For many visitors, Jakarta conjures images of bustling traffic, soaring skyscrapers, and iconic monuments. However, beyond these well-known landmarks lies a vibrant cultural landscape of community art, hidden cafés, and authentic street food. Exploring Jakarta’s kampungs – its traditional neighbourhoods – offers a unique and immersive perspective on the capital, celebrating the creativity and everyday life of its residents.
Jakarta Hidden Gems: The Monumental Joys
Marvel at Murals in Kampung Kemang
Image credit: Ekaputra Tours
A journey into Jakarta’s artistic heart begins in Kampung Kemang, a lively district transformed by vibrant murals adorning walls and alleyways. Artists, both established and emerging, have turned ordinary streets into open-air galleries. A stroll along Jalan Kemang Raya reveals playful and thought-provoking designs, each mural telling a story of the neighbourhood’s evolving culture and energy. Small cafés nestled amongst the artwork offer a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of kopi tubruk, the traditional thick Indonesian coffee.
Admire the Colours of Kampung Pelangi
Image credit: Architectural Digest
While Kampung Pelangi is located in Semarang, a short ride from Jakarta, it exemplifies the impact of community art projects in the region. The rainbow-hued houses lining its narrow lanes demonstrate the power of local initiatives to brighten streets and foster community pride. Similar, smaller-scale projects are appearing throughout Jakarta, attracting tourists and supporting local businesses.
Savour Flavours in Kampung Melayu
Image credit: Wanderboat
Jakarta’s street food scene is as compelling as its art. Kampung Melayu, close to the city centre, offers a sensory experience with the sizzle and aroma of satay, martabak, and gado-gado. Vendors serve dishes using recipes passed down through generations, each bite a taste of heritage and adaptation. The preparation of street food is a performance in itself, with cooks skillfully working over charcoal fires.
Join a Street Food Walk
Image credit: Chris Travel Blog
For a more immersive experience, consider joining a Jakarta Food Walk with Indonesia Food Tour. Local guides lead tours through neighbourhoods like Kampung Melayu and Glodok, introducing traditional dishes like gado-gado, soto Betawi, and kerak telor, and offering tips on enjoying sambal. These tours reveal that Jakarta’s kampungs are vibrant, bustling kitchens, offering new discoveries around every corner.
Discover the Intersection of Art and Cuisine
Image credit: Kompas Megapolitan
In Kampung Lio, art and food converge, with murals adorning walls alongside warungs, small neighbourhood eateries. Locals gather to eat, socialize, and enjoy impromptu performances, creating a dynamic environment where creativity flourishes. This fusion demonstrates that Jakarta’s culture extends beyond museums and theatres, flowing through its streets, kitchens, and communities.
Participate in Hands-on Workshops
Image credit: Batik Danar Hadi
Visitors seeking hands-on experiences can participate in batik painting workshops at Rumah Batik Danar Hadi in Central Jakarta. These intimate sessions guide participants through traditional techniques, allowing them to create their own wearable art. Spending an afternoon painting with neighbours or learning to roll rice cakes with a local family offers deeper insights than any traditional tour.
As evening falls, the kampungs transform, with lights flickering on and street vendors preparing for the night. Walking through the lanes, one feels a sense of belonging and connection to the vibrant life of Jakarta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are kampungs?
Kampungs are Jakarta’s traditional neighbourhoods, offering a more authentic and local experience compared to the city’s more modern areas.
Where is Kampung Pelangi located?
Kampung Pelangi is located in Semarang, a city near Jakarta, and is known for its rainbow-hued houses.
What kind of food can be found in Kampung Melayu?
Kampung Melayu offers a variety of traditional Indonesian street food, including satay, martabak, and gado-gado.
What aspects of Jakarta’s hidden gems appeal to you the most – the art, the food, or the sense of community?
