In the heart of the Indian Ocean, the island of Java is home to a huge city called Jakarta: it is the capital of the Indonesian archipelago. The second most populous city in the world after Tokyo, this sprawling octopus vibrates day and night. Buildings, business districts, cultural museums, popular districts… Jakarta constantly oscillates between tradition and modernity.
Jakarta has its own uniqueness. From beaches, waterparks, and art galleries to markets, there is something for everyone. If you are wondering to go there anytime soon with family or friends. Without thinking much, start planning, book your seat on cathay pacific flights in any class and save up to 60% off on every flight till the last minute. Looking for what to see and do in Jakarta? Take a look below.
Read out the top must-see places to visit in this teeming megalopolis!
Fatahillah Square
The epicenter of the historic heart of Jakarta, the square is named after a Muslim warrior from Aceh, who conquered the port of Sunda Kelapa in 1527. Many museums are located in Fatahillah Square, such as the Sejarah Museum and the Museum of history of the city. The places are particularly lively on weekends. Go there on weekends, when Indonesian youth come to chat with tourists to practice their English!
The Kota Tua district
Kota Tua means old town, and it is certainly through this district that you will begin to visit Jakarta. A city apart from the giant megalopolis, it combines the buzzing streets of Glodok’s Chinatown and the remnants of Kota’s Dutch colonial past. In Chinatown, stroll through the oldest Chinese houses in Jakarta, browse the traditional market and admire the artisans of Chinese calligraphy.
The Great Istiqlal Mosque
Visiting Jakarta cannot be done without going through the great Istiqlal Mosque! This landmark of the city is indeed the largest mosque in all of Southeast Asia! Nearly 120,000 worshipers gather there regularly. Impossible not to find it: wherever you are, you will hear the calls to prayer.
MONAS or National Monument
Located on Merdeka Square opposite the Presidential Palace, MONAS symbolizes the struggle for Indonesia’s independence, proclaimed on August 17, 1945. This 137-meter-high building is thus one of Jakarta’s identity symbols. Inaugurated in 1975 by President Suharto, it is made of Italian marble and topped with a 14 kg gold flame. You can take an elevator to its top for a few Indonesian rupees.
St. Mary’s Cathedral in Jakarta
Jakarta’s only cathedral is a majestic and atypical place in the landscape of the Indonesian capital. Indeed, the country has only 3% Catholics. Built in a neo-Gothic style at the beginning of the 19th century, it was then destroyed by fire in 1826, before being rebuilt again in 1901.
Merdeka Square
This huge 1 km² public square, also known as Freedom Square or Independence Square, happens to be the second largest square in the world after Xinghai Square in Dalian, China. In its center stands the Monas, surrounded by a few green spaces. City dwellers come here to walk, run or cycle, to escape the traffic. Official ceremonies and events also take place here.
Ancol Dreamland
Situated northeast of the modern city center, Ancol Dreamland happens to be home to a vast amusement park located on the seafront. This space is ideal for visiting Jakarta along with the family. It has a huge oceanarium, a lagoon for fishing and boating, a huge water park, a theme park, and rides that can please the kids surely. The natural setting is very pleasant and perfect for a change from the hellish pace of Jakarta.
The National Gallery of Indonesia
Are you an art lover? Visiting Jakarta is not just about its historical and religious monuments. The National Gallery of Indonesia offers permanent and temporary collections of Indonesian and international artists. A wide range of styles and periods are explored. Among the 1,700 works of art on display are those of the Indonesians Raden Saleh, Affandi, and Basuki Abdullah. You will also see pieces by Wassily Kandinsky, Victor Vasarely, Hans Hartung, Pierre Soulages, and Sonia Delaunay.
How to reach Jakarta?
By air
Soekarno Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta lies around the northwest of the city center by 25 kilometers. The airport happens to be one of the occupied Asian transport hubs and at the top ten in the world for air traffic with connections throughout the archipelago as well as the world.
By train
During moving forwards to Jakarta, the train happens to be the most convenient and best option. GMR (Gambir) in the heart of the city center use to be the key train station for intercity trains.
By road
Intercity bus terminals in Jakarta happen to be inopportunely situated from the city center about an hour in many directions associated with TransJakarta Busway.
Conclusion
In spite of its pollution and traffic jams, it enjoys a continually evolving gastronomic and cultural dynamism. Its countrymen bring their delightful blend of beliefs and cultures, who flock from 17,000 islands of Indonesia every year in search of an improved life. So don’t wait, plan your Jakarta Holiday with AirlinesMap and enjoy a customized itinerary in the best possible way. Happy Tripping..!!
