Jalan Jaksa, Jakarta Overview

Jalan Jaksa is a short street in Central Jakarta. It used to be a famous place among the law students during the Dutch era, thus deriving the name "Jalan Jaksa" where Jaksa means "attorney" in Indonesian. It attracts a huge youth crowd from the country and the world by being the backpackers' street providing some of the best hostels and bars and cafes for a memorable nightlife.

A backpacking Mecca for youth tourists in its heyday, Jalan Jaksa was famed amongst young travellers for its affordable lodging and hostel options, and buzzing nightlife. Bars and pubs lining the street drew large crowds to this small street. Revised visa regulations that restrict tourists to 30 days in the country without a visa ensured that those are days relegated to the past.

Jalan Jaksa received a facelift and is no more the gritty street frequented by backpackers but is a more posh and up-scale part of town populated by boutique eateries and is still a major tourist hotspot in Jakarta.

Things to Do

Tourists often opt to stay in Jalan Jaksa as they get to experience a blend of genuine local culture and the downtown atmosphere of Jakarta. This short street is lined up with plenty of restaurants, pubs, hotels, shops and street food stalls.

It is often regarded as a popular culinary destination by many. You get to choose from a variety of stalls, serving everything ranging from smoothies to curries to fried bananas. There are a bunch of establishments that serve as a restaurant during the day and transform into a cafe during the night. The pubs and bars usually host live music sessions and the dancing and screaming go on till late in the night.

Jalan Jaksa is the most happening on a Saturday night, attracting a lively crowd of locals, backpackers and expats. The atmosphere over here offers the perfect setting for one to mingle with locals and fellow travellers, while also exploring the regional cuisine.

Where to Eat

Waha Kitchen
Waha Kitchen is a fashionable bistro that is popular for its beers, imported wines and fresh juices. It is located in the lobby area of the Kosenda Hotel and operates for all 24 hours of a day. Waha Kitchen is also popular for its graffitied interior. The menu boasts mainly of modern Asian food that has been tailored to suit the Western palate. Don’t forget to try the Hainanese chicken rice, roasted duck and black pepper beef.

Address: Kosenda Hotel, Jl. KH Wahid Hasyim No. 127, Tanah Abang, Jakarta.
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Price for two: Rp 550.000

Honu Poke and Matcha Bar
Honu Poke and Matcha Bar is Jakarta’s contribution to the Poke revolution. It is a minimalist local chain that serves 10 varieties of healthy Hawaiian protein bowls and blended drinks. It is often featured among Jakarta’s finest establishments and is also popular for its Instagram-worthy interiors.

Address: Jl. Kemang Selatan Raya No. 125, Kemang, Jakarta.
Timings: 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Price for two: Rp 220.000

Sate Khas Senayan
Sate Khas Senayan is an Indonesian chain restaurant that is popular for its sate - skewers of beef, chicken and lamb. It also serves other Indonesian favourites such as gurame bakar - grilled fish and ayam goreng kremes - fried chicicken in addition to regional specialities. Plenty of Indonesian breakfast options are also available.

Address: Citywalk Sudirman, Lantai Ground, Jl, KH Mas Mansyur, Sudirman, Jakarta.
Timings: 8 AM to 11 PM
Price for two: Rp 280.000

Ocha & Bella
Ocha & Bella is a contemporary restaurant that primarily serves Japanese and Italian dishes. It also offers plenty of beer and wine options, along with free wifi. Do try the authentic pasta, risotto and clay oven pizzas.

Address: Hotel Morrisesey, Jl. KH Wahid Hasyim No. 70, Menteng, Jakarta.
Timings: 11 AM to 1 AM
Price for two: Rp 600.000

Shanghai Blue 1920
Shanghai Blue 1920 is a traditional Chinese restaurant that is popular for its modern arty decor and presentation of the food. Make sure you try the roasted duck that is served with hoisin sauce, fried Shanghai street dumplings and crab-stuffed lychee.

Address: Jl. Kebon Sirih No. 79, Menteng, Jakarta.
Timings: 11 AM to 11 PM
Price for two: Rp 350.000

Awan Lounge
Awan Lounge is located on the terrace of the Kosenda Hotel. This lovely rooftop garden bar is popular for its dramatic interiors, vertical garden and candlelight dinners. Weekends tend to get extremely crowded over here.

Address: Kosenda Hotel, Jl. KH Wahid Hasyim No. 127, Tanah Abang, Jakarta.
Timings: 5 PM to 2 AM
Price for two: Rp 350.000

How To Reach Jalan Jaksa

Jalan Jaksa is located in the Menteng sub district of Central Jakarta. There are plenty of ways to reach this short street from Jakarta airport.
The options include taxis, buses, trains and town cars.
The Jalan Jaksa area is well served by taxis, with Go-Jek and Grab being the dominant players.
It is also well connected by the Transjakarta bus lines, Jakarta’s bus rapid transit system.
Jakarta’s busiest station, Gambir train station, is a 10 to 15-minute walk from the Jalan Jaksa neighbourhood.
Additionally, one can opt to hire a vehicle and drive on their own.