Discover Jakarta's Iconic Landmarks on its Anniversary

Each year on June 22nd, the vibrant city of Jakarta shines brighter as it celebrates its birthday. In honour of Jakarta's 496th anniversary this year, we invite you to journey through its iconic and historic sites.

With nearly five centuries under its belt, Jakarta has indeed witnessed a myriad of events. Numerous buildings and attractions scattered throughout the city stand as silent witnesses to its transformation from the humble Sunda Kelapa to the vibrant nation's capital.

Jakarta was born in 1527, originating from a bustling port area known as Sunda Kelapa. Under the rule of Prince Fatahillah, the port city adopted the name Jayakarta.

However, when the Dutch East India Company (VOC) arrived, they razed Jayakarta, seized control, and founded a new city named Batavia. This name endured for nearly three centuries until the arrival of the Japanese colonialists prompted another name change.

Djakarta Tokubetsu Shi, or Djakarta, echoed the old name, Jayakarta. This name eventually evolved into the Jakarta we know today. With this brief snapshot of Jakarta's history, it's now time to set off on an exploration of its most iconic places that have countless tales to tell.

7 Iconic Landmarks in Jakarta

Sunda Kelapa Harbor

The tale of the capital city begins here at Sunda Kelapa Harbor. Still serving its original purpose from hundreds of years ago, this harbour welcomes wooden ships to its docks.

You can not only capture memorable photos with the distinctive Phinisi ship in the background, but also embark on a journey to explore the Sunda Kelapa Harbor area by boat. The fares are quite affordable, ranging from IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 per boat, depending on your haggling skills.

The Old Town Area

When people speak of the Old Town, or Kota Tua, their minds often wander to the Taman Fatahillah area and its surroundings. And rightly so, as this region, replete with aged structures, was the heart of Batavian administration.

There is a wealth of intriguing points of interest in this district. For instance, the majestic building that once housed the Governor General's office now serves as the Jakarta History Museum. In the vicinity, you'll also find the Puppet Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics.

A short drive away, you'll discover the iconic Red Shop or Toko Merah and the uniquely designed Kota Diamond Bridge. Additionally, the Maritime Museum is situated approximately 2 km from Fatahillah Park.

Chinatown Glodok Pancoran

Much like Sunda Kelapa Harbor, the Chinatown area of Glodok Pancoran is indeed a part of the Jakarta Old Town area. This area, formerly known as Petak Sembilan, is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts.

Be sure to visit the renowned Gang Gloria and indulge in the famous Es Kopi Tak Kie, a culinary delight that has been served since 1927. Other delicacies to savour include Karilam, Cakwe, Gado-Gado, and many more.

Monas (The National Monument)

A conversation about Jakarta's iconic landmarks wouldn't be complete without mentioning the National Monument, affectionately known as Monas. Offering a breathtaking bird's eye view of the city, you can ascend to the top of the monument for a mere Rp. 15,000.

Gelora Bung Karno's Gelora Area

Having witnessed over 60 years of Jakarta's evolution, Gelora Bung Karno is steeped in the city's history. Today, the GBK area serves more than just sporting needs. You can also visit the GBK City Forest, a perfect spot to unwind in the afternoon against the stunning backdrop of towering skyscrapers.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

A short jaunt to East Jakarta will bring you to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), a beloved holiday destination for Jakartans since 1975. This park showcases pavilions and miniature versions of traditional houses from each province in Indonesia.

Don't forget to visit the DKI Jakarta Pavilion! The park also houses several museums where you can enrich your experience and knowledge about this diverse nation.

Betawi Cultural Village, Setu Babakan

The Betawi people, residents of Jakarta for centuries, have a culture enriched by a blend of Sundanese, Chinese, Arabic influences, as well as a few other migrant ethnic groups. This mixture has given birth to a unique and vibrant culture.

Immerse yourself in authentic Betawi culture at the Betawi Cultural Village, Setu Babakan, located in the Jagakarsa area of South Jakarta. Here, you can enjoy a variety of artistic performances and sample a wide array of culinary delights unique to the Betawi people.

Explore various destinations in the capital city with a Jakarta car rental, so that the trip feels more comfortable and practical. You can use TRAC car rental service, a vehicle rental provider that has more than 33 years of experience.

For ease of booking, TRAC pals can do it through the TRACtoGo application. Immediately install the TRACtoGo application on the Google Playstore or Apple App Store. Don't forget to register for membership to enjoy various TRAC services.

For the latest information, don't forget to follow TRAC social media through Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car and Twitter @TRACastra.

Wherever the track, just use TRAC!