Troy’s stroll around Jakarta

Jakarta local Troy Fridatama leads you to his favourite Oddbird neighbourhood hotspots.

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, has now become one of the most busy and most populated cities in the whole of Asia. Its blend of modernity and tradition captures the essence of a city in constant flux and evolution, reflecting the complexities of contemporary Indonesia.
Local resident, Troy Fridatama, guides you to his must-visit haunts around the newly opened 25hours Hotel The Oddbird which perches above the Ashta Mall in the Sudirman Central Business District, renowned as one of the trendiest business and lifestyle areas to explore.

Troy Fridatama

Troy has spent more than half of his life in the bustling city of Jakarta and has witnessed much change since his high school days, not least the opening of 25hours Hotel The Oddbird, reflecting the city as a ‘Paradise of Paradoxes’. He hopes this feature will give you a glimpse of his home, a dynamic metropolitan city that retains its traditions whilst welcoming in the new. The melting pot of Indonesia.

1
Pasar Mayestik

Established in the 1950s, the Pasar Mayestik (meaning 'to weave' in Javanese) market became a popular destination not only for locals but also for tourists, known for its authentic Indonesian products, especially textiles. I'm always drawn to the colourful array of fabrics at Pronto Moda Mayestik, my favourite textile shop in Jakarta.

@pasar_mayestik
@prontomodafabrics

2
Saint Theresia Church

As a Muslim majority country, Indonesians pay respect to other religions too. Theresia Church is a prominent Catholic place of worship. In 1933, Dutch architect J. Th. van Oyen designed this church without any pillar at the centre, giving a clear view of the altar. This church was inaugurated in 1934 by Priest A. Th. van Hoof SJ and is dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, serving as a central place of worship for the local Catholic community. I enjoy its blend of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles, with striking stained-glass windows and serene atmosphere. Besides regular Mass services, the church hosts community events, educational programmes, social outreach initiatives and cultural events reflecting the rich local heritage.

gerejatheresia.org
3
Sarinah Thamrin Plaza

Sarinah Thamrin shopping centre is home to one of the city’s most iconic department stores which opened in 1966 with the very first escalator in Indonesia! The mall is named in honour of the nanny who played a pivotal role in shaping Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno. Here you can buy clothing, accessories, electronics, and local handicrafts. There are also places to eat and cultural events showcasing Indonesian culture and arts.

sarinah.co.id
4
Bundaran HI

Bundaran HI (Hotel Indonesia Roundabout) or also called Welcome Statue, is an iconic landmark and traffic circle located in the heart of Jakarta. It’s known for its fountain and serves as a major intersection connecting several key roads in the city. Reaching the Bundaran HI is pretty easy. You can take Transjakarta Busway or MRT and drop off right at the Bundaran HI station. The fountain is beautifully illuminated in the evening, making it a picturesque spot for photography. Bundaran HI is also a community activity center especially on Sundays where the road is closed for Car Free Day program in the morning when locals and visitors are encouraged to enjoy outdoor activities. Celebrating New Year Eve at Bundaran HI is once in a lifetime experience where you can enjoy live entertainment, fireworks, fountain show, with thousands of locals.

jakartatravelguide.com
5
ASHTA District 8 mall

ASHTA District 8 mall has direct access to the 25hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird which towers above it. Blending shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof, there’s a well-curated choice of brands and a diverse culinary scene, offering everything from gourmet cuisine to comforting local dishes. I love the Kopi Bangsawan (latte with palm sugar) at Bartisserie and having dinner and drinks at Ryota is always fun. ASHTA is not just a shopping center; it is a community hub that hosts various events, art exhibitions, and cultural activities, fostering a sense of connection among visitors.

@bartisserie, ryota.jkt

ashta.co.id
6
Blok M

Blok M is a vibrant and bustling district renowned for its dynamic blend of culture, commerce, cuisine and nightlife. Also known as Little Tokyo, it features many authentic Japanese restaurants. In the evening, Blok M transforms into a lively hotspot of cafes and bars. Local coffee houses and dessert places are now mushrooming here attracting Gen Z visitors.

jakartatravelguide.com
7
Senopati Street

Senopati Street is a vibrant and upscale area known for its blend of residential, commercial, and culinary offerings. It also has some of the funkiest entertainment and nightlife and is just steps away from 25hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird. Overall, Senopati Street represents a dynamic slice of Jakarta’s urban landscape. For the best bar hopping experience, I suggest you head for The Cocktail Club, Pantja, The Modern Haus, A/A Bar and Izzy Social Club.

@thecocktailclubjakarta, pantja.id,
@modernhausjkt, @aa___bar,
@izzysocialclub

8
SCBD Park

SCBD Park, nestled in the heart of Jakarta’s bustling Central Business District, is a verdant oasis that blends nature with urban life. This meticulously landscaped park within walking distance of 25hours Hotel The Oddbird has lush greenery and serene walking paths, providing a refreshing escape from the surrounding concrete jungle. There’s a good choice of local and international restaurants in the park which  is the perfect spot for a post meal stroll or a spot of alfresco work.

@scbdpark

9
GBK Senayan

Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Senayan is a prominent sports complex located in Senayan, right in the heart of Jakarta. It was built to host the 1962 Asian Games and has since become a key venue for sporting events, concerts, and cultural activities seating up to 78,000 spectators. GBK is also a significant landmark in Jakarta and plays an important role in the country’s sports culture. Just 10 minutes away from 25hours Hotel The Oddbird, it’s the perfect spot for outdoor sport activities such as running. It also includes the Aquatic Stadium, Istora Senayan, Stadion Madya and Indonesia Arena Stadium.
I love the fact that sports communities gather here and host free activities for anyone to join.

gbk.id
10
Flix Cinema

Head up to the second floor of ASHTA Mall where you'll find the Flix Cinema. I love its gold and platinum studios with plush seating and state-of-the-art technology that pampers your eyes and ears. Catch the most anticipated local movies and Hollywood blockbusters, while enjoying snacks from the craving counter. One of my favourite movies was Bila Esok Ibu Tiada, for its cinematography in this elevated movie-going experience.

flixcinema.mimin.io

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