Joanna James
Whether we like to admit it or not, freebies while on holiday is like finding water when you're stuck in the middle of a desert. Enjoy these things for free in Jakarta.
Every Sunday from 6am to 12pm, if you have to get anywhere in Jakarta, between Jalan Sudiman and Jalan Thamrin, you will have to either walk, cycle or roller blade down the road. As a strict government rule, motorised vehicles are not allowed to use the street at that particular time. This 5km stretch of land is from Monas and goes south all the way to Semanggi Cloverleaf. This is a great way to get back in shape, or at least try to, while you're on holiday! If you're heading out early, and prefer to have breakfast to enjoy this car free road, then there are quite a number of roadside stalls selling snacks and coffee.
Towering structures like the Jakarta Cathedral have been known to be compared to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Ivory coloured spires that reach the sky – to about 197 feet, coupled with neo – Gothic architecture is one of the few reasons to visit the cathedral. The interior of the cathedral is complete with plenty of religious artwork that you can just stare at for a long time, or visit the museum to learn about the rich past of the cathedral. The church is also known as The Church of Our Lady of Assumption.
A walk around China town, locally known as Glodok, which is complete with narrow streets cluttered with malls and stalls selling a variety of things from antiques, souvenirs and even food. Although, if you want to try the food or buy a souvenir, you will actually have to use money to purchase anything, but the walking around is completely free! Yay. You can even visit some of the temples located nearby like the Vihara Dharma Bhakti temple or the Da Shi Miao temple.
Locally known as Old Batavia and located in Kotas, the Fatahillah square was built in the 16th century during the Dutch Colonial era. Some of the most popular tourist attractions amongst colonial buildings located within the square is the Jakarta History Museum. There are also so many sights and things to see while walking around the Square, from pop up shops that offer tarot reading, street art and some selling local food snacks.
Also known as the Merdeka Palace, it can be found between Veterans Street and North Medan Merdeka Street. The neoclassic building takes the architecture of Dutch origin and is currently being used as the official residence for the President of Indonesia. While in Jakarta, hotel accommodation options are plentiful, and properties such as Somerset Berlian Jakarta are quite popular amongst tourists. The palace is also often used for state ceremonies.
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