Monas Jakarta
Indonesia's iconic National Monument, a symbol of independence with historical dioramas and panoramic city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Monas Jakarta
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Indonesia's iconic National Monument, a symbol of independence with historical dioramas and panoramic city views.
"A powerful symbol of Indonesia’s fight for independence, offering history and city views."
🚶♀️ Prepare for a Walk
Entry isn't directly at the monument; expect a walk from drop-off and through a tunnel.
💳 City Card Bonus
The 55k observation deck ticket includes a Jakarta city card usable elsewhere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Observation Deck Views
Top of Monas
Panoramic 360° views of Jakarta's sprawling skyline from 132 meters up.
Historical Dioramas
Ground floor museum
Over 50 detailed dioramas vividly depicting Indonesia's rich history and independence struggle.
Merdeka Square
Surrounding Monas
A vast, well-maintained park perfect for a peaceful stroll and a respite from the city bustle.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating Monas: Entry & Access
Ascending the Tower: Tickets & Queues
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Visiting Jakarta for 5 Days – Seeking Educational & Memorable Experiences
🚶♀️ Prepare for a Walk
Entry isn't directly at the monument; expect a walk from drop-off and through a tunnel.
💳 City Card Bonus
The 55k observation deck ticket includes a Jakarta city card usable elsewhere.
Best attractions things to do in central jakarta
Advice for a three weeks trip in Indonesia (Arrival to Jakarta, departure from Denpassar)
⏳ Expect Queues
Hourly slots for the observation deck mean queues, especially on weekends.
🏛️ Museum First
Explore the historical dioramas before heading up; they're quite detailed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Prepare for a Walk
Entry isn't directly at the monument; expect a walk from drop-off and through a tunnel.
💳 City Card Bonus
The 55k observation deck ticket includes a Jakarta city card usable elsewhere.
⏳ Expect Queues
Hourly slots for the observation deck mean queues, especially on weekends.
🏛️ Museum First
Explore the historical dioramas before heading up; they're quite detailed.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, especially during the walk to the monument. Bring water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Monas is a powerful symbol of Indonesian independence, offering historical insights through its dioramas and impressive city views from the observation deck. While the monument is iconic, visitors note that the entry process can be a bit of a walk, and queues for the observation deck, especially on weekends, can be lengthy. The museum is praised for its detail, though some wish for more modern exhibits.
"National Monument (Monas) is a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s fight for independence. Standing tall at 132 meters, it features a golden flame at its peak and Italian marble cladding, designed to evoke national pride.
Inside, the museum brings history to life with 50+ dioramas highlighting key moments like the colonial era, the declaration of independence, and early struggles.
Climbing to the observation deck rewards visitors with sweeping 360° views of Jakarta’s skyline, while the spacious Merdeka Square surrounding Monas invites a peaceful stroll.
A visit to Monas offers both a tangible link to Indonesia’s past and a fresh perspective on the modern city."
Ali Q Al-Mandhari
"To start my driver told me this was free to enter. I thought you only pay to go to the top, but no you pay for entry regardless of if you go to the top. I also thought I would be dropped off at the monument, but the way it is set up you have quite a walk from drop off to entry. Even getting to the monument I had to walk to the other side to find the entrance across the street and take stairs leading to a tunnel that finally got me to the monument.
The diorama inside are fine very well. I loved looking at all the detail and there are a lot of them. However, when you finish that then there's nothing else to do but go to the top and overlook the city. Then you take a long walk in the heat to leave the monument.
I am happy I saw it, but it was not a great experience. I wouldn't go back. If I had a person with me who hasn't been is rather tell them to go alone and meet back with me later."
Appreciated Images
"The iconic landmark of Jakarta. I visited it during the weekends and it can get pretty crowded. To access the observation deck, foreigners will have to pay 55k, which includes a Jakarta city card that will be used when accessing the elevator. The card can later be used in various facilities in Jakarta too.
They limit the number of visitors that can access the observation deck each hour, so you will have to queue for it when it's busy. Apparently you cannot pre-book the slots of the next few hours, I tried it and they won't allow me, they will automatic queue you in to the latest available slot. I had to wait for 1.5 hours until my session begins on a Saturday afternoon.
