Sometimes, you just need a little change of scenery – and whilst Bali’s palm trees, rice fields and dreamy sunsets will always have our hearts, every now and then it feels good to swap those island vibes for a dose of big-city glam. Enter Jakarta!
Indonesia’s capital city is just a 90-minute flight away from Bali, yet it’s a world apart in energy, style and sparkle. Perfect for a girls’ weekend, this bustling hub was ready to give us everything we were craving – 5-star hotel stays, unparalleled shopping, boozy brunches, and an excuse to get dressed up!
With no long-haul flights or connections to worry about, no complicated planning and plenty of laughs guaranteed, a weekend in Jakarta was the perfect excuse for the ultimate mini escape from laid-back island life.
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Getting to Jakarta
Getting to Jakarta from Bali is super easy, and you’ll find a wide range of local carriers that fly daily from Denpasar to the capital city, including Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia, Wings, Lion, Batik Air and Citilink Indonesia. From Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), the flight to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Note that there is a 1-hour time difference between Bali and Jakarta.
Our flight was at 9:30am, which meant we had arrived in Jakarta by the late morning. From Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, it’s easy to organise transport via online platforms like Grab and Gojek, however we had already arranged for our hotel to pick us up from the Domestic Arrivals terminal. After a smooth 40-minute drive, we arrived at our hotel, the Pan Pacific Jakarta, ready to start our girly weekend getaway in Indonesia’s buzzing capital city.
A Stylish City Getaway
Jakarta is a great destination for a short city break for many reasons, one of which is definitely the shopping. Another is its amazing variety of lavish 5-star hotels and speciality brunches, which are often at a more affordable price than in Bali – plus the customer service is absolutely next level!
We had booked to stay at the Pan Pacific Jakarta from Saturday to Monday, with Sunday Brunch organised at the Park Hyatt Jakarta. The brunch culture in Jakarta is a total vibe, and similar to that of Dubai, where couples, friends and families come together to indulge in a smorgasbord of mouthwatering cuisine. It’s a great excuse to swap the sarongs and beachside chill of Bali for some bright city lights and more glamorous get-ups – ideal for catching up with the crew over free-flow drinkies!
Living the High Life with Club Access
As a special treat, we had booked the Pan Pacific’s Club Access, meaning that whilst we were waiting for our room, we could use the Club Lounge until it was ready, as well as throughout the duration of our stay. Situated on the 90th floor of the hotel, the Pan Pacific is currently the tallest hotel in Jakarta, boasting stunning views of the city.
Within the comfy Club Lounge, we also had complimentary access to refreshments all day, including afternoon tea, soft drinks, à-la-carte menu items and free-flow alcohol and canapés from 6-8pm. Let’s just say that we certainly made the most of it during our 2-night stay! On top of that, the service was simply exceptional – nothing was ever too much trouble and we felt totally spoilt throughout our stay, making it a real standout of our trip.
Executive Comfort & Spacious Stays
Central locations don’t get much better than the Pan Pacific, which is slap-bang in the city’s main hub and just a few steps away from luxury shopping malls like Plaza Indonesia, Grand Indonesia and Pacific Place Mall, making it perfect for a spot of retail therapy during your Jakarta break.
Accommodation at the Pan Pacific is the level of luxe you would associate with such a prestigious name. Choose from a selection of rooms and suites, each boasting sleek furnishings, premium amenities and gorgeous views of the capital.
We opted for the Executive Room with a choice of double or twin beds, as well as the option to add an extra single bed with plenty of space left over. As well as a separate shower and bathtub, there were also two sinks, meaning everyone had enough room to primp, pamper and prep in total comfort.
Brunch With a View
No Jakarta girls’ weekend is complete without a proper Sunday Brunch, and the Park Hyatt Jakarta seriously delivers! Their weekly brunch is held in the Dining Room on the 22nd floor and had us feeling very “ladies who lunch,” sipping on welcome drinks whilst taking in those impressive city views.
We were shown to our table, which was positioned right by one of the floor-to-ceiling windows and given a rundown on what to expect during our 3-hour brunch experience – starting with a glass of prosecco to toast our indulgent afternoon ahead.
Our first stop was a decadent seafood spread, with mountains of fresh lobster tail, oysters, crab, mussels and more, to a sushi and sashimi counter where chefs were slicing it fresh in front of our eyes. We shamelessly went back for seconds before moving on to the live carving station with cuts of juicy roast beef, lamb, pork and duck that paired perfectly with a glass of red.
What really set this brunch apart was the chance to mix-and-match the buffet with a selection of a-la-carte dishes such as tomahawk steak, duck rice and oxtail soup. Just when we thought we couldn’t fit in another bite, we stumbled across two whole dessert tables stacked with decadently colourful cakes, pastries and handcrafted chocolates, plus a dedicated cheese corner. Pairing slabs of creamy brie and rich blue cheese with a glass of Chilean Cab Sauv was the ultimate way to end on a high note.
The Sweet Finale
We loved how the vibe of the brunch was super chilled, with families, couples and groups all out enjoying themselves. A live DJ was on hand playing some funky, soulful beats that set the mood but weren’t too overpowering. Plus, as a grand finale, the staff treated us to a surprise flash mob cultural performance, which got everyone joining in and having fun.
With free-flow packages ranging from non-alcoholic mocktails to cocktails, wines, spirits, prosecco and champagne, it’s the perfect excuse to glam up and toast the weekend. Pro tip: Park Hyatt Jakarta’s Sunday Brunch is one of the hottest tickets in town, so be sure to book ahead!
One Final City Flit
After a blissful night’s sleep in our super comfy beds, we woke up refreshed and ready to tuck into a delicious breakfast at the Pan Pacific before making the most of our final day in Jakarta.
With our flight back to Bali not scheduled until the late afternoon, we decided to squeeze in some last-minute fun. First stop was some retail therapy at one of the neighbouring malls – the perfect excuse to pick up a few treats and souvenirs to take home with us. After that, we made our way back to the hotel for a quick dip in the rooftop indoor pool – a luxe way to spend our last morning!
By early afternoon, it was time to make our way back to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. A short 90-minute flight later and we were touching down in Bali by the early evening, with plenty of time to settle in back home and relive the highlights from our fabulous Jakarta girls’ trip.
A Weekend Well Spent!
Between the luxe hotel stay, opulent brunch, great shopping and plenty of giggles along the way, Jakarta turned out to be the perfect weekend city break – and definitely a trip that we’ll be finding an excuse to do again!
Top Tips For Your Girly Getaway
- Book Brunch In Advance – Jakarta’s brunch scene is popular – especially at the Park Hyatt. Secure your table early so you don’t miss out!
- Pack Your Party Outfit – It’s the perfect excuse to swap sundresses and flip-flops for heels and statement looks, blending in with the city’s chic weekend crowd.
- Use Ride Apps – Download Grab or Gojek for easy and affordable transport around the city. The traffic in Jakarta can be wild, so allow extra time when planning your itinerary.
- Stay Central – Hotels like the Pan Pacific put you within walking distance of Jakarta’s top malls and nightlife – ideal for maximising your short stay.
- Go Light On The Luggage – Leave some space in your suitcase – the shopping in Jakarta is too good to resist!
- Get A Late Checkout If You Can – A relaxed final morning makes all the difference before heading back to Bali.
Looking to swap your hotel stay for the freedom of a serviced apartment during your Jakarta getaway? Check out our pick of the best serviced apartments in Jakarta right here!
Keen to get stuck into some authentic Indonesian cuisine during your city break? We’ve got the low-down on Jakarta’s 6 best restaurants for authentic Indonesian flavour!
