Jakarta History Museum - The iconic Pieter Erberveld memorial monument in Museum Taman Prasasti.
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Jakarta History Museum

4.6
·23k reviews·, Indonesia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings (9 AM - 11 AM)

Avoid heat & crowds

CrowdLow
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Jakarta History Museum - The iconic Pieter Erberveld memorial monument in Museum Taman Prasasti.

Jakarta History Museum

Best Time

Mornings (9 AM - 11 AM)

Avoid heat & crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(23k reviews)

"Amazing to tour around and understand a deeper history of Indonesia and its culture."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Batavia Period Exhibits

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.

Reddit
18th-Century Architecture

18th-Century Architecture

The Museum Building

Admire the classical white architecture of the former Dutch Governor's Office, a historical gem itself.

Reddit
Unique Wooden Dining Table

Unique Wooden Dining Table

Specific Exhibit Room

See a fascinating dining table carved from a single piece of wood, a testament to historical craftsmanship.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit early in the morning, ideally around 9 AM, to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds. This allows for a more relaxed exploration of the exhibits and the surrounding Kota Tua area. Reddit

Consider a Guide

While you can explore independently, a knowledgeable guide can significantly enhance your understanding of Jakarta's rich history, pointing out details you might otherwise miss. Reddit

Best Times

When
Mornings (9 AM - 11 AM)
Why
Avoid heat & crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer local visitors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Jakarta for 5 Days – Seeking Educational & Memorable Experiences

🎟️ Foreigner Fee Higher

Be aware that foreigners are charged a higher entrance fee than locals. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore Kota Tua

Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Kota Tua (Old Town) and rent a bike. Reddit

reddit.com

12 hours in Jakarta

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🏛️ Building Needs TLC

Note that the building's condition could be better maintained. Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore Kota Tua

Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Kota Tua (Old Town) and rent a bike. Reddit

⏱️ Quick Visit Possible

If you're short on time, a visit can be completed in about 40 minutes. Reddit

🏛️ Building Needs TLC

Note that the building's condition could be better maintained. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(23k reviews)

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

Deep historical insights
Batavia period focus
Unique artifacts

What People Dislike

Higher foreigner fee
Building maintenance

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. Reddit

Parking is available in the Kota Tua area, though it can get busy. Consider using public transport to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy renting a bicycle to explore the historical buildings and atmosphere of Kota Tua, including the area around the museum. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee varies for locals and foreigners. Locals typically pay RP10,000, while foreigners are charged RP50,000. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, be aware of the price difference between local and foreign visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

Currently, there's no widespread information about online ticket purchasing. Tickets are typically bought at the museum entrance. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, hiring a well-informed guide is highly recommended to get the most out of your visit and understand the detailed history presented. Reddit

While historically significant, some reviews mention that the building's condition could benefit from better maintenance. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

The classical architecture, the unique wooden dining table, and displays of historical artifacts offer great photographic opportunities. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's respectful to avoid intrusive photography and to check for any signs indicating restricted areas. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Jakarta History Museum can be an educational outing for families. While the exhibits focus on historical periods, the visual elements like old furniture and artifacts can capture a child's imagination. Consider hiring a guide who can make the history more engaging and interactive for younger visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

The Jakarta History Museum is a budget-friendly option, especially for locals who pay a significantly lower entrance fee. Even the foreigner fee is quite reasonable for a historical museum. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Jakarta's Colonial Past

The Jakarta History Museum, housed in the imposing 18th-century colonial Dutch Governor's Office, is a crucial stop for understanding the city's transformation from Batavia to Jakarta. The museum's collection offers a window into this era, showcasing artifacts that tell stories of trade, governance, and daily life during Dutch rule. Visitors can expect to see furniture, ceramics, and documents that paint a vivid picture of the past. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating Kota Tua and Beyond

The Jakarta History Museum is strategically located within Kota Tua, Jakarta's historic old town. This area is a treasure trove of Dutch colonial architecture and offers a stark contrast to the modern cityscape of Jakarta. Visitors often combine their museum visit with a stroll through the square, admiring buildings like the Fatahillah Square and the Wayang Museum. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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