There are so many attractions and interesting places to visit, but Jakarta is still my favourite one. It is not only loaded with touristy stuff but also a place of heavenly food and pastry. The secret is spices.
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Jakarta is the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia and is the center of government. My first impression of Jakarta is a crowded place with traffic everywhere. I had anticipated myself to use public transportation, but when I was there it was not as bad as I thought before. Frankly, I still have families that are willing to take me everywhere. It is always good to have companions. I almost went to everywhere: the beach, museum, malls, restaurants, and bargain places. Generally, Indonesia is a nice country. It is a place for tourism with affordable prices. Especially, people there are famous with their hospitality.
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| Favourite spots: |
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The favourite spots in Jakarta are National Museum that is located in Merdeka square, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (Ancol Dreamland), Mangga Dua, a bargain place from clothings to electronics, and last but not least is Satay Sabang where satay vendors open at night along the Sabang street.
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| What's really great: |
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On 24 April 1778, a group of Dutch intellectual established a scientific institution under the name Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen (Batavia Society for Arts and Science), a private body to promote research in the field of arts and science, especially in history, archaeology, ethnography and physics, and publish the various findings. National Museum was officially opened in 1868 and became known as Gedung Gajah (Elephant House) or Gedung Arca ( House of Statutes). Elephant House was named after the bronze elephant statute in front of the yard donated by King Chulalongkorn from Thailand in 1871. It is also called House of Statutes because there are great variety of statues from different period, from stone to bronze era.
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| Sights: |
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National Monumen (Monas) is a must to see. Standing at 132 meters and topped with 35 kilograms of gold, this imposing obelisk is Jakarta's most famous landmark. It is located in "Lapangan Merdeka" (Merdeka Park). It has a wonderful park and a museum of Declaration of Independence 1945 inside the Monumen. In addition to several museums is the heart of the old Dutch town at 'Taman Fatahillah'. Sunda Kelapa, is the old harbour from which merchantmen from all over the world come and go. Then, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (Ancol Dreamland) offers a lot of attraction beside a beautiful beach view. Its prime attraction is Fantasyland, an amusement park that keeps children, and even elders entertained. It remains me with Disneyland in California.
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| Accommodations: |
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I like to stay in a guest house. My recommendation to stay in Jakarta is with family if you have ones. Jakarta is a heaven for eating and shopping. Eating because of there are a lot of variety of food from different regions from soto Betawi (Jakarta) to sate Padang (Sumatra) and countries from sushi (Japan) to MacDonald (USA). Shopping because Indonesia is a bargainland for shoppers like me.
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| Nightlife: |
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Taman Ismail Marzuki is another place to go. In the day time, it serves as Planetarium and Conservatorium. At night and weekend, it opens sometime for performances from local artists and musicians.
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| Hangouts: |
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You can check out cafe's Venesia or Starbucks either to sip a cup of coffee or just to hangout with friends.
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| Restaurants: |
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My favourite places to eat are satay Sabang in Sabang street and seafood in Pecenongan.
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| Other recommendations: |
Take a weekend charter to Anak Krakatoa, and compare it to Captain Cook's 1773 description. The night-time southern sky is not something you will soon forget.
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Published on Monday August 27th, 2007
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Sun, Sep 02 2007 - 03:55 PM
 by mistybleu
Lydia, an interesting report with some nice facts. Thanks for sharing.
Amanda |
Tue, Aug 28 2007 - 04:02 AM
 by marianne
| Nice report about an interesting city. I'd love to see a photo of Monas.Could you add one? |
Mon, Aug 27 2007 - 11:06 AM
by rangutan
| A very good first report, well done! Such a large city with so many attractions, I thought the report can be expanded but then - my reports are short too! |
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