The dynamic and bustling capital of Indonesia is the old port city of Jakarta. With its strategic location on the western coast of Java Island, Jakarta serves as the gateway to the 17,000 odd islands that make up the massive archipelago of Indonesia. Formerly a Dutch colony from the 17th century, Jakarta has evolved into a modern and lively social, economic and political hub. With some 7.5 million residents, Jakarta offers visitors more than enough things to see and do in the city.
At first glance, this teeming metropolis seems congested, overpopulated and dirty, but once you begin poking around specific neighbourhoods, you’ll find some wonderful historic and cultural sights worth further exploration. From the original Dutch enclave of Batavia, which looks much as it did in the 1600s, to the modern shopping malls of Plaza Indonesia, the capital offers a nice balance between the old and new. Most visitors will want to head straight to the charming Kota district, where Batavia and the old port of Sunda Kelapa harbour are located, to soak in the authentic ambiance.
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