HSEMAY CHAN ROUNDS UP THE TOP 10 HOTSPOTS IN JAKARTA, INDONESIA — CEBU PACIFIC’S LATEST DESTINATION
For too long, Jakarta has endured a bum reputation as a city with too many proverbial warts. But unbeknownst to many, this city has a striking multitude of offerings – from stellar shopping, fi ve-star restaurants, boogie bars, quaint cafes, sizzling street food and a seductive party scene. Sorry are the erroneous lot who strike Jakarta off their list due to a few concerns over air quality and traffi c jams.
There will always be a few reasons why Jakarta may not be on the top of your holiday list. But there are a million others why this city makes for a great getaway. Here are our favorite 10:
1. MOST SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE CITY
NATIONAL MONUMENT
Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Entrance fee: IDR1,600 (PHP8.70) museum and IDR5,100 (PHP27.65)
The Javanese may be shy and soft-spoken, but there’s no denying that sense of humor beneath, seeing the nickname given to this Jakarta landmark overlooking Merdeka Square – “Soekarno’s Last Erection”.
Commissioned in 1961 (but completed only in 1975) to symbolise Indonesia’s strength and sovereignty, the 132m column – also known as MONAS – represents the former dictator’s most extravagant architectural triumph. The monument is allegedly made entirely of Italian marble and topped with a sculpted fl ame coated with 35kg gold.
Just as impressive as these stats are the dramatic views of the cityscape from the top. History buffs should also check out the National History Museum, where Indonesia’s struggles for independence from its Dutch colonial masters are recounted
2. Best sight for sore eyes
Cengkareng golf Club
Address: Soewarna Business Park, Block G Lot 1-2, Soekarno-Hatta – International Airport
Tel: +62 (21) 5591-1111 Tree-lined thoroughfares, glorious gardens and pretty palms aren’t exactly a common sight in Jakarta. Which makes a day on the green all the more special. One of Asia’s best golf destinations, this semi-private club features an 18-hole par-72 6,031m course designed by
Walter Raleigh Stewart and holds bragging rights to hosting a leg of the European Tour last year, welcoming to its grounds golf greats such as Colin Montgomerie. Savour the great outdoors here and lap up views of immaculate lawns and picturesque grounds.
3. Best way to see all of indonesia
tAmAn mini indoneSiA indah
Address: Jl. Raya Pondok Gede, Jakarta Timur Tel: +62 (21) 840-9210 At this 100-hectare theme park, Indonesia’s 27 provinces have been recreated in the form of 27 full-scale houses, each featuring the respective architecture, handicrafts and clothing of that region. The park is also home to several museums, a bird park, an orchid garden and even an IMAX theatre.
A must-see is the Museum Purna Bhakti Pertiwi, just outside the gates of Taman Mini. The museum is an opulent show of the spoils – almost 11,000 items worth of furniture, artwork, textiles and more – amassed by Soeharto over the years.
Jaw-droppers include a 20ft-long ship sculpture carved entirely out of jade, lavish collections of crystal, silver, ivory, marble and gold, and a 15th century Chinese jade wedding bed. That the museum has, along the way, acquired the nickname “The Museum of Corruption” is hardly surprising.
The IDR8,000 (PHP43) entrance fee is slightly misleading; extra charges apply each time you visit a different attraction.
4. Most local-friendly
AbubA Steak
Address: Jl. Cipete Raya No. 6 Tel: +62 (21) 751-2337 A meal at Abuba Steak is a smoky, noisy affair in cramped quarters and – as any intrepid traveler knows – the best gems lie in the most well-loved locales. The modest joint operates out of a small shack, with an open-air kitchen on the side where the magic happens.
For a small set-up, Abuba packs a punch in its menu. From T-bone steaks, sirloins, tenderloins, satay and lamp chops to grilled chicken, fish and burgers, Abuba’s fare rivals your best steakhouses anywhere in the world.
The gravy that comes slathered over your choice of meats is a local concoction that is sweet, peppery, and very delicious.
