4D3N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary in Jakarta : Discover Historic Sites & Popular Halal Culinary Spots

For our Malaysian friends looking for a fantastic getaway, you absolutely must visit Jakarta, the vibrant capital of Indonesia! Jakarta offers a wealth of experiences, from historical sites and incredible culinary adventures to, of course, shopping! What many Malaysians particularly love to seek out in Jakarta are batik and kebaya, Indonesia's traditional garments. Their beautiful motifs and designs are quite similar to the baju kurung unique to Malaysia, making them popular souvenirs.

Also read : Jakarta's Halal Culinary Gems & Souvenir Shopping for Malaysian Travelers

Here's a 4-day, 3-night guide to Jakarta, so you can explore every corner of the city and take home memorable souvenirs and cherished memories from Indonesia.

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Charm

Upon your arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), head to your hotel in Central Jakarta which is near the airport train station. From CGK, you can take the airport train and get off at BNI City Station. This airport train to Jakarta city center runs every 15 minutes, so you can buy your ticket at the counter for around IDR 70,000 (approximately RM 19) per trip.

After getting off at BNI City Station, you can walk to check into All Season Hotel, which is less than 1 kilometer from the station. The price per night at All Season Hotel is around IDR 700,000 (approximately RM 182).

Once you've settled, it's time to dive into Jakarta's history.

If you arrive in Central Jakarta before lunchtime, it's a good idea to grab coffee and brunch at Post Kantoor Cikini. You can take Grab/Gojek from your hotel as it's not too far. Here, you can not only enjoy delicious Indonesian coffee but also immerse yourself in an old post office building that has been transformed into an aesthetic cafe rich in history. You can take plenty of photos here, as every corner has a vintage yet aesthetic feel for your Instagram feed.

After enjoying your coffee at this aesthetic spot, you can visit national tourist attractions around Central Jakarta. One of them is Monas (National Monument), which is an icon of Jakarta. You can go up to the top of Monas and see Jakarta from a height.

Just a few meters walk away, you can also visit the National Museum of Indonesia. Here, you can see historical artifacts and enjoy amazing immersive performances. If you like art, you can visit the National Gallery, which often holds art exhibitions.

Pray at the largest mosque in Asia while learning about Islamic history

When the Dhuhr call to prayer (Adhan) arrives, you can perform your prayers at Istiqlal Mosque. This largest mosque in Asia, established in [Year - you may want to add the year here, if known], is not only a place of worship but also features a museum on Islamic history that you can visit.

Keep Diving into Jakarta’s history at Kota Tua

Our journey through Indonesian history doesn't stop there. You can take a TransJakarta bus (Busway) or Commuter Line train to Kota Tua (Old Town) Jakarta. Here, historic buildings from the Dutch colonial era line the streets. You can simply take photos in front of the buildings or join a museum tour. Or even just relax at a restaurant or coffee shop located in one of these old buildings. Coffee shops and restaurants you can visit here include Cafe Batavia – a legendary restaurant located in a historic VOC-era building, offering a classic ambiance and diverse menu, including Nusantara, Western, and Chinese dishes.

Additionally, there's Babah Kofie, a unique Javanese-Peranakan resto-cafe in the Kota Tua area. Its decoration is full of antiques and vintage ornaments, creating a very photogenic atmosphere. Enjoy special Babah coffee while trying traditional cakes.

Enjoying the sunset at PIK's white sand beach

After exploring the history of Indonesia's colonial past through its historical remnants, you can fill your stomach with lunch at Rumah Makan Padang, Pagi Sore, a favorite among locals and tourists. One spot with a beautiful design is in PIK (Pantai Indah Kapuk). You can take Grab/Gojek from Kota Tua; it's not too far.

PIK boasts a charming white sand beach with a row of cafes along the beachfront, perfect for relaxing. It's better to come here after 3 PM, as it can be very hot. To enjoy the sunset, you can go to Land's End or Aloha PIK, or even The Cove PIK, which offers beautiful river and seaside views.

As evening approaches, there's the captivating Batavia PIK Water Fountain show, blending music with dazzling lights. This water fountain show lasts for 15 minutes and is located at Kota Intan Bridge.

Day 2: Shopping Spree & Halal-Trendy Bites

It's almost impossible to go on a holiday without shopping, especially since you can also hunt for unique Indonesian batik souvenirs.

Hunting for batik at Thamrin City

Before heading to South Jakarta, make sure to stop by Thamrin City around 10 AM to shop for batik clothes and kebaya. It’s very close to All Seasons Hotel—only about 15 minutes by Grab or Gojek. Locals recommend arriving right when the shops open at 10 AM to enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience.

Before diving into your shopping, start your day with a classic Jakarta breakfast—Nasi Uduk Kebon Kacang, which is located near Thamrin City.

