Jakarta Vacations - Java, Indonesia

Quite frankly, Jakarta is not an attractive city: a sweltering, steaming, heaving mass of some 10 million people packed into a vast urban sprawl, the contrast between the obscene wealth of Indonesia's elite and the appalling poverty of the urban poor is incredible, with tinted-window BMWs turning left at the Gucci shop into muddy lanes full of begging street children and corrugated iron shacks. The city's traffic is in perpetual gridlock, its polluted air is matched only by the smells of burning garbage and open sewers, and safety is a concern especially at night. There are few sights to speak of and most visitors transit as quickly as possible.

All that said, while initially a bit overwhelming, if you can withstand the pollution and can afford to indulge in her charms, you can discover what is also one of Asia's most exciting cities. There is plenty to do in Jakarta, from cosmopolitan shopping at Plaza Senayan to one of the hippest nightlife scenes in Southeast Asia.

Keep in mind that rules and regulations are very rarely enforced in all aspects of life in Jakarta. This is not so much an encouragement for you, but an explanation on why many of its citizens act so haphazardly, particularly on the road.

More information on Jakarta Travel at Wikitravel.org

Things To Do in Jakarta

Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta
Once known as Pasar Ikan (Fish Market), Sunda Kelapa was the early

16th-century trading post from which the Dutch domination of Indonesia

began and flourished.
Attraction type: Wharf/pier/boardwalk; Historic walking area;

Landmark/point of interest

National Museum, Jakarta
In 1778, the Batavia Society for Arts and Science established what

would become, after many expansions and name changes,

the world-famous National Museum.
Attraction type: Museum

Fatahillah Museum, Jakarta
Also called the Museum of Old Batavia, Fatahillah Museum

occupies the old town hall and contains artifacts, weapons and an old jail.
Attraction type: Museum

Textile Museum (Museum Tekstil), Jakarta
At this museum tourists learn the history and methods of the

traditional art of Javanese batik.
Attraction type: Specialty museum

Mesjid Jami Annawir, Jakarta
Attraction type: Religious site