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May 9, 2019Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on December 7, 2023
Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK/WIII) is the main airport that serves Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta and it’s metropolitan area (Jabodetabek | Jakarta – Bogor – Depok – Tangerang – Bekasi) alongside with the smaller Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP/WIHH) and several other smaller airports. Located in the northwest of Jakarta, precisely in the city of Tangerang, the airport is the busiest in Indonesia as well in Southeast Asia. The airport handled roughly 67 million passengers in 2018. It has 3 passenger terminals, a cargo terminal, and 3 parallel runways with Terminal 4, and a new cargo terminal is already planned for construction in near future.
The airport is the main hub for most major airlines in Indonesia with flights served mostly domestic to many cities across the archipelago. It also serves as the main gateway for international flights to Indonesia mostly from major Asia and Australian cities. There are also some regular flights from Africa (Addis Ababa) and European cities such as Istanbul and Amsterdam. Some cargo flights are regularly served by this airport too. As Halim airport is currently not allowing large airplanes to land there, VIP/VVIP traffics that is using large airplanes is expected to arrive here.
Since this airport is the biggest in Indonesia, it is also one the most popular airport for plane spotters in Indonesia. Spotting at this airport is pretty easy as most of the locations can be easily reached by car or motorcycle. There are a lot of Indonesian avgeeks and plane spotters based in the Jabodetabek area too.
+ + + UPDATE JAN 2022: Due to the temporary closure of Halim Intl Airport, some of the flights are being transferred to CGK including private, VIP/VVIP, and Military flights. Don’t be surprised if you saw some uncommon airplanes on CGK at least for several months to come until the Halim Airport renovation is complete. + + +
Written by Dirk Grothe (Spot 5) & Eka, M. Raykahn Ariga (local Spotters). Last Update March 2022.
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather | |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 06/24 | 3.000 m (9.842 ft) Asphalt |
| 07R/25L | 3.660 m (12.008 ft) Concrete |
| 07L/25R | 3.600 m (11.811 ft) Concrete |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 ( Domestic only) | Airfast Indonesia, Indonesia AirAsia, NAM Air, Sriwijaya Air, Super Air Jet (1A), Some of the freighter operations and Private Jet (1B/1C) |
| Terminal 2 (Temporarily Domestic only) | Batik Air and Lion Air Domestic (2D and 2E) |
| Terminal 3 | (Presently all) of Intl. flights, all Garuda Indonesia flights, Citilink, Pelita Air and TransNusa |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not needed |
| Car/Public Transport | Most spots are reachable by car and motorcycles, or you can use online taxis or motorcycle taxis such as “Grab” or “Go-Jek”. |
| Restrooms | Available inside the office/hotel building. Also available on some spots. |
| Drinks/Food | There are some restaurants or coffee shops in spots #2 and #5, or a small food kiosk at some spots. |
| Hotels | Hotels are available around the airport. The best for watching the action is the FM7 Resort (spot #5). |
| Season | The best months to travel are around April to September (northern summer) as you may be able to spot for all day long. In winter the light will be south of the field and be good from dawn until around 2pm where the sun will be directly in front/behind the aircraft leaving with top lit shots. |
| Security | [[UPDATE]] As of June 2022, the AVSEC seems getting more sensitive to Spotters and AVSEC officers frequently visiting some spots to usher out spotters, notably the infamous Spot #13. If you want to spot at CGK especially as a foreigner, better ask a local spotter to accompany you just in case something happens. Lets wish that the condition will be improving soon.
As long as you didn’t spot too close to the fence or spot at location where by general is not allowed to do so (as example stopping your vehicle on road to do plane spotting at the place where is not allowed to stop), there should be no problem with airport security. All locations below are safe for plane spotting as of December 2020. To maintain a good relationship between our community and airport authorities and spotting location hosts, please always observe the rules implemented here. It is also suggested to inform local plane spotters before spotting anywhere in Indonesia – they’d be happy to help you. Indonesian Plane Spotters group on Facebook is a good start to reach out to spotters in many airports across Indonesia. In addition, if you saw any suspicious activity during planespotting please immediately contact the airport authorities. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | Runways 24 & 25L/R are regularly in use during winter, while runways 07L/R are regularly in use during summer. Most aircraft inbound from the west use runway 07R or 25R, while most aircraft inbound from the east use 07L or 25L depending on the active runway |
| 06/24 | Newest and shortest runway. Presently it is only active during the day and in good weather; it will be closed before dusk and during bad weather (as of recent observation the operation is not resumed even after the bad weather passes). The active direction is only 24, arrivals from 06 aren’t possible yet. |
| 07R/25L | Used for both departures and arrivals. Runway usage depends on the wind direction. |
| 07L/25R | Used for both departures and arrivals. Runway usage depends on the wind direction. Only for departures if 06/24 is active. |
White House - Runway 07L/25R and 06/24
| WHERE | Due to the new runway, the former locations at the “treehouse” and “pink house” are no longer available and have been demolished. However, the owner of the previous old famous “treehouse” has built a new house at the New North Perimeter road, with the second floor dedicated for us to view airplanes. It’s now much easier to reach since it’s located next to the road.
