Located on the northwestern part of the island of Java, Jakarta is the largest city, the capital, and the economic, cultural and political centre of Indonesia. Although the city has had a bad reputation for heavy pollution and traffic, it is filled with vibrant shopping areas and an exciting nightlife. It is also the melting pot of Indonesian culture, making it a great choice of destination for your next holiday.
Sightseeing destinations in Jakarta
Jakarta is administratively divided into several districts, which have their own places of interest. On your trip, you can go to:
- Central Jakarta, which is the site of the country’s symbol—the Monas (Monumen Nasional), the presidential palace, Istiqal Mosque, the gothic cathedral and the National Museum of Indonesia;
- West Jakarta, which is home to the country’s only surviving old town area—Jakarta kota tua and the Jakarta History Museum;
- South Jakarta, where you can find upscale shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and a bustling nightlife and entertainment center;
- East Jakarta, which is the industrial quarter of the city, where the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is located;
- North Jakarta, which is the main harbor area of the city famed for its seafood and is the gateway to the Thousand Islands.
Top tour activities in Jakarta
There is a plethora of things to do in Jakarta, and the following are those that can make your trip more memorable:
- Experience one of its music festivals - Unbeknownst to the world, the city hosts some of the largest music events in the world, attracting youth fans to rock concerts and Korean pop performances. The largest of these events is the annual International Java Jazz Festival in March, participated by more than 40 local and international artists performing a wide range of musical genres. Other events to note are the Hammersonic in April, the Java Rockin' Land in June and the Djakarta Warehouse Project in December.
- Stroll around the historic Chinatown - By talking a walk across the intriguing Glodok, you will discover a chaotic and maze-like market that is composed of narrow alleyways lined with temples, hawker stalls and food carts, selling everything from traditional snacks to electronics.
- Try its street food - Jakarta is known for its street delicacies, where each region has its own unique offering of this type of food. Some of the best areas to look for street food are Kelapa Gading, Muara Karang/Pluit, and Kebon Kacang.
Top tour attractions in Jakarta
Among the many attractions in the city, there are those that you should not skip on your itinerary.
- National Monument - Monas is located at the famous Freedom Square (Lapangan Merdeka) and is regarded as the city’s best known landmark. You can view the city from its observation deck and find dioramas portraying the country’s dramatic history at its basement.
- Jakarta Arts Theater - The neo-Renaissance-style Gedung Kesenian Jakarta is one of the proud landmarks among the buildings in the city. Here, you will often see local and visiting artists performing.
- Old town Batavia - Locally known as Kota Tua, this is Jakarta’s old town situated in the northern part near Chinatown. The place combines modern Jakarta with the old Dutch colonial charm.
Jakarta sightseeing tours and activities
So, for your trip to this wonderful city, make sure you will have the best experience. Check out all Jakarta sightseeing tours and activities here at La Vacanza Travel.