We expected a quiet library… instead, we found one of the best views in Jakarta, zero crowds and a completely free alternative to Monas Tower.
Watch Our Full Experience At The National Library Indonesia
Why We Wanted To Visit The National Library Of Indonesia
When our local friend Jarr suggested taking us to Jakarta’s National Library, we’ll be honest…
A library wasn’t exactly high on our Jakarta bucket list.
Like most visitors, we’d been planning to visit the National Monument, but Jarr smiled and said he had somewhere even better.
Jarr is a local to Jakarta, and he told us this was one of his favourite hidden gems in the city.
He said, It’s completely free, fully air-conditioned, has hardly any queues and, somehow, offers one of the best views of the National Monument anywhere in Jakarta.
Safe to say, we were intrigued.
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One Of Jakarta’s Best Hidden Gems
The National Library of Indonesia stands 126 metres tall across 24 floors, making it one of the tallest library buildings in the world.
Even better?
Entry is completely free.
For travellers visiting Jakarta, that’s pretty incredible considering observation decks in major cities often charge an entrance fee.
It’s also super easy to reach using Grab or Gojek.
First Impressions Of The National Library Indonesia
Before we’d even walked inside, we knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary library.
Across the front of the building, the words “National Library of the Republic of Indonesia” are displayed in multiple languages from around the world.
We spotted Indonesian, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French and English.
It was a lovely little detail that reflected the international feel of the building.
Then we walked in… And our jaws hit the floor.
A Bookshelf Straight Out Of Harry Potter
The central bookshelf stretches upwards through what feels like almost the entire building.
Beth immediately said it looked like something out of Harry Potter.
It appeared impossible to reach the books at the very top.
You’d need a crane.
It was one of the most impressive libraries we’ve ever seen.
Before heading upstairs, we stored our backpacks in the free lockers near the entrance, making easy exploration possible without carrying them.
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The Elevator Ride Alone Is An Experience
The ride to the top was one of the fastest lifts we’ve ever been in.
As it shot towards the 24th floor, our ears popped, instantly reminding us of the skyscrapers we’d visited in Guangzhou, China.
At the top, we walked out onto the observation floor.
And then… We understood exactly why Jarr had brought us here.
The Best View Of Monas Tower In Jakarta
Walking out onto the north side of the building completely stopped us in our tracks.
Directly in front of us stood the National Monument Monas Tower
Perfectly framed, and with hardly anybody else around.
This was honestly one of the best views we’ve found anywhere in Jakarta. On a clear day, you can even spot the sea to the north of the city.
Ironically, one of the biggest advantages of the view from the National Library over going up Monas itself, is that from the top…
You can’t actually see Monas Tower!
From the National Library, you get to admire the entire landmark from above while escaping the long queues, enjoying air conditioning and paying absolutely nothing for entry.
For us, it was one of the best hidden gems in Jakarta
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The Best Free Viewpoint In Jakarta
After spending a while taking photos overlooking Monas, we wandered back through the building and headed out onto the opposite viewing platform.
This side looks across South Jakarta.
The skyline just keeps going. Modern skyscrapers stretch as far as you can see.
Jarr spent ages pointing out different landmarks, neighbourhoods and famous buildings to us, helping us gain a whole new perspective on Jakarta.
It’s a great place in the city to simply stop for a while and appreciate just how enormous Jakarta really is.
More Than Just A View
One thing we didn’t expect was how much there was to explore on the top floor itself.
There are cultural displays featuring traditional clothing from different regions of Indonesia, including Sumatra, Sumba, and Papua.
We also spotted a beautiful Angklung, the traditional bamboo musical instrument from West Java.
These little exhibitions give you another reason to spend some time here beyond merely enjoying the views.
There are also plenty of comfortable seating areas, making the National Library a nice place to relax, read or even get some work done while enjoying one of the best views in the city.
Useful Information
Is the National Library free?
Yes.
Entry is completely free, including access to the observation floor.
How do you get there?
The easiest option is simply booking a Grab or Gojek to the National Library of Indonesia.
It’s located right in central Jakarta, only a few minutes from Monas.
Is it worth visiting instead of Monas?
In our opinion…
Do both if you have time.
Visit Monas from the ground to appreciate its history and significance, then head to the National Library for panoramic views.
If you’re short on time, though, we’d honestly choose the library.
You get incredible views, far fewer crowds, excellent air conditioning, free toilets, multiple lifts and one of the best photo spots in Jakarta.
Combine The Library With A Jakarta City Tour
These are really affordable, and you get to see so much! They all visit Monas Tower, but then you could head to the National Library afterwards to see the best view!
Great Jakarta City Tours
Where We Stayed
During our time in Jakarta, we stayed at My Capsule Jakarta.
It’s budget-friendly, centrally located and has a great atmosphere for travellers. We loved our time there if you want to check it out.
Related Experiences
Here are some of our other adventures from our time in Jakarta. There are so many amazing things to do, so feel free to check them out!
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Is The National Library Of Indonesia Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
This turned out to be one of our favourite hidden gems in Jakarta.
It’s one of those places that doesn’t immediately sound exciting.
After all… It’s a library.
But once you walk onto the 24th floor and look out across Jakarta with the National Monument standing proudly below you, it’s easy to understand why locals love it.
Sometimes the best experiences aren’t the ones with the biggest queues.
Sometimes they’re the ones your local friends recommend.
And this was definitely one of those.
Big Love
Beth and Denz