JAKARTA - THE CAPITAL OF INDONESIA
Jakarta isn't the most beautiful city in Southeast Asia, but it makes up for its lack of physical charm with great nightlife, world-class restaurants and shopping, some fascinating sights and plenty of activities. What's more, including Jakarta in your travels will give you an important glimpse of urban Indonesia, with all its excitement, opportunities and challenges.
It's the kind of experience you just can't get from a beach holiday.
Jakarta is the political and economic powerhouse of Indonesia
Getting to Know Jakarta
Jakarta's nickname among expats is the Big Durian, and like its fruit namesake it's a shock at first sight (and smell): a sweltering, steaming metropolis of some 10 million people packed into a vast urban sprawl, permeated throughout by extremes of wealth and poverty.
One of the ubiquitous wheeled vehicles in Jakarta--but t
his one is better for the environment
Geography
Jakarta is located on the northwestern coast of Java Island, at the mouth of the Ciliwung River on Jakarta Bay, which is an inlet of the Java Sea. The northern part of Jakarta is built on flat land, approximately 15 to 150 feet above sea level, which results in frequent flooding. The southern parts of the city are hilly. Flowing through the heart of Jakarta, the Ciliwung River divides the city into its western and eastern halves.
Climate
Be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing: Jakarta has a hot and humid equatorial/tropical climate. Located in the western-part of Indonesia, Jakarta's wet season rainfall peak is January, with average rainfall of nearly 14 inches for the month, and its dry season low point is August, with an average of 2.4 inches. The city is humid throughout the year with daily a temperature range of 77°F to 100°F. Jakarta enjoys 12 hours of daylight throughout the year, with mornings generally sunnier than afternoons.
Culture
A young Indonesian shares a smile. Jakarta enjoys
a rich history and an exciting mix of cultures.
Jakarta, as the economic and political heart of Indonesia, has always been a great melting pot, drawing in immigrants from within the country and elsewhere for centuries. The city's distinctive Betawi (Orang Betawi, or "people of Batavia") culture is a mixture of Chinese, Arab, Portuguese and Dutch elements as well as native Javanese influences. (Batavia was the name of the capital during Dutch colonial rule.) Like the rest of the culture, the Betawi language is a mélange of Malay, Javanese, Chinese and Arabic.
You'll see this cultural diversity even in wedding costumes, where bridal dresses are derived from Chinese ceremonial wear, and the bridegroom's costume is influenced by Arab and Indian styles.
Jakarta has several performance centers, such as the Senayan center. Traditional music is often found at high-class hotels, including wayang and gamelan (traditional Indonesian orchestra) performances. As the nation's largest city and capital, Jakarta has lured much national and regional talent who hope to find a greater audience and more opportunities for success.
The concentration of wealth and political power in Jakarta means that foreign influence on its landscape, architecture and culture is more prevalent here than anywhere else in Indonesia.
Horse-drawn buggies wait for passengers near the
National Monument
History
Jakarta traces its roots to a 15th century Hindu settlement called Sunda Kelapa at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese in 1513, who established a fortress on the site as part of their efforts to control the lucrative spice trade. In 1527 the city was conquered by Fatahillah, a Muslim prince. He changed the name to Jayakarta, meaning "total victory," to commemorate his triumph over the Hindus and the Europeans. The date of his victory--June 22, 1557--is recognized as the founding day of the city.
Dutch spice merchants began arriving in the late 16th century. Under the leadership if Jan Pieterzoon Coen, the Dutch East India Company soon controlled Jakarta, which they renamed Batavia in 1619. Known as the Queen of the East, the new Dutch town became the capital of the Dutch East Indies. For 350 years the Dutch would rule Indonesia, until President Sukarno led Indonesia to independence in 1949. Jakarta is now the eleventh largest city in the world and may have as many as 30 million people by 2016.
Things to See and Do
Masjid Istiqlal
Masjid Istiqlal, (Independence Masjid) in Jakarta Indonesia is the largest Masjid in Southeast Asia. This national Masjid of Indonesia was build to commemorate Indonesian independence, as nation's gratitude for God's blessings; the independence of Indonesia. Therefore the national mosque of Indonesia was named "Istiqlal", an arabic word for "Independence".
After the acknowledgement of the independence Indonesia from The Netherlands in 1949, there was a growing idea to build a National Masjid in this new republic, befitting for a country with the largest Muslim population in the world. The idea of constructing a grand Indonesian national mosque was launched byKH Wahid Hasyim, Indonesia's first minister for religions affairs,and Anwar Cokroaminoto, later appointed as the chairman of the Masjid Istiqlal Foundation. The committee for the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque, led by Anwar Cokroaminoto, was founded in 1953. Anwar proposed the idea of a national mosque to Indonesian President Sukarno, who welcomed the idea and later helped to supervise the construction of the mosque. In 1954, the committee appointed Sukarno technical chief supervisor.
Sukarno actively followed the planning and construction of the masjid, including acting as the chairman of the jury for the mosque design competition held in 1955. The design submitted by Frederich Silaban, a Christian architect, with the theme: "Ketuhanan" (Indonesian: Divinity) was chosen as the winner. The foundation stone was laid by Sukarno on 24 August 1961 and the construction took 17 years. Indonesian president Suharto inaugurated the Indonesian national masjid on 22 February 1978. It is still the largest mosque in the region: more than 120,000 people can congregate at the masjid at the same time.
Structure
The rectangular main prayer hall building is covered by a 45 meter diameter central spherical dome. The dome is supported by twelve round columns and the prayer hall is surrounded by rectangular piers carrying four levels of balcony. Staircases at the corners of the building give access to all floors. The main hall is reached through an entrance covered by a dome 10 meters in diameter. The interior design is minimalist, simple and clean cut, with minimal adornment of aluminium geometric ornaments. The 12 columns are covered with aluminium plates. On the main wall on qibla there is a mihrab and minar in the center. On the main wall, there is a large metalwork of Arabic calligraphy spelling the name of Allah on the right side and Muhammad (Peace be upon him) on the left side, and also the calligraphy of Surah Thaha 14th verse in the center.
The latter structure is directly connected to the arcades which run around the large courtyard. The masjid also provides facilities for social and cultural activities, including lectures, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, bazaars and programmes for women, young people and children.
Some Muslims in Indonesia said Istiqlal's dome and minaret structure was too Arabic in style. They regarded the architecture as being out of harmony with the Islamic culture and architecture in Indonesia. In response, former president Suharto began an initiative to construct more masjids of the Javanese triple-roofed design.
Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park (TMII)
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) is Indonesia's answer to every visitor's prayer to see the magnificent archipelago in just one day. An extensive park to get a glimpse of the diverseness of the Indonesian archipelago, it represents Indonesia's 27 provinces and their outstanding characteristics, reflected most strikingly in the exact regional architecture of the province. An extensive theme park set in over 100 hectares on the outskirts of Jakarta; the All Indonesian islands are realistically reproduced in miniature in a central lake and around the lakes, there are pavilions. Each pavilions is representative of each province firm the traditional architectural style in miniature to a wonderful display of cultural items and exhibits. The park's centerpiece is a beautiful artificial lake. The complex was the brainchild of Madam Tien Soeharto, the late Indonesian first lady.
