As a massive megalopolis city, Jakarta occupies more than 290 square kilometers on the western side of Java Island.  In this city, rapid change, trade, and modernization have not erased the irresistible soul of the native city “Betawi.”

You may say that Jakarta has its civilization. But today’s bustling democratic wave has contributed to creating Jakarta an endlessly intriguing location.

It is difficult to pick out only a couple of interesting spots to go to in this vast expanse. So, here we’ve settled for nine destinations and activities for you. Check it out!

1.   Go to Jalan Surabaya

Jalan Surabaya is an open-air antique market on the boundary of Menteng District (in which President Obama dwelt for a couple of years). Its Central Jakarta place makes it effortless to reach by taxi or “Bajaj.” Jalan Surabaya has a huge array of stalls selling antiques, crafts, and several different souvenirs, a few Balinese, some sprinkles, some Dutch blossom, some unclassifiable.

Much of the antiques on display come from the colonial era. A good deal of these “crafts” on screen are more affordable than they seem, so it requires a fantastic eye for detail and a willingness to dicker on the cost to get the absolute most from your Jalan Surabaya shopping experience.

2. Dine in a Padang Restaurant

Padang cuisine is the Indonesian version of an all-you-can-eat Buffet. Dishes are cooked at the start of the afternoon, then rationed out into individual portions. Endless amount of a Padang food combined are served plates upon plates of unique dishes and cover just for the plates that they polish off.

The food is hot and yummy – beef rendang and skewered shrimp are favorites, as are more exotic concoctions such as cow lung with fava beans and ox brain. The shy will probably be frustrated with this spread, the daring will be rewarded.

For a tidy, air-conditioned, nevertheless, absolutely scrumptious Padang food expertise in Jakarta, attempt Sari Bundo on Jalan Hayam Wuruk 101.

3. Explore Central Jakarta by Bike on Car-Free Sundays

From 6 am to 11 am on Sundays, Jakarta shuts off a four-mile stretch of Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin to cars, allowing only bicycles and pedestrians to cruise the streets between the Monas and Ratu Plaza shopping mall.

More than 100,000 appear every weekend to make the most of the break in the typical Jakarta gridlock: Fitness freaks jostle with one another and glance at street food stalls, colorful banners, and conventional Betawi ondel-ondel (giant puppets) on the sidelines.

Car-Free Sunday Is a great time to view Jakarta at its weakest and most vibrant: neon-colored fixies and vinyl balloons put off the contemporary skyline you will see from the city center, especially the portion of Jakarta across the Bundaran HI roundabout, that will be surrounded by skyscrapers, shopping malls, and five-star resorts.

4. Encounter History at the Jakarta History Museum

Jakarta History Museum at Fatahillah Square brings you face to face together with the Dutch colonial encounter – a brutal period the museum’s curators don’t whitewash.

The Dutch brought with them an alien civilization and authorities, which then they enforced on the nation. The construction was an integral element of the ruling, which having been the Batavia Town Hall before independence where Civic responsibilities and penal functions have been performed.

The interior of the museum is full of cultural artifacts left over from Dutch rule. Around the memorial Perimeter, a covered-up well and a cramped case partner stand witness to the cruelty imposed on Indonesian prisoners back in the afternoon.

Planning to visit Jakarta soon? Find out more about Jakarta and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.