The sprawling metropolis of Jakarta first started its life as the trading port of Sunda Kelapa and a centre for the pepper trade, and later under the Dutch occupation became known asBatavia. Jakarta is the largest city in Indonesia with a metropolitan population of more than 23 million people and is the eleventh largest city in the world. Actually, the entire area of the metropolis is known with the acronym ofJabodetabek and comprises Jakarta city, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi. If you look at a map of Java you will see that Jakarta is located on the north-western coast of the island at the mouth of the Ciliwung River on Jakarta Baywith this river being the most important as it divides the western and eastern sections of the city. Jakarta has the honor of special status as the capital of Indonesia or Daerah Istemewa Jakarta. In the Bay of Jakarta is located Pulau Seribuor Thousand Islands group and is a tourist destination providing excellent diving and white sandy beaches albeit an expensive place to holiday. The capital is divided five sections (Central, West, South, East and North Jakarta) and four outlying suburban areas of Tangerang, Bogor, Depok and Bekasi. Jakartans have a unique language indigenous to the city known as Betawi.Attractions
Jakarta has some of the finest museums and galleries in Indonesia scattered around the city. Quite a few are within walking distance of each other and the entry fees are quite minimal. The city is also steeped in history from its very beginning to the Dutch occupation and present day. There are numerous historical sites worth visiting and my favourite being Sunda Kelapa with its old warehouses dating back from the Dutch East India Company. There is an excellent museum guide and can be bought at most bookshops.
Transportation
There are numerous ways to get around Jakarta even by car but of that I would not recommend as the traffic is horrendous and the traffic jams deplorable. Not only that, Jakarta is a nightmare to navigate in with one-way streets and crazy freeways. Taxis are a good option but then again, you will still be travelling through the chaos that is Jakarta thoroughfares. There are a multitude of taxi companies and by far the best being Bluebird mainly because they use their meters!. Other taxi companies that run a close second to Bluebird are Cendrawasih, Morante and Pusaka Nuri taxis.
The train system is another option although it is a little bit left to be desired as there have been reports of crime and sexual harassment during the busy hours. There is a monorail system of sorts, but for general use of the train outside rush hours, it is good to get around the city and to the various tourist sites. Just use your common sense as far as security is concerned and this applies to all forms of public transport.
The Transjakarta Busway system is a functional and comfortable form of public transport but again, avoid the rush hours. The system is user-friendly with station announcements and an LED display inside the vehicles. The buses run from 5am to 10pm daily and transfers between lines are free.
For my money and the better way to get around is by using the Bajaj The crazy-looking and orang coloured scooters are in the form of tricycles that carry passengers in a small cabin at the rear. Since they can weave through Jakarta’s traffic jams, they are a great way to get around town albeit in a slow manner, hot and very bone-shaking. These scooters are a set price for short hops around town and for Rp6,000 you really can’t complain about that. Ojeks are another form of transport that can zip around the city in ease. Ojek services are guys with bikes who will usually take you short distances down alleys and roads. Agree on the fare before you set off.
The latest addition to solve Jakarta’s traffic mayhem has been the introduction water taxis. This service is good and uses canals as a medium for public transportation. They are managed by the Transjakarta Busway system and so linking into them from a train or bus is ideal way to mix your transportation around town.
Then there is my favourite way of getting around the city and one that won’t cost you money and that is by walking. Some people would say that walking around the centre of Jakarta is not recommended, but in general, I have found it quite safe. But, muggings do happen in Jakarta and on a frequent basis in the poorer areas and so, as I mentioned before, use common sense when walking around. So be aware when using overhead bridges, even in the daytime.
Accommodation
There is a plethora of accommodation in Jakarta to suit any budget, and in fact, there really is an over supply of places to stay so you will never be caught out not finding a place to plonk your head. A majority of budget travellers head toJalan Jaksa. It seems to be a mecca for them. The best of the mid-range and upper-priced hotels are located near or in the city centre.
Eating in Jakarta
For some unknown reason it appears to more expensive to eat in Jakarta than anywhere else in the archipelago. Might seem stupid but that’s the way it is. There are an enormous amount of restaurants and warungs that serve foods not only from around Java but also from the archipelago. Be sure to try the Jakarta cuisine for its unique tastes. There are also plenty of night markets scattered around the city.
Tourist Information
Jakarta City Government Tourism Office,
Jl. Kuningan Barat No. 2,
Tel. +62-21-5205455
Email: info@jakarta-tourism.go.id
Emergency Numbers
Ambulance: 118.
Police: 110.
Search and rescue team: 115.
Indonesian Police HQ:
Jl. Trunojoyo 3, South Jakarta.
Tel.: (62)(21) 7218144.
Jakarta Police HQ:
Jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 45,
South Jakarta.
Tel.: (62)(21) 5709261.
Photo Credit: www.proairticket.com
Located on the western end of the island of Papua and the furthest eastern province of Indonesia, West Papua is often referred to as the last bastion ofadventure travel in the archipelago. Don’t let that deter you from travelling there because as a province it has so much to offer tourists with all manner of tastes in travel. Stunning beaches with warm ocean waters lapping the shores and mountain ranges seemingly rising to the heavens, intriguing nature reserves, stunning jungles and some of the most ancient, primal tribes on the planet can be found on this amazing section of Indonesia. The province covers the Bird’s Head Peninsula and surrounding islands and with a population of approximately 800,000, it makes it one of the least populous of all Indonesian provinces. The capital of West Papua is in Manokwari and is a fabulous place in itself. There are all types of accommodation available in the cities and surrounding villages and a stay with some of the locals will prove to be one experience you will never forget but only treasure.
The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the north-western tip of the province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world. Four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands area known as the Bird’s Head functional seascape, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia. Raja Ampat are the richest in the world. The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease – threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection. Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species (a remarkable 96% of all scleratinia recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands), and 699 mollusks species, the variety of marine life is staggering. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs. In Mansuar, it’s highly likely you’ll encounter large groups of manta rays and turtles. From the boat and often close to shore you may get the chance to don your snorkelling gear for some unforgettable interaction with resident pods of dolphins or even some passing whales.
