If horrendous traffic and hygiene violation do not make you turn back, then you are ready to delight your palate. In Jakarta, food outlets can be broadly categorized into four classes. First is the street hawkers and vendors that are commonly referred to as kaki lima (due to the fact that they have five legs - 2 from the push cart, 1 from the push cart stand and 2 more from the guy). Second is the home-style family-run food outlets that are usually situated at Ruko (Rumah Toko - literally translate to Home Office). Third is the fast-food or franchise chained establishments that are usually found in the shopping malls. Last is of course the fine-dining options reserved for the non-budget conscious.
Showing posts with label Jakarta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jakarta. Show all posts
A Gastronomical Adventure in Jakarta - Part 1 of 2
In a land of 250 millions people made up of more than twenty ethnic groups and hundreds of dialects spread over a quarter of the equatorial line, Jakarta has turned into a gigantic melting pot where different cultures and traditions blend together to create multi-dimensional dynamism that has become the unique color of Jakarta.
Navigating around Jakarta - better known for chaotic traffic rules and conditions - requires steel determination and is a special skill of its own. Frankly speaking, the mention of Jakarta would simply turn away many travel goers. But to those of us who have been brought up with the local taste or to those who have accidentally been acquainted to the local culinary delights, we know how it is when our cravings seem to just override any logical reasoning and give us that necessary determination boost to get through the tough traffic condition.
Navigating around Jakarta - better known for chaotic traffic rules and conditions - requires steel determination and is a special skill of its own. Frankly speaking, the mention of Jakarta would simply turn away many travel goers. But to those of us who have been brought up with the local taste or to those who have accidentally been acquainted to the local culinary delights, we know how it is when our cravings seem to just override any logical reasoning and give us that necessary determination boost to get through the tough traffic condition.
The Istiqlal Mosque
Home to 237 millions, Indonesia is the World's fourth largest country by population size. By far, Indonesia has the most populous Muslim-majority - a staggering 90 percent or more than 200 millions.
Jakarta - Endless Adventure by the Beach
In 2006, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol was renamed Ancol Jakarta Bay City (Ancol JBC). The change reflected more than just a cosmetic change, but rather a fresh vision to turn Ancol JBC into a world-class tourist attraction.
Jakarta - The Temple of Golden Virtue
As one of Indonesia’s most treasured historical heritage, Golden Virtue Temple has a history that started more than three centuries ago. In the beginning, the temple was built as a place to pay respect and worship Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara - Goddess of Mercy also more popularly known as Bodhisattva Kuan Yin) - and hence was named as Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Temple. In 1970, a massacre of the ethnic Chinese community by the Dutch left thousands dead. A tragic incident that left much of the temple’s physical structure destroyed. It was in 1755 that a restoration effort - led by a Chinese Captain – was done to conserve the now ancient treasure and was later renamed as Golden Virtue Temple. Today, the temple has become a sacred place of worship for majority of Jakarta’s ethnic Chinese population. The intricate blend between faiths, cultural traditions and religions – Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism – gives the temple its own unique touch and identity.
Jakarta - The Cathedral
Indonesia’s one and only Cathedral Church opened its door in 1901. The building architecture is based on the ancient Rome architecture. More than one hundred years later, this architectural masterpiece is still standing firm and its magnificence undented. It has indeed become the pride of not only the Catholics in Indonesia, but to the people of Indonesia.
In 1988, a major renovation work was carried out to polish and preserve this precious historic and religiously iconic treasure. A new pipe organ with a total of 1000 pipes was shipped in all the way from Belgium. Today, the Church’s museum maintains a collection of the Church’s historical ornaments, in which some have been preserved for more than 100 years.
Standing right opposite to the Cathedral is the Istiqlal Mosque. The close proximity of icons belonging to followers of different faiths reflects the high respect and religious tolerance among Indonesia’s diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities. For a glance of historical journey on the development of the Catholics community, a visit to the Cathedral is a must.
In 1988, a major renovation work was carried out to polish and preserve this precious historic and religiously iconic treasure. A new pipe organ with a total of 1000 pipes was shipped in all the way from Belgium. Today, the Church’s museum maintains a collection of the Church’s historical ornaments, in which some have been preserved for more than 100 years.
Standing right opposite to the Cathedral is the Istiqlal Mosque. The close proximity of icons belonging to followers of different faiths reflects the high respect and religious tolerance among Indonesia’s diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities. For a glance of historical journey on the development of the Catholics community, a visit to the Cathedral is a must.
Balai Sarbini - Jakarta's Premiere Arts Venue
Balai Sarbini serves both as a historical landmark as well as a proud icon to the Jakarta’s arts community. Today, Balai Sarbini has established itself as a premiere venue for arts and cultural performances. It was in this place that Indonesian Idol was held and where major National and International Arts and Cultural exhibitions are being showcased.
The construction of Balai Sarbini was initiated by Lt. Gen. (Ret) H.M. Sarbini. The construction process was officially started back in January 6, 1965. Completed in 1973, the building was then named as Veteran Building of the Republic of Indonesia. After 30 years, the center was given a new lifeline as it underwent a major renovation work. After its completion in 2004, the center was named Balai Sarbini – in honor of its founder. Most of the facelift was done to the interior of the venue, while the exterior facet of the building was conserved for historical conservation.
Today, Balai Sarbini has played host to various National and International arts, music and cultural festivals. In fact, the highly successful Indonesian Idol is hosted in Balai Sarbini. Though many private events are often closed to public, do keep a lookout on the calendar schedule. If you are lucky, you’ll able to catch some performances showcasing some of the finest Indonesian artistic talents.
Jakarta - What has it to offer
Indonesia is the World’s largest archipelago nation with 17,000 islands sprawling over one third of the equator. Jakarta is the proud Capital of Indonesia and is the heartbeat of the Country. This is where businesses, leisure and entertainment converges. Today, close to 20 (out of 220) million Indonesians are calling Jakarta their adopted hometown or second home and thousands more each year are pouring into this city - all in search for a brighter future for their future generations.
Jakarta - A City Unique in a Million Ways
Welcome to Jakarta! The proud Capital of World’s largest archipelago nation. Jakarta offers an unique experience of a Metropolitan City that is full of diversity, aesthetics of life and dynamism. From the road side hawkers to five-star fine-dining. From bare wooden huts to the luxurious residential complex. From the renowned Padang Cuisine to International-award winning chefs. From budget to boutique hotels. Jakarta promises to amaze every visitor in its own way.
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