Cape Town to Jakarta Flights

  About Cape Town

Located on the west of South Africa is the second-most populous city and culturally diverse Cape Town. The city is particularly famous for its diverse habitants and a thriving culture. Its urban setting close to the harbour makes it one of the most important cities in South Africa. Tourist spots such as Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope tend to take up all the attention of tourists for the right reasons. Aside from the beautiful locales that the city is blessed with, the food and lifestyle of the city are exquisite. You will find delectable dishes from all over the world in the best possible global fusion scenario. The city further stands in the frontline as an advocate of climate change mitigation. The city sees an excellent footfall of travellers coming over from various parts of the world.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Cape Town's seasons are a contrast from the Indian months. Unlike how India witnesses summers between March to June, Cape Town sees summer from December to February. The same goes for most of their seasons. Although the summers of Cape Town sees tremendous tourists, it is the autumn month from March to May that is considered to be the best time for tourism. The season comes with several events and festivals, including the wine harvest month. The city easily turns its streets into a carnivalesque theme. During this season, the wineries around Cape Town allow tours and events for tourists to engage in. It is quite the gathering as you get to interact with wine connoisseurs from around the world.

You can also indulge in some of the fun activities by participating in the ones that take place during these tours. The temperature is also at an agreeable 20 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius. In the second half of the fall, the hotels start to drop their prices, making accommodation affordable. Festivals and events such as Cape Town Carnival, Infecting the City, Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Constantia Food and Wine Festival are some highlights that take place in March and May. This could be a good time for you to book hotels in Cape Town and relish the vibrant environment.

Not just the fall but even the springtime in Cape Town is quite beautiful. The popular attraction of Cape Town, Table Mountain blooms during this season and the temperature is also very favourable. For budget-travellers, this is the best time to visit the city. The hotel deals in Cape Town during this time is worth nabbing as they come at an affordable rate. Plus, festivals like Cape Town Diwali Festival and Cape Town International Kite Festival also adds to the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Places to visit in Cape Town

Cape Town has an audience for literally everything the city in the city! The biggest attraction in the city, though it has got to be Table Mountain. Towering over the gorgeous city of Cape Town, this place attracts tourists like fire does to moth. It's nestled within the Table Mountain National Park, which also encompasses Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope as some other tourist attractions. You shouldn't miss any of those three as they each possess an interesting backdrop. You also have Camps Bay, which lies on the we3stern edge of Table Mountain. The quaint spot is perfect for soaking in all the cool breeze that the city boasts. In the city, you should walk around the District Six Museum and take a look at the city's compelling history. Bo-Kaap is known for its colourful street and indeed a sight for sore eyes. It is predominantly acquired by descendants of Cape Malays (slaves brought in from Malaysia, Indonesia, parts of African, by the Dutch). In the city, you also have Two Oceans Aquarium, located close to the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The aquarium will blow your mind with the plethora of marine creatures it hosts.

Things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town has far too many things to do as it is quite a vibrant city. However, you can start with a small tour to the Constantia Valley and explore the exquisite vineyard. From crisp whites to robust reds, you will get to witness how some of the finest wines are made in the city. Plus, the mansions where the wine is preserved in barrels is another lovely trip. After some wine tasting, you should also check out some of their restaurants with their abundance of cuisines, styles and flavours at your perusal. The Cape of Good Hope also houses adorable penguins that you can check out. They simply walk the shores of Cape Point and have a good time. As for the ardent shoppers, Greenmarket Square can be your source of entertainment.

Food and restaurants in Cape Town

The city of Cape Town is a haven for global cuisine and a food-enthusiast. Not only does it entertain the plethora of dishes from around the globe but also caters to the varied tourists who flock over for wanderlust. Cape Town's unique food culture is popular and probably one of the highlights of the city. While there are some dishes that manage to stand out as Cape Town's classic dishes, much of the food is a global fusion. Since Cape Town was under the colonial rule of the Dutch and British, their menu reflects the same in terms of flavours, styles and techniques. Interestingly, Cape Town is also big on Indian food and has reserved a special spot for Indian cuisine. The best part about the city is how it brings together food from around the world and makes for rich food culture. The classic food includes fish and chips, grilled meat (your regular chicken, pork and beef), gatsby (a large sandwich stuffed with an array of meats, sauces and chips), bunny chow (classic South African delicacy made from chicken or beef), bobotie (minced beef mixed with milk and eggs custard) and more. Interestingly, the city also has the best sushi that won't disappoint you.

