Jakarta Cruise Ship Port Guide

Port of Tanjung Priok: Location and Facilities

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Jakarta’s main cruise port stands out for three things: great location, tons of facilities, and rich history. The port sits about 12 km from downtown Jakarta at 6°06′14″S 106°53′11″E and has been Indonesia’s busiest seaport since 1877.

Pull into port and you’re entering a massive 1,028-hectare complex with 20 different terminals and 76 berths that can handle ships up to 320m long. The place is buzzing with activity – processing 7.8 million TEUs of cargo each year, with plans to bump that up to 18 million TEUs by 2023. For sailors and passengers alike, there are plenty of modern conveniences, including eight super-efficient cranes and round-the-clock pilotage services to guide ships safely in and out.

Getting Around: Transportation From the Port

Getting Around: Transportation From the Port

Once you step off your cruise in Jakarta, you’ve got plenty of ways to hit the city. From cruise shuttles to ride-sharing apps, getting to the heart of town isn’t complicated. Cruise transfers are comfy but cost between $15-40 per person, while the TransJakarta public buses are a steal at just Rp 3,500.

• Beat the traffic by avoiding rush hours (6:30-9:30am and 3:30-7:30pm) – trust me, Jakarta traffic can be a nightmare
• Save some cash by downloading Grab or Gojek apps – they’re about 25% cheaper than regular taxis
• Buddy up if you’re traveling in a group – charter options start around $120 per day and make sense when you split the cost

Top Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers

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Wondering what to check out during your day in port? I’ve got you covered!

You’ll get amazing bang for your buck at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah – it’s literally the whole country shrunk down with cool cultural shows happening throughout the day. If you’re into history, don’t skip Sunda Kelapa Harbor where those gorgeous traditional Pinisi boats dock, or pop into the Maritime Museum to learn about the old spice trade routes.

Animal lovers should head to Taman Safari Bogor for a wild drive-through adventure with lions, elephants and more roaming around. Need some beach time? Grab a speedboat to the Thousand Islands for some awesome snorkeling spots, or just chill at one of Pulau Bidadari’s beach clubs with a cold drink in hand.

Historic Destinations Within Jakarta

While Jakarta buzzes with modern energy, you can still find its rich history scattered all over the city, giving cruise passengers a cool peek into Indonesia’s layered past. Just a short trip from the port, you’ll stumble across centuries of heritage—from the Dutch colonial buildings in Kota Tua to independence monuments that tell Indonesia’s national story.

• Wander through Kota Tua’s colonial vibes, where the Jakarta History Museum and fixed-up old warehouses take you back to the spice trade days
• Check out the National Monument (Monas) and its museum that walks you through Indonesia’s fight for freedom
• Discover Sunda Kelapa’s old-school port, where traditional Pinisi schooners still cruise Indonesian waters today

See what’s on offer from the Port of Bali (Benoa) for a different Indonesia Cruise destination.

Day Trip Options Beyond the City Center

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Jakarta’s cruise port isn’t just your entry to the city – it’s your jumping-off point for some pretty amazing day trips. Head to Bogor and you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush highlands, where you can wander through the massive 87-hectare Botanical Gardens or watch wildlife roam freely at Taman Safari.

Beach more your thing? The Thousand Islands Archipelago has got you covered. Hop on a speedboat at Ancol Marina and in just 90 minutes, you’ll be lounging on Pulau Macan’s unspoiled shores. Or check out Bandung’s volcanic scenery – you can walk right up to Tangkuban Perahu‘s crater rim or gawk at the surreal blue waters of Kawah Putih.

If you’re into old stuff, Serang’s 16th-century ruins make for a fascinating day out. And don’t overlook Bekasi, where you can mix a bit of industrial sightseeing with strolls through tropical fruit gardens.

Essential Travel Tips for Jakarta Port Visitors

Planning a port visit in Jakarta? Be smart about it to make your stay awesome! You’ll be docking at Tanjung Priok Cruise Terminal, which sits about 45 minutes from Jakarta’s center. Heads up – many cruise lines don’t offer shuttles, so you’ll want to grab a reliable Bluebird taxi or download the Grab app before you arrive.

Some quick tips:

• Grab a JakCard – it’s super handy for paying without cash on public transport and at tourist spots
• The sweet spot for visiting is June-August during dry season when temps hover around 31°C
• Steer clear of Jakarta’s brutal traffic jams (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM on weekdays) when planning your adventures

Oh, and don’t forget to cover up at temples and mosques! Keep these emergency numbers in your phone just in case: 112 for general help and 110 for police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wi-Fi Available at the Cruise Terminal?

Nope, there’s no public Wi-Fi at Tanjung Priok cruise terminal. You’ll have to sort out your internet needs through your ship’s Wi-Fi, grab a local SIM card, or hop over to one of the nearby cafés to get connected – just like the rest of us need to do when we’re traveling through there.

Are There Luggage Storage Facilities at Tanjung Priok Port?

Tanjung Priok is huge (604 hectares!), but unfortunately there aren’t any luggage storage facilities for cruise passengers. You’ll need to check with your cruise line about what to do with your bags, or grab a taxi to nearby shopping areas that might hold them for you.

How Severe Are Customs Inspections When Returning to the Ship?

Customs checks when getting back on the ship aren’t super strict. Your stuff goes through X-ray machines, and they might pull you aside for a closer look if you’ve bought a bunch of stuff ashore. Usually adds about 20 minutes to getting back on board, so plan accordingly.

Can Cruise Passengers Book Overnight Stays Outside Jakarta?

Absolutely! You can definitely book overnight stays outside Jakarta during your cruise. Tons of cruise lines have these cool cruise-and-stay deals where they’ll set you up with a hotel either before or after your sailing, or even while you’re docked at different ports along the way.

Are There Accessible Facilities for Passengers With Mobility Limitations?

Navigating Jakarta when you have mobility needs can be tough. The port facilities aren’t great for accessibility – expect uneven ground and not enough ramps. Getting on and off tender boats involves climbing steps, and most local transport options aren’t set up for wheelchairs. Make sure you ask for help well before your trip.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Komodo Island Cruise Ship Port.