Many times when I need to research for a trip to a new country, I am being bombarded by tons of website and don’t know where to begin, and I often use this 3-2-1 method to sort out my research and go from there.
Thus, I thought I should share this method. I haven’t been to Jakarta, so thus this is one place which is perfect to share with you on, as I do my researching.
3 places to go
Indonesia National Monument – Merdeka Square (Photo Credits to Wikipedia)
Monumen Nasional
I like to visit places of historical significance to a place when I visit a specific country. For Jakarta, I think that the National Monument would be a good place to begin with. Construction began and the entire monument and museum complex was completed in a three-stage construction phase over a period of 10 years. The monument signifies the struggle of Indonesian Independence and the design encapsulated traditional Indonesian tool — the rice pestle and rice mortar.
Read more about it on Indonesia’s National Monument here: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/jakarta/monas.html
Old Batavia (Photo used with permission from Kennie Ting of romanceofthegrandtour.com)
Old Batavia
Although Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia today, it was once a colonial capital to the Netherlands East Indies. That part of history can still be experience today in this little area known as Old Batavia, along Jalan Kali Besar and Jalan Bank. Historical colonial architectures still stand today along this river and it is totally instagram-worthy; a playground for photography.
Check out Kennie Ting’s suggested itinerary around Old Batavia. Kennie is also the author of The Romance Of The Grand Tour – 100 Years of Travel in Southeast Asia.
Little Tokyo (Photo credits to June & Cindy of Lulabyspoon.blogspot.com)
Little Tokyo
There are always a little pocket in every country and city that migrants will congregate and unlike the usual Chinatown, Jakarta has this unique area called Little Tokyo. A reflection of Tokyo Japan, this small area of the city transform like a Chamelon from day to night.
During the day, look out for quaint little cafes to authentic Japanese food eateries. At night, a wild Kabukichō dotted with Izakayas, restaurants and sleazy nightlife.
Interestingly, I happen to know someone who lives in this area and despite the vibrant nightlife, a very humble Japanese community thrives in Little Tokyo, their little heaven in Indonesia.
Also check out this Jakarta bloggers June and Cindy of Lulabyspoon’s review of Little Tokyo and their food adventure there!
2 places to eat
Pondok Laguna (Photo credits to TripAdvisor)
Pondok Laguna
Tauted as one of the places to savour the most authentic Indonesian food, this local institution has been around for years. Loved by local patrons who tells me that the food still tastes the same after so many years. However do note since the environment is one huge dining hall, it tends to be noisy and there are also complaints of poor service.
Dishes to try:
Tauhu Kipas – Fried beancurd with stuffings.
Gurame Goreng – Fried Carp Fish
Address: Jalan Batu Tulis Raya No. 45, Gambir, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia
Phone:+62 21 3459991
Opening Hours: 11AM–3PM, 5:30–10PM
Nasi Padang Sederhana (Photo credits to Jimy of JIMY Travelogue)
Nasi Padang Sederhana
If you ever remember this one episode when Anthony Boudain crashes the delicate plate stacking of dishes in a small store in Indonesia, then you find this style of Nasi Padang super familiar.
This place is pretty cool to have lunch with a bunch of friends so that you can get a mini mountain display on your table with delicious dishes stacking, Ont he down side, if you are eating there alone, the prices does stack up faster than your dishes.
Dishes to try:
Too many to decide on one. Whatever looks good!
Address:
There are many addresses for this institution. Check out the addresses here:
http://www.restoransederhana.id/restoran-sederhana-jakarta
1 place to stay
I was a a traveller’s forum and found out that Jakarta is pretty much divided into North and South Jakarta. I have been advised that for a first-timer travelling to Jakarta, it is better to stay in South Jakarta where the area is more posh, and better accommodation are situated here.
Gran Melia Jakarta
Gran Melia Jakarta
The Gran Melia Jakarta, situated just right opposite the Singapore Embassy is a pretty good location to be. It is not only strategically surrounded with shopping centres, the hotel itself has comfortable rooms and facilities. Their rooms also features WIFI.
Twin Room
Personally, this is one place I will very much consider because of all the beautiful rooms, nearby shopping plus that Starbucks joint just next door!
Here I have conveniently included the link to book this hotel: http://www.traveloka.com/hotel/indonesia/gran-melia-jakarta-813
Do you have any more recommendations for me on places to go, to eat to stay in Jakarta?
Leave me a comment below and let me know so I can check them out!!
Keep on travelling~
Disclaimer: This article is brought to you by Gran Melia Jakarta and Traveloka.com
