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Destination
Jakarta
 Off
the Beaten Track
Getting
There and Away
Getting
Around
Jakarta
Travel Information
Once saddled with a reputation as a poverty-ridden hell hole,
Jakarta
mutated into a metropolis with all the outward appearance of an
Asian boom
town in not much more than a decade. It took only a week of
rioting in May
1998 to reduce some of this modern faηade to a burnt out shell.
Shopping
malls, offices, banks and businesses owned by ethnic Chinese and
the Suharto
family took the brunt of the rioters' anger. Jakarta remains very
much at
the centre of political events re-shaping Indonesia, and how
quickly the
city recovers from the riots and the political and economic
turmoil remains
to be seen. That said, Jakarta is the most expensive city in Indonesia, the
most
polluted and the most congested, but if you can withstand this
onslaught and
afford to indulge in its charms, then it is also one of the
region's most
exciting metropolises. Consider Jakarta the `big durian' - the
foul-smelling
exotic fruit that some can't stomach and others can't resist.
Jakarta boasts one of the best sights in all of South-East Asia:
Sunda Kelapa, the old Dutch port, is awash with magnificent Makassar
schooners (pinisi) and anyone who spends an early morning here will not
forget the
experience. Nearby Pasar Ikan, the early-morning fish market, is a
colourful
scene of busy, bartering crowds. Other sights include Old Batavia,
an area
of 18th-century houses and streets that are gradually being
restored; the
Gereja Sion church, which is the oldest in Jakarta; and the zoo
with its
Komodo dragons and orang-utans.
There are a number of interesting museums including the Indonesian
National
Museum, which houses an enormous collection of cultural objects
from the
country's various ethnic groups; and the Jakarta History Museum,
which
contains memorabilia from the Dutch colonial era. The city's
public
monuments include the fanciful National Monument (Monas) in
Merdeka Square
and the Statue of Welcome (known locally as 'Hansel and Gretel').
Jakarta's cultural showcase, Taman Ismail Marzuki, hosts a variety
of
Western and Indonesian performances, ranging from poetry readings
and jazz
concerts to premier showings of international films and gamelan
concerts.
There are a number of upmarket bars, discos and restaurants on
Jalan M H
Thamrin that feature live acts; for somewhat sleazier
entertainment, try the
nightlife along Jalan Abang Timur 14. A cheaper alternative is to
walk to
Taman Ria at Merdeka Square and see the local talent perform amid
the bright
lights of the merry-go-rounds.
Jakarta's cheapest and most central accommodation area is along
Jalan Jaksa,
a small street south of the National Monument. Many of the
mid-range hotels
are also found in this vicinity. Jakarta has the widest range of
street
hawkers, markets and restaurants of any Indonesian city; most are
found on
and around Jalan Jaksa or in the markets around Jalan Surabaya in
Menteng.
Off the Beaten Track
Pulau Seribu
Scattered across the Java Sea to the north of Jakarta are the
Thousand
Islands - well, 112 of them anyway. Only a few of the islands have
been
developed, and the empty beaches and scuba sites on islands such
as Pulau Damar, Pulau Tikus and Pulau Pari are good day-trip destinations
from Jakarta. Further north still, tropical-paradise havens have been
created for
affluent travellers on the islands of Pulau Putri, Pulau Pelangi,
Pulau
Perak and Pulau Papa Theo (collectively known as Pulau Seribu
Paradise).
Krakatau Islands
The remains of the legendary volcano lie only 50km (31mi) from the
West Java
coast (not east of Java as the film mistakenly described it).
Krakatau blew
itself apart in 1883 with the biggest bang thought to have ever
occurred on
earth - audible in Alice Springs, 3500km (2170mi) away, and
affecting the
wave patterns in the English Channel. A new crater, 'Child of
Krakatau',
belches glowing rocks and ashes, but boats can land on the eastern
side and
it's possible to climb right up the cinder cones to the caldera.
The hike is
best made in the cool of the early morning, and the mainland
German-run
beach resort at Carita is a popular base for tours and
fishing-boat hire
(for once, a tour may be the best bet - unless you fancy the
possibility of
spending a couple of days adrift at sea).
