JAKARTA REFERENCE

Jakarta being more a destination for business travellers hasn't really developed that many attractions for the casual tourist within the city itself. There are a couple, but if you are going to be in Jakarta for more than a few days or perhaps through a weekend, it would be well worth your time to get outside the city and see Indonesia. Day trips (by car) to Puncak, Bogor and/or Bandung will give you a better idea of the area. Further afield an overnight stay in either Yogyakarta or Bali will be time well spent.

MONAS (Monument Nasional) Easily visible from most parts of the city, especially at night, MONAS is a marble obelisk topped by a gold flame. Standing 132 meters it is Jakarta's most recognizable monument. Sometimes jokingly referred to as Sukarno’s last erection, visitors can ride the elevator to the viewing platform at the top for a panorama view of the city and suburbs.

This is Jakarta’s - and likely Indonesia’s finest museum. The current museum was built in 1862 The bronze elephant in front of the museum was a gift from Siam’s (Thailand’s) famous King Chulalongkorn, who visited Batavia in 1871. The museum features archeological collections, gold jewelry and artifacts, stone carvings and ceramics.

A world class collection of more than 300 rare Indonesian textiles including Batik, Songket & Ikat.

Located just outside the city limits to the southeast in an area known as Pondok Gede is this Indonesian theme park. A leisurely afternoon here is like a trip through the archipelago. You can walk through reconstructed traditional houses from Sulawesi to Irian Jaya. There is an overhead gondola that will transport you from one end to the other. There is an impressive aviary, many displays of arts and crafts as well as a wide assortment of traditional foods available.

Hours: 09.00am - 4.00pm. (daily)

Taman Ria - Jl. Pintu VIII Senayan.
This small amusement / restaurant / shopping complex is located near the Grand Mulia hotel in Senayan. Taman Ria opened to the public in 1997. In addition to a Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round and Mini Rollercoaster there are many restaurants (TGI Fridays, Bugils, Italiani etc) the Embassy Disco, and some excellent shopping at Milennia a brand name factory outlet specializing in men’s, women’s and children’s clothing at bargain prices.
Hours: Open at 16.00pm - 22.00pm. (Mon. - Fri.)
Open at 08.00am - 22.00pm. (Sat. - Sun.)

This large, inexpensive well managed and maintained recreational park features, many amusement rides for all ages. General admission to the park is Rp. 50.000,- for adults and all rides are free once inside. There are also musical performances, circus style acts, clowns and fantasy characters for photo ops. Additionally you will find carnival style games and reasonable fast food.

In the complex there is Mercure Hotel, Golf Course, Bathing Beach, Water Park and Sea World (everything from Sharks to Shamu). Admission: Rp. 50.000,-

Home to the Istana Bogor (Indonesia's version of Camp David) & Kebon Raya (Botanical Gardens) Bogor is a small, delightful town just an hour outside Jakarta. Other than walking around the Palace grounds there's not much to do - but if you are new to Indonesia & don't have much time a quick jaunt to Bogor would be a good idea.

A pleasant 3 hour train trip from Gambir Station in Jakarta winds through the countryside and brings you to the city that has been referred to as the 'Paris of the East'. Nestled in the mountains of Java at some 750 meters above sea level, Bandung's cooler climate has always been its major draw. The average daytime temperature is 22C / 70F degrees.

Bandung is without question home to an impressive display of art-deco architecture. Several of Indonesia's leading universities are located here making it a lively student haven. It was here also that Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, convened the first ever meeting of the 'Non Aligned Nations' in 1957.

Several clothing manufacturers are located in Bandung & 'Jeans Street' is a bargain hunters dream for clothing and accessories.