Jakarta History Museum
Explore Jakarta's rich past in a stunning 18th-century building, uncovering stories from the Batavia era.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Jakarta History Museum
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Jakarta's rich past in a stunning 18th-century building, uncovering stories from the Batavia era.
"Amazing to tour around and understand a deeper history of Indonesia and its culture."
🎟️ Foreigner Fee Higher
Be aware that foreigners are charged a higher entrance fee than locals.
🚶♂️ Explore Kota Tua
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Kota Tua (Old Town) and rent a bike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Batavia Period Exhibits
Main Exhibition Halls
Discover artifacts and stories from Jakarta's colonial past as Batavia. A deep dive into Indonesia's rich history.

18th-Century Architecture
The Museum Building
Admire the classical white architecture of the former Dutch Governor's Office, a historical gem itself.

Unique Wooden Dining Table
Specific Exhibit Room
See a fascinating dining table carved from a single piece of wood, a testament to historical craftsmanship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Consider a Guide
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting Jakarta for 5 Days – Seeking Educational & Memorable Experiences
🎟️ Foreigner Fee Higher
Be aware that foreigners are charged a higher entrance fee than locals.
🚶♂️ Explore Kota Tua
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Kota Tua (Old Town) and rent a bike.
12 hours in Jakarta
Is this doable for me and mom for our travel to Jakarta, Indonesia in July / August?
⏱️ Quick Visit Possible
If you're short on time, a visit can be completed in about 40 minutes.
🏛️ Building Needs TLC
Note that the building's condition could be better maintained.
First time in Jakarta next week! Tips?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Foreigner Fee Higher
Be aware that foreigners are charged a higher entrance fee than locals.
🚶♂️ Explore Kota Tua
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Kota Tua (Old Town) and rent a bike.
⏱️ Quick Visit Possible
If you're short on time, a visit can be completed in about 40 minutes.
🏛️ Building Needs TLC
Note that the building's condition could be better maintained.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Jakarta History Museum a valuable stop for understanding Indonesia's rich past, particularly the Batavia period. While some note the building could use better maintenance and the foreigner fee is higher, the historical insights and the unique exhibits, like a single-piece wooden table, are highly appreciated. Many recommend visiting with a guide to fully grasp the detailed history.
"Amazing to tour around and understand a deeper history of Indonesia and its culture. Absolutely must see for all tourists even if you get charged the double the price because you're discriminated against for being a tourist. Took a lot of time. Went with a well informed guide that carefully and with great detail went through each room, showing things that you would absolutely miss without the guide. To see a dining table that was cut from one piece of wood was fascinating. The rich and how they waste their money. Times don't change that's for sure!"
Chad Malphite
"Small but good for people with no historical knowledge. I largely walked in n out in 40mins. Few pics of nice artifacts. Oh n fee RP10 locals RP50 Foriengers.
But worth visit"
Frederick Hohenzollern
"One of interesting places to visit in Jakarta. It is from an old Dutch Gavernor Office. However, its building condition should be maintained better. Overall, worth to visit."
Mohd Haryzal Ismail
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Jakarta History Museum is well-connected to Jakarta's main public transport. You can easily reach it via TransJakarta buses or other local transport options, making it a convenient stop in the Kota Tua area.
Parking is available in the Kota Tua area, though it can get busy. Consider using public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Many visitors enjoy renting a bicycle to explore the historical buildings and atmosphere of Kota Tua, including the area around the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee varies for locals and foreigners. Locals typically pay RP10,000, while foreigners are charged RP50,000.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, be aware of the price difference between local and foreign visitors.
The museum generally opens around 9 AM and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check the most current hours before your visit, especially on weekends or holidays.
Currently, there's no widespread information about online ticket purchasing. Tickets are typically bought at the museum entrance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A quick visit can take around 40 minutes if you're focused on key exhibits. However, with a guide or for a more thorough exploration, you might spend 1-2 hours.
The museum offers a glimpse into history that can be educational for children, though the exhibits might be more engaging for older kids or those with a specific interest in history.
Yes, hiring a well-informed guide is highly recommended to get the most out of your visit and understand the detailed history presented.
While historically significant, some reviews mention that the building's condition could benefit from better maintenance.
Information on accessibility is limited, but given the historical nature of the building, it may present challenges. It's advisable to inquire directly if specific accessibility needs are a concern.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The classical architecture, the unique wooden dining table, and displays of historical artifacts offer great photographic opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, it's respectful to avoid intrusive photography and to check for any signs indicating restricted areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing the museum visit with a bike ride around Kota Tua can add an element of fun and activity. The open spaces in Fatahillah Square provide room for kids to move around. Remember to bring water and snacks, and be mindful of the heat, especially during midday.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, utilize Jakarta's efficient public transport system to reach Kota Tua. Once there, exploring the museum and the surrounding historical district on foot or by renting an affordable bicycle offers great value for money.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Jakarta's Colonial Past
Many visitors find that the true value of the museum is unlocked with a guide. These local experts can illuminate the nuances of the exhibits, pointing out details about the architecture, the historical figures, and the societal structures of the time. Without a guide, some of the more subtle historical narratives might be missed, making the experience less impactful.
Beyond the exhibits, the museum's location in Kota Tua (Old Town) is a significant draw. This historic district is a hub of colonial-era buildings, and many recommend arriving early to explore the area, perhaps even renting a bicycle, before or after visiting the museum itself.
Navigating Kota Tua and Beyond
Getting to Kota Tua is relatively straightforward, with good connections via public transport, including the TransJakarta bus system. This makes it an accessible destination for both locals and tourists. Once in the area, renting a bicycle is a popular and enjoyable way to cover more ground and soak in the historical ambiance.
While the museum itself provides a focused historical experience, the surrounding Kota Tua offers a broader cultural immersion. It's a place where history meets contemporary life, with street performers, local vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends.
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