Joanna James
The vibrant and vivacious gem of Java is a sensory treat for travellers craving beauty, nature, authenticity, and excitement. Here are some original Jakarta escapades that many first-timers may overlook!
From rip-roaring city hubs and culture-rich enclaves hawking authentic flavours, textures, and experiences for heritage-loving gastronomes to the intricate architecture of its marble mosque spanning nine hectares and the gracious, sometimes quirky, enchantment of its myriad of museums, the ‘Big Durian’ of Indonesia is a richly nuanced sensory experience! If you’re pressed for time and there’s too much to see, don’t forgo visiting the old-world oasis of this non-stop cosmopolis: Jakarta’s Old Town. Here, it’s effortless to step back in time, roaming cobbled streets graced with serene canals and Insta-worthy buildings timestamped with Chinese, Indonesian, and European styles, visiting the fascinating museums specialised in all things artistic, antique, and storied, as well as shopping at the quaint boutiques or grabbing a bite at the sweet little eateries proffering timeless views.
If you like vintage vibes with an out-of-the-box contemporary twist, Jakarta’s retro-chic Kemang neighbourhood will thrill the trendsetter in you, with all its picturesque options for a fun bonding adventure, from feasting on all-day breakfast and delicious Javanese coffee at charming cafes like Antipodean, browsing through your next cosy novel picks at Aksara bookstore, roaming Kemang Gallery for artisan marvels, and hopping between its atmosphere boutiques to claim exclusive pieces by bespoke local designers.
While Jakarta dazzles with a range of cutting-edge experiences, from South East Asia’s largest aquarium that transports visitors to diverse marine realms and mega malls like Taman Anggrek featuring skating rinks, saunas, and edutainment activities aside from upmarket designer boutiques to dream-come-true recreational masterpieces like Atlantis Water Adventure for adrenaline-rich theatrics, it also charms with ambient and colourful pockets. For instance, every ardent rummager who can’t resist authentic collectibles and lively bargains will savour the oriental glamour of Pasar Baru Market, brimming with rich textiles, Asian flavour fusions, and antique trinkets together with trendier clothing, footwear, and accessories. For outstanding apartments in Jakarta proffering prime access to its kaleidoscopic allures, venture no further than the likes of Oakwood Apartments PIK Jakarta.
The island Capital presents a fascinating potpourri of museums and creative enclaves, from the vibrant treasure trove of the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics and the historical artifacts adorning the colonial-style grandeur of the Jakarta History Museum to the critically-acclaimed whimsy of the contemporary masterpieces at Museum MACAN. However, touring the colourful world of Indonesia’s kite museum, gaping at massive structures of flying horses, dragons, ships, and carriages, as well as crafting your own one-of-a-kind kite, is an unmissable experience.
If you’re an art connoisseur or simply love collecting eye-catching items for convenience and décor, head over to this plush artsy mecca composed of a hundred jewel-like stalls selling everything from begemmed accessories, elaborate rattan bags, and luxury ceramics to jaw-dropping artwork, indigenous crafts, and quaint ornaments that will add vibrant classiness to any setting.
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.
