Staying Dry: 15 Things to do in Jakarta when it’s raining

huibing 03 Jul 2017 updated the 7 August 2017 à 15:49

1/15
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
True, while ultimately better in the sun, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a must-visit for anyone who’s keen on experiencing the entirety of the country’s culture. Set up as a cultural recreational center, this miniature park ensures that you have a taste of the varying aspects of the Indonesian culture, through its various islands and traditions. There’s museums, cinemas, and a theater— so you would have a place to hide in during the rain!

Photo: Getty Images
2/15
Indonesia National Gallery
When talking about places to visit in Indonesia, no matter rain or shine, the Indonesia National Gallery is one that should not be missed. Having been built in 1917, the museum is a marvel both inside and out. Filled with 1770 artworks done by famed Indonesian artists, as well as as foreign artists, this should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

Photo: Getty Images
3/15
Istiqlal Mosque
As the country with the highest Muslim population in the world, is it any surprise that a mosque has made this list? But, words alone are unable to describe just how stunning the place actually is. Ask for a tour, and be led around the magnificent space that proves it is the biggest in Southeast Asia. Huge and educational, this place has never failed to impress, so why should the rain make it any different?

Photo: Getty Images
4/15
National Museum of Indonesia
If you’re looking for a museum that has it all, is there anything better than the National Museum of Indonesia? What had started out as a scientific institution in 1778 has evolved into a dedication to the preservation of the Indonesian history and culture, making this a place worth visiting, whether you are a tourist or a local. Although currently undergoing some renovations (so some exhibitions are closed), this is still a fascinating way to spend your afternoon.

Photo: Getty Images
5/15
Tanamera Coffee
Or, drop by a beautiful cafe for a good cup of coffee and watch as the raindrops compete furiously on the windows. Tanamera Coffee is one such suggestion, but don’t let the colonial-style attractions located around the island fool you. Tucked in little corners of the city are coffee shops, much like this one, so drop by one of them and recline for a relaxing drink and meal.

Photo: Tanamera Coffee
6/15
Salt Grill by Luke Mangan
You can’t go wrong with food— you honestly cannot go wrong with a good meal when the sun decides to shy away for a day. If you only have a few days in the city, go to a fine dining place like Salt Grill that sits you high above the bustle of the city, with the twinkling skyline as your accompaniment, paired alongside a decadent selection of food that’s tantalising. Yummy!

Photo: Salt Grill Facebook
7/15
Jin De Yuan
This is the oldest Chinese temple in Indonesia, and has made a name amongst the hundreds of Chinese temples around the city. Located in Jakarta's Chinatown, the temple itself is filled with amazing calligraphy that will make your jaw drop. Although some of its original beauty has been lost due to a fire in 2015, this temple still remains highly visited because of just how amazing it is.

Photo: Getty Images
8/15
Museum Wayang
Wayang puppetry is a facet of the Indonesian culture that has been known worldwide for its intricacy, and the Wayang Museum showcases just how beautiful the artform is. This is a museum that doubles up as a training and research center for shadow puppets, so this tradition continues on for years to come. Drop by to view the different forms, from wayang kulit to wayang golek, as well as wayang collections from other countries in the region.

Photo: Getty Images
9/15
Pacific Place Mall
Luxurious and modern— these are the two words most often used to describe this mall, and it can’t possibly be any truer. For a premium shopping experience, Pacific Place Mall is hard to beat in Jakarta. For parents with children, Kidzania is located here. For those without, the selection of shops and restaurants located in this extensive mall would make you never want to leave!

Photo: Getty Images
10/15
Seaworld Ancol
This is a great place to visit in the sweltering heat, and even better to visit in the pouring rain. Filled to the brim with a variety of marine creatures like sharks and fishes, be prepared to be awed as you travel along the sea tunnel (where the aquarium wraps around the travelator) and find yourself being one with the ocean right here, in the capital of Indonesia.

Photo: Seaworld Ancol
11/15
Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory
For some, the sea has been their solace but, for others, there’s nothing like the stars. Out of the three planetaries in Indonesia, this observatory is the oldest. Located in a blue building that’s highly distinctive, view the night sky with a different pair of lenses (quite literally so) through its exhibition hall, and learn more about the celestial objects in our skies with the movies available for viewing.

Photo: Wikipedia
12/15
Sky Rink Jakarta
Prefer to stay sky-high even when you’ve touched down? How about the sky rink, an ice-skating rink located in Taman Anggrek, a shopping mall. For an activity that is sure to delight, you cannot go wrong with ice skating. Watch as your family and friends twirl around excitedly (or flail around in a bid to twirl around) and truly enjoy the bonding time at this ice-skating rink.

Photo: Sky Rink Jakarta
13/15
Jakarta Art Building
This concert hall was built by Sir Stamford Raffles, an explorer famed in the region, and has since been a center for the study and preservation for the culture of Indonesia. This historic building contains a hall and a stage, fitted with elegant design and amazing acoustics, making this a place to go if you are a fan of the arts.

Photo: Indonesia Tourism
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Museum Bank Indonesia
Okay, yes, you’re on vacation and the last thing you might want to think about are finances. But, the Museum Bank Indonesia presents it in an intriguing way that makes it worth the visit! Unlike many of its traditional counterparts, this museum is highly modern, for a small fee. The beautiful colonial-style building envelops an interactive display that is air-conditioned, making it worth the visit.

Photo: Getty Images
15/15
St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral
This neo-gothic architectural masterpiece would remind you of cathedrals in Europe, serving you a grand slice of Indonesian history with a beautiful piece of art. Visit for a quiet reprieve or for a place for worship, and you would not find yourself anymore at peace than within the walls of this cathedral.

Photo: Getty Images

These places will keep you dry in wet weather.

So you’ve gotten your sunglasses out, lathered your skin with your favourite sunblock, and you have a whole itinerary planned out with the places you have to visit. The sun is shining and you are ready to start your day in Jakarta, excited to see what the large capital of Indonesia has to offer. You have heard of the parks and the zoos, of the beautiful town squares and monument s— only to hear that ringing cry of thunder in the distance and the ominous dimming of the skies.

Though the weather might be unfavourable, this does not give you an excuse of lying around in your hotel room, hanging by the indoor pool and getting the room service ready on speed-dial, even if that may seem extremely attractive as you slump down on the bed. Just because it’s raining (or, inversely, when the sun is unforgiving), it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the day you have planned. So, scroll back up and check out a list of 15 things you can do and places you can visit when Mother Nature strikes!

Lee Hui Bing

This post was written with the collaboration & support of the Ministry of Tourism Indonesia. Air Asia offers the best connectivity to Indonesia, check out their 15 destinations here!

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