Why you should visit Jakarta

As the capital of Indonesia, the bustling city of Jakarta is a holidaymaker’s best friend, owing largely to a number of factors which range from aromatic cuisine, splendid museums and a good amount of accommodation options that would suit all budgets and preferences. Have a look at these reasons which make Jakarta a must when thinking of touring through Southeast Asia.

Great-tasting food

A huge part of travelling through Jakarta is the chance to sample its food which comes in all forms and complements diverse palates, beginning from its street food, other Southeast Asian dishes to celebrated names in global cuisine. If looking for outstanding oceanfront dining, then make a date with Bandar Djakarta which is a seafood restaurant that features a menu made up of lobsters, crabs and a good number of fish-based servings. Patrons can choose their mains straight out of an aquarium and have an Indonesian chef cook up a storm for them. For a good dose of culture and luxury where floor-to-ceilings windows and batik tiles are depicted in harmony with each other, make way for a trip to Plataran Dharmawangsa. Having settled down, you may pick and choose from a wide array of traditional dishes, desserts and refreshing cocktails. Set within a colonial era edifice is Tugu Kunstkring Paleis which merges captivating Javanese décor with European baroque style details and is where diners will be treated to a diverse selection of food inspired by local, Asian and Dutch schools of thought.

A magnet for shopaholics

Ardent retail therapy followers will be motivated to remain within Jakarta on the back of there being a lengthy list of shopping malls and budget-friendly enclaves to come into contact with. The city’s shopping mall culture is growing by leaps and bounds with as many as 150 well-appointed malls scattered throughout the city limits where you may literally, shop till you drop! Found within a multipurpose complex, the Grand Indonesia stays true to its name as it continues to serve as a meeting point for shoppers keen to get their hands on the latest fashion labels and accessories such as Adidas, Armani Exchange Alun Alun Indonesia. Furthermore, the high-end shopper would do well to spend time inside Plaza Indonesia which covers 7 levels of luxury stores & boutiques. However, foodies will also find ample value here given the variety of restaurants housed within its elegant setting. On the flip side, if you seek a more budget-friendly shopping experience, then waste no time in calling by Chinatown which brims with smaller malls and shopping centres which sell an assortment of products including electronics and all forms of gadgets.

Fascinating museums

From the countless numbers of contemporary artwork at Nusantara Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art to the Museum Bank Indonesia whose archives and exhibits will introduce you to the ‘ins and outs’ of the country’s banking system, the Indonesian capital is a playground for museum lovers and history buffs. Better yet, allocate time on your schedule for the Kite Museum which celebrates the nationwide obsession of making and flying kites while the mother of all local museums being the National Museum of Indonesia would warrant more than a few hours of exploring. From paintings and historic records which document a nation’s progression and fight for independence to boasting of the largest collection of Buddhist and Hindu art, this heritage building is a sight for sore eyes and a worthy inclusion in your bucket list. If looking for a place near the National Museum of Indonesia, then consider staying at Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Taman Mini Jakarta which is a decent long stay hotel in Jakarta found roughly 30 minutes away.

Warm weather

Conducive to stumbling upon a wide spectrum of nooks and corners is the city’s weather, especially the period covering the months of June to September which is referred to as the dry season. Perfect for moving about with only low humidity levels to deal with, this time of the year is arguably, the best for travelling to Jakarta. On the other hand, the wet season (October to May) should not dampen your spirits in any way as average downpours don’t last the entire day.