1. Merdeka square
In the middle of a large square located in the center of Jakarta lies the greatest legacy of Indonesia's first president Ir Soekarno; the impressive 132m ( 433ft) National Monument ( Monas) . Resembling a phallus, the glittering flame at the top symbolizes the Indonesian people's determination to achieve freedom and the nation's independence. The official construction of the marble and gold project started in 1961 and the tower was officially opened to the public in 1975. at the basement , there is National History Museum that has a display of 51 dioramas, presenting the scenes from Indonesian History, which sometimes overstated. You can take life to reach the top of the monument and enjoy the dramatic views of Jakarta.
2. Sunda Kelapa
Just a kilometer north of Taman Fatahillah in Old Batavia, you can find the old port of the famous Sunda kelapa in which magnificent Makassar schooners are lining up as far as the eyes can see. 450 years ago, the port was created as a result of the local trade in pepper. Now, the port still plays an important role in transporting cargo between the capital and the outer islands and offers you one of the most outstanding sceneries of the past of Jakarta. Hire an old man in row boat to take you out for a closer look at the ships and see the activities of sailors and workers there. You can get out as far as the Pulau Seribu ( Thousand Islands) in the Bay of Jakarta. Don't forget to also visit Maritime Museum that is located not too far from the port.
3. Jakarta History Museum
Also knows as Fatahillah Museum , this museum is located in the former Dutch colonial Stadhuis ( town hall) of Batavia and is probably the most solid reminder of Dutch rule anywhere in Indonesia. At that time, the building hid some cells that were used as filthy dungeons for Dutch and Indonesian rebels, including Indonesia's freedom fighter Javanese Prince Diponegoro. Nowadays , the museum showcases heavy carved and furniture and other memorabilia from the Dutch period.
4. Old Batavia
The old town of Batavia is the finest reminder of the Dutch presence in Jakarta . The colonial culture can be seen around the area , with numerous Dutch style buildings and classic architectures and objects although much of the unhealthy city was destroyed by the government the the early 19th century to freshen things up a bit.
In the centre, there is a cobblestone square known as Taman Fatahillah where it is actively used for many holiday events , such as the celebration of Chinese New Year, Independence Day of Indonesia and many more . Around the square , there is the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum that showcases various paintings of Indonesian maestros, including Raden Saleh and Affandi. Walk around a little bit and you can Wayang Museum that has the best collection of Indonesian and international puppets. Meanwhile , in the vicinity lies the Sion Protestant Church, Fish Market, Kota Intan Drawbridge and the old but still running - Jakarta Kota Station.
5. Ancol
Located in the northern part of Jakarta , Ancol offers not only a gateway to Jakarta's major beaches, but also a great place to taste seafood dishes and enjoy remarkable attractions overlooking the sea. Inside the area, there are Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, a recreation and amusement park that offers family friendly activities for thrill seekers and Sea World , a marine park that will take you to the wonders beyond the oceans. The Sea World has an oceanarium and is home to 4000 fishes and sharks of more that 300 species. You are able to dive in the sea world or swim with the sharks if you want to. since 2011, there is also Ecovention Building - Ecopark inside Ancol area that is designed for various events such as concert , festival and rave parties.
6. Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo is a combination of Zoo and Park . It is home to more that 260 kinds of animals, including the almost extinct animals from Indonesia and other parts of the world and over 20,000 plants from 250 different kind of species.
Formerly named Taman Margasatwa Jakarta ( animal Park of Jakarta), Ragunan Zoo was first established by a Dutch flora and fauna lovers organization. The 135 hectare area is usually very crowded on weekends and holidays with visitors from all parts of the Capital and nearby cities, including Bogor and Bandung.
Inside the zoo, there is Schmutzer primate Center, an artificial habitat of primates such as gorilla , chimpanzee , orangutan and others which was built in 2000 using a grant from the late Pauline Antoinette Adeline Schmutzer in order to increase Indonesian people's awareness of wildlife preservation . with a large parking area , decent animal display and cheap entrance. ragunan Zoo is perfect for a weekend getaway with family or loved ones.
7. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Want to catch a glimpse of the beauty of Indonesia? just go to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a culture based park that showcases the diverse culture and biodiversity of Indonesia. Popularly known as Taman Mini , the park that is located in east Jakarta has a man made lake representing a miniature version of the major islands in Indonesia. The lake is surrounded by traditional style houses from each province. On special occasions, some of the provinces sometimes showcase traditional music and dance also.
The park also has several museums worth visiting such as philately museum , transportation museum and arts and craft museum, a 4D Opera House and a bird park that showcases more than 160 species of Indonesia'rarest birds.
8 Golf in Jakarta
Golf courses in Jakarta represent some of the most beautiful, challenging and exciting layouts of any course to be found in Asia, at a reasonable price too. The prime golf region is alongside the Jagorawi toll road that stretches some 45 kilometers from Jakarta all way south past the Sentul Highlands to the "green" city of Bogor and Puncak area. Some of the most popular are Gunung Geulis Country Club , Rancamaya Golf & Country Estate, Jagorawi Golf & Country Club and Palm Hill Golf Club.
Unlike in some other Asian Countries, golfers in jakarta don't have to travel faraway to play golf at good quality area because you can find many golf courses with world class quality in and around Jakarta, at a reasonable price as well.
the city has 3 major golf regions. The best quality of golf region is alongside the Jagorawi toll road that stretches some 45 kilometres from Jakarta all the way south past the Sentul Highlands to the green city of Bogor and Puncak. Some of the most famous golf courses in those area are Gunung Geulis Country Club , Rancamaya Golf & Country Estate, Jagorawi Golf & Country Club and Palm Hill Golf Club.
The second best quality of golf region in Tangerang, which can be reached through Jakarta- Merak toll road. Search for Cengkareng Golf Club within the Soewarna Business Park near the Soekarno-Hatta Airport and enjoy yourself. Last , the third best quality of the golf region is located inside of Jakarta , such as Senayan Golf Club and the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