Karimunjawa Islands
This lovely archipelago of 27 islands off the north coast of
Central Java
has been declared a marine national park. The islands' main
attractions are
the smattering of white sandy beaches, the calm, clear water, and
the peace
and quiet. The main island Pulau Karimunjawa has homestay
accommodation, but
is mostly ringed by mangroves. However, boats can be chartered
from here to
nearby islands with reefs and beaches. Don't expect the
snorkelling to be
too impressive thanks to that scourge of South-East Asian coral -
dynamite
fishing. A ferry leaves from Jepara twice a week on the four and a
half hour
trip to Karimunjawa. Smaller fishing boats also brave the seas,
but safety
standards are minimal.
Baluran National Park
Baluran National Park in the north-east corner of Java, is the
most
accessible of Java's large wildlife sanctuaries. The parklands
surround the
solitary hump of Gunung Baluran (1247m), and its main attractions
are feral
water buffalo, deer, monkeys, leopards and civet cats. Birds
include the
green junglefowl, peacocks, bee eaters, kingfishers and owls. The
park is
billed as 'Indonesia's African Safari Park', and it is
surprisingly
reminiscent of parts of Australia or African savannah, with dry
grasslands
bordered by coastal mangrove. The dormant Ijen Plateau, north-east
of Baluran, has a magnificent turquoise sulphur lake, and is a
popular destination for trekkers.
Getting There & Away
Jakarta is Indonesia's busiest international airport and is the
hub of the
domestic air network. The departure tax on international flights
is around
US$10; on domestic flights it's around US$4, but is usually
included in the
ticket price. Be sure to reconfirm bookings at least 72 hours
before
departure. A ferry shuttles between Ketapang in eastern Java and
the
west-Balinese port of Gilimanuk. Boat/bus combination tickets
between Yogya
or Surabaya and Denpasar in Bali can be purchased. There are
numerous
ships/ferries between Java and various ports in Sumatra. The
Merak-Bakauheni
ferry is probably the most popular. There are also ships between
Jakarta and
Singapore via the Indonesian island of Tanjung Pinang.
Getting Around
There's no reason to fly around Java unless you want an aerial
view of the
island's spectacular volcanoes. There are a number of domestic
airlines,
including Garuda, the national carrier, Merpati, Sempati and
Bouraq. A tax
of 10% and a domestic departure tax of between 5500 rp and 11,000
rp is
added to the fare. It's essential to reconfirm your ticket since
overbooking
of flights is common.
Buses are the main form of inter-city transportation. They range
from slow,
crowded, ordinary public buses to convenient, quick and
comfortable luxury
services. Small minibuses cover shorter routes, backroads and
inner-city
destinations. Like the buses, they range from pack-'em-in
sweatboxes to a
good network of door-to-door minibuses.
Java has a pretty good rail service running from one end of the
island to
the other. In the east (at Ketapang), it connects with the ferry
to Bali; in
the west (at Merak), it connects with the ferry to Sumatra. The
two main
lines run between Jakarta and Surabaya - one via Yogya and Solo;
the other,
shorter route via Semarang. Choose your train carefully for
comfort and
speed. They range from cheap, squalid cattle trains to reasonably
comfortable expresses.
Cars can be hired in Jakarta, but rates are triple those in the
West and
you'll need the patience of a saint and the concentration powers
of a grand
chess master to drive on Java's busy main roads. There appear to
be no road
rules, but a form of logic does exist: drive on the left, and give
way to
anything bigger than you, more or less sums it up. It's best to
hire a car
or minibus with a driver, and private operators can arrange this
for a
fraction of self-drive rates. Motorbikes are readily available for
hire
across Java, but make sure that you're a competent rider because
your skills
will be tested. Bicycles can be rented in tourist centres; they're
mainly for nipping around town - not for touring the island.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Jakarta,
the capital city of the Republic
of Indonesia, is located on the northern coast of West Java.
Jakarta also enjoys status as a province consisting of Greater
Jakarta and covering an area of 25,498 square miles (63,744sq.km).
Jakarta is believed to have been founded in the 16th century by
Prince Fatahillah, who named the city Jayakarta meaning Glorious
Victory. The Dutch East Indies Company captured the city in
1619, changing its name to Batavia. During World War II, it
was invaded by the Japanese who changed the name back to Jakarta as
a gesture aimed at winning the sympathy of the Indonesians.
Today Jakarta is the nerve center of the country. It is the
seat of the central government. The world's ideas, technology and
fashion first reach Indonesia through Jakarta, as Indonesia's main
gateway is here at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The
city reflects the national motto "Unity in Diversity," as
the population is a blend of all the ethnic and cultural groups
found throughout Indonesia. It has the country's most
expensive buildings as well as dark and gloomy slums. Jakarta
is equally home to the most educated among Indonesians as well to as
many of the country's completely illiterate citizens.
