Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint

For birds-eye views of the cityscape, head up to the observation platform of Monas, the National Monument, which stands an impressive 137 marble-made metres above the ground. Constructed during the Sukarno era as a symbol of freedom and nationalism, the tower is topped with a flame sculpture gilded with 35 kilos of gold.

Arts and culture

Commonly referred to as ‘Museum Gajah’ (elephant) thanks to the a bronze statue parked in the compound, Indonesia’s national museum is a sprawling colonial building containing artworks, antiques and artefacts dating back to prehistory. Go early to ensure you have ample time to wander through the exhibits because the museum is known to shut its doors inexplicably early, usually by 2.30pm (www.museumnasional.org). Jakarta has a surprising array of art galleries. While Kemang is home to a significant number of them.

Something for nothing

Take a morning stroll along Sunda Kelapa Harbour, the city’s 16th-century port, where you’ll find traditional sailing ships known as Makassar schooners, or phinisi. One of the world’s last fleets of commercial sailing boats, these brightly painted ships still transport cargo between Jakarta and its outer islands.

Shopping

From high-fashion shopping centres to wholesale malls frequented by locals and savvy tourists alike, Jakarta’s shopping is definitely not lacking. Famed shopping street Jalan Surabaya Menteng sells antique curios, bric-a-brac and an amazing array of bags. Potter around to find anything from old nautical equipment to vintage cameras, typewriters and lamps – a great place to hone your bargaining skills. The Mangga Dua (‘Two Mangoes’) multiplex in the centre offers a vast variety of local products at wholesale prices. Plaza Indonesia (www.plazaindonesia.com) is connected to the Grand Hyatt, and is home to timeless classics such as Cartier, Zegna and YSL. For other opportunities to plunder your plastic, head over to Plaza Senayan (www.plaza-senayan.com) for more upscale shops. Local Indonesian designer Biyan’s boutique is a must-do for vibrantly styled women’s couture, as well as a ready-to-wear collection. Senayan City (www.senayancity.com), across the road from Plaza Senayan, is packed with high street shops such as Banana Republic and Armani Exchange.

Daytripper

Sunseekers can escape the city with a jaunt to Pulau Seribu, (‘Thousand Islands’), a collection of over a hundred tropical islands and coral atolls in the Java Sea a short boat ride from Jakarta’s Ancol Marina. Pulau Bidadari (‘Heavenly Nymph Island’) is the nearest island to Jakarta.

Perfect picnic

An hour and a half’s drive outside Jakarta, you’ll find the national botanic gardens at Bogor, the ideal spot for a alfresco luncheon amid lush foliage (www.bogor.indo.net.id). A nominal entrance fee applies.

Children

Locals (particularly with families in tow) have been flocking to Jakarta’s Sea World within the Ancol Dreamland complex (+62 (0)21 641 0080). The high-tech aquarium filled with thousands of fish and shark species can be as mesmerising for adults as for kids.

Activities

For an irresistibly kitsch crash course in Indonesia’s varied culture, head over to Taman Mini (www.tamanmini.com), a theme park designed to represent the cultures of Indonesia’s 27 provinces. Round off the day with a spa session at Harnn and Tharnn in Plaza Senayan Arcadia (+62 (0)21 5790 1056). Indulge in one of their natural herbal treatments or a circulation-boosting, cellulite-busting hot stone massage.