Backpacking Jakarta wasn’t originally at the top of my Southeast Asia bucket list. On a previous trip to Singapore, I met two Indonesian travelers at my accommodation. We swapped travel stories late into the evening, and when I mentioned that Bali is a favorite destination among Filipinos, they nodded knowingly.
Bali’s appeal isn’t just about affordability—it’s iconic. But that conversation planted a quiet seed: what lies beyond the island of the gods?
That thought eventually grew into my solo backpacking adventure in Jakarta, Indonesia’s sprawling, fast-paced capital. While many travelers bypass it entirely on their way to Yogyakarta or the beaches of Nusa Tenggara, I wanted to experience the raw, authentic pulse of Java for myself.
From Manila to Jakarta: Landing at CGK ✈️
My journey began at NAIA Terminal 3 in Manila. After paying the Philippine travel tax, clearing immigration, and waiting out the usual terminal hum, I boarded my 8:00 PM flight with a mix of familiar excitement and light nerves. Three hours later, I landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) Terminal 2 just shy of midnight.
After immigration checks (Philippine passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days), I made an attempt to sort out my connectivity. I had originally looked into picking up a Klook SIM card, but the pickup counter was located at Terminal 1, and the terminal Skytrain was already offline for the night.
Instead, I bought a local Indonesian SIM card directly inside Terminal 2, paired it with a hot cappuccino and a buttered croissant at Roti-O (a comforting constant in regional airports), and sorted out my cash situation. My first ATM attempt threw an error—a brief moment of panic—but a second machine worked smoothly, dispensing my first stack of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Backpacker Tip: Keep a small backup credit or debit card for airport purchases. Most airport stalls accept contactless cards even if the local ATMs are temperamental at midnight.
Taking the CGK Airport Train to BNI City 🚆
I waited out the remaining night hours at the airport, and as morning broke, the airport Skytrain was up and running again. I took it from Terminal 2 over to the airport rail terminal to catch the KAI Bandara Airport Train to BNI City Station (Sudirman Baru) in Central Jakarta.
The ticketing process was straightforward: self-service machines accept cards, and helpful station staff stand nearby if you hit a snag. The train fare is around IDR 70,000 (~PHP 260), making it significantly cheaper than a long-distance taxi ride through morning traffic.
The 50-minute ride was surprisingly scenic and soothing. Watching green rice paddies, motorbikes zipping down narrow neighborhood bypasses, and laundry hanging on balconies gave me glimpses of daily life that felt intimately familiar—almost like riding a regional train through rural provinces back home in the Philippines. As we rolled deeper into Central Jakarta, the landscape shifted dynamically, replaced by soaring glass towers and modern transit arches.
First Impressions: Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat) 🏙️
Arriving at BNI City placed me right in the heart of Jakarta Pusat (Central Jakarta). Walking out into the morning air, the immediate energy was electric.
Jakarta is often overlooked, but it is a city of distinct contrasts. Split into five administrative cities (North, South, East, West, and Central), it houses over 10 million people. The initial street scenes felt oddly like home—the familiar roar of commuters, food delivery drivers weaving through lanes, and the linguistic rhythms of Bahasa Indonesia, which shares vocabulary roots with Tagalog (salamat to selamat, pinto to pintu).
A Familiar Haven: Coffee, Language, and Local Kindness ☕
I made my way toward the bustling corridors near Jalan Thamrin. Stepping into a local Starbucks wasn’t just about grabbing a morning caffeine fix—it was an instinctive search for something familiar in an overwhelming new city.
Inside, the cool air conditioning and the comforting scent of roasted espresso felt like a gentle reset. But what made the moment truly stick with me wasn’t the coffee; it was the warmth of the local baristas.
The barista had a disability, and we communicated smoothly using hand gestures and a small whiteboard set up on the counter. In those quiet, deliberate seconds spent exchanging smiles and writing out my order, kindness and human connection completely transcended language barriers. It stood out as my very first—and most meaningful—interaction in Jakarta.
Backpacker Tip: When ordering, I also learned that this branch only accepted card payments—a quick reminder that even in bustling Southeast Asian capitals, cash isn’t always king. Keep a debit or credit card handy!
Starbucks vs. Jakarta’s Local Coffee Scene
While popping into Starbucks is a comforting pitstop for solo travelers (and a reliable spot for free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms!), Jakarta is actually a coffee lover’s paradise. Indonesia is one of the world’s top coffee producers, famous for its rich Sumatra, Java, and Toraja beans.
The Backpacker Price Check: A tall latte at Starbucks Jakarta costs around IDR 50,000 (~PHP 190)—fairly similar to prices back home in Manila.
Local Alternative: If you want an authentic local experience on a budget, try a local coffee stall (Kedai Kopi) for Es Kopi Susu (iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk and palm sugar/Gula Aren) for as little as IDR 15,000–25,000 (~PHP 55–95).
Pass Go Thamrin: My First Capsule Hotel Experience 🛌
After my caffeine fix, I walked over to my accommodation: Pass Go Thamrin, a popular budget stay tucked right near Central Jakarta’s main arterial road.
I arrived earlier than the standard check-in time, hoping I might be able to get into my room early. No luck there! However, the staff allowed me to leave my main bag at reception for a refundable deposit of Rp 50,000 (~PHP 190). Unburdened by my backpack, I was ready to step out and explore the city on foot.
Backpacker Reflection: Staying in a pod-style capsule room had been on my travel bucket list for ages. Knowing my cozy little pod was waiting for me later that evening was the perfect motivation to hit the streets!
Quick Review: Is a Capsule Hotel in Jakarta Worth It?
