Sights and Sounds of Jakarta

The dynamic metropolis of Jakarta is centred on the historic enclave of Batavia, originally developed by Dutch colonialists, and therefore contains plenty in the way of historical tourist attractions. As Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta is the cultural centre of this diverse and populous nation. There are dozens of attractions worth checking out in the city, but most visitors start their explorations in the old Dutch enclave of Batavia. Fortunately for visitors, many of the tourist highlights are concentrated in the central district of the city. Each district has its own merits, from the historic Kota neighbourhood to the old port area of Sunda Kelapa. Monuments, museums, mosques and temples can be found everywhere you look, offering days of exploration for those hardy enough to brave the traffic, pollution and heat. Catch a ride on an Indonesian train for an experience you won’t forget. The Kota Train Station is a classic example of contemporary colonial architecture dating from the 1930s. Soak in the old Dutch colonial ambiance at Fatahillah Park. Step back in time with a visit to Jatinegara Meester Cornelis. If you have time to make one excursion out of the city, this charming Dutch colonial town on the eastern fringe of Jakarta has a wonderfully antiquated feel to it. The local produce market, gemstone bazaar and temples from every religion imaginable complement the residential villages which ring the commercial heart of the town.

 

 

Maritime Museum

What was once a warehouse as far back as the 19th century for the Dutch down in Sunda Kelapa is now fittingly home to a museum that tells the story of Jakarta's rich maritime history. Model boats and faded sepia photos depicting various adventures at sea and in and around the Batavia waterfront are the highlights. The old watchtower offers good views out over the area.

 

National Museum

Jakarta’s most impressive museum really delves into the history both of the capital city and the rest of Indonesia. The 19th-century building is suitably dramatic and its highlights include early Chinese ceramics, pieces culled from Java's myriad temples and a bronze elephant that was gifted to the museum by the King of Thailand. The museum is also home to a number of eclectic temporary exhibitions. The building is nicknamed “elephant building” due to the statue of an elephant gracing the frontcourt of the museum. There is a souvenir shop as well.

 

Taman Fatahillah

Taman Fatahillah is a Dutch colonial era garden located in Fatahillah Square to the north of Jakarta. Other spots of tourist interest located here are Si Jagur and Gereja Sion. In the 18th century it was used for hosting meetings and occasions of the administrative centre of Batavia. Now Fairs and exhibitions are carried out in the Fatahillah Square. A small dome was built by Governor Ali Sadikin in 1972 modelled after an old water fountain. The original fountain was removed later.

 

Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace is the official residence and office of the president of Indonesia. It is located to the north of the National Monument. The original name of the Presidential Palace was Koningplein Paleis and it was constructed in the 19th century between 1873 and 1879. The building is characterised by a neoclassical pattern of architecture typical to the Dutch colonial period. At that time it used to be the official residence for 15 Dutch Governors General, the first president of Indonesia and three Japanese commanders. The Indonesian War of Independence concluded in 1949 when the pioneers of the country and the Dutch authorities signed a peace agreement here. The Presidential Palace continues to be the venue for conducting state functions and presidential meetings. Visitors should preferably dress in formals, remove shoes and undergo a security check before entering the palace.

 

Puppet Museum

Housed in an early 20th-century colonial legacy, the building that stands on the site of an old Dutch church is in itself part of the attraction. Those interested in traditional wayang kulit and wayang golek Indonesian puppets will be in heaven in this illuminating museum. As well as thousands of puppets from all over Indonesia, there are also exhibits from elsewhere around Southeast Asia. The museum also hosts regular puppet shows.

 

National Monument

This literally towering column rises over 130m (426.5ft) into the heavens above Independence Square or Merdeka Square. It symbolizes the fight for Indonesia’s independence. Construction began in 1961 under the direction of President Sukarno and the monument was opened to the public in 1975. It is topped by a flame covered with gold foil.

 

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

The ‘Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park', as it rather nattily translates, is an interesting and unusual diversion in Jakarta. It provides the perfect venue to tour the entire archipelago without leaving the island of Java. Opened in 1975, this sprawling 100-hectare (247-acre) park has a series of cable cars and shuttle buses to help those that don't come with their own cars get around. There is a pavilion for each of Indonesia's provinces with the highlight Java's mini-Borobudur. There are also regular cultural performances on site. The park is perhaps the most enjoyable of Soeharto's grand projects. The entire complex of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is centred on a peaceful pond, and as you delve into each of the park's districts you will find museums dedicated to the local culture. Provincial architecture and replicated artefacts are also on display.

 

Ragunan Zoo

For those who don't have time to head east to Komodo National Park itself, this is a great place to see the famous dragons in the flesh. Komodo dragons are the headlining attraction at this popular zoo, though you will find nearly 300 other animal species on display. The Ragunan Zoo has been in operation for more than 150 years and has established itself as an important breeder of endangered species, including Sumatran tigers and birds of paradise. The zoo's newest addition is its centrally-located primate enclosure. Opened as long ago as 1864, the zoo also has a great primate collection, including gorillas.

 

Kota

The centre of old Batavia, the Kota district, is the tourist hub of Jakarta. The heart of the action is on historic Taman Fatahillah, a cobbled time warp of a square that still somehow survives in modern Jakarta. Sunda Kelapa is the old port area and many of the scenes there today are unchanged since the likes of Joseph Conrad evocatively described the sailing schooners striding around the high seas and then tying up at the quayside here to trade exotic spices.

 

Ancol Dreamland

Situated opposite Jakarta Bay, north of Jakarta, this is Indonesia's largest amusement park and their favourite amusement park. This facility attracts tourists from every walk of life, with its broad selection of family-friendly attractions, rides and late-night entertainment.The recreation area is divided into four main sectors - Atlantis Water Adventure, Fantasy World, Marina Beach and Sea World. While this is a great stopover for families with children, Ancol Dreamland also has attractions and facilities geared for adults, including nightclubs, massage centres and steam baths. The beach allows water sports like jet-skiing, swimming and fishing. There are a number of bungalows, hotels and villas surrounding this park for a comfortable stay.

 

Jakarta Planetarium

This ultra-modern facility is part museum and part planetarium because it blends a collection of museum exhibits with attractions showing off the centre's state-of-the-art technology. Onsite exhibits explore the vastness of the universe, and it is even possible to view current footage of the cosmos through twice-daily projections captured with the telescope. The planetarium hosts regular programs that help visitors get a closer perspective on the stars.

 

One of the best ways for locals to get an introduction to the local tourist scene is to join a guided city cultural tour. Gray Line Tours operate tailor-made tours of Jakarta. These follow several different itineraries designed to take in key attractions related to specific themes including local culture and the area's natural beauty.