Joanna James
A multi-cultural hub of vibrant experiences and sensory glamour, fusing old-world charm with modern audacity, the trendy Indonesian Capital has thrills for everyone. Here are the allurements that need to top up your itinerary.
While many picture Jakarta as a rip-roaring hub of modern dazzlement, there are also old-world gems to uncover under the city's contemporary façade. and none more enchanting than the Jakarta Old Town. A medley of Chinese, European, and Indonesian architecture and complete with cobbled streets and vintage boutiques, this portion of the Capital is a pristine relic of its history as a prominent ancient hub of trade. If you're keen on drinking up the country's rich past or just angling for Instagram-worthy shots, visit the myriad of museums found in this Kota, from the artistically inspiring Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics to the antique curios found at the Jakarta History Museum. If you'd fancy a picture-perfect promenade or bicycle ride past serene canals and timeless views, with a few irresistible stops like eccentric The Red Shop and iconic Café Batavia, this is your happy place.
If you're fond of pretty things and lively bargains, head over to The New Market for all your shopping fantasies to come alive, from plentiful oriental spices and rich textiles to aromatic food stalls, trendy clothing, footwear, and sports equipment. As one of the oldest markets in the land, it also presents an interesting potpourri of Chinese, Dutch Colonial, Indian, and Indonesian flavours.
This gracious building located on Indonesia's celebrated Medan Merdeka Barat is full of engagingly compiled collections from all avenues of human discovery, and whether you're excited about Ethnography, Ancient History, or Archaeology, the Museum Nasional will not disappoint. If you're looking for a Jakarta luxury apartment proffering prime access to the city's diverse enticements, venture no further than Ascott Kuningan Jakarta.
After all the fascinating artefacts, colourful storefronts, and gastronomic indulgences, you might crave a charming reality check in amid nature and wildlife, which is just what the Ragunan Zoo offers. Here, you can get up close and personal with the imperial beauty of Sumatran and white tigers, ride a peaceful elephant, and visit the Schmutzer Primate Centre to gape at gorillas, white apes, and gibbons. Not only is this picturesque wildlife conservation park a great family-friendly edutainment excursion, but you'll also be supporting the preservation of endangered flora and fauna.
Part of Ancol Dreamland's recreational vision to bring out the imaginative inner-child in all age groups, this mythical theme park is full of wild splashes, adrenaline-high rides, stunning 4D theatrics, and exciting wildlife performances that are the perfect recipe for a memorable family adventure.
If you're ready to empty your wallet or are just fond of gorgeous spaces full of sensory marvels, this multi-purpose entertainment centre with its skating rinks, edutainment clubs, upmarket boutiques, and rejuvenating saunas is not to be missed!
Just off the northern coast of Jakarta lies a luxuriant tropical necklace of islands, thirteen of which are open for public enjoyment. Whether it's paragliding or following tea trails in Puncak, or roaming the elegant ruins of Bidadari, you won't regret this day trip of a lifetime!
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