"Theater Imax Keong Emas" (Golden Snail Theater)
Keong Emas means Golden Snail. This theater is easily recognized because the roof takes the shape a golden snail. Located in the Taman Mini, the Imax Theater presents "Beautiful Indonesia" on a gigantic screen using the latest Imax system. The theater was first open to the public on April 20, 1984 and it's enormous screen, using the latest Imax System, has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest screen in the world during the 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991 edition. This theater is located in East Jakarta, in the complex area of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (The Miniature of Indonesia Park), which was also built on the initiative of Madame Tien Suharto.
Jaya Ancol Dreamland (Taman Impian Jaya Ancol)
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, an amusement park in north Jakarta, Indonesia, is one of the most attractive places serving the densely populated city of Jakarta. It has all the adventures people crave for; Sea World, Fantasy World, Atlantis Water Adventure and Marina Beach. This is Jakarta's largest and most popular recreation park. It is built on reclaimed beach land at the Bay of Jakarta, having, sea and freshwater aquariums, swimming pools, an artificial lagoon for fishing, boating, bowling, an assortment of nightclubs, restaurants, a steam-bath and massage parlors. The Ancol complex includes a Marina, Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy Land), a golf course, hotels and a drive-in theater. The "Pasar Seni" or art market has a varied collection of Indonesian handicraft, paintings and souvenirs on sale. At a nearby open-air theater art performances are held using the local dialact.
Sea World
Inside the Ancol Dreamland complex, Sea World is a high tech modern huge aquarium exhibiting the special and diverse tropical marine life found throughout the Indonesian waters. Stroll through Freshwater World and Micro world, see beautiful tropical fish and corral reefs, and get friendly with marine life at the Touch pool. A theater screens movies about the underwater world and a necessity is the Antasena Tunnel, a walk-through acrylic tube that gives first hand experience of life under the sea. This giant aquarium proudly introduces visitors to more than 4,000 fish and sharks from 300 species. Sea World has great many attractions to its credit; it has a Dolphin Show that is quite popular and a gallery, which showcases many of sea creatures from all over the world. Some times people find it better in comparison to Sentosa Island, one of the most popular destinations in Singapore.
Fantasy Land
Dunia Fantasi or 'Fantasy World' / 'Fantasy Land' is a fun and theme park designed to entertain the visitors into the fascinating worlds of modern science and technology. A recent addition to Jakarta's growing recreation facilities is the Fantasy Land, a 9.5 hectares (23.75 acres) entertainment park located inside the Ancol Dreamland. Planned to eventually become a part of a 200-hectares (500-acres) park designed to usher the visitors into the fascinating world of modern science and technology, the present facility takes them on an imaginative tour of Old Jakarta, Africa, America, Indonesia, Europe, Asia and the Palace of Dolls. Each of the areas is designed to give the visitor a feel of the region he is visiting through features and architecture of the area at a certain period of its history and by the use of animated puppets in the Palace of Dolls.
Marina Jaya Ancol
This is the port to reach Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) in the Bay of Jakarta, as well as the center for marine sports ad recreation. This is a special port for yachts, motor and sailboats, and the scattered islands in the Bay of Jakarta. This is also the place for marine recreation and sports where each facility is amply provided; water cycles, canoes, sail boats, fishing gear and many others. Stalls along the beach serve drinks and snacks while tents are available for sunbathers and sea lovers.
Jakarta History Museum:
Housed in the former stadhuis, or city hall, building dating from 1707, the Jakarta History Museum was opened in 1974. The museum contains an extraordinary collection of Betawi cultural artifacts, as well as other items with Dutch, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian influences. The surrounding historic area of Old Jakarta Kota offers a fascinating glimpse of Jakarta's colonial past.
The Jakarta History Museum occupies a beautiful
Dutch colonial building dating from 1707
Fish Market (Pasar Ikan):
Early birds should visit the market before 5 a.m. for a look at the morning's catch. There's also an interesting maritime museum housed in restored Dutch warehouses from the time when Jakarta was a major trading post for the Dutch East India Company.
Jakarta has a bustling waterfront and some interesting
old wooden schooners, but be aware that the tourist facilities are limited
Ragunan Zoo:
Over 3 million people a year visit Ragunan Zoo, making it the top tourist attraction in Jakarta. The zoo is home to 3,000 animals, 90% of which are native to Indonesia. For a more active visit, Canoe Park gives you the chance to paddle around a large artificial lake with man-made islands built to replicate natural rainforest habitat. Here you can spot animals such as the siamang-gibbon, deer, tree kangaroos, leaf monkeys and ring-tailed lemurs. The Schmutzer Primate Center provides a large habitat for endangered primates and also serves as a primate conservation center. Kids will enjoy meeting and touching animals at the Children's Zoo.
A causaris, a large flightless bird found in parts of Southeast Asia, can be seen at Ragunan Zoo
Shadow Puppet Museum (Museum Wayang):
This museum is dedicated to the rich cultural tradition of shadow puppetry, or wayang. Visitors can see collections of puppets from Indonesia and other Asian countries, watch wayang puppets being made, and enjoy puppet shows.
At the Shadow Puppet Museum you can watch skilled artisans creating the delicate shadow puppets by hand
National Museum:
Founded in 1778, the National Museum houses many of Indonesia's cultural treasures, some of which date back to the stone age, as well as one of the most complete collections of Chinese ceramics from the Han, Tang and Ming dynasties.
Take a break from the hectic city and enjoy the fine
collection at the National Museum
National Monument:
This monument, built after Indonesia became independent from the Netherlands in 1949, is Jakarta's most prominent landmark, towering over Freedom Square below. Visitors can ride an elevator to the top for a spectacular view of the city.
Indonesia has only been an independent country since 1
949. It celebrates its freedom with the National Monument.
Shopping
If you're visiting Jakarta, consider buying an extra suitcase, because you'll have limitless shopping opportunities.
Shopping Malls:
Despite the crushing poverty exhibited in many parts of the city, Jakarta has a large number of giant malls. Note that, for imported goods, prices in some of the designer shops could actually be higher than what would be charged in the same shop in other countries
Jakarta's gleaming shopping malls are impressive, but
leave time for the traditional markets as well
Markets: In addition to malls, there are also numerous large markets, quite a few of which can be found in the Mangga Dua (Two Mangoes) area. These include the huge Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua and the gigantic WTC (Wholesale Trade Center). Shops in Mangga Dua sell everything at wholesale prices, with a specialty in electronics, computers and clothing. Be sure to haggle!
Traditional handicrafts: The Sarinah and Pasaraya Blok-M department stores, in south Jakarta, are great places to shop for gifts and souvenirs from throughout Indonesia.
Street markets: Vendors sell every kind of souvenir and collectable imaginable in Jakarta's street markets--antiques, brassware, ceramics, clothing, and wayang puppets, to name a few. The lively Jalan Surabaya flea market makes for a fun visit; other traditional markets include Pasar Cikini, Pasar Tanah Abang, Pasar Senen, Pasar Baru and Pasar Mayestic.
Eating, Drinking and Nightlife
Jakarta has a vast range of food available if you know where to find it. In addition to selections from all over the country, you can also find excellent Chinese, Japanese and Korean food thanks to the city's cosmopolitan population. Jakartan versions of dishes are often tagged with the label betawi (Indonesian for "Batavian"). Here are some local favorites:
Sop iga sapi--beef spare rib soup that takes a simple Dutch dish and piles on Indonesian spices.
Soto betawi--coconut milk broth with beef tendons, intestines, tripe.
Kerak telor--omelette from egg cooked with glutinous rice and served with shredded coconut and a dried shrimp topping.
