Located on the island of Java, Jakarta is Indonesia's largest city and the second largest city in the world. The metropolitan region is home to over 30 million people. Jakarta is a melting pot of Indonesian culture and serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of Southeast Asia. From cosmopolitan shopping to a vibrant nightlife scene Jakarta is the perfect place to indulge in an adventurous city getaway.
See Istiqlal Mosque:
Istiqlal Mosque is largest mosque is Southeast Asia. The architectural marvel was built to commemorate Indonesian independence. The building can hold up to 120,000 people and has been visited by foreign dignitaries such as Barack Obama.
The pillars and central dome of the mosque are a jawdropping sight. Getting in should be easy as there are seven entrances to the mosque to represent the seven heavens of Islamic cosmology. Sightseers should keep the mosque's religous purpose in mind when visiting however, despite the region's heat and sweltering humidity, dress conservatively to show respect when seeing this magnificent building.
Thousand Islands:
The Thousand Islands National Park is actually made up of 300 sandy, beautiful islands. The islands are best reached via Marina Ancol in the north of Jakarta. To keep the islands protected, the government of Jakarta has mandated that visitors can only see the islands as a customer at one of the island chain's several resorts.
For a beautiful island getaway, local knowledge recomends staying away from Pulau Bidadari, the closest island to Jakarta, as a steady flow of pollution and garbage has a tendency to wash up on the island's beachs and makes swimming unpleasent. For a truly enjoyable island experience, head farther out to sea. The best snorkeling opportunites can be fond on the islands of pramuka and tidung however beachside lounging is near perfect throughout most of the islands.
National Mounument:
The National Monument's 433 ft. high tower emerges from the center of Mereka Square to commemorate Indonesian independence. Open daily, the monument is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The viewing platform, which is reached by riding a small elevator up to the top of the tower, is especially popular and provides expansive views of central Jakarta. Arrive early as long lines of visitors waiting to get to the top build up quickly. For the best chance of avoiding the crowds, arrive before the monument opens at 8:00am.
Pasar Baru Market:
The pasar of Jakarta are the traditional maarkets where most locals shop for their everyday needs. Pasar Baru is one of the larger, more intriguing markets and the perfect place to look for Jakartan fabrics, curtains, and fine carpets. As the area around the market is the center of Jakarta's Indian population, the market sells a variety of Indian foods and spices. Visitors should not forget to barter and be careful not to get taken advantage of. Knowing the prices of things you are looking for will help as some stall owners inflate the prices of their goods when they deal with foreigners.
Batik Textile Museum:
The Batik Textile Museum is a unique experience not to be missed. Inside the old French built mansion that serves as the museum, exhibits highlight many kinds of traditional Indonesian weaving such as Javanese Batik, Batak Ulos, and Ikat. Traditional weaving instruments are also on display.
The highlight for many visitors is the ability to weave their own batik. Demonstrations show off the museum's weaver's skills and teachers and equipment are provided during classes in the workshop located behind the museum. Visitors should also ensure they tour the museum's garden which displays plants used to create the vibrant dyes in the fabrics.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Complex:
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a 250 acre park meant to showcase Indonesian culture. Visitors can easily spend the whole day in what is meant to be a showcase of the many cultures and traditions of Indonesia. Individual exhibit halls are devoted to each of the many cultures spanning the region and miniturized versions of Indonesian cultural landmarks, such as Borobudur, are meant to give visitors an interactive experience with Indonesia's traditional heritage. The complex includes gardens, museums, exhibit buildings, religious structures and monuments and houses many of Jakarta's great cultural events and performances.
Ragunan Zoo:
Located in the southern part of the city, Ragunan Zoo is home to over 270 species of animals and 171 species of plant. Indiginous animals on display include many endangered and threatened animals. For an up close look at native species this is a popular tourist destination both for foreigners and locals alike. The park is popular as a green escape also, which can be hard to find within the city, and visitors can often be seen having picnics on the zoo's expansive lawn.
Ancol Dreamland:
Ancol Dreamland is Jakarta's answer to Disney World. This resort area located on Jakarta's waterfront includes an international championship golf course, a theme park, hotels, and other recreational facilities. Its biggest attraction is the Fantasyland amusement park where kids of all ages can test their nerve on the park's thrill rides and enjoy the park's many attractions. Visitors who can choose when to go should aim for weekdays as the park tends to get crowded during the weekend.
National Museum of Indonesia:
The National Museum of Indonesia is is likely the best museum in the city. The museum houses 61,600 prehistoric and anthropological artifacts and 5,000 archeological artifacts. It boasts the riches and largest collection of Indonesian hindu-buddhist art in the world and its stone sculptures, relics, and inscriptions were collected from across Java, Bali, Sumatra, and Borneo.
The second floor of the museum is especially enticing as it features golden treasures and precious relics including jewelry, golden crowns, gold coins, and a golden shield and sword. Free English tours of the museum are held at 10:30 am. on Tuesdays and at 10:30 am. and 1:30 pm. on Thursdays. Tours are also available at other times in French, Japanese, and Korean.
Visit the Wharf at Sunda Kelapa:
Despite dating back to the 12th century, the old port area of Sunda Kelapa remains a functioning and busy wharf and acts as Indonesia's hub for inter island trade. The port is home to the world's last wind powered sailing trade fleet. These traditional, locally made schooners can be seen docked at the quay preparing to transport goods across the region, but don't expect a tourist site if you come exploring here. As a functioning dock, Sunda Kelepa remains all business and is the perfect place to come see the local trading fleet in action.
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