| 4 mins read
Jakarta, the largest sea port and capital city of the archipelago of islands that make up Indonesia is much more than just a stop-over city. A fascinating mishmash of extremes, here is where you will find the modern comfortably juxtaposed with the traditional, BMWs sharing the road with Bajaj scooter-taxis, skyscrapers ensconced amidst shanty towns, an extremely well organised nightlife but a traffic system in disarray. Here's a Jakarta travel guide to help you explore this city of contrasts with a wealthy listing of things to see and experience.
Designer Shopping in Jakarta
Jakarta is home to some seriously epic shopping malls including Senayan City and Plaza Indonesia. You won’t have to go far to find luxury and designer brands; not a wonder that shopping is often high on the to-do list for tourists travelling to Indonesia.
Market Shopping in Jakarta
At the other end of the budget spectrum sit Jakarta’s popular traditional markets, including the lively Tanah Abang, Glodok and Blok M markets. These sprawling networks of street vendors have a plethora of goods to sell, from groceries to antiques.
Massage Therapy
A good shopping trip can be incredibly tiring. As in many places in Asia, the people of Jakarta know the best and quickest remedy for aching feet and a stiff neck; a full-body traditional Indonesian massage. Look out for a generous smattering of spas in most shopping malls.
Parks of Indonesia
Fully refreshed from a pampering rub-down, head out to one of Jakarta’s many parks. If a full size wilderness seems too much to handle, head to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Miniature Park of Indonesia) in East Jakarta to see the famous Aviary.
Jakarta Museums
Jakarta’s rich yet troubled history deserves your attention during your stay. Travelling to Indonesia should always include a trip to the National Museum of Indonesia to learn about Indonesia' fascinating ethnographic, archaeological and political past.
Monuments
Once the capital of the Dutch East Indies, Jakarta secured its independence in 1950. Throughout the 1960s, various monuments and landmarks to Indonesian independence were erected including the National Monument, Selamat Datang Monument and Hotel Indonesia.
Concert Halls
If live music is your thing then your ears are in for a treat. Jakarta is home to several performance venues such as classical concert hall Aula Simfonia. Again, find an independent travel guide to Jakarta for a full list. Traditional Indonesian art performances can be seen in some parts of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and you may stumble across traditional music in many high-class hotels.
The Golden Snail Imax Theatre
For a taste of home with a suitably spectacular Jakarta twist check out the ‘The Golden Snail’ Imax theatre, showing a range of the worlds blockbusters within this 1970s built snail-shaped architectural gem.
Ancol Dreamland
No trip to Jakarta is complete without spending a day at Ancol Dreamland. This 24-hour amusement park complex houses a Seaworld, Fantasy World and Atlantis Water Adventure Park that sit alongside a golf course, art academy and bowling alley to name a few. Bring lots of energy.
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