Ketoprak--rice roll, tofu, bean sprout, crackers in peanut sauce.
You'll enjoy a huge range of dining options in Jakarta, i
ncluding, of course, traditional Indonesian dishes l
ike these
Note that your stomach may need some time to adjust to the local food as a result of the many spices locals use in their cooking. Everyone reacts differently, but it's a good idea to take it easy when you first encounter the food in Jakarta.
You'll find produce markets like this one throughout
Jakarta--the general rule for fruit is, if you can
peel it, you can eat it
Nightlife and Drinking
The nightlife in Jakarta is some of the best in Southeast Asia, with numerous bars and nightclubs. Although capital of a Muslim country, Jakarta has no shortage of establishments which serve alcohol. Clubbers will find many venues to choose from, although most of the live music tends to be Indonesian pop. Ask your hotel for suggestions on which clubs are both fun and safe. Note that during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, entertainment shuts down at midnight.
Hundreds of bars, discos, karaoke lounges and nightclubs range from the sleazy to the refined. Jakarta is also an excellent place to see traditional performing arts from all over the country.
Experience numerous lively discos, mostly in well-noted hotels. Discos open around 09:00 pm, though they don’t really get going until 11:00pm and tend to peak in the early hours of the morning, especially on Saturday night, the big night out in Jakarta.
- Jalan Hayam Wuruk in Glodok China Town is also quite lively in the evenings with large Chinese clubs and discos.
- The Hard Rock Café in EX Shopping Center Complex on Jalan Thamrin has the usual blend of rock memorabilia, music and food. It is always lively and has decent bands or occasional top line imports. The music starts around 11:00 pm when dinner finished and keep going until around 03:00 am.
- The Amigos in Surya building on Jalan Thamrin is mostly a lace to have Mexican cuisine. It also features bands country and western. The bar is always crowded an Friday and Saturday nights.
Embassy Club
Since the place burned down last year due to an accident and was rebuilt soon after, I haven’t been to the Embassy Club in Senayan. I was hoping that this comeback visit won’t be a letdown, and it certainly wasn’t.
Even from the outside, it was clear that this club is not fooling around with its mission to bring out the wild side in everyone. The exteriors are impressively decorated in playful ribbons of sheet metal, biasing colors into the night. The entrance is still the same, an upward sloping path with rails reminiscent of a fast food queuing system.
Embassy is fairly generous in terms of spaciousness. Aside from the ultra-packed nights, you could move around freely without too much trouble. You could also order one of the tables in the edge of the room. The comfy sofas and white curtains make it a perfect place to crash down to after an exhausting session on the dance floor. These ‘private’ areas are not really secluded but they do stretch quite far to the back, so it’s decent enough.
The crowd coming to the Embassy is mixed, from younger crowds to 25+ clubgoers, Indonesians and a few expats too. Dressing style is also very varied. But the good thing is nobody seems to mind and the result is a happy party mixture through the night. The sound system and lighting is quite impressive but it would be better if you order plain liquor (non-cocktail drinks) because sometimes there’s so many people ordering drinks that the mixture could turn out to be a little off.
Embassy on itself plays varied kind of music from electro-house to trance, and even a little bit of R 'n B when the night gets even later. Thus, it is rather hard to describe the main type of music going on inside. The situation gets even more complicated when an event organizer is running the night, so it’s a good idea to find out what kind of event is being held the night you’re planning to go in order to get a better picture of what music is going to be played and who’s going to be there.
On the upper is the Balcony lounge playing chill house music, this is a section that is slightly more exclusive than the embassy itself. Comfy couches and exclusive furnitures along with a view of the city become the highlight of the Balcony. Meanwhile, thumping away beneath the Embassy isthe Wonder Bar, a slightly smaller club usually blaring out ‘harder’ rhythms such as progressive trance music. The crowd down there is a bit more wilder and packed. Spoken bluntly, you could say that the whole Wonder Bar-Embassy-Balcony is a little like your career move, it gets more exclusive the higher you climb.
No doubt that this club is rising wonderfully after it’s accident and if this is the Embassy then music must be its ambassador. Hail to that.
X Lounge
With the Vertigo Club go downstairs… to the X Lounge go down to the 16 th floor of Plaza Semanggi using the glass stairway connecting the two nightspots, and headed for the lounge. It's like enjoying two clubs for the price of one; guests can buy a drink at either Vertigo or X Lounge and then party or chill out in either establishment. Hip R&B grooves welcomed me to the X Lounge; guests were dressed in casual hip hop threads. With their baggy jeans and oversized shirts, their look was very different from the Vertigo crowd. The music was different, too. Vertigo plays progressive beats while X Lounge has R&B grooves and on other nights, it's the other way around.
The place is cozy and painted in muted browns. Look outside the window and take a glimpse of the Jakarta skyline, although the lights and the height might give you quite a spin. The soft lighting sets the mood for a relaxed and genteel evening; a place for a glass of wine instead of a bottle of beer, for a luxurious Cuban cigar instead of the usual cigarette. X Lounge provides more than 700 brands of wine and champagne, neatly arranged in its wine cellar, which can store up to 5,000 bottles. X Lounge is open from 4 pm until midnight on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and until 4 am during Fridays and Saturdays.
The atmosphere at the X Lounge is friendlier and is perfect for meeting new acquaintances. Who knows? You might meet a potential date for next Friday night.
Plaza Semanggi, 16 th Floor, Jl. Jend Sudirman, Kav.50,
South Jakarta, Indonesia
Tel: + 62 21 25536756
Being the latest addition in the Jakarta 's lounge line-up, I
was curious and wanted to check out the Flo Lounge.
Last Friday night, I and the enthusiastic SD team went to
this lounge, located in the Bellagio Boutique Mall, Kuningan.
Dazzling Innocent was the theme that night, a closing party
before the Moslem's fasting month.
With an apartment complex next to the boutique mall, security
guards were milling all over the place, from the minute you
stepped out of the car up to the lounge's doorstep. Couldn't help
but feel like a Hollywood star with police escorts walking
beside me. As I arrived at the 1 st floor (where the lounge is),
I was welcomed by a red carpet, which led us to the lounge.
After a few turns, a leopard-print reception table complete
with the Flo's reception staff ushered us inside.
Colorful laser beams forming Flo light up the main entrance
as you step in. The place is rather small and as a first-timer
to this lounge, I found the décor rather disconcerting; the
black-tiled floor and walls were accentuated by a white
sphere-like installation that resembled a planet to me. A
huge crystal chandelier loomed overhead, along with a
white marble bar and a number of sofas behind the dance
floor, adjacent to large picture windows. The monitor
behind the DJ and the plasma TV screens were all tuned
in to the Fashion Channel.
We sat on the sofa adjacent to the bar, where bottles
of liquor were on display on a wooden shelf. “We will
expand the place and make it wider. So during this
month-long holiday, we will renovate the place and will
knock down this bar,” says Ms. Angeline Laura, the
Public Relations Officer of the Flo Lounge. Afterwards,
three dancers dressed as angels complete with wings
performed for about 15 minutes, grooving to some sexy
beats. During fasting month, all night clubs and lounges
are closed in keeping with the revered Moslem ritual.
Even though it was a closing party, the place was not
that packed; young executives were the lounge's clientele
that evening.
