Why Jakarta: Indonesia Holiday Deals

Things to do in Jakarta

A Jakarta holiday primarily revolves around cultural and gastronomic experiences. That’s not to say beachside leisure and jungle adventures are entirely off the chart. Guests can spend hours upon hours exploring and sampling the urban brilliance that is Jakarta. Explore Kota Tua (the old town) – a legacy of the country’s colonial past. Visit urban monuments like Monumen Nasional to get a feel of Indonesian patriotism, head to Grand Indonesia – a homegrown mecca for retail therapy and later, explore the colourful nightlife.

As the country’s capital, artists and artisans have always found patronage in Jakarta. Unsurprisingly, the metropolis is home to many art shows and museums that don’t just showcase local talent but routinely host international artists. At the National Gallery of Indonesia, visitors can explore contemporary and traditional art and get insights into local craftsmanship at the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics. The Wayang Museum showcases shadow puppetry, a popular medium for enacting folktales. Plus, guests will absolutely not want to miss out on lively Gamelan performances that are known to excite and enthral in equal measure.

Local markets and food joints are an intrinsic part of the Jakartan experience. So much so that a trip here remains incomplete without doing the above. Jakarta’s local markets are lively to begin with. A multitude of voices, the scent of fresh produce, the wares at display, and the taste of spices in the air make for an unbeatable potpourri. Don’t be alarmed to see locals jovially haggling over prices. It’s part of the experience and something guests should do, if making a purchase. While high-street establishments cater to sweet tooth and international flavours, the flavours of Jakarta are to be found in its street-carts and hole-in-the-wall joints. Nasi Goreng – Indonesia’s take on fried rice, is now popular the world over and other spicy delights like Satay and Rendang are quickly catching up. In fact, foodies will greatly appreciate a tour of Jakarta’s Chinatown – Glodok. Its alleys and arroyos are home to scents of fresh spices and mouth-watering fusion and authentic Sino-Indonesian dishes.

Before going back, guests are recommended to check out the Thousand Islands. A quick boat ride away, the island’s powdery sands, clear waters and warm hospitality is a world away from Jakarta’s urban sprawl and congestion. Spend a day or two at the resorts here, explore the local flora and fauna, take lazy walks on the reefs, pamper yourself with relaxing massages and sip on choicest cocktails while appreciating a tropical sunset or two.

Top 5 experiences in Jakarta

It’s hard to decide on top 5 experiences, especially when the destination is as vibrant as Jakarta. Nonetheless, our travel experts emphasise on the following:

1. Visit Taman Fatahillah to appreciate Dutch architecture and learn of the metropolis’s colonial past.
2. See Masjid Istiqlal, a contemporary mosque and a beautiful medley of Persian, Ottoman and Indonesian architecture. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, provided they dress modestly when visiting.
3. Walk down the halls of Galeri Nasional and appreciate the many works of art by local and foreign artists.
4. Enjoy a day of tropical relaxation with a quick day trip to the thousand islands or stay a day or two for an elaborate experience.
5. Lastly, stroll through the alleys of Glodok. Take in the sights, sounds and smells before heading to the nearest hole-in-the-wall joint for some excellent Sino-Indonesian delicacy.