The busy life in Jakarta can be stressful, regardless of being a local or an expat in the city. And when things get overwhelming, it’s time to unwind and find activities to send the stress away. If you are living in town and need some places to slow down, here are some experiences and places to relax in Jakarta.

Treat yourself to a spa treatment at the Bimasema Spa

There is nothing more obvious than going to a spa to relax, and even more so when it is in a peaceful setting and surrounded by plants and trees. Located in a quiet area of Jakarta, the Hotel Dharmawangsa can be considered a true oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of a city with more than 10 million inhabitants. So, visiting the Bimasema Spa – which is part of the hotel – is something that will transport you to another place without having to leave the city. The treatment rooms are fantastic and you can find relaxation and beauty treatments, as well as make reservations for special occasions (such as weddings).

Enjoy an afternoon tea at Raffles Jakarta

Drink tea like royalty in a room with imposing and striking details at the Raffles Jakarta. The Writer’s Bar, where afternoon tea is served, is open not only for guests but for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in a distinctive setting.

Try a pottery class in Jakarta

If you are looking for a way to express and stimulate creativity, making your own pottery pieces can be a very relaxing experience. If you are looking for a pottery class in Jakarta, here are two places I recommend: Ganara Pottery and Gallery Kollekan. Both offer manual and wheel (like Patrick Swayze Demi Moore in the Ghost movie) pottery classes.

Distract yourself with a painting class in Jakarta

Painting on a canvas, paper, or any surface can be therapeutic. It’s a way of expressing the roller coaster of feelings and thoughts that only those who live in Jakarta can understand. If you want to embark on this journey, I recommend two places: Ganara Art Space, which has 3 addresses across the city and offers watercolor, oil, and acrylic painting classes; and Bartega Studio, which combines painting with wine, meaning you can have some wine to inspire your paintings. (Bartega events are usually in cafes or restaurants, but they also have private events.)

Practice calligraphy techniques

In addition to being a creative activity and an excellent hobby, learning and practicing calligraphy techniques can be useful when writing that birthday or Christmas card to a loved one, or even to elevate a regular message. For calligraphy workshops in Jakarta, check our SuperCalligraphylistic page and follow her dates around Jakarta, or visit the MauBelajarApa website to see the current classes.

Meditate

If you are interested not only in relaxation but also in connecting with your inner self and embarking on a journey of self-discovery, be sure to visit the Golden Space, whose vision is “to create a culture of oneness, with pure unconditional love and light, toward mankind and all existence on Earth, to awaken humanity towards self-discovery, spiritual growth and enlightenment for a better world for all of us and future generations”.

The Golden Space center offers a series of classes and events for those interested in the world of meditation, including beginner’s and children’s meditation.

Practice yoga

An exercise, lifestyle, and philosophy: yoga is present in the routine of many people in Jakarta. And for this reason, the offer of studios and classes in the city is abundant. If you want to practice yoga, schedule a visit to Union Yoga which has classes for beginners, seniors, classes for mothers with babies, and for pregnant women.

Want more relaxing places in Jakarta? Enjoy a staycation at Raffles Jakarta, or visit the Moja Museum – the city’s first interactive museum.

You might also like to read:

Bali: The Ultimate Ubud Travel Guide

Jakarta:  Where to Stay in Jakarta

Ubud: Cooking Class in Ubud