The resident DJs, including DJ Nanda (new jazz and broken
beat tunes), spin on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. As
for DJ Harry (garage and classic disco), he's on board
during Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Too bad we
came to the lounge after 10 pm, as it has live music from 7
pm to 10 pm daily except during Sundays. There are live
salsa beats on Mondays, chart-topping songs on Tuesdays
and Wednesdays, and jazz melodies on Thursdays, with the
ensemble d'etudiant. One can even have dinner while waiting
for the performance. A wide array of Japanese food, such as
yakiniku udon, salmon teriyaki, and assorted tempura are
served complete with finger foods like calamari and French
fries. I had the Red Carpet (a mix of 6 liquors), which was
plain and too diluted. I had to shell out about Rp 70,000
for that drink.
The music that they were playing that night was disappointing
as well. A lounge is a place that has soulful and soothing
chill-out music; it played loud dance beats instead. Maybe we
dropped in on the wrong night, or maybe it was the DJ. One
thing's for sure; it would be quite a while before I visit this
lounge again. The place has yet to find its natural flow.
Bellagio Boutique Mall, 1 st floor, OL 2 # 15-16 Jl
Mega Kuningan barat VII, E4, no.3 Jakarta 12950,
Indonesia Tel: +62 21 300 29988
Vertigo Club
Your eyes are wide
and though your soul,
it can't be bought.
Your mind can wander…
Hello, hello I'm at a place called Vertigo
It's everything I wish I didn't know
except you give me something I can feel… feel…
Are you familiar with these lyrics? These were taken from U2 single called Vertigo; lyrics which I remembered as I set foot on the Vertigo Club. The place is hip and sexy, taking Jakarta 's partygoers to a higher level of excitement.
Vertigo has become one of the most popular entertainment spots in the metropolis; it provides a surreal view of Jakarta from the 17 th floor of Plaza Semanggi, boasting of an excellent sound system. The place is quite enormous; up to 2000 clubbers can party the night away at Vertigo. Feeling thirsty? The house has two large bars; one is right behind the DJ booth and the other one is adjacent to the dance floor, both are ready to offer you a range of drinks to match your taste. Resident music masters DJ Reynald and DJ Rowland spin their hottest progressive tracks every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday while DJ Arsya whips up R&B beats on Thursdays. “Our DJ Reynald has his own loyal party crowds here. He is one of Indonesia's best DJs when it comes to progressive tunes. He just flew back from Ibiza and played there for a couple of weeks,” Ms. Adisti of Vertigo's Public Relations group proudly pointed out. If you don't feel like dancing, you can always go to the comfortable sofas at the corner of the club and unwind a bit.
The SD team went there on a regular Friday night… so we thought. It turned out that our visit coincided with FHM Indonesia's 3 rd Anniversary bash. The place was packed with Vertigo's regular patrons, a few expats, and loyal FHM readers. Most of them definitely spent extra time to dress up for party; men were wearing flamboyant outfits with polished shoes while the ladies were fully made-up, all chic and in vogue. Vertigo was packed; several guests stood by the bar while sipping their drinks.
One caught my eye though; a German named Christian. He was there with his friends and looked as if he was thoroughly enjoying the scene. A friendly chat with him revealed that he is actually a regular and likes to come to Vertigo on Wednesdays. “I like Ladies Night on Wednesdays; not too crowded and still pleasant. Vertigo is nice and I like coming here with friends after work to have couple of beers,” he smiles. “Another reason why I like going to Vertigo is that it's like being in two places for the price of one. You see, by paying for just one entrance fee, I can go to both Vertigo and X Lounge. They play different music; one is progressive while the other one is R&B. I can just follow my mood and swing to the place I like.” he adds.
That night, the party started to heat up at around 1 am as the host declared celebrity Cut Tary as FHM Indonesia's sexiest woman, based on a three-month reader poll. The crowd hit the dance floor as guest spinners DJ Bimo from 1945, DJ Ai Moonchild from Whitelands, and DJ Funkagenda from Toolroom Records, UK started playing their hottest tunes with FHM's dancers showing their moves in their sexiest outfits.
According to Ms. Adisti, the party heats up starting midnight to 3 am during weekdays and until 5 am during weekends. “We have a strict policy prohibiting men under 23 years old and women under 21 years old to come here. Our specialty drinks are our cocktails, which I must admit are rather pricey. Then again our cocktails promise long-lasting effects,” she smiles. We tried the Long Island (Rp 90,000), and it indeed gave our heads quite a spin.
Entrance fee at the Vertigo is Rp 80,000 on Fridays and Saturdays, inclusive of a complimentary drink voucher. Ladies are free during Wednesday nights while guys get in for only Rp 50,000, with a free glass of draft beer or soda. College kids, rejoice! Thursday is Campus Night so you can enjoy Vertigo for Rp 50,000, inclusive of a free drink.
Adjacent to Vertigo is the X Lounge, which offers a cozier and a more relaxing ambience.
Centro Club
If you're familiar with Centro 360, the hip and happening party place in Singapore , then rejoice, as Centro has arrived in Jakarta ! This exciting clubbing destination features a world class sound system backed by high-performance EAW Avalon series speakers (also used in Centro Singapore) and custom-built lighting and laser systems.
In charge of Centro's heart-pumping dance music are superstar DJs such as DJ Jonathan Yeo of Singapore , DJ Steven and DJ Didin. Centro also plays host to exciting events weekly, verifying the club's status as Jakarta 's “it” entertainment spot.
Experience the Turn on Plastic event one Friday at Centro. It was 3 am, but it seemed as if the party was just beginning. The club, which has five floors and can accommodate up to 1,500 people, was packed with young partygoers ushering in the weekend by grooving to some heady trance music. From metrosexual outfits to chic party dresses, vintage shirts and even dreadlocks, Centro revelers dared to express their individual sense of style. They all took on the dance floor by storm. The club was truly remarkable; I instantly warmed up to its cool vibe.
Head up to Centro and be right smack in the middle of Jakarta 's trendy night life!
P.S. One extremely thirsty partygoer mistakenly drank my Long Island Iced Tea, so do keep your drinks and valuables near you at all times!
Dharmawangsa IV, South Jakarta (Basement and first floor)
Tel: +62 21 7278 0818
Forget the office for a while. It’s now time to dress up and head to the parties. In Jakarta, there are plenty of great venues to hang out, such as Bliss and Loft 25 on Jalan Gatot Subroto. Claiming to be the number 1 watering holes in Jakarta, these sister clubs feature world-class entertainment with the party vibes guaranteed to set the excitement level to greater heights.
Located at the penthouse level of Menara Jamsostek, Bliss presents an amazing panoramic skyline view of the metropolis, mind-blowing visual effects and sound system, and private VIP lounges. With a 1500 m2 party zone, the place is quite enormous and can easily contain up to 2,000 clubbers. A selection of R&B and hiphop music rocks the house all night long.
Adjacent to Bliss is Loft 25 which offers a more sophisticated environment and great lounging experience. As you enter, the DJs will be mixing, scratching, looping and cutting their hottest progressive tracks. Let the beat control your body and hit the dance floor! If you happen to be wearing your chic stilettos you should be careful though. The floor is multi-tiered and in the dark, you could easily miss your steps and sprain an ankle or two! This shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re utterly smashed...
Specialty drinks of the house are Angel Bliss and Elijah Wood, a mixture of 30 different types. Correctly dubbed 15’ After Effect, the cocktail promises a long lasting dazzling effect in about 15 minutes after drinking the concoction. The house also offers a plethora of other drinks and cocktails to match your taste. However, their Long Island tastes rather sweet due to too much coke content. Take note that its upscale pricing here along with the addition of 25% tax and service.
