Sunda Kelapa Old Port
A vibrant, working historic port where majestic Pinisi schooners dock, offering a raw glimpse into Indonesia's maritime heritage.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, active port
Sunda Kelapa Old Port
Best Time
Cooler temps, active port

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, working historic port where majestic Pinisi schooners dock, offering a raw glimpse into Indonesia's maritime heritage.
"Witness the raw, authentic maritime life and iconic wooden ships at this historic Jakarta harbor."
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Enhance your visit with insights and navigation help. Essential for understanding the port's history and operations.
☀️ Dress for the Heat
Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. Stay hydrated to combat the intense tropical sun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pinisi Schooners
The harbor
Marvel at the iconic, majestic wooden sailing ships that have plied Indonesian waters for centuries.

Loading & Unloading Activity
Along the docks
Witness the raw, hands-on process of cargo being loaded and unloaded from these traditional vessels.

Harbor Boat Tour
Port entrance
Rent a local boat for a unique perspective of the harbor, fisherman village, and Jakarta Bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Authenticity
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
If you don't mind a little dust and grit and you are in Jakarta then try to visit the old port. Sunda Kelapa has the most amazing old boats that still load goods for small outlying ports in the Indonesian archipelago.
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Enhance your visit with insights and navigation help. Essential for understanding the port's history and operations.
☀️ Dress for the Heat
Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. Stay hydrated to combat the intense tropical sun.
Visiting Jakarta
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The towering ships and bustling activity offer fantastic, gritty photo opportunities.
🚤 Explore by Boat
Consider a short boat trip for a different view of the harbor life and surrounding areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Enhance your visit with insights and navigation help. Essential for understanding the port's history and operations.
☀️ Dress for the Heat
Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. Stay hydrated to combat the intense tropical sun.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The towering ships and bustling activity offer fantastic, gritty photo opportunities.
🚤 Explore by Boat
Consider a short boat trip for a different view of the harbor life and surrounding areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the authentic, gritty atmosphere of Sunda Kelapa Old Port, particularly the sight of traditional Pinisi schooners and the bustling cargo operations. It's a photographer's delight and offers a glimpse into a historic maritime trade. However, some find the lack of clear directions and tourist amenities challenging, recommending a guide for a better experience.
"there weren't clear directions, and the place isn't really for you if you're the typical tourist. best to get a guide so that you know what's going on and perhaps even learn a few things. good place for photo hunting."
Irwen Zhao
"Traditional ships berths..you can rent boats to see a unique ships and the loading/unloading process along the harbour."
Pandu Dewanto
"The huge wooden ship is one of the famous landmarks in Jakarta. The activities you saw there were pretty interesting. The workers carried cements from the truck into the ship and a man washed the huge ship's propeller. If you dare to try, you may want to cross the small bridge to get inside the ship from the edge of port. There're also lots of containers that could become your photo object."
Aqmarina Rasika
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sunda Kelapa Old Port is located in North Jakarta. Taxis or ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab are the most convenient ways to reach it. Public buses also serve the area, but can be crowded and less direct.
Directions can be unclear as it's a working port. It's advisable to use GPS and be prepared for a bustling, less organized environment. Hiring a guide can help with navigation.
Walking is the primary way to explore the docks. For a broader view, consider hiring a local boat to tour the harbor and nearby areas.
The port itself is the main attraction. Nearby, you can find the Fatahillah Square and the Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua) which are also significant historical sites.
While generally safe, it's a busy working port. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and consider a guide for a more informed experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal ticket booth for general entry into the port area itself. However, you may need to pay small fees for specific activities like boat tours or if entering certain administrative buildings.
As a working port, Sunda Kelapa is generally accessible throughout the day and night. However, for the best experience and to see the most activity, visiting during daylight hours, especially early morning or late afternoon, is recommended.
You can view the ships from the docks. Some workers might allow you to briefly step onto a ship or cross a small bridge for a closer look, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the ongoing operations.
There is a tourism office nearby, but it may not offer extensive assistance for navigating the working port. Information about the historical importance of the harbor might need to be researched beforehand or obtained from a guide.
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged, as the port offers many unique visual opportunities. However, always be respectful of the workers and their activities.
📸 📸 Photography
The docks offer fantastic vantage points for capturing the Pinisi schooners, cargo operations, and the gritty maritime atmosphere. The small bridge crossing to ships can also provide unique angles.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide harbor scenes and details of the ships. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive views.
The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon provide the most dramatic and flattering light for photographing the ships and port activities.
Focus on the intricate details of the Pinisi ships, the powerful movements of cargo handling, the weathered faces of the dockworkers, and the contrast between the traditional boats and modern city skyline.
Yes, be mindful of your equipment in a busy, working environment. Keep your camera secure and be aware of moving vehicles and cargo.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the port itself is primarily a working area, you can find local food stalls and small eateries nearby offering simple Indonesian fare. For more diverse dining options, head to the nearby Old Town (Kota Tua).
Expect local Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and various seafood options. It's typically simple, hearty, and affordable street food.
As with any street food, exercise caution. Choose stalls that appear clean and busy, and opt for freshly cooked items.
Yes, bringing your own water and snacks is highly recommended, especially given the heat and limited immediate food options within the port itself.
The historic Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua) is a short distance away and offers a range of cafes and restaurants, from traditional Indonesian to more international cuisine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Visit early to avoid the worst heat. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Consider a short boat ride for a fun perspective. While it's a working port, keep a close eye on children due to the busy environment.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Bring a versatile lens, be mindful of the harsh midday sun, and respect the workers' space. Look for details like the rigging, the ship's propellers, and the faces of the dockworkers to capture the essence of this historic port.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Pinisi Ships
Many visitors are captivated by the sheer scale and craftsmanship of these ships. The intricate rigging, the weathered wood, and the sheer presence of these vessels against the backdrop of the bustling port create a powerful visual narrative. For those interested in maritime history or simply seeking a unique photographic subject, the Pinisi schooners are an unforgettable sight.
Navigating the Working Port
To truly appreciate the experience and avoid confusion, many visitors find hiring a local guide invaluable. A guide can explain the significance of the ships, the types of cargo, and the history of the port, transforming a potentially overwhelming visit into an educational and engaging one. They can also help you arrange a short boat tour to see the harbor from a different perspective, including the nearby fisherman villages and the Jakarta Bay skyline.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit