Guide to Watching Matches at GBK and Nearby Hotel Recommendations
Event Inspiration | 24/05/2025

Watching live matches at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium is an exciting experience. However, don’t let the excitement of the game make you forget about your journey to and from the venue, especially if the match finishes late at night. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish, prepare yourself with this guide for watching matches at GBK, along with nearby hotel recommendations for a comfortable stay.
Guide to Watching Matches at GBK
Here are some essential tips to consider if you plan to watch a match at GBK:
Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
GBK Stadium is located within a vast complex. The walk from the entrance to your seat can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Wear lightweight, breathable clothes suited to the weather on match day. Equally important, choose comfortable shoes to avoid fatigue from all the walking.
Arrive Early
Major events at GBK, including sports matches, often attract thousands of spectators, potentially causing traffic jams around the stadium. Arrive at least 1-2 hours before the game begins to give yourself enough time to queue for entry, exchange tickets, buy food, or visit the restroom. Plus, it’s not uncommon for the walk from the entrance gate to your seat to take quite a while.
Additionally, consider using public transportation, such as the MRT, TransJakarta, or ride-hailing services, to get to GBK. This strategy can save time and reduce stress from traffic jams and parking hassles if you drive yourself.
Bring Only Essential Items
Security checks at GBK events are usually strict. Therefore, bring only the essentials: a physical or digital ticket, phone and power bank, wallet and ID, and a disposable raincoat. Review the event organizer’s guidelines for permitted items and comply to ensure a quicker and smoother security process.
Stay in Your Seat as Much as Possible
During the match, avoid moving around or standing in the aisles. Not only does this disturb other spectators, but it may also violate stadium regulations. Watch the game from the seat assigned to your ticket and leave your spot only when necessary, such as to use the restroom.
Maintain Cleanliness and Follow Staff Instructions
Keep the venue clean for everyone’s comfort. Dispose of trash properly, and don’t leave bottles or food wrappers lying around the stadium. You can hold on to your trash until you find a bin. Additionally, follow the directions of event staff and security personnel at all times, from entry and during the match to exiting the stadium.
Find a Place to Rest Near GBK
Some matches are held on weekdays and start late in the evening, coinciding with rush hour traffic. Many matches at GBK also finish late at night, and at those times, thousands of people are all looking for transportation to get home, which can significantly increase travel time. If you live in the suburbs or outside Jakarta, it can be especially exhausting.
The solution? Staying at a hotel near GBK can save both energy and time. These hotels are generally easy to access by public transport or on foot, making it easier for you to get to GBK and get back after the match without unnecessary fatigue.
Recommended Hotels Near GBK with Quality Hospitality
If you’re looking for a hotel near GBK, Veranda Hotel Pakubuwono is an excellent choice. It’s conveniently accessible to GBK via public transport without the hassle of traffic. Take the TransJakarta corridor 13 from the Velbak stop, transfer to the MRT at CSW-ASEAN, and get off at Senayan or Istora MRT station.
At Veranda Hotel Pakubuwono, you can unwind in spacious rooms with thoughtful layouts, complemented by warm, modern decor that creates a cozy atmosphere. Each room is equipped with amenities such as a large-screen TV, Wi-Fi, a wide work desk, a safety deposit box, and a coffee machine and electric kettle for making coffee and tea. These amenities ensure a comfortable stay, especially after enjoying a match at GBK.
Beyond the room, you can enjoy other facilities at Veranda Pakubuwono, including an outdoor swimming pool with a relaxing pool lounge area, and Wyl’s Restaurant, offering a delicious culinary experience with dishes from Indonesia, Asia, and the West.
Make sure to follow the tips above for a smooth and enjoyable match-day experience at GBK. Don’t forget to book a hotel near GBK like Veranda Pakubuwono, which offers complete amenities and a strategic location, for maximum comfort before and after the match. Click here to book a room at Veranda Hotel Pakubuwono and enjoy exclusive benefits by booking directly through the official site. Have a great time watching the match at GBK!