Open from Wednesday to Saturday (10 PM – 4 AM), Bliss & Loft 25 offers a unique clubbing experience. On Fridays, their fashion police will be screening the queue to select the most fashionable crowd. “If you dress up, you don’t need to line up,” said Andre Paulus, Promotion and Event Coordinator. On Saturday nights, girls may participate in Angel of the Night dance competition to get a free bottle of Jack Daniels and a member’s card. With the perfect combination of cozy lounges, hip music and tasty drinks, Bliss & Loft 25 is certainly one of the more celebrated establishments in town to unwind after a long stress-filled day.
Bliss & Loft 25
Address:
Menara Jamsostek 25th Floor
Jalan Gatot Subroto, Jakarta
Tel : +62 21 252 22 11
Fax : +62 21 123 456
Staying Safe in Jakarta
- Keep in mind that in all aspects of life in Jakarta, rules and regulations are very rarely enforced, especially when it comes to traffic. Stay on your alert when crossing streets.
- Avoid walking in the city at night.
- Carry your passport and a copy of your ID card/driver license all the time.
- Never show or carry your valuables, such as wallets, jewelry, or cell phones, prominently.
Jakarta rewards visitors who take the time to
experience the city
How to Get in
Jakarta is one of the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia and attracts travelers from all across the globe. How to get there to Jakarta is not difficult to answer as there are several modes of transport making it all easy.
The quickest and comfortable way to get to Jakarta is by air and flights connect all the important cities of the Malaysia and also important cities of the world. The Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is located 20 km northwest of the city.
The travelers can also get to Jakarta by boat and several ferry companies provide services across the archipelago. The other option to get to Jakarta is by road and several bus services operate between the cities of Indonesia.
The other option to get to Jakarta is by train and the important station in Gambir station in Central Jakarta. These trains provide regular services to all the important cities in Indonesia.
Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and a popular tourist destination. The travelers come here to witness the numerous attractions that offer a unique experience. Jakarta has been a cultural melting pot and one would be able to find different influences that are reflected in art, architecture, music, dance, cuisine, dress, etc.Transportation in Jakarta
Jakarta, being the capital city, is the main transportation hub for Java as well as all of Indonesia. It is well connected by airlines, ships and trains from other parts of Java and from other parts of the world. Transportation in Jakarta is easy, affordable and convenient. No matter, wherever you are in Jakarta and no matter, what your destination is, you will always find something to reach your preferred place. Options are plenty ranging from air, land to water.
Air
The primary airport of Jakarta is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, one of Indonesia's two major international air gateways. The other airport which serves the city is Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport.
Railways
The rail network throughout Jakarta is a sort of lifeline to the transportation system in this capital city of Indonesia. The railroad tracks connect Jakarta to its neighboring cities. Jakarta is linked with Depok and Bogor to the south, Tangerang and Serpong to the west and Bekasi, Karawang and Cikampek to the east. The major rail stations in Jakarta are Gambir, Jatinegara, Manggarai, Tanah Abang and Jakarta Kota. Jakarta railways are making a commendable attempt to modify the service according to the need of the increasing population. During rush hours commuters have a difficult time to travel.
Buses
Buses are the primary means of public transportation in Jakarta. The PATAS buses provide a comfortable ride with air conditioning facility. These buses are less crowded creating high probabilities for you to get a seat. The DAMRI buses are more common and regular and more people avail these buses. Construction of the second and third corridor routes of the bus-way was completed last year serving the route from Pulogadung to Kalideres. The bus-way covering the route from Blok M to Kota has been operational since January 2004.
Taxis
The colorful Jakarta taxis in bright hues swarm on the city streets. There are regular taxis and also exclusive ones for people looking for convenience. The stylish and elegant taxis are usually black sedans with 3000 CC engine. These exclusive taxies guarantee comfort and a smooth ride.
Limousine
If you are in a mood to splurge, you can hire one of those limousines. They are the latest models of Japanese and European luxury cars featuring a range of standard and luxury cars. Stretch limousines are also available with or without driver.
Metro Mini
Metro Minis are actually bright orange small buses running on the streets of Jakarta. These are quite effective in shuttling between two points.
Mikrolet
This is a very small version of public transport. It is typically a modified van that can carry up to 10-12 passengers. Mikrolet can take you to the remotest corners of Jakarta.
Ojek
Ojeks are actually motorcycles with its driver for hire. They can get into the narrow alleys of Jakarta where no taxi or car can get in.
Becak
Becaks or rickshaws can take you anywhere in Jakarta. They are basically bicycle with an attached 2-passanger carriage attached in front of it or on its side. Although, several years back, becaks were banned from the city. Now, you will find a variant of becak called Bajaj, a fat-bottomed motorcycle with an attached carriage. Their loud bright orange color and the very distinctive and shrill rattling sound have become synonymous with spirit of the streets of Jakarta.
Two lines of the Jakarta Monorail are under construction. In addition, there are plans for a two-line subway (MRT) system. The government is also considering waterbus ferries as an alternative and affordable means of transportation along the canals in Jakarta.
WHERE TO LIVE
There are plenty of hotels matching every pocket and budger. However as a guideline some prominent hotels are listed below:
Mandarin Oriental Jakarta
Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta
Grand Hyatt Jakarta
Hotel Mulia Senayan
JW Marriot Hotel Jakarta
Shereton Bandra
Gran Melia Jakarta
Sri Pan Pacific Hotel
The Park Lane Jakarta
Hotel Ciputra Jakarta
The Jayakarta Jakarta
Aston Sun Island Villas Spa
Ritz Carlton Jakarta
Allson Residence at Mitra Oasis
The Ritz Carlton Pacific Plae
WHERE TO EAT
Jakarta's restaurants offer dining with delicious cuisine from around the world at cafes, restaurants, coffee houses, and fine dining venues:American
Black Cat Jazz Super Club
Caswell's Coffee and New York Deli
Dallas Roadhouse Bar & Grill
Orleans Bristo
Outback Steakhouse
Asian
Hua Ting Chinese Restaurant
Jittlada
Phloey
European
Amadeus The Cafe
Brasserie
Pizza Boutique
The Nice Muses Club
Huize Trivelli Heritage Resto & Patisserie
Indian
Bombay Blue
Kinara
International
Cafe Batavia
Le Gran Cafe Restaurant
Sperta Restaurant
Middle Eastern
Anatolia Turkish Restaurant
Maroush Middle Eastern Restaurant & Champagne Bar
White sand, coconut palms fringing the shore, multicoloured coral reefs, abundant shoals of unique, colourful fish, a golden sun setting in clear blue skies….does that fit your image of Jakarta? Unlikely, but then you're probably forgetting that the beautiful Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) are also part of what is known as the city of Jakarta. Located on a gulf facing the Java Sea, Jakarta has four main ports from which to access the Thousand Islands: Ancol Marina, Sunda Kelepa, Tanjung Priok and Tanjung Kait. Ancol Marina is the most usual departure point, speed boats leaving regularly to whisk you away from the city heat to the cool, palm fringed beaches of paradise. However chartering a boat is also possible for anyone with a more adventurous spirit. The Marina Jaya Ancol itself is buzzing with yachts, motor and sail boats, and is the place to go for marine recreation. Jet skies canoes, sail boats wind surfering and waterskiing are all to be found, along with all kinds of fishing gear you may need for hire. Numerous stalls along the beach serve drinks and snacks while tents are available for sunbathers and sea-lovers. But it is the Tousand Islands which are the real jewels. The Kepulauan Seribu, as they are known locally, are a group of islands sprinkled across the Java Sea to the north of Jakarta. As the name suggests, the way the islands lie seemingly scattered closely to each other offers you a thousand of beaches, a thousand pleasures and a thousand golden sunsets. The surrounding waters in particular are a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers, Kotok being the most famous. Despite the romantic name, there are in fact about 340 islets in Kepulauan Seribu. Islets that have been developed for tourism include Bidadari, Ayer, Laki, Puteri and Tanjung, and bungalows, restaurants, diving and sailing facilities are available on all these islets and others. For anyone with dreams of Robinson Crusoe style seclusion, delightful beaches can also be found in Matahari, Kulkul Kotok, Pelangi, Sepa, Onrust, Edam, Bokor, Kelor, Rambut, Ubi Kecil, Untungjawa, Pari, Perak, Melinjo, Pancalirang, Gosong, Ringgit, Sebaru, Hantu, Antuk, Bira, Panjang, Kelapa, Panggang, Lang, Tidung Besar, Payung, Kongsi, Pari, Damar Besar, Kelor, Kapal, Cipir and Nyamuk. So if you are in Jakarta and become weary of the frenetic turbulence of the modern metropolis, hop on an early morning boat and escape across the Java Sea to a paradise island in the sun…. you can be there in time for breakfast on Saturday morning, and back in town by sunset Sunday evening without even leaving Jakarta!
