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Step Back in Time: Exploring the Nostalgic Charm of Café Batavia in Jakarta’s Historic Old Town
- Jenn & Leon
- Jul 11, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Cafe Batavia is a historic café located in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. It is situated in the old town area of Jakarta, known as Kota Tua.
The café is housed in a colonial-era building that dates back to the early 19th century and has become an iconic landmark in the city.
Cafe Batavia is known for its nostalgic atmosphere and vintage interior, which reflects the colonial Dutch architecture of the building.
The cafe is adorned with antique furnishings, including old photographs, vintage mirrors, and traditional decorations, creating a unique ambiance that takes visitors back in time.
Aside from its dining offerings, Cafe Batavia is also a popular venue for cultural events and live performances.
It often hosts art exhibitions, jazz nights, and other cultural performances, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
Cafe Batavia has even featured in several movies and has gained international recognition.
Read on for more on the wonderful food we tried, how to find Cafe Batavia, our YouTube video highlights, and our restaurant ratings!
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Our Cafe Batavia Highlights
This incredible cafe is one of the oldest buildings in Jakarta Old Town, and it is full of amazing old photographs dating back to as early as the early 1900s!
This cafe has an incredible history, which we both love.
It has a beautiful lower floor with incredible sweets and desserts, and it's a great place to find a cold beer (there aren't many places for that in Jakarta) or other spirits.
After a long day exploring the museum and the square, it was just the tonic!
We also enjoyed exploring the upper floor Salon with incredible views of the square overlooking the Jakarta History Museum, and watching the many locals and tourists cycling through the square with the pretty pink and blue bicycles that you can rent there.
They even come with matching sun hats and look super cute!
We stayed until the evening to listen to the live band, and they didn't disappoint.
We also made some new YouTuber friends who were a blast, and although we didn't have the chance to sample the food, we have no doubt that it would be amazing.
It certainly looked good as we saw others being served.
We look forward to coming back to Indonesia and trying it out.
NOTE: It is worth pointing out that this cafe permits smoking on the ground floor; however, the upper Salon is smoke-free.
The History of the Cafe Batavia Building and the Surrounding Area
The building that houses Cafe Batavia in Jakarta has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century.
Here's an overview of the building's history and the surrounding area:
⪢ The Construction of the Building
The building was constructed in 1805 during the Dutch colonial period in what was then known as Batavia, the capital of the Dutch East Indies.
It was initially built as the residence for a high-ranking Dutch official named J. G. van Angelbeek.
The architectural style of the building reflects the Dutch colonial architecture prevalent during that era.
⪢ Dutch East Indies Era
During the Dutch East Indies era, the building changed hands and purposes several times.
It served as a bank, a residence for government officials, and even a social club for high-ranking colonial officials.
Over the years, it became a prominent gathering place for the European elite in Batavia.
⪢ Japanese Occupation
During World War II, Jakarta (then Batavia) was occupied by the Japanese.
The building was used as a headquarters for Japanese military officers during their occupation of the city.
⪢ Post-Independence Period
After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, the building was briefly used as the office for the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation.
However, it fell into disrepair in the following years.
⪢ Restoration & Cafe Batavia
In the early 1990s, the building underwent extensive restoration efforts led by Indonesian and Dutch investors.
The restoration aimed to revive the building's historical charm and preserve its colonial heritage.
The restoration project included converting the building into a café, which eventually became Café Batavia.
The café opened its doors in 1992 and quickly gained popularity for its nostalgic ambiance and unique setting.
⪢ Surrounding Area
The building is located in the Kota Tua (Old Town) area of Jakarta.
This historic part of the city is known for its colonial architecture, with various Dutch buildings still standing today.
The surrounding area features several other historical landmarks, including Fatahillah Square (also known as Taman Fatahillah), Jakarta History Museum, Wayang Museum (Puppet Museum), and other cultural attractions.
Kota Tua has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, attracting visitors who are interested in Jakarta's history and heritage.
The area has undergone revitalization efforts to preserve its historical buildings and promote tourism.
Today, Café Batavia stands as a testament to Jakarta's colonial past and serves as a prominent landmark in the city's Old Town area.
It continues to be a popular destination for people seeking a nostalgic experience, good food, and a glimpse into Jakarta's history.
Cafe Batavia Menu
The menu is extensive and is on the slightly higher end of prices for food in Jakarta.
But you do get what you pay for, and the incredible ambience and vibe here make it well worth it.
Unfortunately, we did not try any of the dishes as we mentioned, but we did take a few shots of the wonderfully presented menu to give you a bit of an idea:
Cafe Batavia Opening Hours
Cafe Batavia is open 7 days a week.
● Monday to Thursday: 9 am to 12 pm
● Friday: 9 am to 1 am
● Saturday: 7 am to 1 am
● Sunday: 7 am to 12 am
Live music bands play at 8 pm every night.
How to Get to Cafe Batavia Kota Tua
There are multiple transport options to get to Cafe Batavia in Jakarta:
By Taxi / Car
Hail a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Gojek or Grab: This is the most convenient option, especially if you're traveling from a different part of Jakarta.
