5 things you didn’t know about Jakarta

MANILA, Philippines – A city of extremes and an assault to the senses. That is how one could describe the spectrum of experiences offered from a visit to the Indonesian capital.  

One would expect such from a metropolis that is rapidly developing and home to a population of more than 10 million.

But despite the city being the country’s epicenter for commerce, business, and politics, it is not the country’s primary tourist destination. Many often forego the hustle and bustle (and traffic) of the capital and head directly to vacation hotspots such as Bali and Yogyakarta.

However, if you look beyond the city’s concrete exterior, there are many surprises lurking in its backroads and old neighborhoods: new tastes and smells to experience (not all of which may be subtle) and different sites and places to explore.  

Here are 5 things you probably did not know about Jakarta and reasons why you should include a stay in the country’s capital in your travel itinerary. 

1) It is a literal melting pot of Indonesian cuisine

Indonesia is a vast country and is home to a variety of ethnicities which is reflected country’s variations in cuisine. Since Jakarta is regarded as the country’s melting pot of culture. You are able to try local favorites as well as other regional specialties all in one city.  

Give your tastebuds a trip through the city’s rich street food culture and eat at the various warungs (food stalls). Visit traditional padang restaurants (originating from West Sumatra) where it is common to eat using your hands. Dishes like beef rendang are famous for its flavorful mix of rich coconut milk and spicy chili.  

Other Indonesian favorites that are in abundant supply in the city, both in low brow and high brow establishments are: the popular Malay fried rice dish called nasi goreng;  the Javanese specialty of seasoned and skewered meat called satay; and the local salad of mixed vegetables and boiled egg, topped with a peanut dressing, called gado-gado.  

2) The city is steeped in history

For history and culture buffs, Jarkata is a great city to visit. Here, you can immerse yourself and learn about Indonesian history and culture. 

Visit the area of Kota (also known as Old Batavia), a remnant from the country’s Dutch colonial past, modeled after the city of Amsterdam during the period of the Dutch East Indies. While most of the town was destroyed in the beginning of the 19th century, the old town square and few colonial buildings remain and have been transformed into museums. 

Batavia’s former city hall is now the Museum Sejarah Jakarta (Jakarta History Museum) and the former Court of Justice building is preserved as the Museum Seni Rupa (Fine Arts Museum). On weekends, the old town square, now known as Fatahillah Square is bustling with artists, street entertainers, bicycle rentals, and food vendors. 

Other museums not to miss are the Wayang Museum (Puppet Museum) dedicated to Javanese puppetry and the Museum Nasional (National Museum) popularly known as Museum Gajah because of the bronze elephant statute located in the front of this historically significant edifice. 

3) It is a shopper’s paradise

Jakarta has everything to offer both the bargain shopper and brand conscious buyer. 

Hit the city’s flea market in Menteng and haggle for antiques, old vinyl records, furniture, jewelry, and clothes and chance upon that unique vacation souvenir you won’t find in modern shopping malls. 

Speaking of modern shopping malls, Jakarta has many and it will take you a few days to cover them all. Some of the stand outs include Grand Indonesia, Pacific Place, Senayan City, and Plaza Indonesia (click here for a comprehensive list of shopping centers). 

Serious shoppers may want to plan their Jakarta trip during the months of June or July to catch the annual Jakarta Great Sale which garners the participation of about 75 shopping malls in and around the capital. Shoppers are lured with discounts that reach up to 70 and 80 precent off and extended shopping hours with some malls operating till midnight.

4) Vibrant nightlife 

Jakarta may be the capital of world’s largest Islamic population but one of the many interesting contradictions of this buzzing metropolis is that it has a rich nightlife culture. 

The center of which can be found in Jakarta’s Central Business District. This is where you are likely to rub shoulders with the city’s young, rich, and beautiful. For great cocktails and bar chow try the trendy warehouse style bar, Potato Head, rooftop bar and restaurant Lucy in the Sky, or the unique retail space Foundry 8. 

The Kemang area is also a popular area that attracts a mix of locals and expats alike in places such as SHY Rooftop, FJ on 7, Common People, and Hyde. 

Rooftop bars are also becoming a trend. Visit SKYE, situated on the 56-story high rooftop of the BCA tower, for stunning panoramic views of the city’s skyline. 

5) A wide range of accommodations 

Every metropolitan city needs to offer visitors a variety of luxury accommodations. There are several hotels to choose from but one is the Menara Peninsula, with its convenient location, complete range of facilities, and excellent service. 

Located along the Jalan Gatot Soebroto (a main thoroughfare that runs along the Central Business District) makes the hotel easily accessible from main and backroads even during the infamous traffic jams. 

A four-star hotel with complete amenities like a gym, business center, newly renovated pool, and spacious rooms ensures that whether you are there for business or pleasure you are sure to have a comfortable stay.

While many hotels can compete with the offered amenities, what truly sets an establishment from the other is the quality of service provided by the staff. At the Menara Peninsula, a well-trained English-speaking staff gives the establishment competitive edge, especially in a country where English is not widely spoken. 

With a city this dynamic and diverse, it is hard to see why sometimes a visit to Indonesia’s capital may not yet be on the top of the list of travelers—at least compared to the more famous Bali. 

But Jakarta has a lot to offer those willing to throw themselves in the middle of this bustling and vibrant city. – Rappler.com

Visit Agoda.com to search for the best rates and more hotel options when planning your trip to Jakarta.