While theoretically possible to take photos from the ground level along the fence, it’s unknown whether it’s allowed to take photos from ground level or not although sometimes there are several villagers doing fishing there undisturbed by security. It’s also pretty risky since it’s located on a narrow grass roadside. There is a chance that a car, motorcycle, or even bus or truck might accidentally veer off the lane and hit you so it’s suggested that we just do safe plane spotting from the house. |
| WHAT | Runway 24 arrivals and Runway 07L/25R arrivals/departure can be perfectly spotted here. Also visible from this spot is the whole Terminal 2, Terminal 3, FLTechnic maintenance hangar, and remote parking stand nearby the hangar. |
| TIME | From 8 a.m. till sunset during northern summer (April-September). Heat haze may occur during midday |
| MISC. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
It is also suggested to bring longer lenses, ~250mm to spot traffics at Runway 07L/25R. |
Aeropolis Residence - 07R
| WHERE | This spot is located inside the Aeropolis Residence car park which is on the western part of the airport next to the perimeter road. Once you have passed the security gate turn left into the parking area. The guard is tolerant and will allow you to spot there. Travel time from/to the airport by car is about 30-40 minutes. |
| WHAT | All arrivals for runway 07R. |
| TIME | From 8 a.m. till sunset during northern summer (April-September). |
| MISC. |
|
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-200mm. 85mm for a B777-300ER and 155mm for an A320. |
Swamp/Field - 25R
| WHERE | Located at the side of Kampung Kresek Road. From the airport, drive to the North Perimeter Road. Turn right at the T-junction, then turn left to Kampung Kresek Road at the next intersection. The spot is located at the 90-degree turn of the road. You may park your car at the roadside. |
| WHAT | All arrivals for runway 25R and 24 (rarely in use). |
| TIME | From 8 a.m. till sunset during northern summer (April-September). It is best during the evening, you can feel the wind breeze and quiet environment while looking at arriving airplanes. |
| MISC. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH | <70-200mm. 90mm for a B777-300ER and 165mm for an A320. |
Bridge - 25R
| WHERE | Located at a bridge near the last intersection before the road to spot #3. There is a small gap for a car to park at the spot |
| WHAT | All arrivals for runway 25R. The aircraft is quite low here and the angle is very steep for 25R arrivals. |
| TIME | From sunrise till 4 p.m. during northern winter (Oktober – March). |
| MISC. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH | Less than 70mm for a B77W and 110mm for an A320 |
FM7 Resort Montezuma Rooftop Lounge - 25R
| WHERE | This spot is located on the rooftop of the “FM7 Resort”, which is located east of Jakarta airport. This hotel can be recommended generally as it’s very close to the airport, offers airport transfers free of charge, is quite new/modern and surprisingly cheap (for normally known airport prices). /// The hotel’s address: Jl. Perancis No.67, Benda, Kota Tangerang, Banten 15125 So the spot can be found at the hotel’s rooftop bar called “Montezuma Rooftop Bar”. This one is located on the hotels’ top floor (like the name says), but can also be reached without a valid room key or similar. Just enter the hotel, go up to the rooftop floor and search your favorite position along the front. |
| WHAT | Good for landings on runway 25R. |
| TIME | Northern winter (Oct-Mar): The light is good almost all day. In the early morning or late evening, you might have a slight backlit or at least worse light. Northern summer (Apr-Sep): Spot is not really useable. You’ll have backlit most time. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is inside the hotel such as restaurants, toilets, or shadow. The hotel is very spotter friendly, it even advertises the terrace with its good view onto the approach. Sometimes the terrace even opens earlier as normal (normal opening is 17:00) for spotters, just ask friendly a staff member. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm |
Workshop - 25L
| WHERE | Located at the side of Husein Sastranegara Road across a bike workshop. There is a gap for a car to park beside the workshop. |
| WHAT | All arrivals for runway 25L |
| TIME | From sunrise till 4 p.m. during northern winter (Oktober – March). |
| MISC. | There are some small restaurants nearby. Angle is very steep
UPDATE: This spot may have been moved a bit since the location is now used for a new highway. We will update you again as soon as possible. However, there are some angles you could explore nearby this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Less than 70mm for an A350 and 85mm for a B738 |
Deck in the Indekost (Boarding House) - 07R/25L movements
| WHERE | This spot is an open deck with a roof above what we called in Indonesian “Indekost / kost” (the closest English translation is Boarding House) located in a village next to the south airport perimeter road. The owner decided to build a new small “viewing deck” recently, and it has a great view for spotters.
