Fokus Indonesia Tour | Indonesia Tour | Indonesia Tour and travel

JAKARTA Jakarta is the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, a country composed of more than 17,000 islands with a population of over 215 million. Comprising more than 300 ethnic groups speaking 200 different languages, the Indonesia population exhibits marked diversity in its linguistic, culture, and religious traditions. As the Capital City, Jakarta is a melting pot of representatives from each of these ethnic groups. Jakarta is a special territory enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta, covering of 637.44 square km area. Located on the northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. Strategically positioned in the archipelago, the city is also the principal gateway to the rest of Indonesia. From the Capital City, sophisticated land, air, and sea transport is available to the rest of the country and beyond.

Jakarta is one of Indonesia's designated tourist areas. It is a gateway to other tourist destinations in Indonesia and is equipped with all the means of modern transportation by air, sea, rail, or by land. It has the largest and most modern airport in the country, the most important harbor in Indonesia and is well connected by rail of good roads to other destinations in Java, Sumatra, and Bali. As Indonesia's main gateway, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves a growing number of international airlines and domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling metropolis. Even its population gathered from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups, which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed present reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.

NATIONAL MONUMENT The National Monument, or "Monas" as it is popularly called, is one of the monuments built during the Sukarno era of fierce nationalism. The top of the National Monument (Monas) is Freedom Square. It stands for the people's determination to achieve freedom and the crowning of their efforts in the Proclamation of Independence in August 1945. The 137-meter tall marble obelisk is topped with a flame coated with 35 kg of gold. The base houses a historical museum. The monument is open to the public and lift can carry visitors to the top, which offers a bird's eye view on the city and the sea. Go early to beat the crowds and the haze. It is easy for the less physically able as lifts take visitors to the top. The diorama exhibition in the basement gives such a distorted view of Indonesian history - thanks to the dictator Suharto wanting to brainwash the nation - it's amusing. This imposing obelisk is Jakarta's most famous landmark. Construction started in 1961 under President Soekarno but was not completed until 1975, under President Soeharto. The monument houses a couple of museums. The Freedom Hall depicts Indonesia's struggle for independence through a series of dioramas, whereas the Hall of Contemplation displays the original Declaration of Independence document and a recording of the speech. An elevator takes one to the observation platform, which commands a bird's-eye view of the cityscape.

BEAUTIFUL INDONESIA MINIATUR (TMII) Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) is Indonesia's answer to every visitor's prayer to see the magnificent archipelago in just one day. An extensive park to get a glimpse of the diverseness of the Indonesian archipelago, it represents Indonesia's 27 provinces and their outstanding characteristics, reflected most strikingly in the exact regional architecture of the province. An extensive theme park set in over 100 hectares on the outskirts of Jakarta; the All Indonesian islands are realistically reproduced in miniature in a Each pavilions is representative of each province firm the traditional architectural style in miniature to a wonderful display of cultural items and exhibits. The park's centerpiece is a beautiful artificial lake. The complex was the brainchild of Madam Tien Soeharto, the late Indonesian first lady. It also has its own orchid garden in which hundreds of Indonesian orchid varieties are grown. There is also a bird park with a walk-in aviary, a fauna museum and recreational grounds with a swimming pool and restaurants. The special interest here at Taman Mini is the Museum Indonesia. A richly decorated building in Balinese architecture, it houses contemporary arts, crafts and traditional costumes from the different regions of the country. Cultural performances, events, and even local delicacies from the provinces are prepared regularly, especially during weekends and holidays, to showcase Indonesia's rich cultural heritage. The park is open seven days a week, giving guests ample time to explore and enjoy the sights. And if a day tour is not enough, visitors can spend the night at the 'Desa Wisata' or 'Wisata Remaja' serviced accommodations.central lake and around the lakes, there are pavilions.

