The Ultimate Guide to Road Tripping, a Fun Way to Enjoy a Vacation to Jakarta

Road Trip to Jakarta – This pandemic has probably failed your holiday plans for many times. But there are actually alternative ways to treat your disappointment. Our suggestion now is to take a road trip with your friends or family to the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta.

Road tripping could be a perfect way for those of you who are still afraid to use public transportation such as trains or airplanes. By using private vehicles, you can enjoy the flexible time, and even feel more comfortable and safe.

Find out the road trip inspiration and guide to explore the city of Jakarta and its surrounding areas. Here’s where you can find where to stop, what to do, and more…

Road Trip to Discover the Best of Jakarta, Merak, Cilegon

Running out of ideas to enjoy your holiday in exciting places? You surely need to take a fun road trip to uncover the best destinations and stopover along the way. Without needing to have a huge budget, road trips generally will be more affordable.

Afraid of getting tired on the go? Simply book City to City car rental from tiket.com! It allows you to travel from one city to another comfortably just like using your own private car.

Best Stopover Destinations to Jakarta

Check out our curated list of best stopover destinations along the route of Merak – Cilegon – Jakarta for your upcoming road trip. Find the inspiration below and create your own itinerary!

First Stop: Merak

For t-mates who come from outside Jakarta, you can start your journey from the Merak area. In Merak, you can visit several interesting tourist spots that will entertain you during your stop.

Tourist Attractions

1. Merak Besar Island

This tourist spot is located in a protected forest area. In fact, you can see a number of wild animals from the forest on this island, such as long-tailed monkeys and eagles.

Merak Besar Island looks quieter from visitors when compared to Merak Kecil Island, which is only about 15 minutes from Merak Besar Island. From here, you can see more clearly the ferries passing by to and from Bakauheni.

This is a perfect first stopover during your road trip to Jakarta. Easily accessible for those who just arrived in Merak Harbor.

2. Merak Kecil Island

This tourist spot, which is only 10-25 minutes across from the Merak Harbor, is not well known by many people. However, once you get here, you will immediately be amazed by the view with complete facilities.

On this Merak Kecil Island, you will see a stretch of white sand that meets the beautiful high seas. You can go around the island on foot, take pictures, relax, or enjoy the delicious food from food stalls around the island.

If you want to see more fantastic beauty, you can try climbing a small hill where you can see the ferry passing to Merak Harbor from up there.

Hotel Recommendations

1. RedDoorz Plus near Pelabuhan Merak

If you’re looking for a place to take a break before continuing your trip, RedDoorz Plus near Pelabuhan Merak can be your choice. Located only about 1.6 kilometers away from there, the accommodation is perfectly equipped with everything you need for your quick stay.

With fast WiFi, swimming pool, parking area, restaurant, and 24-hour reception area, you will feel totally comfortable. Additionally, each room has complimentary facilities with a work desk, a water heater, and all room amenities.

Second Stop: Cilegon

Culinary Recommendations

1. Sate Bandeng

Looking for some feast? Cilegon doesn’t only have interesting tourist attractions that you can visit. Try to stop by some culinary places with typical Cilegon food menus such as Sate Bandeng, or Milkfish Stay, which is very popular in Cliegon. 

Unlike satay in general, you will find a fine mixture of milkfish, pawon spices, and also grated coconut wrapped in banana leaves. Eat this with warm white rice to treat your hunger tummy after a long way from Merak.

2. Ayam Bekakak Kranggot

Besides milkfish satay, Cilegon also has other specialties, namely Ayam Bekakak Kranggot. Before being served and sold as it is today, Ayam Bekakak Kranggot is a typical type of food that only exists during weddings or salvation.

Actually, this dish is not much different from grilled chicken in general. However, what distinguishes this whole chicken is seasoned with Cilegon special spices. For t-mates who like sweet-spicy food, you really have to try this menu!

Hotel Recommendations

1. Amaris Hotel Cilegon

If you need to find accommodation for a short break, you can book Amaris Hotel Cilegon through tiket.com. This hotel, which has a simple modern concept, is about 5 minutes’ drive from Kelapa Tujuh Beach. So during your stop, you can also visit the beach and relax.

The rooms at Amaris Hotel Cilegon are equipped with facilities such as air conditioning, WiFi, a safe deposit box, and free toiletries. You can see the area around this hotel directly from the window in your room.

Third Stop: Jakarta

Tourist Attractions

1. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)

Wondering how to travel throughout Indonesia within a day? You can try to visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta. In this recreational park, you can see various kinds of the culture of the archipelago. Through the miniatures, you can see the beauty of Sabang-Merauke.

Not only traditional houses, but on this 12-hectare land, you can also see regional dances, traditional clothes, and various museums, a very suitable spot for a family-friendly holiday. Don’t forget to take a cable car/gondola to see the views from above.

2. Jakarta Old Town

Let’s head to Jakarta Old Town and experience the authentic Jakarta area! Located in Central Jakarta, you can take a tour of Jakarta Old Town and feel transported to the Dutch colonial period and see the classic-style buildings.

In this touristy area, you can explore several famous locations like the Fatahillah Museum, the Bank Indonesia Museum, the Wayang Museum, the Kota Intan Bridge, the Old City Art Street, and many more. Come here during the afternoon to catch the sunset!

Hotel Recommendations

1. Bobobox Pods Kota Tua

Take a break in Jakarta and find affordable accommodation around to enjoy a restful day. Book a room at Bobobox Pods Kota Tua, a pod hotel with unique and comfortable rooms that will create a new experience for you.

With a sophisticated and modern concept, these bunk bed-shaped rooms are equipped with Bluetooth speakers, control panels for tablets, color lights that can be adjusted via cellphones, as well as workspaces, and large-sized mattresses.

2. Mercure Jakarta Batavia

If you want to stay at an upscale hotel around Jakarta Old Town, you can choose Mercure Jakarta Batavia. This 4-star hotel with a modern concept is equipped with complete facilities to pamper you. Mercure Jakarta Batavia is an only a 1-minute drive from ​​Jakarta Old Town.

Don’t forget to enjoy the spa and massage facilities at the hotel to release your stress away. You can also chill by the pool, do some workout at the gym area, or hang out at the cafe or restaurant.

Time to Pack Your Bags and Enjoy an Exciting Road Trip to Jakarta!

Let’s pack your bags and start an exciting adventure by road tripping to Jakarta! Make sure to check the condition of your car before going if you want to use your own vehicle.

If you want to skip the hassle, simply rely on City to City car rental from tiket.com to travel between cities seamlessly. So, are you ready to go?

 

** prices shown at the time this article was written.