Jakarta is like any other Asian capital, bustling with population and seeming at the rims. You would find everybody in rush, always. There is traffic, noise, and competition to pace ahead. And yet, what makes Jakarta travel different is that is the capital of Indonesia. On Jakarta vacation, you can visit the museums, monuments or just shop in the traditional markets. But most tourists, who are unaware of Jakarta assets, use it mostly as starting or ending point of Indonesian trips.
National Monument
The National Monument at Merdeka Square commemorates the Indonesian people's struggle for independence. A lot of gold has been used in the making of the National Monument, which measures 137 meters.
Jakarta Museums
Museums are integral part of Jakarta vacations, giving us the glimpses about evolution of life in Jakarta in particular and Indonesia in general. The central Museum in Medan Barat (Freedom Square) has fine assemblage of archaeological and anthropological exhibits. The Satriamandala Armed Forces Museum offers exhibits from each stage of the evolution of the Indonesian Military. The exhibits include airplanes, artillery and armour. Anyone even slightly interested in military hardware would find the exhibits interesting.
Old Batavia
Old Batavia preserves the heritage of the 17th and 18th centuries. The site tells the visitors about the development of Jakarta from the time of Dutch rule. The three museums here deal with the history of spice trade, development of shipping while the third displays intriguing puppet figures.
Shopping
During Jakarta vacation you can have good time shopping for Indonesian handicrafts particularly batik. Ask the locals for the places where you can find cheap and yet good products. For mall shopping during your Jakarta trip,, some good places in Jakarta are Ex Plaza, Plaza Senayan, Kelapa Gading Mall, Senayan City and Weduk Melati Shopping Centre.
Nightlife
Though Jakarta is not stuffed with discotheques and clubs, you can visit places to spend late hours in evening, enjoying your vacation. Several places are located at the Jalan Jaksa and its vicinity. Some restaurants offer food with live music. Cazbar at Mega Kuningan and Eastern Promise at Kemang are two such places.
Accommodation As capital of Indonesia, Jakarta has no dearth of hotels. So you have lots of options.
Jakarta is like any other Asian capital, bustling with population and seeming at the rims. You would find everybody in rush, always. There is traffic, noise, and competition to pace ahead. And yet, what makes Jakarta travel different is that is the capital of Indonesia. On Jakarta vacation, you can visit the museums, monuments or just shop in the traditional markets. But most tourists, who are unaware of Jakarta assets, use it mostly as starting or ending point of Indonesian trips.