Exploring Jakarta Heritage

The older parts of Jakarta offer the chance to view the sceneries of the past. Explore Sunda Kelapa Harbor and other places of interest to the fullest, where modernity and remnants of the past can still be found.

Here, aside from Sunda Kelapa Harbor, you can found Harbor-Master Tower (Menara Syahbandar), Maritime Museum (Museum Bahari), Fatahillah Museum, Wayang Puppet Museum, Arts Museum and Beos Station.

Getting There

Using busway, motorcycle, taxi, or by renting a car.

Where to Stay

Nearby hotels such as Omni Batavia. Or various lodgings in Jakarta area.

Moving Around

On foot. You can also use public transportation to move around.

Dining Guide

Various restaurants nearby. Fast food joints such as A&W and Dunkin' Donuts are also available. Alternatively, you can buy fresh seafood from the Fish Market and ask the cooks in restaurants in Muara Angke area to cook them to your liking.

Souvenir Tips

• Fresh seafood from the nearby Fish Market.
  
• Miniatures of ship in Maritime Museum.
  
• Wayang puppets from Wayang Puppet Museum.
  
• Clothes, Accessories.
  
• T-Shirts, postcards, keychains.
  
• Frames, wall adornments, from Wayang Puppet Museum.

Other Things to See or Do

• Climb Harbor-Master Tower to view Jakarta from the top.
  
• Watch the ships loading and unloading the cargo in the harbor.
  
• Buy fishing apparels to fish in this area, or buy fresh seafood from the market.
  
• Take pictures in Beos Station.
  
• Visit the museums.
  
• Attend the events done by the museum--such as open theaters portraying people in the olden times.
  
• Joining wayang workshops in the museum.

Travel Tips

• Dress light.
  
• Bring an umbrella or raincoat, in case of rain.

Kindling Moments of the Past in Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat

Kraton (palace) of Jogjakarta is rich with history. Built in 1756, this palace has witnessed many generations of royalties ruling Jogjakarta and the surroundings. The building is located on a huge site. Kraton's building is located in the center. Thick walls were built around this palace in 1785, causing the palace to look fortress-like. This used to be the residence of the servants, soldiers, and lesser royal families. These days, this place has become small villages inside the kraton, the residence of artists,most notably painters and batik-makers.

Consisting of several buildings, walls, and gardens, Jogjakarta's present monarch still lives in this historical place. Some parts of this palace are open for public.

Getting There
Kraton is located in the middle of Jogjakarta city. You can visit this place on foot, by becak (pedicab), or by taxi.

Where to Stay

Numerous inns and hotels in Jogjakarta.

Moving Around

On foot.

Dining Guide

There are many restaurants and eateries in Jogjakarta, some are located near kraton.

Souvenir Tips

There are many souvenirs related to kraton but,it is much cheaper if you buy it on Malioboro street. Postcards and T-Shirts depicting kraton are among the
favorites.

Other Things to See or Do

Explore this rich cultural heritage and admire the buildings and relic leisurely. You might be interested in visiting Taman Sari, another historical place. Taman Sari is within walking distance.

Travel Tips

• Respect the locals dress casually but please cast aside your flesh-revealing outfits. Kraton is a sacred place among locals. Wear shoes instead of sandals.
  
• Hire a guide for better understanding of this spectacular palace.

Prambanan,The 1000 Temples Minus One

Located about 15 kilometers away from Jogjakarta, this Hindu temple was built in the 9^th century. Sometimes Prambanan is called Loro Jonggrang. There's a legend involved, concerning Loro Jonggrang. Many, many years ago, so they say, lived a beautiful and haughty princess
called Loro Jonggrang. Many people wish to marry her but she always refused, setting impossible tasks for her suitors to perform. One day, a noble told Loro Jonggrang that he'd like to marry her. Loro Jonggrang agreed, in one condition: he had to built one thousand temples during the night. The man had extraordinary powers, so he did not even flinch upon hearing this. Loro Jonggrang watched in horror at this man's ability. The noble managed to build one temple and then another, efficiently and quickly. Loro Jonggrang did not want to get married, so she cunningly roused the roosters to crow before dawn. That way, the man would lose the bargain. When the roosters crowed, the man had finished building 999 shrines. Angry for being tricked, he turned Loro Jonggrang into a big statue and use it as an adornment for the 1,000^th temple.

Nowadays, an open theater has been constructed in front of this temple. On certain months, especially during the full moon, traditional dances depicting Ramayana and other legends are performed here.

Getting There

You can rent a car to go to this place.Alternatively, join a tour.

Where to Stay

Innumberable inns and hotels scatterred around Jogjakarta.

Moving Around

Explore the temple (and 200 or so smaller shrines remained from the so-called 1,000 temples) on foot.

Dining Guide

There are no restaurants nearby, but you can buy snacks here. Bring your own food and drink, if you wish.

Souvenir Tips

Even though there are many peddlars around this site, it is best if you buy souvenirs at Malioboro street. Should you wish to buy the souvenirs from the peddlars, don't forget to bargain.

Other Things to See or Do
Admire the big statue of a woman (some say that it was Loro Jonggrang herself), take a look at the bigger and smaller temples.

Travel Tips

• To save money and time, join a tour.
  
• Ask the locals and tourist centers for information concerning the traditional dances and events.