Jakarta Layover Guide (CGK)
What are you looking for in CGK?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money
Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the primary airport serving the Jakarta metropolitan area on the island of Java in Indonesia. The airport is located at Benda, Tangerang, which is about 20 km central of Jakarta. The airport commenced domestic operations on 1 May 1985 as it replaced the over-capacity Kemayoran Airport and has since become an important hub in the region. Jakarta serves as the capital of Indonesia situated on the northwest coast of the island of Java. The capital is known for being the center of the economy, culture, and politics of Indonesia as well as its rapid urban growth and expansion.
Can you leave Jakarta Airport (CGK) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible to leave Soekarno–Hatta International Airport during a layover. Most nationalities have visa waivers but however, make sure to do some research. (more info).
Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing
Indonesia Organized Tours
Jakarta: Old Batavia Guided Coach Tour
Discover the history of Jakarta on this 7-hour guided coach tour as you travel in an air-conditioned minivan. Explore the Old Batavia district and see its museums, neighborhoods, and cultural offerings. Drive through the streets of Jakarta’s historic district and pass by the Dutch-style structures dating back to the 17th-century. Learn more about the history of the city with visits to the National Museum, Fatahillah Museum, Kota Intan, and Jakarta’s Chinatown, Glodok. Jakarta’s Chinatown and vibrant banking, trading, and entertainment hub. Stop at the Petak Sembilan Chinese Temple dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of Mercy Kuan Yin. Learn about the history of the Batavian Chinese from your guide. » book this tour
Jakarta: 3-Hour Chinatown Guided Walking Tour
This 3-hour Jakarta walking tour begins by visiting one of Jakarta’s oldest Chinese houses. Explore the biggest Chinatown in Indonesia with a local expert, built in the 19th century but located in the middle of modern office blocks. Visit Jakarta’s oldest Chinese houses sandwiched between modern office blocks. Browse through the traditional market and try a few local delicacies at the famous food court and old coffeehouse. Explore some ancient temples to learn how locals pray. Stroll through a local community to see how traditional Chinese arts, like calligraphy and fortune-telling, are still being practiced. » book this tour
Jakarta: National Monument and Miniature Indonesia Tour
The tour begins with pickup from your hotel then travels to Jakarta’s principal landmark, the 132-meter-high National Monument. Visit and learn about the nation’s independence. Towering over Merdeka Square, the monument is topped with a glittering flame, coated with 50 kg of gold leaf, to symbolize the nation’s independence. Admire the array of traditional architecture in Indonesia in Miniature Park and even learn about Indonesian culture at the Museum of Indonesia. There is so much to see and do before the tour concludes at the park’s onsite Museum of Indonesia, a three-story building in traditional Balinese architecture. The museum houses a huge collection on Indonesian contemporary arts and crafts, traditional costumes from the various regions, puppets, musical instruments, and masks. » book this tour
Indonesia Things to do / Sightseeing
Thousand Islands
Escape the city noise and take a day cruise to the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu), a string of islands located north of the city with great resorts and environments to accommodate you. It consists of over 200 islands thus the name. Some of the islands include hotel resorts, water parks, birds, and aquariums with an awesome view surrounded by nature. Sepa, Putri, Rambut, Tindung islands are some for you to visit.
Time required: Full Day.
Airport to here: 40 minutes via taxi and 2 hours via public transport.
Ancol Dreamland
An assured fun experience worth having while in the city at the Ancol Dreamland. A must-visit cluster of amusement parks built as part of a tourism resort that once housed the Indonesia Sea World. Fantasy World is a crowd-attracting part of the park that includes 27 thrill rides, indoor water ride, Age Arctic Adventure, tornado spins, and 360 loops. The park also has an array of child-friendly pools and a bee farm where you can learn how to harvest honey. Certainly, a fun-packed place to experience with the family.
Time required: Full day.
Airport to here: 15 minutes via taxi and an hour via public transportation.
National Museum Of Indonesia
To learn more about the history and cultural heritage of Indonesia, a visit to this museum is highly recommended. They curate exhibitions of artifact collections, a treasure room with gold artifacts, and prehistoric finds that seek to give you an insight into their history.
Time required: 2 hours.
Airport to here: 28 minutes via taxi and 2 hours via public transport.
National Gallery
Discover contemporary Indonesian Artists and art at the national gallery. If you frequent art galleries and art aficionados this is definitely a place to find all the beautiful artistry of Indonesia. It houses a collection of more than 1700 art pieces including those of famous Indonesian artists such as Redan Saleh, Basuki and Affandi.
Time required: 1-2 hours.
Airport to here: 32 minutes via taxi and an hour and a half via public transport.
Menteng Flea Market
If you’re looking for the best place to source Indonesian handicrafts, textiles, antiques and vinyl records, this is the place for you to visit. It presents an array of products to pick from and offers reasonable prices you can bargain with. You can get the best merchandise and gifts for loved ones back home.
Time required: Half day.
Airport to here: 33 minutes via taxi and 3 hours via public transport.
Waterbom Jakarta
Regarded one of the best tourist attractions in the city featuring an expansive waterpark with slides and pools. Guaranteed for both adults and kids to enjoy. It also includes The Dome, Water Blaster, River Cruiser and a spa where you can have a relaxing chill-out. Take a day off from the heat and hustle of the city to enjoy a cool day with the kids or loved ones here.
Time required: Half day.
Airport to here: 17 minutes via taxi and 50 minutes via public transport.
Seaworld Ancol
Explore the sizable aquarium to discover a vast collection of marine species. It features a number of tanks that offer education on species housed and also an exciting show of shark feeding amongst others if you stick around long enough. You can also take a stroll through the underwater tunnel for a breathtaking view of the aquarium and interact with the creatures at a touch pool also featured.
Time required: 2-3 hours.
Airport to here: 28 minutes via taxi.
Things to Do in Jakarta Airport (CGK)
Relaxing and Sleeping
Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are several lounges in each terminal. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online
Hotel and Sleeping
There are many options for hotels close to the airport including 2 transit hotels in Terminals 1 and 2. » view all or book an airport hotel online
Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Each terminal has a rest zone with comfortable reclining chairs.
WIFI/Internet and SIM Card
WIFI/Internet: Connect to the “freewifi.cgk” network for free wifi.
SIM/eSIM Card: There are several shops within the airport that sell SIM cards. » buy a global esim card for Indonesia, Jakarta that you can use for other countries as well!
Transportation to/from airport
Taxi: There are several readily available taxi operators located just outside of the exits.
Train: Airport Railway is an express train running to and from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Station and other city stations. Also, the Skytrain is available at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport into the capital. (more info).
Bus: There are several bus options that link the airport with the city. (more info).
Shuttle: Shuttle Bus Service serves passengers or service users between Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) airports, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Cargo.
Car rentals: There are car rental options that can be booked on-site. » view available cars or rent a car now online
Parking: A safe and secure parking facility is available throughout the day.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage offices are available in Terminal 2D, Terminal 2E and at the domestic Arrivals in Terminal 3. » book a luggage storage or locker at Jakarta Airport (CGK) online (subject to availability).