UPDATE: Apparently in late 2021 the deck has been rebuilt with a fence and a concrete surface. The new deck is now much larger than on the previous deck, so the angle is more flexible and also can accommodate more visitors. |
| WHAT | Both taxiing, takeoff, and landing on the runway and taxiway. Touch down moment can be spotted here. |
| TIME | The deck is facing northwest so expect a backlight if facing the northeast in the morning and west in the evening. The heatwave may occur in the afternoon. |
| MISC. |
|
| FOCAL LENGTH | Around 55mm for a 777-300ER and around 100mm for 737 / A320. |
How to get to the location (The exact alley on Step 3 has been closed. But no worries, just turn left to the next closest alley and you will find the location on Step 4. The rest steps is still same) :
Cengkareng Business City - 24, 25R and 25L arrivals
| WHERE | This is an office area close to the airport, located just in between Runway 25R and Runway 25L. Runway 24 arrivals are also able to spot here although it might be a bit more challenging. Good location if you want to catch special traffic but have no idea on what runway it will land and you don’t want to gamble your luck too much.
For now, the recommended spotting location is along the parking lot in this office area, you can explore several other good angles too – wish that one of the rooftops might available for a visit in near future. |
| WHAT | Arrivals only if the active runway is 24 or 25. Departures from Runway 07 are still possible to spot but the aircraft position may already be too high. |
| TIME | Location is facing both northwest and southeast so it will be backlit when you facing east in the morning and west in the evening. The best time to spot is around 15.30 until before sunset. The heatwave may occur in the afternoon. Location can be accessed every day but accommodation is not available at all times – see a misc section for more details. |
| MISC. |
|
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150-250mm for widebody aircraft landing at Runway 25R, and 250mm for widebody aircraft landing at Runway 25L. Longer focal needed for traffics arriving at Runway 24. |
Near open dumping area - Runway 07L Arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is close to the final approach path of the airplane, maybe it’s only several hundred feet above. Go through the alley to enter the location as shown in the picture below. Alternatively, you can do plane spotting on the roadside next to the alley. |
| WHAT | 07L Arrivals only. 25R departure seems not possible/hard as the airplane is already too high. |
| TIME | The best time to come here should be from afternoon to evening. |
| MISC. | Just like the name suggests, be expected that it could be smelly at many times. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Less than 55mm for 737 (~30mm). Angle is quite steep. |
Open Grassfield - Runway 07L Arrivals
| WHERE | |
| WHAT | |
| TIME | |
| MISC. | |
| FOCAL LENGTH | |
Rooftop on Rumah Kost Jasmine - 07R Arrivals & 25L Departures
| WHERE | This spot is a homestay/boarding house similar to Spot #7, the owner has allowed us to do plane spotting on this location. Located almost in between two runways path, thus making it possible to spot both runway arrivals or departures. However, the best possible angle for this spot is Runway 07L Arrivals. Almost equivalent to Spot #8 but on the other side of the airport. It’s easy to access with a car, motorcycle, or taxi; it’s also possible to walk from Spot #2. |
| WHAT | The closest and best angle from this spot is for Runway 07R arrivals. If the sky is clear enough from smog, you can frame some of Jakarta’s skyline in your photo. Departures from Runway 25L are still possible; although for most narrow-body airplanes already too high from this spot. Runway 07L arrivals and 25R departures are visible but too far for good photos (see Condor sample below). There is an engine run-up bay nearby which can be seen from the rooftop (although quite obstructed by trees and rail overhead catenary), occasionally used for engine run-up tests for airplanes that are maintained in the Garuda Maintenance Facility. |
| TIME | From 8 a.m. till sunset during northern summer (April-September). Heat haze may occur in the afternoon. |
| MISC. |
|
| FOCAL LENGTH | 175-250mm for airplanes arriving at Runway 07R and departing from Runway 25L. 250mm is still fairly good for Runway 07L arrivals / 25R departures, although it will be better if possible to use a longer focal length. |