Expect to queue at the elevator (both going up & down) for some time as it can only carry 7-10 people per time, and it's very slow. The observation deck is very small and crowded, but the views are pretty nice, a 10 minute stay will suffice.
There's also an interesting diorama at the ground floor of the monument that showcases the history of Indonesia. Definitely a good read if you're interested."
Yuhng Yeap
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Monas Jakarta by taxi, ride-sharing apps, or public transport. Be aware that drop-off points are a walk away from the monument itself, often requiring you to use an underground tunnel to reach the entrance.
While there might be parking areas in Merdeka Square, it's often easier and more convenient to use ride-sharing services or taxis, as navigating to specific parking spots can be confusing.
Visiting on a weekday morning is your best bet to avoid the significant crowds that gather on weekends.
Yes, there are underground passages that can offer a respite from the heat, especially when walking to and from the monument.
Accessibility for PWD and the elderly can be quite difficult due to the layout and the need to navigate stairs and tunnels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entry fee to Monas, even if you don't plan to go to the observation deck. Foreigners pay 55k IDR for access to the observation deck, which includes a Jakarta city card.
Unfortunately, you cannot pre-book slots for the observation deck. You will be queued for the next available session.
Monas is generally open daily, but specific hours for the museum and observation deck can vary. It's advisable to check the latest official information before your visit.
Yes, there is a separate fee to access the observation deck at the top of Monas.
The Jakarta city card, provided with the observation deck ticket for foreigners, can be used for various facilities and transport within Jakarta.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside Monas, you'll find a museum with over 50 detailed dioramas showcasing Indonesian history, and the observation deck offering city views.
A visit can take anywhere from 1.5 hours (if you're just going to the top) to 3 hours if you thoroughly explore the museum and enjoy the views.
The observation deck can be quite crowded, especially during peak hours and weekends, as it's relatively small.
The views from the observation deck are panoramic, offering a 360-degree perspective of Jakarta's skyline.
The golden flame at the peak symbolizes the spirit of the Indonesian people and their struggle for independence.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might be some limited snack vendors, dedicated dining options inside Monas are scarce. It's best to eat before or after your visit.
The area around Merdeka Square and nearby streets offer various local eateries and restaurants serving Indonesian cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation deck offers great panoramic shots of the city. The monument itself, with Merdeka Square in the foreground, also makes for iconic photos.
Yes, you can take photos from the observation deck, but be mindful of the crowds and the limited space.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as food options inside are limited. The spacious Merdeka Square is great for kids to run around, and the historical context provided by the museum can be a valuable learning opportunity. Be mindful of accessibility challenges if you have very young children or strollers.
📚 Students & History Buffs
Take your time exploring the museum exhibits to fully appreciate the historical context. The surrounding Merdeka Square also holds historical significance as the site of many important national events.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, the detailed dioramas offer unique close-up shots that tell stories. When visiting the observation deck, aim for wider shots of the cityscape. Be prepared for crowds, which might make capturing unobstructed photos challenging, especially during peak times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Symbolism of Monas
Inside Monas, visitors can explore a museum featuring over 50 dioramas that vividly illustrate key moments in Indonesian history, from the colonial era and the declaration of independence to the early struggles for sovereignty. This museum offers a tangible connection to the nation's past, making it an educational experience for many.
Beyond its historical significance, Monas is a central landmark in Merdeka Square, a vast public space that serves as a gathering point and a place for recreation. The surrounding park is well-maintained, offering a green oasis in the bustling city and a pleasant area for visitors to relax and reflect on the monument's meaning.
Experiencing the Observation Deck
Accessing the observation deck involves a fee, which for foreigners includes a Jakarta city card. This card can be a useful bonus, as it can be used for various facilities and transport options within Jakarta. However, be prepared for potential queues, as the number of visitors allowed on the deck is limited each hour, and slots cannot be pre-booked.
The elevator ride to the top can also be a waiting game, as it carries a limited number of people at a time. Once on the deck, the space is relatively small and can become crowded. A visit of about 10 minutes is often sufficient to take in the views and capture some photos before descending.
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