Comparison · Jakarta vs Singapore · Indonesia / Singapore
Jakarta vs Singapore
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Choose Jakarta for National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua and lower day-to-day costs; choose Singapore for Hawker centres, Gardens by the Bay and beaches. Jakarta is generally less expensive, and the two are about 898 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 898 km
- Less expensive
- Jakarta
- Best time for Jakarta
- May–September
- Best time for Singapore
- February–April and July–August
Side by side
| Jakarta | Singapore | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia | Singapore |
| Known for | National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua and Istiqlal Mosque | Hawker centres, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands |
| Best time to visit | May–September | February–April and July–August |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $80–$160 | $160–$300 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Expensive |
| Warmest month | August, 33°C (91°F) | March, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 30°C (86°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | Palawan Beach |
| Airports | CGK, HLP | SIN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Jakarta for…
National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua and lower day-to-day costs. Indonesia's capital is a sprawling metropolis of more than ten million people on the north coast of Java. Most visitors focus on three zones: Kota Tua, the old Dutch Batavia with its cobbled square and museums; Merdeka Square around the National Monument…
Choose Singapore for…
Hawker centres, Gardens by the Bay and beaches. Singapore fits Marina Bay's skyline, the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay, a UNESCO-listed botanic garden and the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan quarters of the old town into an island about 50 km across. The MRT links almost everything within 40…
Top sights compared
| # | Jakarta | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Monument (Monas) | Gardens by the Bay |
| 2 | Istiqlal Mosque | Marina Bay Sands SkyPark |
| 3 | Jakarta Cathedral | Merlion Park and the Marina Bay promenade |
| 4 | Fatahillah Square and Jakarta History Museum | Singapore Botanic Gardens |
| 5 | Wayang Museum | Buddha Tooth Relic Temple |
Food compared
| Jakarta | Singapore |
|---|---|
| Soto Betawi | Hainanese chicken rice |
| Kerak telor | Laksa |
| Nasi uduk | Chilli crab |
| Gado-gado | Char kway teow |
Which is cheaper?
Jakarta is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $80–$160 per person there, against $160–$300 in Singapore (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Jakarta on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 898 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Jakarta or Singapore cheaper?
Jakarta is usually less expensive: about $80–$160 a day mid-range against $160–$300 (estimates).
+Is Jakarta or Singapore better for a first trip?
Pick Jakarta for National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua and lower day-to-day costs, or Singapore for Hawker centres, Gardens by the Bay and beaches.
+How far is Jakarta from Singapore?
About 898 km in a straight line.