D'prima Hotel Airport 2 Rooftop Terrace - 25L Arrivals
| WHERE | This hotel is a three stars hotel located outside the airport, maybe around 30 minutes from the terminal building, and can be easily reached. It has an outdoor rooftop terrace which offers a nice view of Runway 25L. Comparable with Spot #5 but for Runway 25L Arrivals. |
| WHAT | Runway 25L Arrivals. Airplanes on the runway can be spotted as well but need longer lenses. |
| TIME | Northern winter (Oct-Mar): The light is good almost all day. In the early morning or late evening, you might have slightly backlit or at least worse light. Northern summer (Apr-Sep): Spot is not really useable. You’ll have backlit most time. Heat haze may occur in the afternoon for airplanes on the runway. |
| MISC. |
|
| FOCAL LENGTH | Around 120mm for Boeing 737-800 at the closest point. Aircraft on the runway require more than 250mm. |
Aquarium / Fish Shop Rooftop Deck - 24/06 & 25R/07L Arrivals & Departures
| WHERE | This is a new spot situated on a rooftop above the fish shop. Located around 1.5km straight on the same road from Spot #1, this spot offers a pretty nice view of Runway 24/25R arrivals and departures. Pretty easy to reach since it’s located next to the road and can be easily reached by using Google Maps or equivalent apps. |
| WHAT | The closest and best angle from this spot is for Runway 24 Arrivals (and Departure if someday also available for). For Rwy24 Arrivals, the airplane will be touching down the runway almost just in front of this location. Runway 25R arrivals and departures are also pretty nice and Terminal 3 is also visible from this spot; although heat haze may severely affect your photo at noon. |
| TIME | The best time to spot here is in the afternoon, after 2 pm until sunset (however for now Runway 24 is only active until 3 pm). In the morning until ~11 am, movements will be in the backlight. Heat haze may occur in the afternoon. |
| MISC. | [[UPDATE]] As of June 2022, this is one of spots that AVSEC officers frequently visits to usher out spotters. If you want to spot here especially as a foreigner, better ask a local spotter to accompany you just in case something happens. Lets wish that the condition will be improving soon.
|
| FOCAL LENGTH | Less than 55mm for widebody airplanes and around 80mm for 737-500 on the closest point for Rwy24 Arrivals, while for Rwy25R arrivals/departures is between 150 – 200mm. |
Cemetery - 07L Arrivals
| WHERE | As an alternative to Spot #10 which is inaccessible for now, there is an alternative spot in a cemetery around 200m from the aforementioned location. Don’t worry, you are not going to spot exactly on the graveyards though, but on an open field in the cemetery complex. |
| WHAT | Runway 07L Arrivals. For Runway 25R departures, the airplane is already too high but you can try one. |
| TIME | The best time should be from afternoon around 2 pm to the evening. |
| MISC. |
|
| FOCAL LENGTH | Around 70mm for 737 & A320. |
Airside Terminal 3
| WHERE | This spot is located inside Terminal 3, after the security check/immigration both on domestic and international section. Most of the terminal section is glassed so you have a lot of room to spot here. |
| WHAT | Terminal 3 Apron Movements & Rwy25R Movements can be spotted here. Most of the international airlines using this terminal while for domestic flights only Garuda & Citilink that presently using this terminal |
| TIME | Most of the terminal section is facing northwest so expect a backlight if facing to the northeast in the morning and west in the evening. |
| MISC. |
|
| FOCAL LENGTH | Less than 55mm for airplanes on the gate |
Airside Terminal 2
| WHERE | This spot is located inside Terminal 2, in the gate after the security check/immigration both on domestic and international sections. Many of the terminal section is glassed without much obstructions so you have a lot of room to spot here, although not as much as on Terminal 3. |
| WHAT | In addition to apron traffics, you can spot these depending on which terminal side you are on :
|
| TIME | Most of the terminal section is facing northwest so expect a backlight if facing to the northeast in the morning and west in the evening. |
| MISC. |
|
| FOCAL LENGTH | Less than 55mm for airplanes on the gate |
Did the Runway 07 possible at spot 13 in mobile devices? on 2023?