THEATER IMAX KEONG MAS (Golden Snail Theater) Keong Emas means Golden Snail. This theater is easily recognized because the roof takes the shape a golden snail. Located in the Taman Mini, the Imax Theater presents "Beautiful Indonesia" on a gigantic screen using the latest Imax system. The theater was first open to the public on April 20, 1984 and it's enormous screen, using the latest Imax System, has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest screen in the world during the 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991 edition. This theater is located in East Jakarta, in the complex area of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (The Miniature of Indonesia Park), which was also built on the initiative of Madame Tien Suharto. The Keong Emas Imax Theater has become one of the most popular attractions where lots of tourists, domestic and foreign, young and adult, especially groups of children visit. Besides the large dimension of the screen, the theater also has another feature that makes it attractive: the films are displayed in three dimensions (3D). The subjects of the movies on display are mainly "Beautiful Indonesia" related to its culture and art, as well as its environment and the places around Indonesia. All in all, the main purpose of the movies is to highlight Indonesia's beauty on the big screen and attract tourism. This location is open from 11.00 am - 5.00 pm.

ANCOL THEME PARK (Taman Impian Jaya Ancol) Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, an amusement park in north Jakarta, Indonesia, is one of the most attractive places serving the densely populated city of Jakarta. It has all the adventures people crave for; Sea World, Fantasy World, Atlantis Water Adventure and Marina Beach. This is Jakarta's largest and most popular recreation park. It is built on reclaimed beach land at the Bay of Jakarta, having, sea and freshwater aquariums, swimming pools, an artificial lagoon for fishing, boating, bowling, an assortment of nightclubs, restaurants, a steam-bath and massage parlors. The Ancol complex includes a Marina, Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy Land), a golf course, hotels and a drive-in theater. The "Pasar Seni" or art market has a varied collection of Indonesian handicraft, paintings and souvenirs on sale. At a nearby open-air theater art performances are held using the local dialect. Inside the Ancol Dreamland, there is Ancol Art Market, it is outdoor art market likely recreational place where we will be most tempted to purchase something. Items include antiques, handicrafts, painting, potters, and knickknacks. With many of the artisans working on site, it is a paradise for souvenir hunters and art lovers. This colorful open-air market located in the Ancol Amusement Park provides the unique experience of not only buying quality Indonesian arts and craft, but also a chance to see and meet the artisans at work. We can watch puppet makers, wood-carvers, painters, and many other craft makers from throughout the archipelago cheerfully working on their creations. At this art and handicraft market, visitors get to watch Indonesian artists creating their masterpieces. Hundreds of artists from all over the country congregate here to exhibit their work, making the spot a fascinating place for tourists and art connoisseurs. We can even get a portrait of our self-done. Both traditional and modern art and crafts are on display, including paintings, sculptures, traditional Indonesian wayang kulit (leather puppets), gemstone jewelry and many other artistic products. Art performances are frequently held at the Art Market (Pasar Seni) inside the Jaya Ancol Dreamland on Jakarta's beach. They normally range from wayang kulit shadow plays to folk dances and modern drama. This location is open Monday to Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

SEA WORLD Inside the Ancol Dreamland complex, Sea World is a high tech modern huge aquarium exhibiting the special and diverse tropical marine life found throughout the Indonesian waters. Stroll through Freshwater World and Micro world, see beautiful tropical fish and corral reefs, and get friendly with marine life at the Touch pool. A theater screens movies about the underwater world and a necessity is the Antasena Tunnel, a walk-through acrylic tube that gives first hand experience of life under the sea. This giant aquarium proudly introduces visitors to more than 4,000 fish and sharks from 300 species. Come and enjoy the deep-sea panorama while strolling through an 80-meter tunnel. The fascinating creatures live in some 500 million liters of seawater and are fed three times a day (some hand-fed). The attraction also features a theater, which plays three educational films in English and Bahasa Indonesia. Open Monday to Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

