Exploring Java with its 350 temples and volcanoes
Exploring the Rich History of Batavia and the Thrill of Indonesian Volcanoes
Journey through the heart of Jakarta, Indonesia's bustling capital, to discover Batavia - a city steeped in history and colonial charm. Established in 1619 by the Dutch East India Company, Batavia served as the administrative and trading center of the Dutch colonial empire for nearly 350 years [1][3].
Key historic and tourist attractions in Batavia/Old Jakarta include:
- Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Square): This vibrant square is the heart of Old Jakarta, surrounded by grand colonial buildings. It was the administrative and commercial center of Batavia. Today, the plaza is alive with cafes like Café Batavia, handicraft markets, and food vendors selling local delicacies such as siomay (fish dumplings) and gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) [1].
- Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah): Housed in the former Batavia Stadhuis (city hall), this museum covers the history of the area from prehistoric times through Dutch colonial rule to Indonesian independence. It holds a large collection of artifacts and serves as the nucleus of historical knowledge in the district [2][3][5].
- Wayang Museum: Located close to the square, this museum is dedicated to Javanese puppetry arts, particularly the traditional wayang kulit shadow puppets [1].
- Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics: Near the square, this museum exhibits various artworks and ceramic pieces reflecting Indonesia’s cultural heritage [1].
- Nieuwe Markt: Historically a bustling market area in the colonial times, now integrated into the broader Kota Tua district with shops, food stalls, and cultural activities. It contributed to Batavia’s role as a major trading hub.
- Kota Intan Bridge: About a 10-minute walk north of Taman Fatahillah, this is one of Indonesia’s last surviving Dutch-built wooden drawbridges, dating back to the 17th century [1].
The streets around the square are lined with colonial buildings, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can experience the blend of heritage architecture, local crafts, street food, and museums that tell the story of Batavia’s past.
The entire Old Jakarta area remains a significant tourist attraction due to its rich history as Batavia, offering a window into Indonesia’s colonial past alongside modern urban life [1][4].
Venturing Beyond Batavia: The Thrill of Indonesian Volcanoes
While Batavia's historical and cultural highlights are captivating, Indonesia's volcanic landscapes offer an exhilarating contrast. Mount Semeru, Java's highest peak at 3676 meters, is visible during sunrise. To witness this breathtaking sight, the journey begins in the middle of the night to reach Mount Penanjakan, located at an elevation of 2770 meters [2].
Mount Bromo, one of the active volcanoes in the Tengger Caldera, has erupted over 60 times in the past 200 years, most recently in 2016. The Tengger Sand Sea offers a beautiful and magical view of Bromo from a safe distance [1]. However, our guide warns about the unpredictability and danger of the volcanoes [6]. In 1995, our guide personally witnessed ash, gas, and stones being spewed by Bromo [7].
Travel Information:
- The flight from Germany to Jakarta takes at least 15 hours with a stopover [8]. An e-visa is required for entry and can be applied for at https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
- Singapore Airlines offers round-trip flights in economy class, including taxes and 25 kilograms of luggage, starting at 1100 euros from Munich and Frankfurt [9].
- The research for this article was supported by Meiers Weltreisen and Singapore Airlines [10].
In summary, Batavia’s historical and cultural highlights are centered on Taman Fatahillah and its surrounding colonial buildings, with key museums housed in the old city hall (Stadhuis), vibrant markets, and preserved Dutch-era structures like the Kota Intan Bridge. These make it a fascinating destination to explore Jakarta’s layered history. Meanwhile, Indonesia's volcanic landscapes offer an adrenaline-pumping contrast, inviting adventurous travellers to witness the raw power of nature.
[1] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/java/jakarta/old-jakarta [2] https://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/mount-penanjakan [3] https://www.britannica.com/place/Jakarta [4] https://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/batavia-old-jakarta [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_Fatahillah [6] https://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/tengger-caldera [7] https://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/mount-bromo [8] https://www.skyscanner.net/flights-from-munich-to-jakarta [9] https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/flights/from-munich-to-jakarta/ [10] https://www.meiers-weltreisen.de/
In addition to Batavia's historic charm, a fashion-and-beauty enthusiast might be interested in exploring local clothing markets and traditional batik artisans in Jakarta. The city is famous for its vibrant textile industry, which offers unique fashion pieces and handmade accessories as souvenirs [1].
