Exploring Jakarta’s Old Batavia With Kids

Located in the old town of Jakarta and surrounded by a garden, this Dutch colonial era building offers visitors a large collection of ceramics and sculptures from Indonesia and beyond.  Kids will enjoy exploring the area, viewing the crafts, and learning more about the art of ceramics.  There are even workshops you can sign up for too!

The Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum, Jl. Pos Kota No. 2, West Jakarta, Indonesia, +6221 6926090

Close by, on the other side of The Fine Arts & Ceramics Museum is the Wayang Museum. Wayang is the art of shadow puppets, a traditional form of Indonesian puppet theatre which is integral to Indonesia’s story-telling culture. You will find various types of wayang, including the famous puppet which is carefully crafted from leather (wayang kulit), wooden doll puppets (wayang golek) and paintings. Don't forget to hit the souvenir shop!

Museum Wayang, Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No. 27, West Jakarta, Indonesia, +6221 62929560.  Don’t miss the traditional wayang performances offered three times a month (on Sundays). You can schedule an appointment to watch the process puppet making.  

Located on the south side of Fatahillah square, Jakarta History Museum provides everything you want to know about Jakarta’s history. Opened in 1974, this European style museum displays objects from the pre-history period through to the Dutch colonization period. If you are interested in the history of the most ancient part of Jakarta, this museum is a must see.  Guided tours are available,

Jakarta History Museum, Jl. Taman Fatahillah No.2 Pinang Siang, Tambora, West Jakarta, Indonesia, +6221 6901483

Visiting Museum Bank Indonesia offers a time machine journey through economic history.  More than just a museum on banking, they also provide the historical context of pre- and post-colonial Indonesia. You will find automated teller machines, calculators, money, stamps, and everything related to banking here.  It’s a great place to study, take photos or just walk around and explore. Bring your kids along and they will love it!

Museum Bank Indonesia, Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.3 Central Jakarta, Indonesia, +6221 2600158

Located right next to Bank Indonesia Museum, Museum Bank Mandiri is a marvelous another heritage museum focused on banking history.   Play with the old machines and equipment which was used years ago including old type writers, stamps, old computers, old deposito hand writen notes), and more. And we will find their unique method in handle all of the job in that era.

Museum Bank Mandiri, Jl. Lapangan Stasiun 1, West Jakarta, Indonesia, +6221 6902000

When traveling to this area, be aware of the traffic! Weekends are recommended. The museums are located not far from Central City Station (just across the road). You can reach it via Jakarta bus rapid transport or with Jakarta commuter line. Don't forget to enjoy the night views!