder, there are actually a few things to do in Cathedral.

3. Visiting the Museum and Gallery of Photo Journalism

The Museum and Gallery of Photo Journalism is the first photo gallery in Indonesia. It was inaugurated in 1992.

The Museum and Gallery of Photo Journalism is not only used as an exhibition venue for local photographers, but also for international photographers. In addition here people can attend a training class that will teach the ins and outs of photography.

How to Get There
The Museum and Gallery of Photo Journalism is located at Antara Street, Central Jakarta. It’s free entry. Opening hour is 9 am – 9 pm. It’s close on Monday and national holiday.

4. Visiting the National Museum

The National Museum is famous for its collection of sculptures dating from various times, ranging from the stone age to the Hindu era. The prima donna is a statue of Bhairawa, estimated from the 13th-14th century.

The National Museum also features miniature of traditional houses in Indonesia, from west to east. There is also a collection of textiles from various regions in Indonesia.

How to Get There
The National Museum is located at Medan Merdeka Barat Street, Central Jakarta. The admission is Rp 5.000 for adults and Rp 2.000 for children. Opening hour is 8 am – 4 pm. It’s close on Monday and national holiday.

5. Visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia

The National Gallery of Indonesia is an exhibition venue for modern and contemporary art. Various artworks are featured here, from painting, photography, sculpture to installation art.

The National Gallery of Indonesia was inaugurated in 1999. The rules here are very strict. Visitors are not allowed to take pictures.

How to Get There
The National Gallery of Indonesia is located at Medan Merdeka Timur Street, Central Jakarta. It’s free entry. Opening hour for permanent exhibition is 9 am – 4 pm and it’s close on Monday and national holiday. Whereas opening hour for temporary exhibition is 10 am – 7 pm and it’s close only on national holiday.

6. Visiting Surapati Park

Surapati Park is an oasis in the heart of Jakarta. The beautiful park was built in 1920 and is located adjacent to the official residence of the Governor of Jakarta.

Surapati Park is decorated by sculptures that are the work of Southeast Asian artists. The green of the trees, the shady atmosphere and pigeons that fly freely will make visitors happy to linger here.

How to Get There
Surapati Park is located at Taman Suropati Street, Central Jakarta. It’s free entry and open 24 hours. Visiting Surapati Park could be one of romantic things to do in Jakarta for couples.

7. Shopping at Grand Indonesia Mall

Grand Indonesia Mall is one of the largest and most luxurious malls in Jakarta. Here you can find shops that sell worldwide brands ranging from fashion, food to supplements.

Grand Indonesia Mall is so big and spacious that a day will not be enough to explore it. You can bet that there is always something for everyone here.

How to Get There
Grand Indonesia Mall is located at M.H. Thamrin Street, Central Jakarta. Opening hour is 10 am – 10 pm.

8. Visiting Ismail Marzuki Park

Ismail Marzuki Park is a sanctuary for contemporary artists. Here you can enjoy various artistic performances such as dance, music, drama, puppets, poetry to painting exhibitions.

Ismail Marzuki Park also has a planetarium built in 1969. At the time of the solar eclipse or other sky phenomena, the planetarium will be crowded by visitors.

How to Get There
Ismail Marzuki Park is located at Cikini Raya Street, Central Jakarta. The admission to the art gallery, the theater, the open stage, the planetarium and the cinema vary depending on the type of show displayed. Ismail Marzuki Park is open at 8 am.

9. Visiting City Hall

If you want to feel a glimpse of the seat of power, come to the City Hall. At the weekend, City Hall which is the office of the Governor of Jakarta is open to the public.

Here visitors can learn the history of City Hall and the governors of Jakarta from time to time. Visitors can also buy souvenirs typical of Jakarta or enjoy a variety of foods sold by street vendors.

How to Get There
City Hall is located at Medan Merdeka Selatan Street, Gambir, Central Jakarta. It’s free entry. You can visit City Hall from 9 am – 5 pm for indoor area and 9 am – 8 pm for outside area. In addition to visiting City Hall, there are other things to do in Jakarta on the weekend.

10. Dining at Pecenongan

Pecenongan is famous as a culinary area since 1970. Life and bustle here begin at sunset.

Some of the menu you can enjoy in Pecenongan are Chinese food, seafood, Padang rice, uduk rice, satay and martabak. The price of food in Pecenongan varies. Some people will say it’s expensive, but others will say it’s a fair price.

How to Get There
Pecenongan Street is located in Central Jakarta.

More best things to do in Gambir Jakarta

11. Hanging out at Plaza Indonesia
12. Shopping at Sarinah Thamrin Plaza
13. Visiting the Museum of Inscription
14. Visiting Istiqlal Mosque
15. Visiting Immanuel Church
16. Visiting Proklamator Park

That’s all guys. Apparently there are many best things to do in Gambir Jakarta. Do not let yourself drift in the bustle of the city. Take time to explore Gambir Jakarta and have some fun.