It’s time to go to Blok M, where young people in Jakarta hang out there.

Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, head back to the hotel to check out and get ready to move to your next hotel in South Jakarta. People say South Jakarta is the go-to area for trendy young locals. You can take the MRT from Dukuh Atas Station and get off at Blok M Station. Your new hotel, Oaktree Urban Hotel, is just 300 meters from the MRT station.

From the hotel, it’s only a short walk to Blok M’s trendy food center. Most of the food here consists of snacks and desserts, but there are also some unique dishes worth trying. One of them is Claypot Popo, a hidden gem tucked between old shops in Blok M.

If you're craving something sweet after lunch, you can try some popular desserts in the area. One favorite is Artirasa, which serves soft, melty cheesecake with a variety of flavors and toppings. You can also cool off with some refreshing ice cream from Macks Creamery or Em Gelato, both located near the Blok M MRT exit.

One drink you must not miss while food-hopping in Blok M is Kopi Tuku, a popular milk coffee. Grab one to-go and continue exploring other food spots around the area.

Make sure to save some room in your stomach—because all the food here is delicious and seriously hard to resist!

Day 3 : Hunting for souvenirs and diving into South Jakarta's coffee shop culture

A Trip Isn’t Complete Without Souvenir Hunting. It wouldn’t feel complete to go traveling without hunting for souvenirs you can bring back to Malaysia. You could even offer a personal shopping service for your friends back home!

Hunting for Indonesian Perfumes Loved by Malaysian Tourists

One of the favorite things Malaysian tourists love to buy in Indonesia is local perfume—especially from brands like Alchemist. You can find Alchemist stores in several malls, such as Senayan City, ASHTA, and Plaza Indonesia.

If you go to the Alchemist store at Senayan City, it’s located on Level 1. After you're done shopping for perfume, head to Remboelan restaurant on Level 5 to enjoy some delicious food.

At Plaza Senayan, there's only the Alchemist perfume outlet. But if you want to explore more local Indonesian perfume and fashion brands, you can take the TransJakarta bus to Semanggi and walk to Lippo Mall Nusantara.

Here, you’ll find Tomorrow World, a newly opened concept store featuring many popular local Indonesian brands loved by both locals and tourists. There's also a mini museum in the mall that showcases the faces of Indonesian national heroes. The food court here is also spacious, with a wide selection of Indonesian and international cuisines.

Muslim Tips: Almost every floor in Jakarta malls has a prayer room (mushola). You can ask mall staff or look for the mosque icon signs to find your way.

Evening Vibes in South Jakarta’s Coffee Shops

In the late afternoon, many young people in Jakarta like to hang out at coffee shops in South Jakarta. One place you definitely shouldn’t miss is Kurasu, located in the Senopati area. It's well-known as a hotspot in Jakarta’s coffee scene.

Kurasu is not only a great place to relax—it’s also beautifully designed and super Instagrammable. So make sure to wear your best outfit when you visit!

Rooftop Garden Views at ASHTA Mall

If you’d prefer to chill on a mall rooftop garden and take aesthetic photos with Jakarta’s skyscrapers in the background, head to ASHTA Mall. There are also several local brands here that would make great souvenirs to bring back to Malaysia.

Popular coffee spots at ASHTA include Café Kitsuné, %Arabica, and Donut of Curiosity, which serves authentic Indonesian coffee.

Evening Snack Stop at MBloc

Before heading back to your hotel in the evening, make a stop at MBloc—a trendy food and cultural hub in South Jakarta, near Blok M (which you might have visited the day before).

This time, come to MBloc to find a unique Jakarta souvenir snack: Roti Buaya—a famous traditional Betawi bread with deep cultural meaning. It’s no longer reserved just for special occasions. Nowadays, Roti Buaya can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee, and with various toppings, it offers a rich and exciting flavor experience.

Day 4: Last-Minute Souvenirs & Departure

It's time to head home, but not before grabbing a few last-minute items. Depending on your flight schedule, you can do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Malls like Grand Indonesia often have dedicated sections for Indonesian crafts and snacks. You could also revisit Sarinah if you missed anything, as it offers a great selection of local products, including coffee, snacks, and crafts.

After that you can Head to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) by the airport train for your flight back to Malaysia, taking with you wonderful memories and unique souvenirs from your Jakarta adventure!

Also read : Jakarta-Bandung Panoramic Train: A Must-Know Guide for Muslim Travellers

Jakarta is truly a city that offers a unique blend of historical charm, modern vibrancy, and delicious halal culinary experiences, not to mention fantastic shopping. We hope this guide helps you enjoy every moment of your trip and leaves you with unforgettable memories of Indonesia!