Jakarta surprises us. It’s vast, chaotic, creative, endlessly layered — a city of contrast and history, and the kind of place that rewards curiosity. Rising above the city’s energy, Raffles Jakarta feels like a sanctuary. It’s not just a hotel — it’s a tribute. A tribute to art, to Indonesian culture, and to the vision of the man behind it all.
Refreshment after a long flight
Because this is where the story becomes even more special. The owner of Raffles Jakarta is not just a hotel developer — he is a patron of the arts, a true believer in the power of beauty and culture. It is through his vision and deep admiration for Hendra Gunawan — one of Indonesia’s most beloved painters — that the hotel becomes something more than a place to sleep. The entire building is designed as a living museum, where Gunawan’s colourful, dreamlike world of dancers, musicians and flowers comes to life.
And it doesn’t stop at paintings. Outside in the garden, we find sculptures based directly on Gunawan’s work, created posthumously in his honour. Walking through them feels surreal — as if you’re stepping straight into one of his canvases. That this was all made possible by a single man’s dedication to preserving an artist’s legacy is nothing short of inspiring.
Adding even more depth to our experience is The Raffles Royal Host, a special service that offers guests personal, thoughtful attention throughout their stay. One of these hosts, Felix, gives us a private tour of the hotel and its in-house museum. It’s the kind of experience that changes the way you move through the space — suddenly, the art speaks, and every corridor becomes meaningful.
As part of our room arrangement, we also have access to the exclusive Raffles Club — an elegant lounge on one of the upper floors, with spectacular views over the Jakarta skyline. The atmosphere is calm and refined, and it becomes a lovely retreat after exploring the city. Here we enjoy freshly prepared snacks, drinks, and afternoon treats — all beautifully presented. It’s worth noting that children under 12 are welcome only on weekends, as weekdays are reserved for adults — a policy that ensures both serenity for business guests and quality family time when it matters most.
The rooms and suites at Raffles Jakarta are everything you hope for after a day in this dynamic city: spacious, light-filled, and designed with understated elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the skyline, while the interiors balance modern luxury with warm Indonesian touches. Thoughtful details — from the huge marble bathrooms to the plush bedding — make it easy to unwind, and there’s more than enough space for families to spread out comfortably. A wonderful experience at Raffles Jakarta was the breakfast. Each morning began with an exceptional spread—think fresh tropical fruits, artisanal pastries, and a wide array of international and local dishes. In addition to the lavish buffet, there’s also an à la carte menu featuring beautifully prepared options like Eggs Benedict, delicate Asian specialties, and fluffy pancakes that are often an instant hit with children. All of this is served in a sophisticated setting, with impeccable service that sets the tone for the rest of the day. It’s no surprise that the breakfast here is so often praised in guest reviews—it truly is an experience in itself.
Evenings at Raffles are best rounded off at the Writers Bar, a signature space found in every Raffles hotel. Here in Jakarta, it’s a stylish yet relaxed spot — perfect for sipping a cocktail while listening to live piano music, or for enjoying a quiet moment together after the kids are asleep. The bar’s atmosphere manages to be both glamorous and inviting, making it a highlight of the hotel’s social life.
What truly completes the experience, though, is the staff. Everywhere we turn, we are met with genuine warmth and thoughtful service. From tips on the best local restaurants (for example a good Japanese restaurant) to advice on how to time our visits around Jakarta’s legendary traffic, the team goes out of their way to make our stay not just comfortable, but deeply personal. It feels less like staying in a hotel and more like being looked after by friends who know the city inside out.
And Jakarta’s traffic is real. Locals suggest travelling only between 10:00 and 15:00, and we quickly learn to follow that advice. But if you plan your days well, the city reveals so much more than you might expect.
We explore Old Batavia, the Dutch colonial centre of Jakarta. The grand square is full of historic buildings, now museums and cafés, and lively with local tourists. Families rent colourful Dutch-style bicycles, complete with matching hats, and ride around the plaza in cheerful loops. To our surprise, we become the attraction — especially our blonde daughters, who are constantly asked to pose for photos. At one point, our youngest daughter is even interviewed by the local media — a surreal but heartwarming moment that makes her feel like a little celebrity. It’s sweet, unexpected, and a travel story we’ll never forget.
Lunch is at Café Batavia, a nostalgic spot with creaky wooden floors, whirring ceiling fans and old-time charm. The food is classic and delicious — spicy sambal, fried rice, and sweet iced teas that cut through the heat. Knowing that this very square was once walked by our ancestors makes the visit even more personal.
We also visit the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia — a magnificent structure, both grand and welcoming. Angela covers her hair with a scarf, and the girls wear traditional long robes. Men and women enter separately, and inside, we find a sea of marble, light, and calm. Large pilgrim groups gather throughout the space, many curious and joyful — again, people ask for photos, and again, our daughters exchange shy smiles with strangers. The atmosphere is festive, spiritual, and filled with kindness.
One of our cultural highlights is the National Museum of Indonesia, often called the “Museum Gajah” because of the elephant statue at its entrance. For families, it’s a fantastic place to dive into the country’s immense diversity — and especially engaging for older children and teenagers. The museum’s treasures range from glittering royal regalia to ancient Hindu-Buddhist statues, intricate textiles, and fascinating ethnographic displays from across the Indonesian archipelago. If your children are into history, they might be drawn to the dramatic weapons collections, old maps, and giant stone sculptures that bring history vividly to life. The scale of Indonesia suddenly becomes tangible here — from Sumatra to Papua — making it a perfect introduction before exploring more of the whole country.
Jakarta may not be the easiest city to navigate, but its rewards are deep. It offers history, hospitality, and a sense of cultural richness that stays with you long after you leave. And from the peace and beauty of Raffles Jakarta, the city becomes not just manageable — but truly memorable.
WOW
# A five-star hotel transformed into a canvas of Indonesian art. Thanks to the owner’s passion for Hendra Gunawan, guests are surrounded by vibrant art, story-filled sculptures, and a legacy brought to life.
# Luxury with a soul: From the spacious suites and skyline views to evenings at the elegant Writers Bar and personalised tips from the staff, Raffles Jakarta makes every detail feel special.
#Unexpected encounters for the kids: from photo requests in Old Batavia to the hotels’ private tour, this stay delivers cultural connections that become lifelong memories.
