JAKARTA – MOTHER CITY
Jakarta is a study in contrasts: traditional and modern, rich and poor, spiritual and worldly all standing side by side in a bustling metropolis. The nation’s capital has a remarkable history, beginning in the year 157, when it was named Jayakarta. As a small harbour town called Sunda Kelapa it served as the capital of the Dutch East Indies and was called Batavia. When Indonesian independence was finally secured the city was renamed Jakarta.
SUNDA KELAPA – A BLAST FROM THE PAST
Sunda Kelapa, also known as Pasar ikan (Fish Market), is in the north of the city at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. This is where the Portuguese traded with the Hindu Kingdom of Pajajaran in the early 16th century and where Dutch domination of Indonesia began. Sunda Kelapa is now a busy inter-island port. Tall masted Bugis schooners from South Sulawesi, part of the world’s oldest commercial sailing fleet, are one of the finest sights Jakarta has to offer.
MONAS – SYMBOL OF INDEPENDENCE
The National Monument, (Monas), is one of the many monuments built during the years directly after independence. The one hundred and thirty seven metre tall marble obelisk is topped with a flame coated with thirty five kilograms of gold, and represents the people’s determination to achieve freedom. It towers over Merdeka (Freedom) Square, and serves as Jakarta’s most prominent landmark.
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Located on the west side of Merdeka Square, the National Museum offers historical, prehistoric, archaeological and ethnographic aspects of Indonesia through its extensive collection of artifacts and relics. It has one of the most complete collections in the country of bronzes and ceramics dating back lo the Han, Tang and Ming Dynasties. The museum’s collection of cultural instruments, household utensils, arts and crafts provide a good introduction to the life of Indonesia’s various ethnic groups.
BEAUTIFUL INDONESIA IN MINIATURE PARK
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in the east of the city gives visitors a glimpse of the diversity of the Indonesian archipelago in a single location. This extensive park houses exhibits from all of Indonesia’s provinces. It has its own orchid garden, bird park with a walk-in aviary, Imax theatre, a fauna museum and recreational grounds. Of special interest is the Museum Indonesia, housing contemporary arts crafts and traditional costumes from around the country.
TROPICAL PARADISE
The Pulau Seribu or Thousand Island group scattered across the Java Sea to the north of Jakarta offer’s a tropical haven away from the bustle of city life. Golden beach fringed with coconut palms and multi-colored coral reefs are just what the doctor ordered. The islands can be reached from Tanjung Priok, Ancol or Pasar lkan (Sunda Kelapa) by ferry or by chartered boat.The most popular islands have been developed as tourist resorts and are equipped with resort style facilities and services.
ANCOL THEME PARK
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol is Jakarta’s largest and most popular recreation park, with sea and fresh-water aquariums, seaworld, swimming pools, an artificial lagoon for fishing and boating, a bowling alley, as well as an assortment of nightclubs and restaurants. The Ancol complex includes a marina, Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy Land) theme park, golf courses and hotels. The ‘Pasar Seni’ or art market has a varied collection of Indonesian handicrafts, paintings and souvenirs for sale while an open-air
THE CITY OF FLOWERS
Bandung, the capital of West Java used to be referred to as “The Paris of Java” but now is more popularly known as “Kota Kembang”, the city of Flowers, It is a city of artists, writers, intellectual and academics.
HEAD FOR THE HILLS
The road out Bogor to Bandung passes through the cool hills of Puncak. At the crest of Puncak Pass, tea plantations blanket the hillsides, and the cooler climate makes it a favourite resort and weekend gateway retreat from Jakarta. Further down the road is Cipanas, a natural hot springs resort, whose waters are said to hold magic restorative powers.
PANGANDARAN
Formerly a sleepy traditional fishing village, Pangandaran is home of the legendary Queen of the South Seas. Now a thriving holiday resorts, it is a three hour drive from either Jakarta or Bandung on good mountain roads. At night hundreds of fishermen’s boat lamps merge with the star-studded sky above, creating an enchanting and romantic scene.
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