The nation’s capital, Jakarta, has a remarkable history. Its history trading center stared as a small harbor town called Sunda Kelapa, but its actual founding dates back to the year 1527, when it was named Jayakarta by Fatahillah of the neighboring Sultanate of Banten.

The name Jayakarta means City of Great Victory. During the 17th century it served as the capital of the Dutch East Indies with the name Batavia. Reminders of this period can still be seen today in the architecture of some of the northern parts of the city.

When Indonesia independence was finally secured it was renamed Jakarta, and serves today as the center of government, business and industry, spreading over an area of more than 650 sq km (410 sg miles).

The capital Jakarta has been called a study in contrast: traditional and modern; rich and poor; spiritual and worldly stand side by side in this bustling metropolis.
Among the 8 million people who call Jakarta home, one finds representatives of the many diverse ethnic and cultural groups which shape Indonesia, a reminder of the nation’s motto: “Unity in Diversity”.

You may have to search high and how in this multi-cultural collage to find one of the proud ethnic Jakartans, called “Orang Betawi”.
Their language, Betawi Malay, has two variations, conventional Betawi Malay, spoken by elder people born and bred in Jakarta, and modern Jakarta Malay, a slang from spoken by the younger generation and migrants.

There are numerous ways to get around Jakarta even by car but of that I would not recommend as the traffic is horrendous and the traffic jams deplorable.
Not only that, Jakarta is a nightmare to navigate in with one-way streets and crazy freeways.

Taxi.Taxis are a good option but then again, you will still be travelling through the chaos that is Jakarta thoroughfares. There are a multitude of taxi companies and by far the best being Bluebird mainly because they use their meters.

Train/KRL.The train system is another option although it is a little bit left to be desired as there have been reports of crime and sexual harassment during the busy hours. There is a monorail system of sorts, but for general use of the train outside rush hours, it is good to get around the city and to the various tourist sites.
Just use your common sense as far as security is concerned and this applies to all forms of public transport.

Transjakarta Busway.The Transjakarta Busway system is a functional and comfortable form of public transport but again, avoid the rush hours. The system is user-friendly with station announcements and an LED display inside the vehicles.
The buses run from 5am to 10pm daily and transfers between lines are free.

Bajaj.Bajaj the crazy-looking and orange coloured scooters are in the form of tricycles that carry passengers in a small cabin at the rear. Since they can weave through Jakarta’s traffic jams, they are a great way to get around town albeit in a slow manner, hot and very bone-shaking.
These scooters are a set price for short hops around town and for Rp6,000 you really can’t complain about that.

Ojek.Ojeks are another form of transport that can zip around the city in ease.
Ojek services are guys with bikes who will usually take you short distances down alleys and roads.

There is a plethora of accommodation in Jakarta to suit any budget, and in fact, there really is an over supply of places to stay so you will never be caught out not finding a place to plonk your head.

A majority of budget travellers head to Jalan Jaksa. It seems to be a mecca for them.
The best of the mid-range and upper-priced hotels are located near or in the city centre.

Ancol Dreamland
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol otherwise known as Ancol Dreamland is an integral part of Ancol Bay City a popular resort destination located along Jakarta's waterfront.

Safari Park
Just over an hour away from busy Jakarta, nestling in the mountainous region of Cisarua lies Taman Safari, a nature park that allows visitors to observe animals at close quarters. A more beautiful and fitting setting could not have been chosen for the park. The toll road to Cisarua is flanked on either side by wildly flowering bougainvillea, that gives way to the spectacular Javanese countryside, generously dotted with coconut palms. Paddy fields stretch out to the horizon, and as one gets closer to the mountains, the impressive silhouette of Mount Gede can seen standing sentinel over the lush green landscape.

Ragunan Zoo
Located in Pasar Minggu South Jakarta. Its area is about 1.4 km². The zoo was established in 1864 and moved to its present location in 1966. It is inhabited by 295 species and 4,040 specimens.

Pulau Seribu (Thousand Island)
A number of the islands have become private holiday havens, the more accessible ones just 10-15 km from Jakarta. Coral gardens abound off Pulau Putri, Pulau Genteng (Besar and Kecil), and Pulau Opak Besar - all excellent dive sites. On Pulau Untung, site of a Sunday market, are picnic facilities and a campground. Pulau Onrust and Pulau Anyer Besar are both accessible day trips from Tanjung Priok. More remote uninhabited islands include Pulau Pabelokan, Pulau Sabaru Kecil, and Pulau Sebaru Besar: wooded islands with talcum powder beaches and coconut plantations. About 100 km north of Jakarta is a National Marine Park, set aside as a sea nature reserve.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)
TMIIis a culture-based recreational area located in East Jakarta. It has an area of about 250 acres. The park is a synopsis of Indonesian culture, with virtually all aspects of daily life in Indonesia's 26 (in 1975) provinces encapsulated in separate pavilions with the collections of architecture, clothing, dances and traditions are all depicted impeccably.

Pelabuhan Ratu
Don't try to rent room number 308 at the Samudra Beach Hotel in Pelabuhan Ratu. A guest has already been in residence there for years. Her name is Princess Nyi Loro Kidul and she's dead.
Local legend has it that Princess Kidul was the daughter of Siliwangi, an ancient king who disappeared into sea along with Kidul and much of his army while fighting a holy war centuries ago. Since then, King Siliwangi and Princess Kidul are said to have build an underwater city and the Princess now controls all activities related to the Indian Ocean on the Southern half of Java. Because of her influence, fisherman pay homage to the Princess by offering her sacrifices once a year and asking for assistance.

Tourist Information
Jakarta City Government Tourism Office,
Jl. Kuningan Barat No. 2,
Tel. +62-21-5205455
Email: info@jakarta-tourism.go.id

Emergency Numbers
Ambulance: 118.
Police: 110.
Search and rescue team: 115.
Indonesian Police HQ:
Jl. Trunojoyo 3, South Jakarta.
Tel.: (62)(21) 7218144.
Jakarta Police HQ:
Jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 45,
South Jakarta.
Tel.: (62)(21) 5709261.