Plan a Trip to Jakarta
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Jakarta is the lively social, cultural, economic and political hub of the nation, carrying the legacy of more than 30 years of uninterrupted economic expansion. It is home to many of the country’s finest research institutions, educational facilities and cultural organizations, and uniquely serves both as the seat of national as well as regional government. Strategically positioned on the west side of the island of Java, the Capital City is the principal gateway to the rest of Indonesia. From Jakarta, sophisticated land, air and sea transport are available to the rest of the country. The history of Jakarta dates back to at least the 14th Century with the development of a small port of the Hindu Pajajaran kingdom at the mouth of the Ciliwung river. Searching for the fabled "spice islands", the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive and establish a fortress on the site in the early 16th Century. The old port was attacked by a neighboring sultanate under the leadership of Prince Fatahillah. After the assault, the Portuguese navy fleet was destroyed. Fatahillah changed the name of the Sunda Kelapa port to Jayakarta, meaning “Total Victory”. has a pleasant tropical climate (25-31 °Celcius) most of the year, with gentle breezes. From late October to April, there is usually a rain shower everyday. The temperature drops slightly at night. Most restaurants are air-conditioned, so it's good to bring along a light jacket or sweater. Jakarta is where Indonesia puts on its best face. It has the country’s top museums, the greatest diversity of restaurants and public spaces in countless shopping malls that rival anything in Singapore or Bangkok. You can stroll the grand boulevard of Jl Thamrin when it's closed to vehicles on Sunday mornings and marvel at all that’s been built. Although religious pressure has slightly dimmed Jakarta’s reputation as a place to party beyond bounds, it is still a city where people can enjoy long nights in lounges and clubs or linger with gatherings of friends.
