We start off bright and early by becoming acquainted with Merdeka Square also known as Liberty Square which is home to both The National Monument better known as Monas and The Merdeka Palace amongst others. This impressive square boasts 75 hectares of land and is the place to be for pretty much everything from national events to leisurely weekends in Jakarta.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Step inside the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia: Istiqlal Mosque
* Engross yourself in the intense history of Indonesia at The National Museum
* Head a little bit out of town to the splendid Sunda Kelapa harbour
Once we have got our bearings, we make our way on to the national mosque of Indonesia. As well as being big enough to fit 120,000 people, this magnificent mosque is absolutely rich in history, in fact; its very purpose for being built was to commemorate Indonesian independence. “Istiqlal” literally translates from Arabic to mean independence. Just across the water you’ll see the neo gothic style Gereja Katedral. The two places of worships are merely a stone’s throw apart and this in itself gives a true reflection of the harmony between the two religions in Indonesia.
Staying in Merdeka square, we head over to The National Museum which is sometimes referred to as Gedung Gajah - The Elephant Building after the statue which stands proud out front. The vast collection of artefacts within this museum manage to cover the majority of Indonesia’s history. Here, you’ll find piece upon piece of Hindu-Buddhist ancient art of Indonesia. We have a chance to admire the tower of Monas which stands at a mesmerising 132 metres. This monumental tower signifies the arduous struggle in which the people of Indonesia had to go through in order to gain their independence.
We drive on out to Sunda Kelapa harbour which nowadays is considered as a minor port and is mainly home to pinisis which are traditional Indonesian two-masted sailing ships. This 500-year-old harbour area used to be a vital link to the markets of the outside world in the 15th century kingdom of Pajajaran. You will find out just how important it was during that era. Once we have got our fix of facts, we shall go for a bite to eat in a local spot.
Once we are full up, we will stroll around the Jakarta old town taking in everything from the architecture to the ambience. Once famed as the central trading point of Asia thanks to its convenient location and its ease of access to natural resources. This place is full of people making their way around town which means you’ll get to see how the locals go about their daily lives.
Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel Lobby in Jakarta City Hotel. Please wait our tour guide at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the tour start.
Duration: 9 hours.
Pick-up time: Between 8am and 9am.
Drop-off time: At 7pm.
Languages: English.
Others: Please note the time of the itinerary will be subject to change depending of heavy traffic.
The tour will not be cancelled and no refund will be provided in such cases.
Give your voucher to guide.