Jakarta

Many visitors are surprised by the cosmopolitan, fast-paced vibe of Jakarta. Indonesia’s main urban center has all the trapping of a modern metropolis, including, unfortunately, the stifling traffic and pollution. Still, many people consider Jakarta worth a visit.

Jakarta’s history involves colonial powers controlling the city until after World War II. Over a 500 year period, the city bounced from Portuguese to Arabic to Dutch control. Today, Jakarta is a special district designated as Indonesia’s capital. Not only is the area an economic and political center, but a cultural one as well.

INdonesia’s nightlife is centered around several energetic areas. Many bars catering to foreigners are around Blok M. Restaurants and movie theaters provide alternative forms of entertainment to Blok M partiers. Most upscale hotels offer a quieter evening by providing wayang performances. Wayang is a form of traditional folk music.

History fans can visit Old Jakarta in the city’s northern areas. Many of the old buildings are in a state of disrepair, but it is still interesting to see Jakarta as it was during its past. Jakarta was praised as “The Jewel of Asia” by the many seafarers who used the city’s port. Jakarta Kota Station, a rail terminal is the old city, was designated a historic site in the early 1990s, is worth a visit.

Getting around in Jakarta can be troublesome. The roads are jammed with traffic, which is heavy throughout the day and virtually impassible during rush hours. The rules of the road are seldom seen as more than suggestions. The train is useful for people staying in or around Jalan Jaska, Jakarta’s budget tourist area. The Gondangdia station is nearby, but should be avoided during rush hours when the commuter trains are packed beyond capacity.

Jakarta has a large number of malls. Upscale shoppers head to retail venues like Grand Indonesia. This mall is located near city center and Selamat Datang Monument. Grand Indonesia is the largest shopping center in Southeast Asia; its official name is Grand Indonesia Shopping Town.

For a more authentic experience, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a culture based recreation area. This heavily touristed but very worthwhile site has recreation of houses representing each of Indonesia’s ethnic groups. Gardens attempt to copy the nations unique environments. There are several museums devoted to Indonesia’s various peoples and cultures.

Though Jakarta is a crowded metropolis, there is plenty of history, culture, and commerce to keep any visitor occupied.