FANTASY LAND DUNIA FANTASI or 'Fantasy World' / 'Fantasy Land' is a fun and theme park designed to entertain the visitors into the fascinating worlds of modern science and technology. A recent addition to Jakarta's growing recreation facilities is the Fantasy Land, a 9.5 hectares (23.75 acres) entertainment park located inside the Ancol Dreamland. Planned to eventually become a part of a 200-hectares (500-acres) park designed to usher the visitors into the fascinating world of modern science and technology, the present facility takes them on an imaginative tour of Old Jakarta, Africa, America, Indonesia, Europe, Asia and the Palace of Dolls. Each of the areas is designed to give the visitor a feel of the region he is visiting through features and architecture of the area at a certain period of its history and by the use of animated puppets in the Palace of Dolls. This colossal recreational resort faces the enchanting Jakarta Bay. Its prime attraction is Fantasyland, an amusement park that keeps children, especially, entertained the entire day. Fantasy world is the host of many of the amusement rides and the most popular of them is a roller coaster ride called Halilinter. The park has other themes also. Art buffs and tourists who search of souvenirs should visit Pasar Seni art and handicraft market. Others might like to check out Sea World (a giant aquarium) for an educational tour on marine life or Ancol Water Park for yet more fun. The Ancol Marina operates as the gateway to the neighboring Thousand Islands. The facilities take visitors on imagination tours of Africa, America and Indonesia through some breath taking games. The park also offers a number of restaurants and souvenir shops.

SUNDA KELAPA Sunda Kelapa, better known as Pasar Ikan (meaning fish market) is located at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. The fish catch of the day was auctioned in the early morning at the old fish market. The street leading to it was lined with shops selling all sorts of shells, dehydrated turtles, lobsters and mostly everything the seafarer might need. This 500-year-old harbor area was a vital link to markets of the outside world for the 15th century kingdom of Pajajaran. It was formerly the harbor town of Sunda Kelapa where the Portuguese traded with the Hindu Kingdom of Pajajaran in the early 16th century. Since than this port has belonged to the portugese and Dutch. Dutch domination of Jakarta and the rest of Indonesia began from this area, whereas the remnants of Kasteel Batavia, an old fort and trading post of the Dutch East Indies Company can still be seen now. Sunda Kelapa is at present a fisherman's wharf and an inter island port. Tall-misted Bugis schooners from South Sulawesi anchoring there offer a picturesque scene. They belong to one of the last-fleets of sailboats in the world and still ply the seas between the islands, as they did centuries ago, carrying merchandise.Tough little remains of bustling old Sunda Kelapa except the name, the harbor is still one of the most important calls for sailing vessels from all over Indonesia. The magnificent and brightly painted Makassar schooner called Pinisi is still an important means of transporting goods to and from the outer islands. This is one of the finest sights in Jakarta.Wander around the old Sunda Kelapa port, watching gangs of sinew-stretched coolies smoking pungent clove-laced cigarettes unload cargos of timber, coal and spices from stunning wooden schooners. Hire a dugout canoe and paddlers and enjoy the waterside scenery. The boats also go to the nearby old fish market, which can be reached easily by foot from the port and is free to enter. Work starts here at 3am and it's essential to arrive by 6am to see the best of the action.

PULAU SERIBU (Thousand Island) Thousand Isles near Jakarta has been a favorite destination for ages. Paradiso, containing four island's Kahyangan (formerly known as Cipir), Bidadari (used to be called Sakit), Onrust and Kelor offer spectacular views of the forest and the sea. The name Paradiso indeed comes from Paradise, for 'Kahyangan' in Indonesian means 'Heaven' in English, and 'Bidadari' means 'Angel'. Dotted throughout Jakarta Bay are 120 tropical islands and coral atolls known, rather misleadingly, as the Thousand Islands. This group of islands in the Jakarta Bay offers a heaven away from the bustle of city life. There are golden beaches fringed with coconut palms. The surrounding waters are a paradise for skin divers. They are filled with a myriad of tropical fish, which live among the multicolored corals. The islands can be reached from Tanjung Priok or Pasar Ikan (Sunda Kelapa) by ferry or by chartered boat. Some of the islands in this group developed for tourism are Pulau Bidadari, Pulau Anyer, Pulau Laki and Pulau Putri. Pulau Tanjung near Putri has an airstrip. There are cabins for hire, having fresh water on Pulau Air and Pulau Bidadari only. The Pulau Putri Paradise Co. has developed Pulau Putri, Pulau Melintang, Pulau Petondan and Pulau Papa Theo as a holiday resort with cottages, restaurants, diving and sailing facilities. With a total population of only 13,000 people, the bay contains a sprinkling of the 'virgin islands', although the majorities are inhabited. Many are privately owned. The departure point to this cluster of individual paradises is the Ancol Marina, where further information on travel arrangements can be found. Daliy boats to most islands, departing at 08.00 and 09.00. This chain of several dozen islets immediately north of the city is administratively part of Jakarta and usually an oasis of quiet. Speedboats take visitors to basic but comfortable hotels an hour or so from the city, where one can snorkel, dive or just lie on a white sand beach with a friendly turtle.

