Things To Do
in Cakung
Cakung is a district in East Jakarta known for its dense residential neighborhoods, lively markets, and everyday urban rhythms. It sits along busy arterial roads that connect it to central Jakarta and the city’s growing business districts. The area blends traditional kampung charm with new shopping centers, food stalls, and affordable guesthouses.
While outside of central Jakarta’s gleaming malls, Cakung offers authentic street-food culture and convenient access to the capital’s broader attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the bustling Cakung Market, where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you sample traditional snacks like kue cubir and kerupuk. Don't forget to engage with the friendly locals who are eager to share stories about their wares and culture.
After the market, head to a nearby café for lunch, enjoying traditional Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng or rendang. Spend the afternoon wandering through the streets of Cakung, visiting local artisan shops that showcase handmade crafts and textiles. You can also take a short walk to the nearby riverbank to enjoy a peaceful moment by the water.
As night falls, find a local warung to experience authentic Indonesian street food, where you can try satay and gado-gado. The lively atmosphere of Cakung at night is perfect for mingling with locals and other travelers. End your day by enjoying a refreshing drink at a nearby café while watching the sunset.
Begin your cultural journey by visiting the historical sites around Cakung, including the iconic Al-Azhar Mosque. Spend time learning about the significance of the mosque and its stunning architecture before moving on to nearby temples that reflect the area's diverse religious heritage. Capture the beauty of the structures with photographs while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
After exploring the historical landmarks, enjoy a traditional Indonesian lunch at a local restaurant. Post-lunch, head to the Cakung Cultural Center to participate in a Batik workshop where you can learn the intricate process of this traditional fabric art. Engage with local artisans who will guide you through the techniques and history of Batik.
As evening approaches, attend a traditional dance performance at the cultural center, showcasing the rich traditions of Indonesia. The colorful costumes and rhythmic movements will mesmerize you. Wrap up the night by savoring some local desserts, such as es cendol, at a nearby café.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚌Public transport ride | $0.25-0.50 per ride |
| 🛍️Local snack/market purchase | $1-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (1 night) | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable base for exploring Jakarta and East Jakarta
- Rich local street food and markets
- Limited major attractions within Cakung itself
- Traffic and heat can be challenging for first-time visitors
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Di mana toilet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much does it cost?
- "Saya tidak mengerti" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Cakung
Visit one of these nice places.
A quiet riverside path with local boats, reflections at golden hour, and small markets along the banks.
Bustling market lanes with vivid stalls, laundry lines, and old shophouses providing photogenic street scenes.
Lively street with neon signs and food stalls that glow at dusk, perfect for candid street photography.
Food in Cakung
Cakung Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Coconut-spiked rice served with fried shallots, omelette, tempeh, and sambal; widely found at street carts and warungs.
Must-Try!
Rice cake, tofu, bean sprouts, rice vermicelli, and peanut sauce; a crunchy, savory snack commonly sold by street vendors.
A mix of vegetables with peanut sauce, often served with boiled eggs and tofu—great for vegetarians.
Herby beef broth soup with potatoes, tomatoes, and onions; a hearty Jakartan classic from local warungs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market offering fresh produce, spices, and ready-to-eat dishes; a good place to try nasi uduk and ketoprak.
Evening cluster of stalls serving satay, nasi goreng, and tempe goreng.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Selamat pagi/siang/sore and a polite nod; handshakes are common among adults. Use polite titles when addressing strangers.
Dress modestly in markets and religious sites; remove shoes when entering homes or mosques where required.
Use the right hand for giving or taking items; avoid pointing with feet and queue patiently in crowded places.
Safety
Tipping in Cakung
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is common in nicer establishments.
Cash is widely accepted; many places also accept debit/credit cards and popular e-wallets like GoPay and OVO.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid days with plenty of sun. Great for outdoor markets, river walks, and photography at golden hour; carry water and sunscreen.
Frequent tropical downpours and high humidity; plan indoor stops and carry a light rain jacket or umbrella.
Cakung at Night
Hiking in Cakung
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular day-trip hiking with forest trails and volcanic scenery about a couple hours from Jakarta.
Scenic ridge hikes with tea plantations and viewpoints near Puncak, accessible for a day trip.
Airports
How to reach Cakung by plane.
Main international hub serving Jakarta; reachable by car or airport train link; plan 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.
Secondary airport closer to central Jakarta; useful for shorter domestic trips and charter flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous Jakarta residents with distinct culture; a significant presence in East Jakarta.
A diverse urban population with Indonesian as the lingua franca and local dialects in various pockets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Indonesia, with informal games in parks and local leagues.
Common recreational sport with many indoor courts and clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cakung.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be made vegetarian by requesting tanpa daging; tempeh or tahu are common protein options. Look for sayur-based dishes and ask for no fish or meat.