With so many dishes to try, don't forget to leave room for some dessert. Traditional sweets such as milk tart, koeksisters, malva pudding, etc., deserve your attention. These recipes are quite famous and definitely a good way to end a wholesome meal. To enjoy the best food in Cape Town, you should head to Kalky's, Snnoekies, The Golden Dish, Cosy Corner, Mzoli's Chef's Warehouse, Mzansi, to name a few. You will not run out of restaurants and food joints. Don't just spend time in the fancy restaurants but also check out some of the food joints by the corner of every street. They make just as amazing and delicious food that you'll probably not find elsewhere.

How to reach Cape Town (Transportation)

By Air

After Johannesburg, Cape Town is noted to be the second most popular city in South Africa which sees a great turnout of tourists from around the world. The best way to reach South Africa's Cape Town from India is easily by air. Major cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore have flights that fly to and from Cape Town. Although there are no direct or nonstop flights that fly from India to Cape Town, these flights mostly have layovers and travellers would often have to rush for connecting flights in the airport terminal. Airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and South African Airways, Kenya Airways are a few that directly connect to Cape Town. In terms of flight connectivity to Cape Town from India, it is quite decent as there are frequent flights available to the city.

Often the layovers or connecting flights would have to be taken from cities such as Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Dubai Johannesburg and more. The travel duration of flights to Cape Town is quite a lot depending on the international route that you pick. Since there are various options for layovers and routes to Cape Town, often people go for the cheap tickets. From India to Cape Town, flight tickets would be less expensive with more duration. Similarly, for shorter flight duration, the ticket cost of flights to Cape Town would be high-priced. Hence, you will have to be very mindful about your trip to Cape Town. Cheap flight tickets to Cape Town would come at the cost of flight duration.

By Rail

Many travellers often opt for flights to Johannesburg to reach Cape Town. Not only does this enable them to visit two cities during the trip but also check out the famous luxury train from Pretoria. Known to be one of the most opulent rails, Pretoria's domestic rail route connects to Cape Town, but it's a 27 hours long journey. The views through the trip though, along with the luxury of the train's services, is definitely worth the time. You will be pampered by the coach's posh treatment, not to mention how it will also be a good way to meet new people from other nationalities.

  About Jakarta

When you think of Indonesia, Bali is the first place that comes to mind. Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, is an underrated vacation spot that you must consider. The speciality of Jakarta is its diverse culture. The city has a diverse culture, and you will love to explore the food, tourist attractions, and temples in the city. You will also be amazed at and learn more about Balinese customs and traditions. Apart from the diversity in Jakarta, you will also enjoy the culinary scene in the city. You can try the local food joints or dine at high-end, luxury restaurants here. Jakarta is also known as a shopping paradise for all you shopaholics out there. While Bali is known for its beaches, waterfalls and mountains, Jakarta is a concrete jungle with a view of breathtaking skylines at night. You will also find yourself admiring the art and historical scene here. Even if you are planning a trip to Bali, you must add Jakarta to your itinerary. You will not regret visiting the city one bit, and that is certain.

Best Time to Visit Jakarta

Jakarta majorly experiences only two types of seasons, dry and wet. May to September is the dry season in the city and one of the best times to visit Jakarta. The city sees a lot of tourists during these months. Since the weather is also pleasant, your sightseeing or any other outdoor plans will not be affected. It is the busiest time for the city and makes sure you book your hotel in Jakarta well in advance. The prices for hotels start surging and finding an accommodation that fits your budget can be a tad difficult. The warmest month in Jakarta in October and the temperature reaches up to a maximum of 34 degree Celsius. The possibility of rainfalls during the dry season is high, but it doesn't rain as heavily as it does during the wet season. Make sure you plan your trip in July or August to make the most of the city and its pleasant weather.

Jakarta receives heavy rainfall from October to April, and it is not the best time to visit Jakarta. The wet season also sees a dip in the number of tourists in Jakarta. You will have cheaper hotel accommodations and cheap flight tickets to Jakarta in the wet season. The temperature ranges from 25 to 28 degree Celsius. Indonesia witnesses a lot of earthquakes, but this does not affect its tourism a lot. However, it is advisable that you check the situation in the city before you board your flight. There are a lot of activities that you can indulge in if you visit during the dry season. The incessant rainfall in the wet seasons will certainly put a damper on all of your sightseeing plans or if you have any outdoor activities planned for the day. However, if you have only indoor activities planned like indulging in spa treatments or visiting museums, you can head to the city whenever you want.