NATIONAL MUSEUM The Museum is situated on Merdeka Barat Street. Currently the National Museum houses collections of 109,342 objects under the categories of prehistory, archaeology, ethnography, numismatics-heraldic, geography and historical relics. In 1994, the museum started with is expansion project. The new building, constructed in the same architectural style as the old, comprises an arena for theatrical performances and more spaces for exhibitions. The museum curators provide detailed information and guidance on collections-related subjects during working hours. The daily activities at the National Museum include collecting, caring for and protecting collections and providing information on the museum and its collections to visitors and the public at large. The Indonesian Heritage Society (HIS) voluntarily assists the museum in handling the inventory of the collections. The museum's Conservation and Restoration Division is dedicated to conserving and restoring the collected objects in order to protect them from possible damages and loss. The staffs also take preventive measures against possible damages or loss through manual, alarm and control system. This Museum is open from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, from 8.30 am to 11.30 am on Friday, and from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm on Saturday. The Museum is closed on Monday and Public Holidays. This museum is also has supporting with such tourism facilities. A small gift shop located in the entrance hall has the same opening hours as the rest of The Museum. It offers a selection of books, postcards and reproductions of various exhibits. The front courtyard can accommodate cars and tour buses. Visitors are kindly asked to refrain from smoking, eating and drinking in all areas of the Museum, and are prohibited from touching the exhibits.

JAKARTA HISTORY MUSEUM Located in the historic Old Jakarta Kota area, Taman Fatahillah square offers three of the city's most interesting museums. Once the heart of the colonial administration in the 18th century the square underwent a major restoration in the 1970's. A fountain in the middle of square once as the main water supply for the former colonial capital. The Portuguese cannon on the north side of the square is reportedly an impressive font of fertility. Jakarta History Museum is the one displaying the history of the development of the City of Jakarta, both the events and the community, from the prehistory until these present days. This museum is located in a building of cultural property which in the past known as Stadhuis, the City Hall of Batavia. As written on an inscription of the Museum collection, the building was constructed in 1707 by the city government of Batavia during the period of VOC and Governor General Abraham van Riebeeck inaugurated it in 1710. This building is located in front of a park, which in the past was known as Stadhuisplein, the City Hall Park, and now it is called Taman Fatahillah. Since 1970, the surroundings of Taman Fatahillah have been declared as Cultural Property and it was totally preserved. This effort was the beginning of the development of the historical area of the City of Jakarta, carried out by the Government of DKI Jakarta. The Museum of History of Jakarta was inaugurated on 30 March 1974 for being the center for collection, conservation and research for all kinds of objects of cultural property related to the history of the City of Jakarta and at the same time becomes a center for education, study and recreation for the community. Due the very long course of the history of Jakarta, the collection of this Museum are highly varied in shape and consist of objects being the heritage of the prehistorical period until the beginning of the 20th century. There are another replicas of the Tugu Inscription from the age of Great King Purnawarman, forming evidence that the center of the Kingdom of Tarumanegara was located in around the seaport of Tanjung Priok. Further, a map of the 16th century and the replica of the Padrao monument of the Portuguese represent the historical evidence of the age of Sunda Kelapa Harbor. The period of Jayakarta is the beginning of the establishment of the City bronze cannon and through various drawings and maps of the 17th century. Furniture collection of Betawi style from the 17th, 18th and 19th century is the richest collection and belongs to the most complete one in the world. This collection is very interesting since the association reflects of the community of Batavia City with various cultural elements from Europe, especially Dutch, China, India and Indonesia.