"Walk in old Batavia (2)" Top 5 Page for this destination Jakarta Off The Beaten Path Tip by kokoryko

In old Batavia are also many modest looking houses, dating from the 18th century, bordering the streets, but, even they keep some charm, they really need some renovation; I am not for systematic renovation, but here, it really would be worth, before the pollution and the humid climate finish their destructive job; a bit renovation, nice colours (as they seem to have had in the past), and these houses (picture 1) could look nice and elegant with their closed wooden balconies. It seems some of the houses are undergoing some renovation (picture 2); let us hope they will soon look neat! This house here (picture 3), at the corner of Jalan Kali Besar and Jalan Bank has been renovated, but is closed. . . Traffic and pollution do not help. . .
There are a few funny buildings from the thirties in tis area, in a bit art deco-art nouveau style, like the Kota Tua hotel or this insurance office building (picture 4) nearby, also on Jalan Kali Besar.
It is a bit a pity to see the old buildings collapsing or just rotting (picture 5) on the streetsides, as they could be beautiful!
Jalan Kali Besar and surroundings