Joanna James
Jakarta is so much more than just an entry and exit point. You can learn about the Indonesia's vibrant and complex history through exploring the city.
If you decide to check into one of the well-known Jakarta serviced apartments to explore the city, you can begin your Jakarta adventure with a visit to Ancol beach. The beach is a lovely strip of cosy sand flanking the vast blueness of the sea. It is a public beach, but you will have to pay an entry fee. Go for a swim in one of the pools along the shoreline or lounge on a sun bed to soak up the sun. Ancol beach is part of the Ancol Jakarta Bay city and you will have access to a Sea World and a Water park in the same area.
Monas Tower is a symbol of the country's independence from the Dutch colonials in 1945. Located in Merdeka Square, the tower is just under 15 minutes away from places of accommodation such as the Ascott Kuningan Jakarta. Incidentally, Merdeka Square means freedom. You can visit the nearby gallery to learn about Indonesia's history. Once you are on the observation tower of the Monas Tower, take your time to gaze at the views of the city from all directions.
The mosque is situated close to the Monas tower. You can make the two visits at the same time. Istiqlal Mosque welcomes 120,000 worshippers daily and it happens to be the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. You can admire the picturesque Islamic motifs that adorn the mosque and the water features inside. Even if you are not a Muslim, you can visit the mosque outside of prayer time as long as you dress conventionally.
Istana Merdeka is the current presidential residence. In 1879, when the Dutch colonial period ended, the historic flag changing ceremony took place at Istana Merdeka. You won't get to visit the palace itself but the exterior is well worth a quick pause on your way elsewhere in the city.
The Thousand Islands are located merely a few hours away from the city. In Indonesian, the Thousand islands are called Pulau Seribu. You'll find an enchanting collection of beaches, not so secret coves and inlets in the area. Take a boat tour to island hop and take in the beauty of all those islands.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (beautiful mini Indonesia) will let you get an overview of the vastness and variety that is truly Indonesia. This park contains models of all 26 provinces of Indonesia that are scattered across 17,000 islands. You can go into model homes to learn about local traditions, clothing and ways of life. Life in the archipelago is incredibly diverse and interesting to observe. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a great place to visit if you are travelling with kids or simply would like to learn about Indonesia in all its aspects.
Going by the name Old Town Batavia, Kota Tua is a historically significant area in Jakarta. You can admire Dutch architectural features as you stroll towards the cobbled central town square. Kota Tua is the cultural heart of Jakarta and you'll find plenty of cafés to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee while you absorb the old-world charm.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
