Jakarta
INTRO
Begin your Indonesian experience with Jakarta and you won't be disappointed. Apart from the vigorous and dynamic life of an Asian capital, it is also marked as the historical, cultural and economical centre and a representative sample of the whole country. A modern and exotic metropolis, Jakarta provides various entertainment possibilities for both native and foreign tourists.
City Profile
City: Jakarta
Country: Indonesia
Area: 61.52 km2
Population: 8,792,000
Districts: 24
Governor: Sutiyoso
Language: Bahasa Indonesia
Rating: #1 / 126 at Asian-Cities
LOCATION
Jakarta is located on the northwest coast of the island of Java in the Pacific Ocean. It is the biggest port in Indonesia and as a capital is conveniently served by one international and one private airport. Reaching Jakarta is easy no matter what the purpose of your visit is.
TIME TO VISIT
As Jakarta is situated close to the equatorial region, it has a tropical climate that can be described with two distinct seasons: the rainy and the dry seasons. The average daytime temperatures during both seasons are around 25-30 degrees Celsius. It is generally humid with prevailing rainfall between October and May. Usually, the best time to visit the Indonesian capital is throughout the dry season months, namely from June till September. This is also the time of the year when most festivals in Jakarta take place.
POPULATION
Jakarta is characterised by an extensive variety of ethnic groups that contribute to its diverse cultural appearance. The number of the estimated population is over eight million, including the minorities such as Chinese, Arab and Indian. The indigenous people speak the official language Bahasa Indonesia, which here is strongly influenced by the Batawi dialect because of its previous domination in this region of the country. The most widely spoken foreign language in the capital is English but most luxurious hotels use other European and Asian languages as well.
DISTRICTS
Administratively, excluding the suburban areas, the Indonesian capital is divided into the following cities (kotas):
- Central Jakarta is probably mostly famous for the huge recreational park that is built there, namely, Ancol Dreamland.
- South Jakarta is known for being a fancy neighbourhood, mostly inhabited by wealthy people and thus supplied by all kinds of restaurants, spa centres, coffee shops, antiquities and boutiques.
- East Jakarta
- West Jakarta is a popular tourist part of Jakarta because of the Old Batavia area, an old part of the city dating back to the Dutch period of the country.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Jakarta provides various entertainment activities and tourist attractions. Several of them, however, are characteristic of Jakarta and should definitely receive some of your attention.
- National Monument, or Monas, is the symbol of the Indonesian capital. It is a 137metre marble obelisk, adorned with 35kilograms gold that was built during the Sukarno era in honour of the people's efforts to achieve freedom and declare independence in 1945. The monument is open to the public and can be lifted up to the top upon request, from where one can enjoy a view of the whole city and the adjacent sea. A historical museum is situated in the basement of the monument.
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, or "Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park" is the best place to learn all about Indonesia. Despite its name, the park is huge and takes at least one day trip that could be compared to a one-day trip around the whole country. It represents miniature versions of all Indonesian provinces, including traditional provincial houses displaying typical clothing and furniture. There are many museums inside the park such as Indonesian museum, insect museum, army museum, transportation museum and so forth. Many souvenir shops and local handicrafts will ensure that you remember this place and the whole country. http://www.tamanmini.com/
- Old Batavia (Kota) is a part of the city of Jakarta that has been preserved throughout the years and represents the time when Jakarta was still under Dutch influence. One of the top places to visit here is the Sunda Kelapa Harbour where large wooden ships dating back to the Dutch period of Jakarta are still here. Other places of interest include the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics, Museum Fatahillah, Puppet Museum, a beautiful Christian church, many old houses dating back to the 18th century and the only remaining Dutch drawbridge. It is a must visit tourist attraction even if your history interests are not your top reason for a visit to the Indonesian capital.
- Thousand Islands comprise a group of islands across the Java Sea that is famous for the white sand beaches, coral reefs and coconut palm trees. While some of the islands belong to resort or private owners, others are open to the public. It is possible to stay there at reasonable prices or just escape from the hectic life in the capital and indulge yourself in diving or other water activities. In one of the island there is a mini sea world and an outdoor aquarium with a glass tunnel inside the water.
- Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, or Ancol Dreamland, is the biggest amusement park in the Indonesian capital and one of the top tourist attractions. It includes all kinds of entertainment like underwater world, oceanarium with trained dolphin and sea lions shows, swimming polls, artificial lagoons for fishing and boating, discos and night bars, golf course and typical cultural performances. It is an ideal recreational park suitable for both children and adults. www.ancol.com
AIRPORT
As the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is served by one international and one smaller airports thus making convenient passenger transportation possible.
- Soekarno Hatta International Airport is located 20 kilometres from the city of Jakarta. The easiest way to reach your hotel is to call the reception and ask them to pick you up from the airport as most provide free transportation service that is included in the price of the room. Another option is to take a taxi at the taxi terminal, preferably from the Silver Bird counter as this is said to be the most reliable company. The journey to the city centre costs Rp.120 000. There is also a DAMRI shuttle bus that runs to the city every hour for Rp.15 000 per person. More info at: http://www.soekarno-hatta-airport.com/
- Halim Perdanakusuma Airport is the older airport of Jakarta that is used today mainly for military purposes, VIP and charter flights, private jets, helicopter trainings, etc.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation in Jakarta is a little chaotic with much traffic, especially in the central district. Still, there are several ways of exploring the city:
- Trans Jakarta Buswa is the most convenient means of transport in the city. These buses operate on fixed routes and can be caught at the appropriate bus stops through automatic doors. Fares; Rp.3 500, transfer lines is free.
- Public buses are also available but not recommended as they don't follow any particular routes or timetables and sometimes it takes awhile for them to pick up passengers. Fares: Rp.2000 and Rp.5000 for an air-conditioned one.
- Taxis are fast and preferable means of going around the city. The best option is to take the Blue/Silver Bird company that is a little more expensive but the drivers are honest and use the meters. The initial price for the first two kilometres is Rp.5000 and additional Rp.2600 for every subsequent kilometre. Tipping is optional.
- Cars can be rented but it is better to hire a driver as well as traffic might be overwhelming for a foreign driver.
- Bajaj is a tricycle vehicle that is characteristic for Indonesia. It serves as a taxi and is suitable for short distances for no more than four people. A typical short drive should not cost more than Rp.5000 but you need to bargain the price in advance.
- Trains are frequently used by the locals to reach nearby cities. There are an economy class and an air-conditioned class trains but it is generally better to avoid trains, especially the cheaper ones.
HISTORY
The earliest settlement of the Indonesian capital can be traced back to the 4th century when it used to be a port town of the Hindu Kingdom of Sunda. The city received its name after it was completely defeated by the Muslim leader Fatahillah in 1527 who renamed the conquered territory Jayakarta, meaning "Great Deed". Later, in the 16th century when the Dutch influence over the lands of the port city reached its highest point, it was renamed to Batavia and became the capital of the Dutch East Indies. Its present name Jakarta received in 1942 when it fell under the rule of the Japanese. Following the Indonesian independence, the port city finally became the number one city in the country as its capital. Since then, the city has continuously flourished and its development hasn't stop even today.
CITY LINKS
- Jakarta Post, A Daily Newspaper in English: http://www.thejakartapost.com/headlines.asp
- Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Jakartav
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- University of Indonesia: http://www.ui.edu/english/index.php
- Trisakti University, a private university: http://www.trisakti.ac.id/home.php
- Gunadarma University: http://www.gunadarma.ac.id/
- LaSalle College International: http://www.lasalle.co.id/