Joanna James
Jakarta is the kind of city, that lets one experience lifestyles from varied cultures. Roads can be chock-a-block with luxury cars, bicycles, three wheelers and street vendors peddling their wares. There are national monuments to visit, shops to hunt for souvenirs and plenty of restaurants to enjoy.
Monas or the National Monument was only opened to the public in 1975, although construction began in 1961. The monument was erected as a reminder to the struggle Indonesia went through in gaining independence. A great lookout point the tower stands at a height of 433 feet; while the top of the tower covered in gold foil represents a flame. There is an entrance fee charged, giving you access to the top floor of the tower as well.
Jakarta is home to a bevy of malls which seem to be endless extensions of each other, In fact, most of the malls do have extensions such as, Pondok Indah Mall 1 and Pondok Indah Mall 2 built after the first. The two malls are connected to each other via a gallery, which seems to have been a brainwave the developers came up with to make use of the space between the two. The Grand Indonesia, easy to access from Jakarta accommodation options including properties of Ascott The Residence, is another top mall to visit for a super shopping experience. Mind you this is a very large mall, and a feature not to be missed includes the dancing waterfall, while 30 minutes away is the Plaza Indonesia an equally elaborate mall to explore.
The serviced apartments Jakarta has to offer are placed in vibrant neighbourhoods, and the best way to enjoy the surroundings is to join a walking tour. There is plenty on offer but go for one that comes recommended by friends or your apartment hotel in Jakarta. A walking tour lets you experience the city local style and is really, most often, one of the best methods to absorb a new city and its culture.
Ancol is not your everyday, typical beach; instead, it's kind of like a swamp cum beach, with lots of allure. The place has its fair share of people playing volleyball or chilling with a book, while right next door is the Dunia Fantasi theme park. The surrounding area is home to plenty of seafood restaurants and entertainment centres and is the perfect place for the seafood-loving foodie to treat themselves at. The grilled gourami fish comes highly recommended.
One of your best local experiences of Jakarta will be the varied public transport options available. You will, in fact, be stuck for choice, for the city is serviced by Uber, ojek, TransJakarta, bemo and public cars. There is also the lure of riding a rubber boat to some destinations, which overall completes your 'transport adventures' in Jakarta.
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