Back to nature around Jakarta
There are numerous places around Jakarta which provide welcome relief from the frenetic pace of city life. Check out some of the following for your weekend piece of peace.
Gunung Mas Tea Plantation
Situated up in the highlands to the south of Jakarta, Puncak pass is probably the most popular weekend destination for Jakartans. The vast area of Gunung Mas (Golden Mountain) is carpeted in thick green tea plants, and offers magnificent views over the landscape as well as beautifully fresh air. Wide ranging accommodation facilities provide everything weekenders or longer staying guests could need. From tranquil family bungalows to little homestays, or larger hotels with meeting room facilities, tennis courts and business centers, Gunung Mas has something for everyone. In addition to plenty of space to roam free, guided tours into the plantations are available which allow you to witness first hand the way in which tea is harvested and processed.
Bogor Botanical Garden
Located about 60 km south of Jakarta, the refreshing hill-town of Bogor was chosen as the site for the palace of the Dutch Governor General in 1745. The palace was restored in 1832, and stands beside 87 hectares of botanical gardens, with deer ambling around its expansive lawns. Visitors may amble around the gardens, which are home to more than 15,000 species of tropical plants and trees from all over the world, including the world's largest flower, the foul-smelling Rafflasia. The orchid house displays more than 3000 different varieties of orchid. Next to the gardens there is a zoological museum with some impressive exhibits, including an impressive library of rare old botanical books.
Taman Safari Indonesia
This 35-hectare park is home to numerous species of Safari animals, as well as some of the rarer animals from around Indonesia. Located 75km south of Jakarta, the park is drive-through - keep your windows closed, and get up close and personal with lions, bears, elephants, giraffe, albino tigers - the lot. Adjacent to the park are recreational grounds with swimming pool, tennis courts, children's playground, amusement park and all the restaurant facilities to make this a great family day out.
Pelabuhan Ratu Beach
Formally a sleepy fishing village on the south coast, Pelabuhan Ratu has grown into a well-known holiday resort. It remains peaceful and unspoiled, however, with very few people on the beaches and the surrounding hills still home to traditional lifestyles. The drive to the coast takes a little over three hours, and is in itself a great sightseeing excursion through thick rainforest and along cliff-tops plunging down to sandy beaches. A 15km breathtaking coastline stretches from Pelabuhan Ratu to Cisolok, a small village where you can find hotsprings. Adjacent to Pelabuhan Ratu is Cimaja, a rocky beach well known to surfers. For swimmers, beware of strong currents all along this stretch of coastline. A particularly impressive sight at Pelabuhan Ratu is that of the fishermen out in their boats at night; all that is visible are the glowing specs of their lamps, merging into the stars in the sky.
Indonesian National Museum
The National Museum is popularly known as Gedung Gajah - "Elephant Building" - because of the stone elephant given by King Chulalongkorn of Thailand in 1871, which is now on the front lawn of the building.
The Museum is located on the west side of Merdeka Square in Central Jakarta. It offers historical, pre-historical, archaeological and ethnographic aspects of Indonesia through its extensive collections of artifacts and relics that date as far back as the Stone Age. The museum has one of the most complete collections of bronzes and ceramics dating back to the Han, Tang and Ming Dynasties.
The museum was established by U.M.C. Rademacher under the auspices of the Batavia Association of Arts and Sciences in 1778, and was officially opened in 1868.
Its collections of cultural instruments, household utensils, arts and crafts provide an introduction to the life of the various ethnic groups which populate Indonesia.
The museum has one of the finest numismatic collections in the world. The religious art section is filled with artifacts and sculptures salvaged from sites of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic edifices.
The National Monument (Monas)
The 137-meter tall marble obelisk is topped with a flame coated with 35 kilograms of gold. It represents the people's determination to achieve freedom. It houses a historical museum and meditation hall, and is open to the public. An elevator carries visitors to the top, offering a bird's eye view across the city to the sea.
It towers over Merdeka (Freedom) Square, and serves as Jakarta's most prominent landmark. The monument was built during the Sukarno era of nationalism.
Perintis Kemerdekaan Building and The Soekarna-Hatta Monument
Both are located at Jalan Proklamasi 56 in Central Jakarta, on the site of the former residence of the late President Sukarno where the nation's independence was proclaimed. By the Perintis Kemerdekaan Building stands the Sukarno-Hatta Monument. The monument was built in commemoration of the nation's first president and Vice President, who together proclaimed Independence on behalf of the Indonesian people.
Lubang Buaya Heroes Monument
Lubang Buaya Heroes Monument is situated in the southeast of the city, about 20 kilometers from downtown.
The monument is dedicated to six army generals and one army officer who were slain on October 1, 1965, in an abortive communist inspired coup d'etat. The centerpiece is the Pancasila Monument with statues of the seven heroes, standing near the Old Well in which their bodies were thrown after having been tortured and executed by communist militia squad.
Maritime Museum (Museum Bahari)
The Maritime Museum exhibits large models of boats from various islands. The old harbormaster's tower stands nearby.
Textile Museum
Situated on Jalan KS. Tubun 4, the museum houses a vast collection of textiles. It exhibits many kinds of Indonesian traditional weaving such as cotton, Javanese batik, and tenun ikat. All instruments and equipment of those traditional weaving are also on display there.
Fatahillah Square
Fatahillah Square is situated on Jalan Pintu Besar Utara 27. It offers visitors three museums: The Wayang Museum, Jakarta Historical Museum and Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics. You can easily recognize the place since it has a fountain in the middle of the square and the Portuguese cannon on the north side.
The Wayang Museum
The finest displays of the exclusively Indonesian puppets known as wayang are shown in this museum. Located on the western side of Taman Fatahillah, this museum also exhibits puppets from all parts of Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia as well. The wooden and leather puppets (known as wayang kulit) displayed here represent the finest craftsmanship in this particular form of traditional theater. The museum also shows performances of shortened versions of the wayang kulit every Sunday morning.