The capital city's attractions are historic museums, colonial
architecture, traditional temples and bustling markets in obscure
corners of the city.
LOCAL
CUSTOMS
General:
Indonesians never show their anger openly. Loud voices are
particularly offensive. The more important and vehement the
subject under discussion, the quieter an Indonesian voice is likely
to become.
It is rude to point with your forefinger; instead, use your right
thumb for pointing. The left hand is considered unclean, so never
use it to touch someone or to give and receive things.
The feet are considered the lowliest part of the body. It is a
serious offense to sit with the soles of your feet facing people or
to use your feet to point to something on the ground.
Business:
Indonesians tend to be late for appointments, so be prepared to
wait. Meetings are usually held at your contact's office or in
your hotel lobby.
When meeting an Indonesian, shake hands and smile along with giving
a greeting in Indonesian appropriate to the time of day.
Business cards are exchanged immediately after introduction.
Businessmen rarely wear jackets because of the heat in Indonesia.
A shirt and tie are often appropriate. Safari-style leisure
suits are comfortable and accepted.
Women tend to dress modestly because of Muslim tradition.
Makeup and perfume are acceptable, if used moderately.
MEDIA
Daily
English-language newspapers are the "Indonesian Observer,"
the "Jakarta Post," the "Indonesian Times" and
the "Surabaya Post." "Time" and
"Newsweek" are readily available in the country and are no
longer more censored.
Indonesia has many TV channels, which provide round the clock news
and entertainment. Most
hotels also offer 24-hour CNN satellite news. On the radio,
Voice of Indonesia, 117.9 AM and 151.5 FM, broadcasts news at 9am
and 4pm.
CURRENCY
The
Indonesian monetary unit is called the Rupiah. Notes are
issued in the values of Rp1,000, Rp5,000, Rp10,000, Rp20,000, Rp50,000 and Rp100,000.
Coins are issued in the values of Rp100, Rp200 and Rp500.
Map
of Jakarta
THINGS TO KNOW
Population:
9,000,000
Primary Industries: Manufactures shoes and clothing,
petroleum and mining.
City Code: 021
Shop Hours: 8am to 9pm daily. Sunday is a public
holiday, but some shops are open for part of the day.
Bank Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am or 8:30am to 4pm.
Shops are usually closed Saturdays.
Time Zone: Jakarta is on West Indonesian Time, which is 7
hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
Tipping: Hotels and most restaurants add a service
charge of 10% to the bill, although a tip is always very much
appreciated. If no service charge was added, a tip of 5% to
10% is appropriate.
Porters: Rp5000 per bag.
Taxis: Minimum of Rp1,500.
WEATHER
CONDITIONS
Indonesia has
a tropical climate with two main seasons: a dry season from
May to September, and a wet season from October to April. The
heaviest rainfall occurs in December and January. The
average temperature in Jakarta is 80ΊF (27ΊC) during the day and
75ΊF (25ΊC) at night.
Please click on the weather icon on your screen for the current
weather condition in Jakarta.
CITY
ORIENTATION
At the center
of Jakarta lies Medan Merdeka (Freedom Square), a large square
crossed by broad ceremonial boulevards, with the National Monument
towering in the middle. To the north of the city center lies
Ancol and the Java Sea. Ancol houses the major tourist
complex, Ancol Dreamland and Fantasy Complex.
The main street of Jakarta connects Medan Merdeka with Kebayoran
Baru, which is a suburb of Jakarta. Many international hotels,
office buildings, theaters, restaurants and nightclubs are on this
street. To the east lie the older colonial residential areas
of Menteng, Cikini and Gondangdia, with their luxurious mansions and
tidy, tree-shaded streets. Jalan Imam Bonjol/Jalan Diponegoro
is called the "Embassy Row," lined with many of the finest
mansions in Jakarta. Many shops, boutiques and restaurants are
in this area, as is TIM (Taman Ismail Marzuki), the arts/cultural
center of Jakarta.
LOCATION
Jakarta is
located at the northwestern coast of the island of Java on a bay
called the Bay of Jakarta.
