Attractions in North Jakarta (Jakarta)

Sunda Kelapa Harbor

The picturesque old harbor of Jakarta was built in the early 17th century (reconstructed and expanded in 1817) and today still serves as the port of call for perahu pinisi (sailing cargo vessels). Navigated primarily by Bugis and Makassarese traders, these charming and colorful vessels form one of the world's few major commercial sailing fleets, transporting raw materials from Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi. Visitors will marvel at the amazing strength of the sailors and workers who load and unload goods manually without the help of any equipment. A conversation with them sometimes earns an invitation aboard.

Menara Syahbandar (Lookout Tower)

Stand at the top of this tower and gaze over Kali Besar Bridge, Sunda Kelapa Harbor and Ciliwung River through the eyes of an eagle. The panoramic view gives visitors an idea of what it was like when guards watched over harbor activities during the Batavia era. The Uitkijk, as the Dutch called it, was built in 1839 as part of a fortress. It started its life as a defense tower and later served as a meteorological station. Admission is free.

Jembatan Pasar Ayam

This is the only drawbridge spanning Kali Besar (The Great Canal) that still exists. Built in the 17th century to connect the Dutch fort and the British fort, it stands as a magnificent archetype of a Dutch-style drawbridge. It is so named because of a chicken market (pasar ayam in Bahasa Indonesia) that used to lie nearby. Even after having undergone a series of renovations, including one in the 1970s, the bridge still reveals clear signs of age. Now no longer functional, it remains as a historical landmark.

Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Park)

This beautifully conserved park played host to Batavia's administrative center in the 18th century. Found at the south end of the imposing city hall (now the Fatahillah Museum or the Jakarta History Museum) the town square served as the venue for various public events, from lively fairs to gory executions. In the center of the square now sits a small domed structure, constructed in 1972 by Governor Ali Sadikin as a replica of an old water fountain. The original once spouted contaminated water, thus contributing to the high mortality rate among the Dutch at that time. Admission is free.

Museum Fatahillah (Jakarta History Museum)

This old City Hall of Batavia occupies the site of its two predecessors. The current building of fine Dutch architecture was completed in 1710 and once served many civic and judiciary functions. Beneath the front portico lie some cells which were used as dungeons. The museum took over the premises in 1974 and offers a fine glimpse into the city's colonial past. Thirty-seven ornate rooms display Dutch furniture, old maps, antiquities and Dutch East India Company (V.O.C.) memorabilia, recreating the atmosphere prevalent during the Dutch era. In the rear courtyard stand two ondel-ondel statues.

Si Jagur (Old Portuguese Cannon)

This ancient Portuguese cannon finds home on the north side of Fatahillah Square. It was brought to Fort Batavia in 1641, where it stood until the fort's demolition in 1809. A large fist protrudes from its posterior, believed by Indonesians to bring fertility. Some women would sit on the barrel hoping for a child. According to legend, a man named Si Jagur was transformed into the cannon upon his death. His better half, also transformed, was taken to Banten to avoid the catastrophe believed to be brought about by a side-by-side burial.

Ciliwung River Ride

Forget the conventional ferries, here is the perfect opportunity to experience a rustic cruise down the Ciliwung River--on a getek. Made out of sturdy bamboo, these rafts do not come with seats, so passengers have to stand. Instead of using oars, the abang (raftsman) tugs at a rope to navigate. Although some may not be comfortable with the sight and smell, the ride provides a glimpse of Jakarta's urban desolation. Charges vary considerably depending on where you wish to go. Negotiate first with the abang for a good rate.

Sikh Gurdwara Mission

This Sikh gurdwara (temple) conducts daily congregational meetings for disciples of Sikhism. Besides serving as a place of worship, it functions as an important community center for the Sikhs. The building was established in 1955 and is decorated with passages of wisdom from Guru Granth Sahib's Holy Book of Writings, some dating back to the 16th century. There exists only two other gurdwaras in Indonesia, one in Medan, the other in Periok.

Sai Baba Center

In this center at the heart of Jakarta's Little India, devotees from all walks of life and different religious backgrounds gather to pray and worship. The center is dedicated to Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a famous Indian swami, or guru, who was born in 1926 and now teaches in an ashram in Puttaparti, South India. He is believed to be the second of three incarnations of the divine being Sai Avatar. Devotion to Sai Baba involves continuous participation in devotees' original religions.

Mesjid Luar Batang

This two-story mosque was established in 1739 by Al Habib Husein bin Abubakar Alaydrus, a descendant of the Prophet Mohammed and a religious teacher from Yemen, whose sacred tomb sits within the premises. The building showcases a combination of Hindu and traditional Javanese architecture. The relief on the front gate, for instance, resemble those found in Javanese Hindu temples. Every year during the Prophet's birthday, Indonesian pilgrims come here to pray for favors. Dress conservatively. Shoes must be removed before entry, and women must wear head scarves.

Ancol Marina

The gateway to Jakarta Bay's Thousand Islands, Ancol Marina is more than just a pier from which ferries depart. It is a recreational, historic and scenic location that offers a cafe, dockyard and marine sports center. Large groups have the option of chartering a boat for the purpose of fishing, diving or exploring the Thousand Islands, Ancol Beach or Jakarta Bay. Cost: Ferry ride around the area or to the Thousand Islands costs about IDR25,000 per person. Chartering a boat for the day costs IDR1,000,000-IDR2,500,000, depending on the vessel's size.

Pulau Bidadari (Heavenly Nymph Island)

This island's position as an idyllic holiday destination and home of the Bidadari Island Resort could not be in greater contrast to its gloomy past. Also known as Pulau Sakit, or Disease Island, this was once the isolated asylum of lepers. A large cemetery on the island has been moved to the neighboring Kelor Island. Memories of the Dutch colonial period linger in the remains of a large fort and a gunpowder cellar. Departure Point: Ancol Marina.