When you first set foot in Jakarta, you may experience a wave of anxiety. The reason: if a prize existed for the world’s most aggressively sprawling city, the Indonesian capital might win it.
Nicknamed the Big Durian after the reeking fruit, Jakarta is the shock-to-the-senses reverse of balmy Bali: a sweltering monster metropolis that hosts 10 million people – even more than the Big Smoke, London. One source effectively summed Jakarta up as traffic, filth and mayhem.
But, amid the hurly burly, Jakarta has its share of hotspots and havens worth exploring. Most visitors take taxis, which are cheap and capable of gaining some momentum. Just remember to establish that you driver knows where he is going before you jump in.
Ancol Dream Park (Taman Impian Jaya Ancol)
Monstrous like the city itself, Jakarta’s Dream Park contains a fantasy world and the largest aquarium in South East Asia, among other lures that make Ancol one of Asia’s biggest tourist magnets. Ancol is “full-on”, as the British say, but if you visit Jakarta, you have to see it, precisely because it is so over-the-top.
Entry: weekdays: Rp. 133; weekends: Rp. 163.000.
Museum Wayang (Puppet Museum)
This bewitching attraction set in an old Dutch church revolves around one of Indonesia's leading traditional art forms: puppetry ('wayang' means 'puppet show'). The museum contains wafer-thin shadow puppets, three-dimensional wooden puppets and dance masks along with gamelan bells that make Indonesia’s signature spooky music. Jalan Pintu Besar Utara 27, Old Batavia, Jakarta. Tel: 62 21 692 9560; www.museumwayang.com.
Ragunan Zoo
Set 16 kilometers south of the city centre, Ragunan Zoo occupies a lush tropical setting and hosts several thousand animals, including classic Indonesian critters such as Komodo dragons. Although some enclosures are cramped, Ragunan is still easily Indonesia’s most intriguing zoo diligently developed over time. Ragunan dates back to 1864. Endangered species bred there include the Sumatran tiger and bird-of-paradise.
Jalan Surabaya (antique shopping)
This open-air antique market stands on the fringes of Menteng District where US President Obama lived for a bit. Jalan Surabaya’s centrality makes it a cinch to reach by taxi or 'bajaj': Indonesia’s mutant answer to the tuk-tuk taxi. Jalan Surabaya serves as the stage for a swathe of stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs – some Balinese, some Javanese, some Dutch-colonial, others beyond classification.
Kemang
Set in the south of town, Kemang is awash with restaurants that span the global spectrum. Think Mexican, Italian, French, Lebanese, even Brazilian, along with 'ethnic' local fare. Eclectic. Plus, Kemang scores points on the night life clubbing side. Despite the bustle, with its art galleries and houses designed in traditional style, Kemang manages to look attractive, inviting comparisons with Bali’s Kuta.
Getting there: International and domestic flights run from snazzy and efficient Soekarno-Hatta international airport: the obvious entry point. Alternatively, if you want to be green and save cash, you can get to Jakarta by train. The city has four stations. If you approach by bus, expect slow progress and delays.
No comments:
Post a Comment