Jakarta

Like many places, we arrived in Jakarta with absolutely zero expectations. We've heard the name of this city many times throughout our entire lives, but up until recently, we had no idea what it was all about. 

It was never going to be our favourite place. We're not city people. This is one of the world's largest urban agglomerations and we really felt the chaos of this fact. There's smog and smoke and noise - lots of noise - and rubbish and skyscrapers and shanty alleyways and stray cats and stray dogs and homeless people, big shopping malls, fancy cars, cars on their last legs, dive bars and cocktail bars and cheap markets and Gucci stores and everything in between. There's an old historic square and a national monument, a couple of museums and cute cafes and that's about it really. 

It's a city. 

Not a glamorous city. Not one that really owns the title of 'city', like New York or Hong Kong or Paris. It's a hotpot of suits and ties and broken sandals. You'll walk past a homeless man on a soggy cardboard box who's just been jolted awake by the sound of a Ferrari racing to close a multi-million dollar business deal. It's a city of polar opposites and direct comparisons and a city i'll probably never come back to. 

However, if you, like us, find yourself in Jakarta for a few days, wanting to fill the time before you can get out of there, here are a few suggestions. 

Monas (National Monument)

The most iconic landmark in Indonesia, this 132-meter obelisk is topped with a flame coated in 35kg of gold foil. This was the highlight of our time in Jakarta. Located in the center of Merdeka Square, the monument houses a National History Museum with super cool dioramas detailing the history of Java, and an observation deck that provides a 360-degree view of the city skyline.

• Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays).

Kota Tua (Old Batavia)

This is the heart of Jakarta’s colonial history. The cobblestone square (Fatahillah Square) is surrounded by Dutch colonial buildings from the 17th century. It is the best place to rent a colorful "Onthel" bicycle, watch street performers, and visit the Jakarta History Museum to understand the city's transition from the Dutch era to independence. There's also some cute cafes nearby... just don't order a veggie stir fry or you'll be whole heartedly dissapointed!

• Opening Times: Square is open 24/7; Museums generally 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Mondays).

Istiqlal Mosque & Jakarta Cathedral

Standing directly across from one another, these two structures are symbols of Indonesia's "Unity in Diversity." Istiqlal is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, known for its massive stainless steel dome. They are connected by a "Tunnel of Friendship" to facilitate harmony between the two faiths.

• Opening Times: Visitors allowed roughly 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Avoid prayer times on Fridays).