5. classiest act
café batavia
Address: Taman Fatahilla, Jakarta Kota Tel: +62 (21) 691-5531 This restaurant-bar has made it twice to Newsweek’s “World’s Best Bars” list. Housed in one of the oldest colonial buildings on Fatahillah Square in the historic district of Kota, Café Batavia is the choice venue for Jakarta’s chic set and their stylish soirees.
Exuding an old-world charm with its dark wood interiors, high ceiling and dapples of sunlight streaming through long, massive windows, the two-story space is also perfect for a romantic meal or leisurely brunch.
Its extensive menu features everything from dim sum to Indonesian fare to continental favorites. The restaurant walls read like a who’s who in history, adorned with the owner’s private collection of paintings and photographs of politicians and generals to showbiz royalty such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis.
6. Best Market Mix
Kemang
Address: Kemang, Jakarta Selatan This delightfully schizoid stretch is popular with Jakarta’s young working crowd and expats. Here, roadside warungs enjoy pride of place near chic F&B joints, boutique hotels, bookstores and cafés – and it is this very haphazard way businesses have sprung up that lends the precinct its distinct charm. Venture here before the sun gets too strong, and explore all the chaotic sights and smells that pervade Kemang.
By night, the area pulsates with infectious energy. Kemang Food Fest is a 24-hour food stop with Japanese, Chinese, Western and local delights, even a sheesha joint, and is a favourite after-work hangout for the working crowd.
7. Best party place
Dragonfly
Address: Graha BIP, Jl. Gatot Subroto 23 Timur Tel: +62 (21) 520-6789 Locals christen Dragonfly the hottest party haunt in town. With its luscious interiors – marble-top tables, ambient onyx lighting, high ceilings, the chic two-year-old has made it to the glossy pages of design rag Wallpaper*.
Asian fusion cuisine takes centre stage at the restaurant, while over at the lounge, DJs get jiggy with a range of hip-house, disco and soulful garage tunes.
The stylish joint boasts a style-conscious and good-looking crowd who know how to live it up when the sun goes down. Wednesday night “Ladies’ Nights” are a chick magnet, and on Friday nights, thank God it’s Friday and kick back with the city’s yuppie set.
8. Best Bargain corner
Menteng flea Market
Address: Jl. Surabaya, Menteng If you’re game for a spot of real souvenir shopping (minus fridge magnets and keychains), seek out the good stuff at this famous open-air antiques and crafts market. Located in the affluent residential neighborhood of Menteng, this 500m stretch is lined with shops hawking antiques, handicrafts, brassware, lamps, textiles and porcelain ware.
Each shop’s cramped quarters is filled with more wares than space to move around, but that shouldn’t stop you from trawling through the range of genuine and fake antiques on display. Watch while weathered artisans and craftsmen work on their wares curbside.
Haggling is the name of the game here – once you have your sights set on that gem of a find, settle for nothing less than a 30-50 per cent discount off the quoted price.
9. Best spot of shopping
Senayan City Mall
Address: Jl. Asia Afrika Lot 1 Tel: +62 (21) 751-2337 Supersize your shopping experience at Jakarta’s newest and hottest mall. Barely eight months old, this impressive 48,000sq ft mall includes an office tower, a luxurious apartment complex and a five-star hotel upon completion.
Meanwhile, shoppers are lapping up the eight floors of retail space that feature global brands such as Gucci, Armani and Calvin Klein – an amazing smattering of “retail therapy”, even if you’re just window-shopping.
Alternatively, resist the urge to splurge by feasting on the ample offerings at the sixth floor food court and the best picks of restaurants that pack its basement.
10. Best local java joint
Bakoel koffie
Address: Jl. Kemang Raya, No. 47B, Jakarta Selatan Tel: +62 (21) 718-0987 Starbucks may have brought its brews, but this homegrown coffee shop is incomparable. Bakoel Koffie serves up tradition and rich heritage in its cuppa; when savouring your joe, know that the recipe was passed down from Great Grandpa Tek Sun Ho when he was roasting beans in old Batavia in 1878. The business – all six branches – are now run by the Tek great grandchildren.
The Kemang branch features a modern café setting with whitewashed walls, antique furniture and charming hardwood floors.
As for the java, choose from three house blends – Heritage, Black Mist and Brown Cow.
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