Under its chaotic and sometimes overwhelming facade, messy, colourful, and cosmopolitan Jakarta offers much; you have to get under its skin a little before finding its sophisticated personality. Its colonial heart (now the city centre) is the original site of Dutch colonisation and has several top attractions. The National Museum of Indonesia, founded in 1778 by Dutch intellectuals, has faithfully documented life on this island nation for more than two centuries. After having a fill of history, take in a panoramic view of the modern city from the viewing platform of the National Monument on Merdeka Square, which stands 115 meters above the ground. The nearby Istiqlal Mosque is also the largest in South East Asia. One of its most features is a collection of ancient Hindu-Buddhist sculptures from across the Indonesian archipelago. Chinatown in western Jakarta is also worth visiting; check out the Puppet Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics. If the day-tripping becomes too much, retire to one of the city's luxury hotels. The advantages of a holiday in Jakarta extend to the accommodation as well!
Jakarta, Indonesia's bustling capital, is a cultural melting pot. In this megalopolis, diverse traditions, from Javanese and Malay to Arab, Indian, and Dutch, coexist. As a result, the city is dynamic and lively, with its distinct flavour. You'll discover that Jakarta has the best coffee scene globally and that most socializing in the city takes place in trendy cafés rather than lounges. You'll find yourself craving the fried rice available at Jakarta's numerous street food stalls — and making friends with the chefs. And you'll end up in the city's glitzy, multipurpose shopping malls, where you can get your retail fix while also enjoying entertainment, events, and art. In this megalopolis, diverse traditions, from Javanese and Malay to Arab, Indian, and Dutch, coexist. The tourist attractions in Jakarta will also show you a different side of this cosmopolitan city. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah features traditional homes from all over Indonesia's 17,000 islands. The Monas national monument embodies the spirit of Indonesian independence. You can see the crumbling architecture from Jakarta's colonial era at the Old Town. At the National Museum, you can learn about the early humans who lived in Indonesia.
