Hafen
Jakarta

Your coach transfers you from the harbor to the gate of China Town, just outside the Old City of Kota Tua, in Central Jakarta. Here, you’ll start an approximately 2.5-hours walking tour through the usually crowded wet market to the Chinese Taoist Temple and Fatahilla Square. Along the way, you will discover many aspects of the daily life of its residents and historic facts of the area. It is not as touristy as other Chinatowns you might have visited, but a functioning residential area of Chinese ethnicity.

Glodok is Jakarta's Chinatown with a huge Chinese population which started immigrating to the city around the 17th century, when Jakarta was called Batavia. After thousands of Chinese were massacred by the Dutch around 1741 and the rest expelled from the walled city, they settled outside the city walls in an area called Glodok. Jakarta’s Chinatown is now the largest in Indonesia and one of the oldest in the region.

The Chinese are well known for their trading skill and have always played an important role in Jakarta's economy. Today, Glodok is where the local Chinese come to get their daily groceries at the wet market and food stalls.

Your walk takes you to Vihara Dharma Bhakti (Chinese temple), one of the most interesting sites in Glodok. It has several shrines dedicated to different Taoist Gods and Goddesses, as well as one dedicated to Buddha. Originally built in 1650 and destroyed in 1740 during the Batavia massacres, it is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Jakarta. The present building was re-built in 1755 and offers a peaceful setting for the Chinese to come pray.

Continue your walk to Fatahillah Square the administrative center of old Batavia. See the splendid city hall, from where the immense Asian trading empire was controlled as well as other historic buildings. Most buildings around the square have been restored in an effort to preserve Jakarta’s historic sites, and many of the buildings have been converted into museums.

From this point, you’ll rejoin your coach for the return drive to the harbor.

OVERVIEW

Visit the key landmarks that define Indonesia’s capital and gain a clearer understanding of Jakarta’s diverse culture. While driving through the bustling downtown, you will pass icons such as the Presidential Palace and the bronze Welcome Monument that symbolizes the city’s hospitality. In-depth stops will provide further insight, especially at destinations such as the National Monument, an obelisk that commemorates Indonesia’s independence from the Netherlands in 1945. The dozens of dioramas within the National Museum of Indonesia depict many of the challenges and opportunities that the country faced before and after independence. Islam is by far the most prevalent religion in Jakarta, so it is only fitting that you will pause to snap photos at Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Right next to the mosque, you will find the neo-gothic Jakarta Cathedral, a juxtaposition that beautifully reflects Jakarta’s religious tolerance as only 4% of the population is Catholic.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the most iconic attractions in Jakarta, especially ones that showcase the culture.
• Browse the National Museum of Indonesia for a historical perspective of the country.
• Behold the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, which stands next to a Catholic church.
• Hear enlightening commentary while driving between attractions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

After Indonesian National Museum caught fire on 17 SEP 2023, we are doing the renovation for 1 year until SEP 2024. The visit will be replaced with a visit to Istiqlal Grand Mosque. Explore some of the more modern aspects of Jakarta on this tour that highlights its most iconic sites. After leaving the pier, head to the city for an orientation drive passing some of its more modern aspects. See iconic sites such as The Welcoming Statue, National Monument, and the Presidential Palace. We will have a visit to Istiqlal Grand Mosque and make a The National Monument, the Cathedral Church, standing side by side the Istiqlal Mosque, Istiqlal Mosque or Independence Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. It was built to commemorate Indonesia’s independence as its name "Istiqlal" (Arabic word meaning "independence") indicates. The mosque is positioned next to Merdeka Square and the Jakarta Cathedral. Continue your drive passing in front of The Presidential Palace and stopping for photos in front of the National Monument or "Monas" as it is popularly called. It is one of the monuments built during the Sukarno era of fierce nationalism. This 137-meter marble obelisk, crowned by a flame gilded in 50kg gold, is the proud centerpiece of Freedom Square. It stands as a constant reminder of the people's determination to achieve freedom, culminating with the proclamation of Independence in August 1945. At the end of your visit, you’ll return to the port and your waiting ship.

The city of Jakarta has gone through several different names through its history, which dates back to the 4th century CE. Today, you’ll discover the highlights of Old Batavia, as it was known between the years 1619-1949 while ruled by the Dutch, and some of its historical aspects.

A scenic drive takes you to the heart of Jakarta, stopping at Sunda Kelapa Old Harbor, better known as Pasar Ikan (meaning fish market) which is located at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. The streets leading to the port used to be lined with shops selling all sorts of seafood and everything a seafarer and their vessels might need. The catch of the day was auctioned in the early morning at the old fish market. During the 15th century, it was also a very important trading port between the kingdom of Pajajaran and Portugal. Although there is not much left of the old port, the port itself is still very active with sailing vessels from all over the country, bringing in timber, coal and spices. It is definitely a must see sight for visitors to Jakarta and a great photo opportunity.

Your tour continues to Fatahillah Square, the administrative center of old Batavia; close to, but far enough from the bustling atmosphere of the old port. See the splendid city hall, from where the immense Asian trading empire was controlled as well as other historic buildings. Most buildings around the square have been restored in an effort to preserve Jakarta’s historic sites, and many of the buildings have been converted into museums. Today you’ll visit either the Puppet Museum or the Bank of Indonesia Museum, depending on availability.

The Wayang, or Puppet Museum resides in a beautiful Neo-Renaissance style building. Puppetry is an integral part of Indonesian culture and the museum preserves the puppet culture from all over the world, not just Indonesia. It houses one of the best collections of wayang in all of Java, as well as all over Asia and Europe.

The elegant building of The Bank of Indonesia Museum dates back to 1828 and its neo-classical architecture mixed with Indonesian features gives it a distinct and elegant look. One of the most modern museums in Indonesia, it provides information on the role of the central bank in the nation’s long history; all presented with the latest technology and multi-media.

After exploring the square and one of its interesting museums, you’ll rejoin your coach for the return to the harbor, enjoying more of the highlights of the city.