Jakarta: A City with the Best Indonesian Delicacies
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is situated on the northwest coast of the island of Java. Jakarta's apt location along the Java Sea has made it a hub for trade and commerce. The legacy of this city began in 1527, when the Sultan of Bantam was victorious in a war with Portuguese, and named the place Jayakerta, meaning the Glorious Fortress. The external beauty of this place lies in its buildings and infrastructures that depict the tales of its ancient times. Some of the most loved attractions are the National Monument, Bank Indonesia Museum, and the Ancol Dreamland. In Jakarta, you can find rich and diverse flavours of Indonesian cuisine. You can start your day with a plate of fragrant Nasi Goreng, and the skewered delights of Satay.
Jakarta is a city of lively festivals and cultural celebrations that provide a window into its rich diversity. The annual "Jakarta Fair" stands out as a month-long extravaganza filled with music concerts, delectable food stalls, and captivating exhibitions. Chinese New Year ushers in a vibrant spectacle in Jakarta's Chinatown, featuring lively parades and cultural performances. The festivities continue with "Cap Go Meh", a culmination of the Chinese New Year celebrations marked by enchanting dragon dances and traditional rituals.
For the art and music lovers, Jakarta offers the "Jakarta International Film Festival (JiFFest)", showcasing many global films, and the renowned "Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival." Consider booking your flight tickets with IndiGo well in advance, at least a couple of months before, to easily find reasonable rates.
Places to visit in Jakarta
With a population representing various ethnic groups, you'll find a mix of languages, traditions, and festivals. Here are the two best places to visit in Jakarta:
- Ancol Dreamland: Ancol Dreamland is a sprawling recreational complex along Jakarta's picturesque waterfront. It has an enchanting amusement park with thrilling rides and alluring attractions, promising laughter and joy. The shimmering waters of the waterpark nearby offer respite from the tropical heat, while the pristine beach provides an idyllic setting for relaxation. Ancol Dreamland is the quintessential family destination, where cherished memories are forged against the backdrop of Jakarta's coastal charm.
- National Monument (Monas): When you're in Jakarta, don't miss the National Monument, known as Monas. It is a special place to see history. It's a tall tower right in the city centre. You can go up 137 m high to the top, and from there, you'll get an incredible view of all of Jakarta. Inside Monas, there's a museum, which is like a giant treasure chest full of old things that help you understand how Indonesia became an independent country.
- Old Town (Kota Tua): A trip to Indonesia is incomplete without Jakarta's historic place called Kota Tua. The presence of ancient and majestic buildings in this town depicts the history of the city when the Dutch lived here. The streets are made of bumpy stones, and there are museums and places to try yummy local food. It's like stepping into a history book and feeling what it was like in the old days.
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Indonesia Miniature Park): Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Park expresses the Indonesian lifestyle in the most unique way. There are tiny versions of traditional houses from different parts of Indonesia, and you can learn about their cultures. You can also watch extraordinary dances and hear exciting music. There are many museums inside the park that tell stories about Indonesia's past. It's like going on an adventure to explore the whole country in one place.
- Ragunan Zoo: Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of nature at Ragunan Zoo, Jakarta's verdant oasis of wildlife and wonder. Spread across expansive grounds, this meticulously maintained zoo houses a captivating menagerie of creatures, from majestic elephants to stealthy tigers, and charismatic orangutans to the mythical Komodo dragons. As you meander through lush, tree-lined pathways, a symphony of bird calls and the rustling of leaves serenade you. Ragunan Zoo is a sanctuary where the bonds between humans and animals are celebrated, making it a delightful retreat for both the curious and the conservation-minded.
- Sunda Kelapa Harbor: Sunda Kelapa Harbor, an embodiment of Jakarta's maritime history, offers a window into the city's seafaring soul. Here, the iconic wooden schooners known as "phinisi" ships stand proudly against the horizon, their aged masts silhouetted against the azure sky. A stroll along the quayside immerses you in the sights and sounds of a bustling port, where the echoes of sailors' tales linger in the salty breeze. With its rich historical tapestry and photogenic charm, Sunda Kelapa Harbor is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing you to connect with Jakarta's maritime legacy.
- Jakarta Cathedral: The Jakarta Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Cathedral in Indonesia. The original building of this cathedral was destroyed in 1890, and was later constructed and completed in 1901. The revamped building also includes Neo-Gothic style in its architecture. The official name of Jakarta Cathedral is Gereja Santa Maria Diangkat ke Surga. This infrastructure is highly famous among the locals as the symbol of Unity in Indonesia. The beauty of the exterior structure, the serene ambience, and calmness of the people here makes it an ideal spot to visit.
- Bank Indonesia Museum: The BI Museum, also known as Bank Indonesia Museum was built to showcase the Bank’s Indonesia role in the nation’s history. Founded in 2009, this museum is located in the Old Town of Jakarta, the initial headquarters of Netherlands Indies Gulden. This place also exhibits an audio-video program to introduce the people about the ancient currencies and trade within the nation before the colonial era. The collection displayed here includes a wide range of currencies from all over the world, dating as old as the 14th-century.
Jakarta Airport (CGK)
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the primary international gateway to Jakarta and is one of Southeast Asia's busiest airports. Located about 20 km west of the city centre, it boasts modern terminals with a wide range of facilities, including restaurants, shops, lounges, and car rental services. The airport has well-connectivity with the city through various public transport. Several options like buses, trains and metros are constantly available for the convenience of the locals.