Jakarta is the ultimate
city of contrasts, an intoxicating Asian destination where on one side of the city
old sailing schooners trade spices in a scene that has not changed for centuries, while just streets away gleaming new
glass and
steel skyscrapers reach for the heavens in a skyline that has been transformed beyond all recognition over the last few decades.
Some say the Indonesian capital is an
easy city to
dislike, but delve below its often smoggy surface and
myriad layers await, each revealing more of the character of what is
a fascinating home to over
eight million people.
Jakarta is a city of both
wealth and
poverty, with a gaggle of shanty towns clinging to the city limits, while expense account toting expats cut multi-million dollar deals in some of Indonesia’s finest restaurants.
This
bold, brash and
bustling city buzzes along and after a few days it is hard not to get caught up in its
palpable energy.
Its growth really began in the 16th century when the
Portuguese arrived to find an
established port, which they soon made use of to expand their
colonial aims. Over the next few centuries the Portuguese vied for control with the
British and the
Dutch (who named the city
Batavia) and it was not until the 20th century that Indonesia finally broke free from the shackles of colonial meddling with Jakarta, which translates fittingly as the
‘Victorious City’, its proud capital.
Economic crises, the Bali and Jakarta
bombings, the
tsunami of Boxing Day 2004 and a recent tragic run of subsequent
natural disasters have
upset both the country’s growing
prosperity and
tourism, but Jakarta is still the
beating heart of
Indonesia and one of the most
captivating cities in the region.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Indonesia Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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