Located on the northwest coast of Java, Jakarta, the capital and largest city of Indonesia, is the country's economic, cultural, and political centre. It is the most populous city in Indonesia and in Southeast Asia, and is the tenth-largest city in the world. The city's name is derived from the Old Javanese word "Jayakarta" which translates as "glorious victory".

Jakarta is primarily a city of government and business, and seldom regarded as a tourist destination. That perception is changing, as many international-class hotels and restaurants geared for tourists are emerging to serve the visitors to the city's many historical, cultural, entertainment and shopping attractions.

Tourist attractions include Monas, the national monument, a soaring, gold-tipped spire situated in a square kilometer of green space in center of the city; Ragunan Zoo, featuring a world-class collection of tropical animal species; and Kota, the original town of Batavia evoking the romance of the spice trade. Other landmarks include the Istiqlal Mosque, the Jakarta Cathedral, and the West Irian Liberation monument. The Wisma 46 building in Central Jakarta is currently the highest building in Jakarta and Indonesia. Near the national monument stands a Mahabharata themed Arjuna Wijaya chariot statue and fountain. Further south through Jalan Thamrin, the main avenue of Jakarta, the "Selamat Datang" (welcome) statue stands on the fountain in the center of Hotel Indonesia roundabout.

Other areas of interest include Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a theme park in the southern suburbs offering a virtual tour of the Indonesian archipelago and Dunia Fantasi theme park on the shore of the Java Sea, featuring a wealth of water attractions. Mal Taman Anggrek, one of the largest shopping malls in Indonesia, is located in Jakarta.

Average day temperature is 28ºC while average night temperature is a bit cooler at 25ºC. October to April is the wet season while the dry season is from May to September. Dry season is the best time to visit Jakarta. .