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Beyond the spectacular beaches and tropical inlands, there’s an Indonesia waiting to be explored. And there’s no better place to start than the historically captivating and exotically hypnotising city of Jakarta. The capital city is a microcosm of the country. It beautifully echoes the ethnic diversity, many lifestyles, complex blend of flavours and traditions from across the vibrant archipelago nation. That you can witness in its grand monuments and museums. Smell as you walk past tempting street food stalls.
Jakarta At A Glance | |
Country | Indonesia |
Language | Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) |
Population | 10.8 Million |
Dial Code | + 62-21 |
Currency | Rupiah (Rp) |
Time Zone | GMT+7 |
Area | 699.5 Sq. Km. |
Explore the most colourful of concrete jungles. With marvellous monuments of Malay, Chinese, Javanese, Arabic and Dutch styles, and stunning iconic landmarks, to tell of the city’s past. While its present and future is strewn across the skyline in modern buildings, rooftops, galleries and urban centres. All easily accessible, with the super affordable local transport, Transjakarta.
The Jakarta Old Town with its historical harbour offers a glimpse of that archaic wonder, the alluring charm of what once was, the gleams of grandeur captured in ageing stone. Jakarta is also home to many museums that tell its full story across eras and cultures. While the cultural districts like Chinatown show past meet present in a most vivid way.
As the country’s most diverse metropolitan, there’s nowhere better to sample the many sumptuous flavours and popular regional delicacies that have now firmly established themselves as mainstays on the city’s menu. And it’s the same thrilling experience if you visit an internet-famous street food stall, top starred fine dining restaurant, hip café, or bar.
Jakarta is regarded as one of the world’s best shopping cities. Here you will find some of the grandest malls, as well as amazing flea markets, boutique centres, art and traditional markets. Where you can go on the hunt or a pick-as-you-like stroll, for handicrafts, woodwork, textiles, antiques and more. Bargaining skills are welcomed and sharpened for free.
Jakarta can pamper you. And do it really well. The city has 5-star hotels, gastronomic fine dining venues, spas and holistic centres as well as golf resorts. While Java and Bali are considered the usual spa towns, Jakarta offers the very same local touch with traditional treatments in just as luxurious surrounds. For those who love to enjoy into the night, the city’s famed nightlife promises next level thrills, at some of the most happening venues in this part of the world.
Switch out the tall buildings for terrific beaches, whenever you please, by taking a day trip to popular nearby destinations like the Thousand Islands where you can spend a glorious day in the sunshine, by sparkling waters and tropical greens. Alternatively, nearby towns like Bogor and Bandung offer the chance for less metropolitan, more charming urban getaways.
The National Monument, Istiqal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, Merdeka Palace, Kota Tua, National Museum, Textile Museum, National Gallery, Basuki Abdullah Museum, Chinatown, Pasar Seni Ancol, Grand Indonesia Mall, Ancol Beach City, Thousand Islands, Bogor
Jakarta is found on the Northwest coast of the island of Java, Indonesia, by the mouth of the River Ciliwung on the Jakarta Bay.
Jakarta is typically hot and humid, with a distinct wet and dry season, much like the rest of Indonesia. The best months to visit the city are between May to September, when the sun is shining, and the rain isn’t likely to dampen any plans you make. It is also the time when Jakarta is culturally alive with many festivals and events.
The best way to reach Jakarta is by air. The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport welcomes international as well as domestic flights, from cities across the world.
Earliest traces in the region date back to the 4th century, and the land was under the rule of various kings and kingdoms. It was only in the 16th century that Jakarta’s modern history truly began. With the arrival of the colonial powers, who sought control of this prized trading port. Ultimately, it was the Dutch that prevailed, naming it Batavia as the capital of the Dutch East Indies. The city flourished and fell, finally to the hands of the Japanese, when it was renamed Jakarta. By 1949, with the end of the second world war, a now independent Indonesia stakes its claim and naming it the official capital city.