SIGHTS
For more
information on the following attractions, contact:
Jakarta City Government Tourism Office
Diparda DKI Jakarta
Jalan Abdurrohim 2
Kuningan Barat
Jakarta 12710
(021)510738
(021)511073
(021)511369
or contact:
Visitor Information Center
Jakarta Theater Building
Jalan M.H. Thamrin No. 9
Jakarta Pusat 10340
(021)332067
(021)354094
(021)364093
Fantasy Land
In Fantasy Land you are taken on a journey of Old Jakarta,
Africa, America, Indonesia, Europe, Asia and the Palace of the
Dolls. It is located inside Ancol Dreamland (Taman Impian Jaya
Ancol).
Jalan Lodan Timur
Ancol
(021)681512
Gareja Immanuel
An attractive circular domed church built by Dutch Protestants
in the classical style in 1835.
Jalan Pajembon
Indonesia in Miniature Park
This 400 acre (160 hectare) cultural park has pavilions in the
shape of traditional houses from each of the 27 provinces.
Every Sunday there is a regional dance performance in one of the
pavilions. Also within the park is an aviary, Museum Indonesia
and the Keong Emas theater.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah - Jl Raya Pondok Gede Kramat Jati
(021)8400022
Itiqlal Mosque
This is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia
Located near Banteng Square
Jaya Ancol Dreamland
(Taman Impian Jaya Ancol)
This dreamland occupies 343 acres (137 hectares) of former
marshland, right by the sea. It has a resort hotel, art market
and gallery, restaurant, hawker stalls, nightclubs and various other
entertainment facilities.
Keong Emas Imax Theater
Located within Indonesia in Miniature Park, this theater is in
the shape of a golden snail. It features a film on Indonesia.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah - Jl Raya Pondok Gede Kramat Jati
National Monument
The monument is a 137-meter-high (449ft) stylization of the
ancient Hindu Linnga/Yoni symbolizing fertility. You can take
an elevator to the top where, from the viewing platform, you may
observe Jakarta.
Located in Merdeka Square
(021)681512
Ragunan Zoo
Officially known as the Ragunan Wildlife Reserve. The zoo
has over 3,600 animals and birds, including the Komodo lizard.
Soekarno-Hatta Monument
Dedicated to Soekarno (in the West, spelled Sukarno) and Hattam,
the nation's leaders who proclaimed Indonesia's independence in
1945. The monument is made of bronze built to last many years.
Jalan Stasiun Manggarai
Sunda Kelapa Harbor
This harbor marks the beginnings of Jakarta's history. The
harbor is still functioning today. You will see the
magnificent Bugis schooners (still used for inter-island trade).
Relics from the days of the spice trade are still available for
observation.
TIM Cultural Center
(Taman Ismail Marzuki Cultural Center)
This complex is the place to see cultural performances of music,
dance, and drama. The center has six modern theaters,
exhibition halls and galleries, an archives building, a planetarium
and an Art Academy. TIM is named after Ismail Marzuki, a
native of Jakarta, who composed many of Indonesia's patriotic songs.
PARKS
Orchard
Garden
A landscaped garden with thousands of orchard species and
varieties native to Indonesia. Inside a mini-laboratory, you
can learn how to produce orchards and cross seeds.
Slipi
Senayan Amusement Park
This park has an artificial lake for boating, canoeing and boat
cycling. Jalan Pintu Delpapan
MUSEUMS
Jakarta
Museum
Exhibits display Old Batavia's history (Batavia being the name
the Dutch gave Jakarta). An old Portuguese cannon, known as Si
Jagur, stands in front of the museum. Many Indonesians believe
it has mystical powers.
Fatahilla Square
Museum Bahari (Maritime Museum)
Exhibitions display Indonesia's maritime history. It is housed
in two former Dutch East Indies warehouses.
11th Jalan Pasar Ikan
(021)6692476
Museum Wayang (Puppet Museum)
The museum contains wayang puppets from all over Indonesia,
Malaysia, Thailand and China. Wagang are famous shadow puppet
plays (or shows that dramatize life with its contradictions and
anomalies and teach the meaning and purpose of life) that depict
Javanese history and folklore. On Sunday mornings there are
performances of Wayang Kulit shadow plays.
Pintu Besar Utara (021)279560
Museum of Natural History
Jalan Silang Monas
(021)681512
National Museum
The museum has a great collection of Chinese ceramics, and Hindu
Japanese art. The treasure room is open to the public on
Sunday mornings.
Jalan Merdeka Barat 12
(021)360976
Textile Museum
This is a collection of over 327 types of textiles, consisting
of various batik and woven products. A workshop within,
demonstrates the process of making batik.
