Jakarta may be known as a bustling metropolitan city, but hidden within its vibrant streets are refreshing green sanctuaries waiting to be explored. These urban forests in Jakarta offer an escape from traffic, noise, and daily routines, making them ideal spots for recreation, nature walks, photography, or simply breathing cleaner air.
From iconic revitalized parks to thriving conservation zones, each destination offers a unique blend of biodiversity, facilities, and calming scenery.
Here are the five best urban forests in Jakarta that deserve a spot on your travel list.
1. Hutan Kota GBK
Hutan Kota GBK stands as one of the most popular and accessible urban forests in Jakarta, especially for those seeking a quick natural escape without leaving the city center.
Strategically located on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, this 4.5-hectare urban forest is divided between PPKGBK and Plataran Indonesia, resulting in a beautifully curated environment filled with tall trees, walking paths, and a refreshing pond area. The revitalization has turned it into a vibrant green lung, perfect for morning strolls, picnics, and light exercise.
Visitors can make use of the jogging track, wooden deck around the Trembesi pond, garden benches, restrooms, and changing rooms. The area is especially lovely during early morning hours when the air feels fresh and the sunlight gently filters through the trees.
Since the entrance is free, families often come here for weekend picnics or casual outdoor gatherings.
What makes Hutan Kota GBK even more appealing is its connection to urban mobility. Whether you arrive by MRT, bus, or private car, access is effortless. With its balanced mix of nature, comfort, and accessibility, this spot remains a top recommendation for anyone exploring urban forests in Jakarta.
2. Hutan Kota Kemayoran
Hutan Kota Kemayoran is a scenic and environmentally significant green space located on Jalan Benyamin Sueb, North Jakarta. Initially built as a conservation area, it eventually opened to the public as a recreational oasis.
This spacious destination features a remarkable 12.8-hectare lake, complete with an artificial swamp designed to prevent erosion and support natural water management systems. The peaceful lakeside scenery makes this one of the most tranquil urban forests in Jakarta.
The destination also includes viewing towers, connecting bridges, shaded walking paths, and designated rest areas. However, unlike other parks, Hutan Kota Kemayoran operates only on weekends—from 06.00 to 12.00 WIB. This limited schedule helps maintain ecological preservation and ensures the natural habitat remains undisturbed.
Visitors commonly enjoy photography, birdwatching, and leisurely walks around the lake. Fishing is prohibited to protect the ecosystem, emphasizing its role as a conservation-focused urban forest. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the atmosphere feels cooler and the reflection on the lake is especially beautiful.
3. Hutan Kota Srengseng
Located in West Jakarta, Hutan Kota Srengseng is a lush recreational forest with dense vegetation, making it an excellent destination for jogging, cycling, or nature exploration.
Once a landfill site, the area was transformed into a 15-hectare green sanctuary in 1995, now home to more than 65 species of tall trees including teak, flamboyant, mahogany, akasia, and ketapang. Its thriving greenery makes this one of the most biodiverse urban forests in Jakarta.
The forest also hosts various wildlife such as birds, lizards, squirrels, and even monitor lizards, creating an authentic natural environment rarely found in urban settings. With its serene lake, playgrounds, and gazebos, the space is perfect for families looking to unwind or individuals seeking a peaceful place to recharge.
Visitors only need to pay a small entrance fee starting from Rp2,000, making it one of the most affordable nature spots in the city. Its jogging paths, open grassy fields, and shaded corners attract fitness enthusiasts and casual park-goers alike.
4. Hutan Mangrove PIK
Hutan Mangrove PIK, a 99.82-hectare mangrove conservation park in North Jakarta, provides a unique nature experience compared to other urban forests in Jakarta.
This vast mangrove ecosystem plays a crucial role in protecting coastal areas, supporting biodiversity, and serving as a natural habitat for various bird species. With its long wooden boardwalks, dense mangrove clusters, and calm waters, the park is a favorite for eco-tourists and photographers.
The area is easily accessible via toll roads and public transportation, making it convenient despite its northernmost location. Visitors can explore the boardwalk, rent boats, take photos, or simply enjoy the refreshing coastal breeze. Several spots offer picturesque views, especially during golden hour when the sunlight casts warm tones over the mangrove trees.
Hutan Mangrove PIK also has designated conservation zones, ensuring that its ecological function remains the top priority. Operating hours differ between weekdays (08.00–17.30 WIB) and weekends (07.00–17.30 WIB).
5. Hutan Kota Pesanggrahan Sangga Buana
Located in Lebak Bulus, Hutan Kota Pesanggrahan Sangga Buana offers a refreshing escape rooted in conservation, education, and sustainable tourism.
Known for its community-based management, this urban forest features a unique blend of wild greenery and cultivated plants such as coffee and red ginger. Its rustic landscape makes it one of the most culturally rich urban forests in Jakarta.
Visitors can explore traditional Betawi houses, open fields, forest trails, and small farming areas that showcase local agricultural practices. The forest is also a haven for various bird species and small wildlife, making it ideal for nature observation and eco-learning activities.
While the area feels more natural and less commercialized, it retains all the charm of a well-preserved forest. Opening hours run daily from 08.00 to 17.30 WIB, giving visitors ample time to explore and enjoy the natural surroundings.
6. Taman Hutan Kota Penjaringan
Taman Hutan Kota Penjaringan is one of the most complete urban forests in Jakarta, located in North Jakarta near the Pluit area. This spacious green zone combines the concept of a forest park and a recreational garden, making it ideal for morning workouts or family outings.
Visitors can enjoy various facilities, including dedicated running tracks, outdoor gyms, clean restrooms, and even a fishing area designed for community activities. The park’s well-maintained pathways ensure comfort for joggers, cyclists, and casual walkers alike.
One of the most unique features of Taman Hutan Kota Penjaringan is its iconic red–tip plant maze. This beautifully arranged shrub labyrinth has become a popular spot for photography, especially for visitors who love capturing aesthetic nature shots.
The atmosphere remains refreshing throughout the day thanks to thick tree canopies and open grassy areas that help cool the surroundings.
7. Hutan Kota Cijantung
Hutan Kota Cijantung, located in East Jakarta on Jalan RA. Fadillah offers a peaceful natural retreat across its 17-hectare landscape. This forested area combines a serene environment with easily accessible walking trails, making it an inviting spot for visitors who prefer a quieter green space.
Tall trees such as mahogany, teak, flamboyant, and various native species enrich the scenery and contribute to its refreshing air quality. Clean, well-maintained paths and resting benches enhance the comfort of every visit.
As one of the lesser-known urban forests in Jakarta, Hutan Kota Cijantung provides an ideal escape from the city's fast-paced lifestyle. It attracts walkers, joggers, families, and nature enthusiasts who want to relax without crowds or commercial activity.
The forest occasionally hosts environmental education programs and community activities that promote plant conservation and ecological awareness.
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These seven urban forests in Jakarta showcase the city’s commitment to providing green spaces for residents and tourists alike. Each destination offers its own charm from lakeside tranquility to vibrant biodiversity and coastal mangrove ecosystems.
Ashley Hotel Jakarta is the perfect base for exploring the best urban forests in Jakarta. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel offers quick access to green destinations like Hutan Kota GBK, Tebet Eco Park, and other refreshing nature spots.
After a full day of walking through shaded trails and scenic parks, you can relax in our hotel's comfortable rooms, enjoy modern facilities, and recharge for the next adventure. Our strategic location and warm hospitality make every nature-focused trip even more enjoyable.
Explore our hotel here and make the most of your day in Jakarta with Ashley.