Jakarta Historical Museum
This museum is one of the three museums located in Fatahillah Square on Jalan Pintu Besar Utara 27. It houses collections of furnishings and portraits originating from the 18th century, many of which were owned by the former colonial governors in Jakarta.
Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics
You will find all sorts of rare collections of ceramics and terracotta in this museum located in Fatahillah Square.
National Archives
Researchers of Indonesian history can find any information needed here. The building is located on Jalan Gajah Mada 11. It was built in 1760 and today is the remains of the Dutch East Indies Company estates.
Indonesia in Miniature Park (TMII)
This 300-hectare area is an extensive park representing Indonesia's provinces and their traditional characteristics. TMII offers a glimpse of beautiful Indonesia in just a single location. It also has a famous orchid garden, a bird park with a walk-in aviary, a fauna museum and recreational grounds with a swimming pool and restaurants.
"Teater Imax Keong Emas"
Keong Emas means Golden Snail. This theater is easily recognized because the roof takes the shape a golden snail. Located in the Taman Mini, the Imax Theater presents "Beautiful Indonesia" on a gigantic screen using the latest Imax system.
Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM)
It is said to be the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. TIM is a massive arts complex containing exhibition halls, theaters, an arts college, an art gallery, archives building, and planetarium. There are performances almost every night with everything from traditional and modern dance, local and foreign film festivals, poetry readings and theater, to every style of music.
Located on Jalan Menteng Raya, TIM presents various cultural events such as Indonesian dance and drama. Information on TIM's monthly programs is distributed through travel agents and hotels. TIM serves not only as the center of contemporary Indonesian art, but also has in recent years become a central showcase for international performing arts in Indonesia.
Gedung Kesenian Jakarta
Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (GKJ, or the Jakarta Playhouse) is for those who love cultural programs. The playhouse is located near the main general post office. The renovated colonial era theater now offers a mixture of local and overseas cultural events. The revived glory of the building is itself worth a visit.
Sunda Kelapa
Sunda Kelapa is located in the far north of the city at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. This is where the Portuguese traded with the Hindu Kingdom of Pajajaran in the 16th century. The fish catch of the day is auctioned in the early morning at the old fish market. The street leading to it was lined with shops selling all sorts of shells, dehydrated turtles, lobsters and everything else the seafarer might need.
the Underwater
World
The heat and bustle of Jakarta may drive you to seek more temperate climes, places where you can relax and even enjoy the beautiful sights of the underwater world. You may wonder where you can find such a spot in a city like Jakarta…. Well, if the place you're looking for is one where you can also do other water sports, then Pulau Seribu (the Thousand Islands) is the right place for you. As the name suggests, the Thousand Island group comprises numerous tiny islands scattered across the Java Sea to the North of Jakarta; here you will find an abundance of water sports such as windsurfing, paddle boats, jet skis, swimming, sailing and snorkeling. With a myriad of tropical fish living among multicolor corals, the Thousand Islands are great places to hang out and let the heaving city slip away behind you.
It takes anything from 20 minutes to 2 hours to reach the islands by speedboat from the Ancol Marina or Tanjung Kait. The islands can also be reached from Tanjung Priok or Pasar Ikan in Sunda Kelapa by ferry or by chartered boat.
Diving trips are offered four times a day, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., the months of June, July and August being some of the best since underwater visibility is at its peak after the rainy season has finished. However, another peak season for diving is also seen in December and January. When booking a trip to the Thousand Islands, bear in mind that the further away from Jakarta you go, the cleaner the water gets.
The natural setting of the Thousand Islands is emphasized with buildings made of bamboo and wood rather than bricks and mortar. Safety is also a top priority when undertaking potentially hazardous water sports and only fully qualified divers are permitted to dive without a guide. Unlicensed divers may get a feel for the sport by taking special introductory courses, accompanied by highly experienced tutors. The resorts provide two-hour diving lessons before allowing beginners to go diving (fully supervised) to depths of between 6 and 10 meters. Fully qualified divers will also benefit from going with a local guide, however, as they know all the best spots. Most resorts provide passenger and dive boats. For visitors wishing to take the sport more seriously, check out one of the dive operators in the city and take the full PADI course. This consists of two days of theory and practice in a swimming pool, followed by two days on an island during which you will complete four dives up to a maximum depth of 22m. There are a number of operators offering this service; choose a reputable one and make sure they are fully PADI certified.
at Jakarta
Ah, the delightful exercise of Jakarta. Where do we start? Shall we try the malls first? Lately, Jakarta has been booming with super size mega malls where you can find everything, from a pair of sunglasses to subdue the glare of tropical sunlight, to a silk batik tie for your important dinner meeting, and to a Makarena CD or a printer cartridge. Everything under one roof. In fact, you might even stay there, since, like Plaza Indonesia, it also connects to the luxurious Grand Hyatt hotel. Beyond the malls, there are many streets that used to be the "downtown" areas of the old neighborhoods. The blok M area, for example, easily reachable from anywhere because it is the location of one of Jakarta's public transportation hub, has many stores to satisfy your shopping desire. And there there are the "pasar" or markets. In various other parts in Indonesia, like in Gianyar, Bali, or in Kabanjahe, North Sumatera, you will still find markets that are only open on certain days of the week, where buyers meet sellers who are usually also producers. You can find remnant of this style of market in Jakarta, at least in names. Pasar Ikan is an example. The name implies that sometime in the past, it was a place for fishermen to meet their customers. Pasar Baru is another. Literally means the New Market, it is has now transformed into a market where locals shop for various things like fabrics. The traditional markets where you have to walk on muddy, unpaved isles, with aroma of fresh flowers mixed with live chicken, may be harder to find in Jakarta.
Places
If you're looking for traditional Indonesian products or bargains, try some of the following places.
Pasar Seni Ancol
This extensive art market has a lively, carnivalesque atmosphere and a huge variety of arts and crafts. You can also see many of them being made by the craftsmen and women, as well as live performances of dance and drama from all over the archipelago.
Other good places for traditional handicrafts are: Pasar Raya Blok M Sarinah department store on Jl. Thamrin, Plaza Atrium on Jl. Senen Raya, or the numerous shops along Jl. Kemang Timur Raya in south Jakarta.
Jalan Surabaya
500 meters of open-air market offering the most extensive collection of antiques in the city - great for a browse and a bit of bargaining! It is located in the Menteng area, close to Ismail Marzuki Square, and is brim full of bronzeware, old coins, 'Chinese' porcelains (actually from Central and West Java), east Indonesian textiles, terracotta, ceramics, leather puppets and all sorts of paraphernalia that defy classification.
Alternative places for antiques are Jl. Kebun Sirih Timur Dalam (just south of Monas) and Jl. Majapahit. For traditional style furniture, check out Jl. Ciputat and Jl. Kemang Raya, both in the south of the city.
Mangga Dua
Excellent for low priced textiles and fabrics located up in the old part of town on Jl. Raya Mangga Dua. Check the quality carefully and be aware of salesmen's trickery! Mangga Dua is also a good place for low priced electronics, computers etc.
Pasar Ikan
Meaning 'fish market', it is no surprise to find that Pasar Ikan is the location of the city's main fish auctions, as it has been for centuries. Seafood lovers, feast your eyes and stomachs - numerous shops & restaurants along the streets here sell just about anything from the ocean…
Condet
This village-within-the-city has been preserved as a traditional Betawi enclave, fruit growing and harvesting being one of the traditional industries of the area. Condet is well known for its orchards.