Jalan Satsuit Tubun 4(021)593909
TOURS
& CHARTERS
Before you
leave for Indonesia, contact the Indonesian Hotel Network at http://www.aseansearch.com/hotels/indonesia.html
to assist you in planning an authentic Indonesian experience.
Jakarta's tourist service has established a Tour Center that
provides various tours of Jakarta (offered by different tour
operators). The center is open seven days a week and operated
on a "walk-in" basis, or you can make advance bookings via
your hotel's front office.
Tour Center
Lapangan Banteng
(Banteng Square)
Located in the center of the square.
TOUR
OPERATOR
Panorama Tours
DMC
Jl. Tanjung Selor 17, Jakarta Barat 10150
Phone : 62-61 630 8150
Fax : 62-61 6386 2018
e-mail : dmc@indosat.net.id
website : www.panorama-tours.com
SHOPPING
Bargaining is
a must in this country, so, before you buy anything, ask around to
determine the correct price for an item or service. For luxury
items such as jewelry and paintings, start out with one-quarter of
the asking price. For essentials like groceries, toiletries
and room rental, start off at three-quarters of the asking price,
but be flexible. Your position is strongest when you appear
not to care. When you have offered the highest price you are
willing to pay, walking away as a last resort always works.
Just smile, shrug your shoulders and walk slowly away. Often
the seller will call you back and agree to your last bid.
Finally, it is rude to continue to bargain after a deal has been
struck, a service rendered or an item bought.
Batik:
Indonesia's most renowned textile craft is made using a
"wax-resist" method. Wax is applied to the cloth in
order to resist the dye. The quality of the cloth used is
always an important determinant of the price.
Batik Hajadi
Jalan Palmerah Utara 46
(021)540656
Batik Mira
Jalan M.P.R. Raya 22
(021)761138
Batik Semar
Jalan Tomang Raya 54
(021)593514
Hayadi
Jalan Palmerah Utara 46
(021)540656
Iwan Tirta
Jalan Panarukan 25
(021)349122
Batik Keris
Jalan HOS Coroaminoto 87-89
(021)334 516
Antiques, Souvenirs and Art shops:
Before you go to any antique shop, try to learn as much as you
can so you can discern the real gems from the artificial. Most
antique stores are cluttered and disorganized, so you really have to
dig around.
Arjuna Craft Shop
Jalan Majapahit 66 A
(021)344251
Bandung Art Shop
Jalan Pasar Baru 18
(021)362722
Djelita Art Shop
Jalan Falatehan I-37
(021)770347
Garuda NV
Jalan Majapahit 12
(021)342712
Indonesian Bazaar
Jakarta Hilton Hotel
Jalan Jend. Gatot Subroto
(021)587981
King's Gallery
Jalan H. Agus Salim 55
(021)323316
Lucky Art Shop
Jalan Ciputat Raya 2
(021)742774
Pura Art Shop
Jalan Falatehan I-43
(021)773173
Jewelry:
Many jewelry shops in Jakarta design and produce their own gold
and silver on site. Although their prices are a little bit
higher, those who are interested in Indonesian gems readily
recognize that the superior quality of the materials and the
designs.
Ana Gold
Gadah Mada Plaza 1/F-39
Jalan Gajah Mada
(021)341437
SCL Jewelry
Gajah Mada Plaza 1/F4-5
Jalan Gajah Mada
(021)346452
SPORTS
Try one of
the following places for athletics or recreation:
Golf:
Halim Golf Course
Lanuma Halim Perdanakusuma
(021)800729
Jakarta Golf Club
Rawamungan Muka Raya
(021)4891208
Padang Golf Jaya Ancol
Jalan Lodan Timur Ancol
(021)681121
Kebayoran Golf Course
Asia African Senayan
(021)582508
Pondok Indah Golf and Country Club
Jalan Metro Pondok Indah
(021)764906
Sawangan Country Club
Jalan Raya Sawangan-Parung
(021)742193
Bowling:
Jaya Ancol Bowling Center
Jalan Lodan Timur
(021)681511
Monas Bowling Center
Jalan Silang Monas
(021)3840453
Kebayoran Baru Bowling Center
Jalan Kebayoran Baru Blok M.
(021)703208
Swimming:
Jaya Ancol Dreamland
Jalan Lodan Timur
(021)681511
Senayan Swimming Pool
Gelora Senayan, Stadium Utama Senayan
(021)5734070
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Jalan Raya Pondok Gede Kramat Jati
(021)8400525
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