"Jakarta, a Jewel in the Rough" Jakarta by Rodan44


Jakarta Travel Guide: 1,589 reviews and 2,421 photos

Tower of Bottles, Jakarta - Jakarta
Tower of Bottles, Jakarta

My wife and I wanted to get away for Valentine's day. It was pretty last minute, so we went to a local travel agent to see what was still available. We were looking for a nice romantic weekend. Problem was, everything was either booked or too expensive. But there was one place that came up... Jakarta!

Now I know what you're thinking, "You took your wife to Jakarta for a romantic Valentine's Day weekend? Are you crazy?" And I must admit, the urban captial of Indonesia with 10 million inhabitants and a history of civil unrest is hardly the first destination that would spring to mind. In fact, the Marriott hotel bombing had occurred not long before this.

But fortunately for me, my wife has an adventurous spirit like I do, and off we went. And you know what... we found out that you can in fact have a wonderful romantic weekend in Jakarta! Just don't forget to pack an open mind.

Please visit the Jakarta page on my personal website to see many more high quality photos from this destination.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Amazingly friendly people
  • Cons:Traffic, pollution, noise, ugly highrises
  • In a nutshell:Despite the bad press, Jakarta has a lot to offer.
  • Last visit to Jakarta: Feb 2004
  • Intro Updated Jun 27, 2005
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Reviews (12)

Istiqlal Mosque - Jakarta Istiqlal Mosque, the Largest in East... Things to Do (8)

Istiqlal Mosque is Indonesia's national mosque as well as the largest in east asia. Around 90% of Indonesians are... more travel advice

Jakarta History Museum - Jakarta Jakarta History Museum Things to Do (8)

The Jakarta History Museum is housed in the former Dutch colonial Stadhuis (city hall) of Batavia, which was built in... more travel advice

National Monument & Statue - Jakarta National Monument Things to Do (8)

The National Monument in Merdeka Square is a 137 meter tall white marble obelisk topped with a gold flame. It is a... more travel advice

Unloading cargo from a schooner - Jakarta Majestic Makassar Schooners Things to Do (8)

Sunda Kelepa acts as port of call for the world's only remaining fleet of trading schooners. Almost as impressive as... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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  • Jim_Eliason's Profile Photo
    Jim_Eliason Mar 20, 2005 at 6:12 PM Report Abuse

    great tips I can't wait to get back to Asia.

  • ettenaj's Profile Photo
    ettenaj Jun 3, 2004 at 2:25 AM Report Abuse

    Like the puppet picture, really interesting read

  • ukirsari's Profile Photo
    ukirsari May 30, 2004 at 9:23 PM Report Abuse

    Thanks to visit my country! Last time I visit Oasis with Frederik [VT member B-free] and Frank [VT member belgianchocolate] and three of us truely enjoy the dinner with 12 maids, hahahhaha :) Regards to you and your wife!! ~ arie ~

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