A Paradise
for Divers
There are a number of islands where you can enjoy the wonders of the underwater world in the Thousand Islands. Kul Kul Kotok Island Resort, Matahari Island Resort, Sepa Island Resort and Pantara Island Resort are the most sought after diving hotspots, since the waters here support a prolific ecosystem of magnificent coral reefs, sea turtles and colorful tropical fishes.
Kulkul Kotok Island Resort
Kulkul Kotok Island Resort in 90 minutes by speedboat from the Ancol Marina. Surrounded by small islands, the Resort is an ideal place for island hopping, and being a good distance away from the mainland, has excellent underwater visibility.
Accommodation
Accommodation is designed along 'back to nature' themes, and large, friendly lizards roam freely around the island. Cottages are located in the central part of the Island with a choice of 'natural breeze' ventilated non-air conditioned rooms or cooler air-conditioned rooms. For a more luxurious stay, there are also comfortable air-conditioned bungalows and honeymoon suites.
Facilities
The Resort provides a fully equipped diving shop for equipment sales and rental and plenty of ideal places for snorkeling, fishing, inter-island tours and exercise on the jogging track. There is also an open-air restaurant & bar, and a mini shop.
Transportation
The resort is accessible in 90 minutes by boat from Ancol Marina; a minimum of four passengers is required for departure.
Boat Schedules
Ancol Marina - Kotok Island: 8 a.m. (daily).
Reporting times is 30 minutes prior to departure at pier 15.
Kotok Island - Ancol Marina: 2.30 p.m. (weekdays), 3.30.p.m. (weekends).
Matahari Island Resort
Matahari Island Resort is situated on Pulau Macan Besar (Great Tiger Island) and was opened in October 1992.
Accommodations
There are 83 two-story, well-furnished cottages, all with double bedrooms and an extra sofa bed. Each bedroom has its own private bath, air conditioning and telephone - the comforts of home on a tropical island. Most of the cottages have been built around the shoreline so the balconies offer you tantalizing views over the surrounding islands and a front row seat to watch the spectacular sunset.
Recreation Facilities
Sporting facilities include two tennis courts, volley ball, badminton, table tennis, a jogging track, floor chess, billiards, sea-water rock pool, children's playground, jet skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving (all water sport equipment can be rented on site at the Marine Shop). Nighttime fishing expeditions can be arranged also.
For evening entertainment there is the Bamboo Bar with karaoke, disco music and movie shows. The main restaurant offers buffet-style Indonesian and European food.
Meeting Facilities
Furnished with all the necessary meeting equipment, the Bamboo meeting room can seat from 40 to 100 persons. If you have rented the whole resort for your party there is seating capacity for up to 150 persons in the main restaurant.
Boat Schedules
Ancol Marina - Matahari Island Resort: 8 a.m.
Reporting time is 30 minutes prior to departure at pier 20.
Matahari Island Resort - Ancol Marina: 2 p.m.
Helicopter Schedule
As per charter contract between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from the Halim Perdanakusuma Airport.
Sepa Island
Sepa Island has long been admired for white sandy beaches and crystal clear water teeming with marine life. Regular customers for Sepa Island Resort are Jakarta's Diving Clubs, including Corona and Hedrosphere. The club members that receive diving lessons in Jakarta practice their skills from the island.
Accommodations
There are 43 clean and tidy air-conditioned cottages, each designed in ethnic style with private shower, a lavatory and terrace facing the sea. A spacious restaurant provides a menu of Western, Chinese and Indonesian cuisine and seafood. The restaurant doubles as a discotheque later in the evening.
Recreations Facilities
Glass bottom boat, banana boat, jet ski, fishing boat and diving are all available.
Transportation
Sepa Island is reachable by boat in approximately 90 minutes from Ancol Marina.
Boat Schedules
Ancol Marina - Sepa Island: 8 a.m.
Sepa Island - Ancol Marina: 3 p.m.
Pantara Island
The furthest island from Ancol Marina, Pantara Island is about 72 kilometers away - about two hours by boat. The distance from Jakarta means that the waters here are the clearest in all the island group, making Pantara Island great diving and snorkeling as well as catamarans, wind surfing, jet skiing and other activities.
Pulau Bidadari
Lying some 15 kilometers off the Ancol Marina is the nearest Island Resort, Pulau Bidadari. The island is reachable in 20 minutes by speedboat. The cottages built among trees provide a shady and comfortable environment, while those built on stilts over the sea have a wilder flavor.
The resort also organizes tours to the neighboring islands of Kahyangan, Kelor and Onrust, where 17th Century historical remains of the Dutch's East Indies Company are preserved.
Accommodations
Different types of cottages, each accommodating from 2 to 4 persons.
Boat Schedules
Ancol Marina - Bidadari Island:
9 a.m.; 5 p.m. (daily).
9 a.m.; 2 p.m.; 4 p.m. (Saturday).
8 a.m.; 9a.m.; 10:30 a.m. (Sunday / holiday).
Bidadari Island - Ancol Marina:
7 a.m.; 3 p.m. (daily).
4 a.m.; 5 p.m. (Saturday).
2 a.m.; 4 p.m. (Sunday / holiday).
Pulau Ayer
If you wish to witness the famed sunset of the Jakarta bay, Pulau Ayer is a good place to do it while exploring the island by boat. The island is located about 14 kilometers north of Jakarta, or 30 minutes by boat. Pulau Ayer is nestled in the beautiful Bay of Jakarta, with white sandy beaches and a tropical breeze gently caressing green coconut leaves. In days gone by, the island was a private retreat and was named after the famous garden in a Mahabharata epic, Taman Pringgodani. Today, it remains a 6-hectare island paradise.
Accommodations
All 41 land and floating cottages (and 3 bungalows) are fully air conditioned and equipped with telephone, TV-set, refrigerator, private bath and terrace, and are decorated with Asmat sculptures from Irian Jaya and other typical Indonesian décor.
Recreation Facilities
Swimming pool, children's pool, 2 tennis courts, badminton courts, volley ball courts, table tennis, indoor games room, motor boat, canoes, banana boat, jet skis, fishing, fun bikes, jogging track, giant chess, children playground, billiard, karaoke.
Meeting Equipment
Microphone / wireless, overhead / slide projector and screen, Video VHS and TV monitor, flip chart and white board.
Other Facilities
Ayer Restaurant & Bar, Manokwari Coffee Shop, 24-hour Room Service, Laundry, Souvenirs Shop, House Clinic..
Pulau Pelangi
The 70km trip to Pulau Pelangi takes about one and a half hours by speedboat, after which you arrive at an island of lush foliage of palm and pine, and white sandy beaches gently kissed by clear azure waters.
Accommodations
18 hotel rooms, 29 standard bungalows and 4 executive bungalows, all well equipped with full air-conditioning, minibar, two beds, hot showers. All bungalows face the beach with a front terrace, enabling private viewing of sunrise or sunset.
Meeting Facilities
Furnished with modern meeting equipment, a meeting room accommodating up to 60 persons is also available.
Other Facilities
Floating restaurant, dive shop, tennis court, mini shop, and medical clinic.
Transportation
Pelangi Island is accessible by boat from Ancol Marina and by small plane from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport via Pulau Panjang.
Boat Schedules
Ancol Marina - Pelangi Island: 8 a.m.
Reporting times is 30 minutes prior to departure at Pier 22.
Pelangi Island - Ancol Marina: 2.30 p.m.
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