Jakarta|Encounter the Nanyang Charm in Indonesia's Capital
Jakarta, as the capital of Indonesia, is a vibrant city full of unique charm. It has a tropical rainforest climate, with high temperatures and frequent rain throughout the year. The average annual temperature is around 26°C, making it suitable to explore the city's diverse attractions in all seasons. Now, let's step into Jakarta and start an exciting journey together!
Must-Visit Attractions
1. National Monument: The iconic landmark of Jakarta, standing tall at 137 meters in the center of Merdeka Square. The flame sculpture at the top of the monument is made of 35 kilograms of pure gold, shining brilliantly under the sun. Climb up to the observation deck to overlook the entire city and feel the blend of historical heritage and modern vibes. The surrounding square is spacious and serves as an important place for locals to relax and hold events. Taking photos here is truly meaningful📸
2. Thousand Islands: Located not far from Jakarta, the Thousand Islands consist of over 1,000 islands. Each island has its unique scenery; some have fine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving, allowing you to get close to colorful corals and tropical fish🐠; others are covered with dense tropical rainforests, full of mysterious atmosphere. You can choose to take a boat tour to visit several islands and enjoy the leisurely time of sunshine, sandy beaches, and blue seas🌊
3. Istiqlal Mosque: The largest mosque in Southeast Asia, with a grand and magnificent architectural style, capable of accommodating 200,000 worshippers at the same time. The mosque’s exterior is solemn and majestic, while the interior is exquisitely decorated, with a huge dome and beautiful murals that are breathtaking. Proper attire is required to enter, and women need to wear headscarves. Here, you can experience a strong religious atmosphere and cultural charm🙏
4. Jakarta Old Town: Also known as Kota Tua, it preserves many Dutch colonial buildings, such as Fatahillah Square and the Jakarta History Museum. Walking through the old town feels like traveling back in time, with ancient buildings and narrow streets full of historical charm. The square hosts many street performers, and you can also taste local specialty snacks, experiencing a rich local lifestyle🏰
Taste of Jakarta
1. Satay: A signature Indonesian dish, marinated meats (such as chicken, beef, or lamb) are skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal, then served with a special satay sauce. The flavor is sweet and savory, and the meat is tender and juicy🥩. Satay stalls can be found everywhere in Jakarta’s streets and alleys.
2. Gado-gado: An Indonesian-style salad made of various vegetables (such as bean sprouts, cucumber, lettuce), tofu, boiled eggs, and other ingredients, topped with rich peanut sauce. It has a rich texture and balanced nutrition🥗.
3. Indonesian Fried Rice: A traditional Indonesian dish where rice is stir-fried with chicken, shrimp, eggs, vegetables, and various sauces and spices. It tastes delicious and aromatic🍚. Many restaurants offer different flavors of Indonesian fried rice to choose from.
4. Fried Banana: Bananas coated in batter and deep-fried until the outside is golden and crispy, while the inside is sweet and soft. It is a common street snack in Jakarta and perfect as a dessert after meals🍌
Important Tips
1. Climate and Protection: Jakarta is hot and rainy all year round, so remember to bring rain gear and sun protection items such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Also, due to the hot weather, stay hydrated to prevent heatstroke🥵
2. Religious Customs: Indonesia is a predominantly Islamic country, so respect local religious customs. When entering mosques or other religious places, follow the rules such as dressing appropriately and removing shoes.
3. Food Hygiene: When trying local food, choose restaurants and stalls with good hygiene to avoid stomach discomfort from unclean food. Drink bottled water as much as possible and avoid raw or cold foods🍜
4. Transportation: Jakarta’s traffic is quite congested, so plan your routes in advance. You can take taxis, ride-hailing cars, or public transportation such as buses and the metro. When taking taxis, make sure to use official taxis and ask the driver to use the meter for fare calculation🚕
5. Safety: In crowded places, keep your belongings safe to prevent theft. Avoid going out alone at night, especially in remote areas. In case of emergency, call the local emergency number📞
Jakarta, this charming city, offers rich history and culture, beautiful natural scenery, and tempting cuisine. Come here and start your own Nanyang-style adventure!😉