As the
capital city of Indonesia, the sprawling megapolitan city of Jakarta is not
only the seat of the national government and center of business activities but
also a melting pot of cultures from many parts of the archipelago. Home to
millions of people, the city is where the glittering lights of modern skyscrapers
fuse perfectly with traditional Indonesian elegance and the legacies of the
country’s national history, while, standing proudly at its center is the
National Monument.
A city
that never sleeps, with round-the-clock entertainment and superb recreational
facilities, there is definitely something for everyone here in the capital
city. From international music concerts, pulsating nightlife, fascinating
recreational and theme parks, wide range of shopping opportunities, culinary
presentations from all over the archipelago and the world, as well as its
distinctly unique traditional art and culture, Jakarta
is truly a capital of diverse splendors.
Here
are some of the main highlights of the capital city of Jakarta:
1.
Fun Packed Recreational and Theme Parks
Jakarta
offers the ultimate experience for perfect family leisure and togetherness in
some of its fun packed amazing recreational and theme parks. For a comprehensive
glimpse of Indonesia with all its fascinating attractions, visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, or the Beautiful
Indonesia in Miniature Park, located in East Jakarta. If it’s non-stop fun
actions you seek, head to The Ancol Dreamland which is the largest and most
popular recreation park on the beach completed with all sorts of rides, and
amusement parks, and a gamut of facilities. A unique indoor theme park
especially built for Kids with edutainment in mind is Kidzania, located on the
6th. Floor of the Pacific Place Mall, at the Senayan CBD. There are only three
such parks in the whole world, and one is in Jakarta.
2.
Jakarta’s Shopping Extravaganza
The
wide variety of things that you can buy in Jakarta is mind boggling from the
best of local handicrafts to haute couture labels. Jakarta has literally
hundreds of malls to browse through. If you are looking for international top
designer boutiques, head to Jalan Thamrin-Sudirman, where there are the Grand
Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, and the FX Sudirman. Further South are Senayan
Plaza and Senayan City and in the Kebayoran area are malls catering to the
upmarket clientele, such as Gandaria City, Dharmawangsa Square,Pasaraya Grande,
Pondok Indah Mall and Kemang. Then there is Pacific Place at Kuningan, another
favorite haunt.
3.
Exquisite Fine Dining in the Metropolitan Capital
Here in
Jakarta, the best Indonesian cuisine and international fine dining restaurants
are found in unique surroundings as they are located in elegant and well-appointed
colonial buildings that enhance that special nostalgic atmosphere of fine,
graceful dining like in those grand colonial days long gone. The Oasis
Restaurant on Jalan Raden Saleh in Central Jakarta, the Kunstkring Paleis and
the Bistro Boulevard on Jalan Teuku
Umar, Bunga Rampai on Jalan Tjik Ditiro and the Jittlada Thai restaurant on
Jalan Sultan Agung, are among some of the restaurants where you can experience
the exquisite dining experience.
4.
The Scrumptious Street Food Scene
The
culinary splendor of the capital city does not stop at fine dining restaurants
and luxurious cafes, but all the way to street sides where you can definitely
find some of the most delicious treats of Jakarta. Situated just behind Istana
Merdeka or the Presidential Palace, Pecenongan is an area that is known for its
Street Food Scene which is dominated by delicious Chinese food variety. Looking
for Sea Food? Then Muara Karang is your answer. Here, various freshly caught
fish, prawns, crabs, squid, and more are served in various ways according to
your preference. The busy Jalan Sabang transforms itself into a vibrant street
food scene in the evening. Here poplar Indonesian meals such as Fried Rice,
Satay, Fried Duck, Gado-gado (Betawi’s Salad), and more will definitely leave
your mouth craving for more.
5.
Jakarta’s Authentic Culture Experience
If you
wish to experience the authentic culture of the indigenous Betawi ethnic group
of Jakarta, you can pay a visit to Setu Babakan in Srengseng Sawah in the subdistrict
of Jagakarsa in South Jakarta. As one of the last remaining, and most intact
Betawi village communities in Jakarta, Setu Babakan has been stipulated as a
Betawi Cultural Heritage village to showcase the life of the original Betawi
people. Here visitors can see the original architecture and layout of the
houses or stroll through this rustic village that has retained the Betawi
atmosphere, watch cultural performances by the lakeside, enjoy special Betawi
food and snacks, or go fishing or boating on the lake.
6.
Legacies of the Colonial Era
The
splendor of the capital city also lies in the many legacies of the colonial era
from the 16th century onwards which still stand majestically today, especially
at the Old Batavia complex in North Jakarta. Center of the Old Batavia is the
former municipal building or Stadhuis, which is now a Museum depicting
Jakarta’s long history, called Museum Fatahillah, while the square fronting it
is called the Fatahillah Square. Around the square are the Fine Art and Ceramic
Museum, once the Court of Justice, now housing splendid paintings of the
romantic maestro Raden Saleh, and expressionist Affandi. There is also a
collection of ceramics from many parts of Asia. There is the Wayang Museum, the
Bank Indonesia and Bank Mandiri Museums,
that house artefacts related to the banking world.