Any local spotters available to show me around/keep me out of trouble!? I’m only in Jakarta for one day (21 Feb) and would like to spot and take photos safely. Willing to cover any costs. Thanks!
Hey just to add to seasons. In winter (End of December when I went) the light will be south of the field and be good from dawn until around 2pm where the sun will be directly in front/behind the aircraft leaving with top lit shots.
Hi, I have left a not in the guide. Thanks, Julian
FM7 Hotel (Spot 5)is no longer spotter friendly. The management removed me today from the rooftop spot beside Montezuma Bar and said no guests are allowed in that area (regardless if a spotter or not) you can still get shots from certain rooms(currently in room 207 with views of 25R landers between the trees although sun makes shots back-lit after about 11am (mid september) it is still a good hotel as long as they give you a room with a view ..cheaper than the airport hotel and good food..although if you can’t get a decent room you will have to leave and go to other spotting points.
Per July / August 2019, Spot No.1 is no more available as the third runway already done (and already tested) and the house already demolished.
However, there is a new spot near the third runway. A white two storey house next to New North Perimeter road.
The owner is the same person who own the old famous “tree house” and permitted us to take photos there.
(A rule of thumb is you should pay the owner around 25.000 – 30.000 depending on how long you will take photo there).
Small kiosk is available downstairs and if you need foods, drinks and even maybe another goods might available.
The coordinate is in 6°06’36.3″S 106°39’01.4″E . Much easier to reach now since it’s located next to road, however might need more time if you need to catch a online taxi such as Grab or Go-jek.
Focal length should be around 250-300mm for a 737 and less than 250mm for widebodies in Runway 07L/25R. 3rd runway (06/24) not yet regularly active but when it already active, i guess can use less than 150mm focal length here.
Thank you for the update Eka!
-Julian
I”ve just visited CGK in Oct.
Views from domestic are good there is a gate very close to the runway / taxiway. Windows are filthy though
That house on spot 1 is still an option – I didn’t go there but i’m sure i saw it and no obstructions.
The FM7 Hotel roof top bar is great for 25R on condition the runway is in use. both runways are in use so the traffic is split.
If the opposite runways are in use then you’re quiet stuck. Aircraft do depart past the hotel but most are turning away.
When I was there on two days the wind turned so aircraft stopped going past the hotel at 1100 in the morning – game over. according to some other spotters this is the norm.
The roof top has little shade either.
Hello,
I am going to Jakarta in October. Is there any good spots in the terminals for photos?
Cheers
Hi Joel, I will be in the FM7 on the 7th of Oct for just one night. The roof is excellent for spotting and photography. The viewing decks at the original terminals are no longer good for photography as they have put heavy plastic sheeting in front of the wire fencing. From inside the terminals there are no possibilities to take pics at all.
“Nothern summer (Apr-Sep): Spot is not really useable. You’ll have backlit most time.”
I refer to the above comment on aircraft-spotting on the rooftop of FM7 Resort Hotel. Does it mean it is advisable not to do aircraft -spotting at this hotel now till September?
The room rate of this hotel is lower than Jakarta Airport Hotel but the deposit amount is steep.
Hi, David,
At which airport hotel of Jakarta did you stay? Is it Jakarta Airport Hotel?
I read somewhere that when staying at FM7 Resort Hotel during this season to September aircraft pictures show aircraft backlit. What is aircraft backlit?
Also be prepared to hand over deposit of 500000 Rupiah one night for staying at FM7 Resort Hotel. If stay two nights, total deposit 1000,000 Rupiah. Refundable upon check-out if no expenditure in the hotel.
Hi All,
Just got back from CGK staying at the Airport Hotel good shots can be had from this hotel.Was wondering if anyone had any info about the stored F-28/B737/MD80 in the compound near ARFF BSH?
Hi, David,
Are you referring to the Jakarta Airport Hotel? Are the shots better from a room in this hotel than on the rooftop of FM7 Resort Hotel? I am looking for the desire airport hotel around CGK for aircraft photography.
I haven’t stayed at the FM7 but i would think you would get better shots from there as your out in the open, if your at the Jakarta Airport Hotel you would have to take shots through the bedroom window of aircraft taxing pass .