Places to Visit in Jakarta

The National Monument is an iconic landmark in the city and a highly recommended place to visit. The 132-meter high structure was built to pay tribute to the Independence struggle. It is an architectural marvel with a rich history and attracts a lot of tourists to it. The Istigal Mosque, constructed in 1978, is the largest in Southeast Asia. It has the capacity to accommodate about 2 lakh people. The stunning marble courtyard and minarets will leave you amazed. Merdeka Square is a popular tourist spot in the city where you can take a stroll and explore the place. This is like the perfect break from a hectic day of sightseeing. It is spread over 1 km and is a little bit like the Tiananmen Square in Beijing, only bigger. It is open 24 hours, and the entry is free for all. Before you decide that Bali is a better holiday destination because of its proximity to the ocean, head over to Thousand Islands located on the north coast of Jakarta, you can book a hotel in Jakarta that is near Thousand Islands or overlooks the spot. The secluded beaches and restaurants add to the breathtaking experience of visiting the place.

Visit the National Museum of Indonesia if you are a history buff. You will learn more about the cultural heritage of Indonesia and come across Hindu-Buddhist artwork. Jakarta Cathedral is yet another marvellous place to visit that reflects Roman architecture. If you are an art lover, you can also visit the National Gallery that flaunts the works of several known Indonesian artists. Jakarta Chinatown is another famous place in the city where you will find a lot of immigrant Chinese people, traditional Chinese architecture, temples, markets, foods and so on. You can also go on a shopping spree here and be assured that you will find the best items at a lesser cost. If you are on a shopping spree, you can also visit the Menteng, Flea Market. Visit the Ragunan Zoo that houses over 3600 species of animals including orangutans and Komodo Dragons. Setu Babakan or the Babakan lake is another popular attraction in Jakarta's Betawi Culture Village. You will also find several amusement parks in Jakarta that you can go to with your family.

Things to do in Jakarta

Sign up for a sightseeing tour of the city, or you can go exploring the main tourist attractions all by yourself. If you are travelling during peak season, you will come across several tourists. Jakarta is also quite popular for shopping, and you must certainly try the several marketplaces in the city to buy souvenirs for your friends or yourself. The city is also known for its vibrant and active nightlife. You can explore the several nightclubs in the city and party till wee hours. Dragonfly is one of the best nightclubs in the city and worth every penny. Try your hand at water sports available in Thousand Islands or the Babakan lake. You can also sign up for a food tour of the city and try authentic Indonesian food at the best restaurants in the city. You can also take up a cooking class and learn how to cook certain Indonesian cuisines. The city is also known for its top-class spas, and you must indulge in a rejuvenating massage therapy at the ayurvedic or regular spas in the city. A lot of monuments and parks in the city also make for the perfect pictures and will be like a treat to the photographer in you.

Foods and Restaurants in Jakarta

From local street food to fine dining at some of the classiest restaurants, you have a lot of options to choose from in Jakarta. You can try the local food that includes Bakso, Satay Ayam, Indo Soto Mie and Gorengan or head over to restaurants that serve other types of cuisines. You will also come across a lot of Indian restaurants in the city. However, finding restaurants that serve vegetarian food can be a tad difficult. Even though there are various options available in the city, with respect to cuisines, seafood remains the staple foods of Indonesia. You can head to Bandar Djakarta for some delicious seafood. OKU is a popular restaurant and bar that serves Japanese cuisine. The lavish setting and impeccable service are add ons at this restaurant. Le Quartier is a popular French restaurant in Jakarta that is the perfect blend of fine dining and casual. If you are in the mood to give authentic Indonesian food a chance, head over to Lara Djonggrang, Namaaz Dining or Bunga Rampai.

How to reach Jakarta (Transportation)

Soekarno–Hatta International Airport is the main airport in Jakarta is about 20 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Jakarta from India is excellent. Singapore Airlines runs the maximum number of flights to Jakarta from India with a layover at Singapore's Changi Airport. If you book way in advance, you might come across some decent flight deals to Jakarta online that won't burn a hole in your pocket. Getting a car rental or taxi service from the airport is also quite easy. You can book a taxi for yourself from the counters inside the airport itself to avoid bargaining with the drivers outside. If you want to kill time till you board your flight, you can head to the golf course at the Jakarta airport. It has over 18 holes, and the golf course was used for the Indonesia Open during the PGA European Tour. You can also crash at the airport hotels if you are scared of reaching the airport late to board your flight. The airport also has lounges for you to wait in, shopping areas, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops and free WiFi. If your flight is delayed or if you have reached the airport way too early, you will certainly not get bored at the airport. You can finish your security check and chill in one of the lounges.