| | History (Source: WCities) | Top | Archaeological findings trace the history of modern-day Jakarta back to the fifth century. The ancient monument at Tanjung Priok Port (close to Cilincing Coastline ) disclosed that by the 16th century, it became a thriving port city known as Sunda Kelapa Harbor . At that time, the Hindu kingdom of Pajajaran ruled the area from a place now known as Bogor , in the hills outside Jakarta. By the time Columbus headed to the East in search of spices, Sunda Kelapa had already developed into a major trading port. Among the first foreigners to set foot here were the Portuguese. In 1522, they made a mutually beneficial agreement with the Pajajaran Kingdom; in return for access to valuable spices, the Portuguese defended the Hindus from the Islamic sultanate of Demak. Nevertheless, in 22 June 1527, the Javanese Prince Fatahillah of the Demak Sultanate successfully defeated the Portuguese armed forces at the site of the Sunda Kelapa Harbor . The city was then renamed Jayakarta, meaning "a glorious victory." This eventful day came to be acknowledged as Jakarta's Anniversary , and Fatahillah Park was named after the heroic prince. The Dutch Years The end of the 16th century recorded another milestone: The Dutch landed at Sunda Kelapa port in 1596 and established the United East India Company (Vereinigde Oost Indies Compagnie or V.O.C.) in 1602 to join the lucrative spice trade. Years passed, and the V.O.C. grew stronger. At the pinnacle of its strength i
....
[ read more on Jakarta.. ]
|
| How To Get There (Source: WCities) | Top | b>Getting There: By Air: Jakarta is serviced by the Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport ( +62 550 5179 / http://www.angkasapura2.co.id ) located 20km northwest of the city. Its two terminals house the following major airlines: Air Asia: ( +603 8660 4343/ http://www.airasia.com ) Air France ( +1 800 237 2747/ http://www.airfrance.com ) Cathay Pacific ( +1 800 231 0856/ http://www.cathaypacific.com ) China Air ( +1 800 227 5118/ http://www.china-airlines.com ) Continental ( +1 800 221 1212/ http://www.continental.com ) Garuda Indonesian Airways ( +1 800 342 7832/ http://www.garuda-indonesia.com ) Singapore Air ( +1 800 742 3333/ http://www.singaporeair.com ) From the Airport: Taxies are located outside the terminals and can be booked at the Arrivals counter. Rental car options include: Blue Bird ( +62 361 701 111/ http://www.bluebirdgroup.com ) Hertz ( +1 800 654 3131/ http://www.hertz.com ) By Bus: The 'Damri' Shuttle bus provides service to Rawamangun, Gambir, Depok, Bogor, and other locations. By Car: The Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is located off the Soediyatmo toll road at the Bandara exit. Getting Around: Travel in Jakarta is an adventure unto itself. Traffic conditions make driving inadvisable to those unfamiliar with the terrain. Rail service is provided on lines to Sumatra, Madura, and Java and is one Indonesia's most efficient forms
....
[ read more on Jakarta.. ]
|
| What To Do (Source: WCities) | Top | Jakarta is a fascinating city of wide contrasts, a melting pot of cultures from across the Indonesian archipelago and beyond. It therefore comes as no surprise that you can find a wide range of entertainment to suit most tastes, from cheap and cheerful bars in Jalan Jaksa to expensive nightclubs where Jakarta’s flashy yuppies hang out. Plush cinemas in modern, air-conditioned shopping malls screen the latest Hollywood blockbusters, as well as Indonesian films and the occasional Hong Kong kung fu movie. For more highbrow options, check out the regular traditional Indonesian performances such as wayang kulit (shadow puppet shows) and gamelan (traditional Javanese) music, in addition to Western art forms such as classical music and ballet. Night Life Very popular among expatriates, Tanamor prides itself as Jakarta’s best-known discothèque. Although not for the claustrophobic, this unpretentious, down-to-earth and rather raucous disco makes the perfect place for letting your hair down, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when a full house ensures a great atmosphere. Only the most danceable techno music is played, so you should be on your feet all night. Other well-patronized discotheques include the stylish Jalan Jalan, drawing mainly the yuppie set, and Garasi, the favored haunt of financial executives and stockbrokers. Jakarta’s Chinatown, situated north of the city, plays host to many nightclubs and karaoke bars — the RAP Club and HAZE, to name but three.
....
[ read more on Jakarta.. ]
Get another perspective from.. |
| |