The driver will take you directly to the entrance of Kota Tua (Old Town), where Cafe Batavia is located near Fatahillah Square.
By Public Transportation
Take the TransJakarta bus system to the nearest TransJakarta station. The closest station to Old Town is Kota Tua.
From the TransJakarta station, you can either walk or take a short taxi or becak (traditional three-wheeled cycle rickshaw) ride to Cafe Batavia.
You can also take the commuter train (KRL) to Jakarta Kota Station, which is within walking distance of Old Town.
Note that you will need a pre-loaded transit card to access public transport (you cannot pay on site). You can order one here with Klook for home delivery or airport pick up.
It's worth noting that Jakarta's traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Plan your visit accordingly, allowing for potential delays.
Also, consider checking the current transportation options and schedules for the most up-to-date information.
By Bus
Several bus lines pass near Cafe Batavia. You can check the Moovit app for the most up-to-date information on bus routes and schedules.
⪢ Consider Taking a Tour
Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide, including guided food tours, city sightseeing, cultural highlights, and even volcano and hot spring trips.
No matter where your travels take you, GetYourGuide offers the best way to connect with your destination.
⪢ Contact Information for Cafe Batavia
● Address: Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.14, RW.6, Pinangsia, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11110, Indonesia
● Contact: +62 21 6915534
● Reservations & Menu:
💡 Note that at busy times, reservations may be required.
All major credit cards are accepted, although there is no option for contactless payment.
Where to Stay in Jakarta
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Jakarta hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Watch on YouTube: Live Music and a Special Karaoke Performance from Jenn!
Watch our experience at Cafe Batavia on YouTube!
This video holds a special place in our hearts because we reached a significant milestone in our journey in Jakarta; we FINALLY achieved monetization status and joined the YPP program!
It requires an immense amount of time and dedication, with countless hours, easily HUNDREDS, done for free until now.
Being paid and rewarded for it is a blessing we still find hard to believe!
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Our Experience Ratings:
Cafe Batavia
Despite not eating anything here, we can still vouch for a great experience, with absolutely no doubt as to the quality of dining!
There is a high-class yet down-to-earth feel here, and coupled with its incredible history, this makes Cafe Batavia a must-visit in our humble opinion!
Atmosphere
In our opinion, the vibe here was fantastic.
How could it not be with all of that history bundled into mahogany furniture and photographs spanning a hundred years?
From the seating to the bathrooms, bakery to the salon, this place feels cool.
We loved the smooth jazz music before the live music started, and that was great too. Top marks!
Cost
Considering the history, atmosphere, and service, it is easy to justify the prices, which are slightly above the average of what you can find elsewhere in the area.
It does depend on what you go for, but overall, do expect to pay closer to 'Western' prices.
Food: n/a
We did not try any food on this visit, so we are unable to provide a rating. But it all looks fantastic with generous portion sizes.
Service
No issues here, service was quick and efficient, and the servers were all able to communicate in English (no issue if not, but always helpful!).
FAQ: Visiting Café Batavia, Jakarta Old Town
What is Café Batavia?
Café Batavia is a historic colonial-style café and restaurant located in Jakarta’s Old Town (Kota Tua). Set in a 19th-century building, it’s known for its vintage ambiance, celebrity portrait gallery, and signature cocktails.
Where exactly is it located?
You’ll find Café Batavia on the edge of Fatahillah Square in Kota Tua, across from the Jakarta History Museum. The full address is:
📍 Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.14, Jakarta Barat, Indonesia.
What’s the best time to visit Café Batavia?
Late afternoon or early evening is ideal.
You can enjoy the sunset views over Fatahillah Square and dine under antique chandeliers while enjoying live music on weekends.
💡 It gets busy on weekends, so make a reservation or arrive early if you want a window seat!
What’s on the menu?
The menu features a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes, with items like nasi goreng, beef rendang, pasta, steaks, and salads.
There’s also a signature cocktail list, coffee options, and desserts.
Is it expensive?
For Jakarta, Café Batavia is on the higher-end side.
Expect to pay IDR 100,000–250,000 per dish (USD 6 - 16), but the ambiance and historic setting make it worthwhile.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes! The interior is highly photogenic, with vintage décor, tall colonial windows, and a gallery of black-and-white celebrity portraits.
Photography is welcome — just be mindful of other guests.
Is there a dress code?
There’s no formal dress code, but smart-casual is recommended if you’re visiting for dinner or drinks in the upstairs bar area.
Is Café Batavia family-friendly?
Yes. The atmosphere is laid-back during the day, and children are welcome. The menu includes non-spicy dishes and Western comfort food options.
Do they accept credit cards?
Yes, Café Batavia accepts major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, along with cash in Indonesian Rupiah.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The ground floor is accessible, but the upstairs seating requires using a staircase.
Facilities for wheelchair users are limited, so plan accordingly if accessibility is a concern.
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Such a wonderful experience, one we would definitely do again! Such a great ambience and atmosphere, and meeting our new friends here just confirmed its place in our hearts and memories forever!