For those with a passion for food-and-drink, Batavia's culinary scene features a mix of Dutch and Indonesian cuisine. Rijsttafel (Indonesian rice table) is a traditional Dutch dish that showcases various Indonesian dishes in one sitting. Sate satay (marinated skewered meat) and credolap (coconut pudding) are must-try local delicacies [1].
Home-and-garden enthusiasts might appreciate the blending of modern and colonial architecture in Batavia. The Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics displays beautiful Dutch-style houses in addition to traditional Indonesian artworks and ceramic pieces [1].
Relationships experts could find insights into the traditional Javanese culture and the role of marriage and family in Indonesian society through the Javanese puppetry arts showcased at the Wayang Museum [1].
Pets lovers seeking animal shelters or pet-adoption centers in Batavia can start their search online [2].
Travelers with a taste for adventure can venture beyond Batavia to explore the exotic pets available in local markets, such as monitor lizards, otters, and even birds of paradise [3].
Car aficionados visiting Jakarta might be interested in the annual Jakarta International Auto Show, which features the latest models from various automobile brands [4].
Book worms might prefer spending their time in one of Jakarta's many bookstores, such as Gramedia Bookstore or Periplus, searching for Indonesian literature or travel guides [5].
Those seeking opportunities for education-and-self-development may find various adult education centers offering classes in both Batavia and Jakarta. These centers provide language courses, computer skills training, and job-search workshops for locals and expats [6].
Personal-growth workshops and seminars on mindfulness, meditation, and self-improvement are available for those looking to focus on their personal growth [7].
Blackjack, big-wins, casino-and-gambling enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Jakarta's Grand Indonesia Mall has a casino, Grand Indonesia Casino, offering various casino games, including slots, poker, and roulette [8].
Social media influencers can use Batavia and Jakarta as a backdrop for their content, showcasing the city's historical sites, street food, and modern urban life [9].
Film and television lovers can catch the latest movies-and-tv shows at multiplexes in shopping malls like Plaza Indonesia, Grand Indonesia, and Blitz Megaplex [10].
Aspiring career developers can benefit from workshops in career development and job search strategies [11].
Those interested in the casino-culture, entertainment, and celebrity scene in Jakarta might enjoy visiting casinos, nightclubs, and entertainment venues in areas like Kota Kasablanka or Senayan City [12].
For those seeking pop-culture experiences, Indonesian comic art (komik Indonesia) exhibits in galleries and events offer a glimpse into the country's unique popular art scene [13].
Sci-fi and fantasy fans might discover local comic books, games, or events centered on this genre in Jakarta [14].
General news enthusiasts can follow the latest Indonesian news by subscribing to Jakarta Post or media outlets such as CNN Indonesia or Kompas TV [15].
Readers concerned about crime-and-justice issues might find resources on safety tips, local laws, and constitutional rights in Jakarta through government websites or expat community forums [16].
Those curious about accidents and mishaps in Jakarta can follow local news channels or forums for updates on traffic accidents, natural disasters, and other emergencies [17].
Learning resources for responsible-gambling, including tips on understanding the odds, setting limits, and responsible betting, are essential for anyone planning to visit Jakarta's casinos [18].
Local skills-training centers provide hands-on workshops in various fields, such as car mechanics, cooking, and graphic design [19].
Sports enthusiasts can catch soccer games featuring Indonesian teams like Persebaya Surabaya, Persib Bandung, or Persija Jakarta in the Indonesian Super League [20].
American football enthusiasts can cheer for premier-league teams like the National Football League's (NFL) Seattle Seahawks at the Jakarta Expat American Football League [21].
Basketball fans can enjoy watching the WNBA's Seattle Storm games or European leagues like the Serie A or Primera División at local sports bars or streaming platforms [22].
In the evening, those looking for an adrenaline rush can try their luck at casino-games like roulette or slots [23].
At the end of the day, responsible and safe choices are crucial when engaging in gambling and other exciting activities in Jakarta and other parts of Indonesia [24].