- Location: Walking distance to BNI City Station, Grand Indonesia, and TransJakarta bus stops.
- Cost: Expect to pay around IDR 120,000 – 180,000 (~PHP 450 – 680) per night for a single capsule pod.
- Best For: Solo travelers and budget backpackers who just need a clean, secure, air-conditioned space to sleep and shower without paying for full hotel room rates.
Riding Jakarta’s MRT 🚇
Jakarta’s streets buzz with vibrant energy, blending modernity and tradition at every corner. Curious to test out the city’s newest transit infrastructure, I topped up a transport card and boarded an underground train heading to Bundaran HI (Selamat Datang Monument).
The Jakarta MRT (Moda Raya Terpadu) is crisp, modern, air-conditioned, and remarkably efficient. Gliding underneath the city’s notorious traffic felt like a breeze. Upon arriving at Bundaran HI, I emerged into the humid air and walked toward the towering facade of Plaza Indonesia, one of the city’s premier shopping centers.
Instead of going inside right away, I took a detour. Winding through the narrow back alleys behind the luxury high-rises, I stumbled upon a row of bustling local eateries (Warung) where office workers and mall employees gathered for lunch.
Watching workers sit on low plastic stools over steaming plates of Nasi Campur felt like a hidden, authentic glimpse of city life—a scene delightfully reminiscent of the jollies and alleyway canteens back home in the Philippines.
Visiting Monas Tower: A Solo Backpacker’s TransJakarta Adventure
To visit Monas Tower (National Monument), I opted to take the TransJakarta bus—Jakarta’s sprawling Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that immediately felt like the city’s own version of Manila’s EDSA Busway or P2P carousel.
I was initially intimidated by the dedicated elevated lanes, physical station barriers, and tapping system, but the station personnel were incredibly helpful and guided me to the correct platform. For just IDR 3,500 (~PHP 13), it’s easily the most budget-friendly way to move through Central Jakarta.
A few stops later, I arrived at Merdeka Square, where the National Monument stood tall and imposing—a proud symbol of Indonesia’s independence topped with a golden flame.
The surrounding grounds buzzed with life. Street food stalls and local vendors lined the walkways, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of grilled satay over hot coals. As I walked around, the ongoing subway construction projects and daring jaywalkers darting across busy intersections instantly reminded me of the chaotic charm of Metro Manila.
After taking in the atmosphere and soaking in my first full day of urban exploration, I navigated my way back to my capsule at Pass Go Thamrin—exhausted from miles of walking, but completely fulfilled.
Navigating Public Transport: MRT vs. TransJakarta 💳
Getting around Jakarta on a budget is seamless once you understand how the transit systems interact:
| Transport Mode | Cost (IDR) | Cost (PHP) | Best For |
| MRT Jakarta | IDR 3,000 – 14,000 | ₱11 – ₱53 | Fast north-south travel without traffic delays |
| TransJakarta BRT | Flat IDR 3,500 | ~₱13 | Hopping between major landmarks (Monas, Kota Tua) |
| GrabBike / GoRide | IDR 10,000 – 25,000 | ₱38 – ₱95 | Quick door-to-door trips through narrow alleys |
Pro Tip for Travelers: Keep a multi-purpose prepaid electronic money card like JakCard topped up. The same card works seamlessly across the MRT, TransJakarta buses, and the Airport Rail Link.
Dinner & Reflections 🍜
After soaking in the vibrant atmosphere at Monas, I made my way back toward Plaza Indonesia for dinner, settling into a quiet Japanese restaurant to rest my tired feet and process everything I’d experienced.
Sitting over a hot meal provided a much-needed moment to quiet my thoughts and reflect on my first full day in the city. Truthfully, traveling solo in a Muslim-majority country had initially felt a bit daunting before I boarded my flight. I had carried the usual subconscious anxieties that come with stepping into a culture vastly different from back home.
Yet, within just a single day, Jakarta proved every hesitation wrong.
From the gentle barista at Starbucks and the patient TransJakarta guards to strangers who offered easy directions, the locals were unfailingly warm, helpful, and welcoming. Whatever intimidation I had carried quietly melted away, replaced by a deep appreciation for the shared humanness that connects us across borders.
Exhausted from miles of walking but completely fulfilled, I finally returned to my capsule at Pass Go Thamrin, eager to see what the next chapter of this journey would bring.
Final Thoughts 🧳
Jakarta surprised me. It’s not polished like Singapore or postcard-perfect like Bali, but it’s real—a city of stories, street food, and spontaneous connections. Choosing to explore it solo was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
*** I went to Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 17-20, 2024, alone. It was my first time exploring a Muslim-dominated country, and I was pleasantly surprised by the warm hospitality and diverse culture I experienced during my visit. Thank you for reading and supporting my work.***
Explore More of Jakarta, Indonesia’s Journeys:
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: A Solo Female Backpacker’s Guide
- Exploring Kota Tua Jakarta: A Solo Female Backpacker’s Day
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Jakarta safe for solo female travelers?
Yes! Central Jakarta is generally very safe and welcoming. Practice standard street smarts: keep your personal items secure when walking near roads, use licensed apps like Grab or Gojek for rides, and follow local traffic cues.
Do Filipino citizens need a visa to enter Jakarta?
No. Philippine passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia for tourism for up to 30 days. Just ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your arrival date.
How do I pay for the TransJakarta bus and MRT?
Both transit systems use contactless transit cards (such as Bank Mandiri e-Money, BCA Flazz, or BNI TapCash). You can buy and top up these cards at convenience stores (Indomaret/Alfamart) or at major station ticket counters.
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