Discover Jakarta
Bubur Ase: A Special Betawi Porridge
At the beginning of the 20th century, bubur ase was a popular food among Batavia residences and was a mainstay for Betawi society. A bowl of this special rice porridge, full of nutritious condiments, warmed stomachs and provided sustenance for the day. Other than being a favourite breakfast meal, the dish is an example of
Pasar Baru: Jakarta’s Historic Shopping Arcade
Specifically built by the Dutch Colonial government to accommodate the shopping cravings of European and Dutch elites in Batavia, Pasar Baru — or Passer Baroe, as it was called then — became a melting pot of communities and ethnicities, from Chinese, Indians, Europeans, and even Malays. Considered the city’s oldest shopping arcade, Pasar Baru continues
Buku Betawi: Palang Pintu, A Unique Betawi Proposal Tradition
Palang Pintu is one of the unique Betawi wedding traditions, seen as the test of ‘approval’ that the groom must receive from the bride and indeed her family. It is imbued with symbolism and is a tradition that showcases the different facets of Betawi culture. For Betawi men, there are a series of ‘tests’ that must
Best Serviced Apartments in Jakarta: 11 Luxurious City Residences (2024)
Searching for your new home can be challenging, as there are hundreds of options for serviced apartments in Jakarta. Finding the perfect location, number of bedrooms, services and facilities, contract lengths and more, finding your “Goldilocks home” can be a tiresome task! To help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of 11
Gambang Kromong: Cultural Acculturation in Traditional Betawi Music
A merging of a Javanese and Sundanese gamelan orchestra, Gambang Kromong has a unique sound and distinct timbre. This comes from the various music instruments originating from the acculturation of Indonesian and Chinese traditional music. A synergistic relationship between ethnicities will produce a beautiful harmony in life. That’s the moral that can be taken from
An Ocean of Discovery at the Jakarta Aquarium and Safari
Whoever said learning was dull clearly hasn’t explored the awesome spots in Jakarta! There’s a great collection of fun and educational attractions just waiting to be visited in this city, including the immersive Jakarta Aquarium and Safari. Tucked in the heart of Central Park, the Jakarta Aquarium and Safari (JAQS) is a treasure trove of
Pekojan: Jakarta’s Historic Arab Village
Pekojan is a historic district or kecamatan in West Jakarta. Considered the city’s original Arab village, it is a prime example of the rich ethnic diversity found in Jakarta and how different communities created their own landmarks and cultural treasures over time. Back when Jakarta was still under Dutch colonial rule, known at the time
Barbershops in Jakarta: Where to Get Your Next Cut
“Finding a good barbershop is like finding a good lawyer – you gotta go to the same guy.” In Jakarta, this is especially true when there are hundreds of options in just your local area alone. To help you on your journey to find “the one” (barber, not soulmate), we’ve curated a list of nine
Things to do in Jakarta (2024): Experiences & Activities
Discover the vibrant heart of Indonesia with our guide on the top things to do in Jakarta. As the bustling capital city continues to evolve, so do the myriad of experiences and activities it offers to locals and visitors alike. From cultural gems and historical landmarks to modern attractions and culinary delights, Jakarta promises a
Condet: A Surviving Betawi Village Amidst Changing Times
Exploring Condet in East Jakarta will allow you to see the roots of some important history. Condet today is, like other parts of Jakarta, experiencing the erosion of its Betawi identity, while being dense and chaotic, congested, and sadly also prone to flooding. Whereas in the 18th century, Condet was referred to by the Dutch,
Urban Forest Cipete: A Haven of Green in the City
With its tree-lined pathways and picnic-ready grounds, Urban Forest Cipete offers an experience of park life one may expect in the likes of Singapore, Japan, Australia or Europe. With cafés and restaurants intermingled into meandering gardens, this verdurous complex in South Jakarta has become a popular reprieve from the concrete jungle. Jakarta has long held
Bir Pletok: Betawi’s Distinctive Herbal Drink
Despite the name bir (pronounced: beer), this drink contains no alcohol at all. It’s made from a mixture of spices and the Betawi people consider it a wellness drink, even though it was created under the influence of the Dutch culture of drinking alcohol during the colonial era. Bir Pletok is the star of Betawi
Rode Winkel: The Transformation of Toko Merah
After a long period of closure, Toko Merah is now open with its new name Rode Winkel, providing a vibrant way to stroll through its rich history while savouring good drinks and sumptuous food. Since its construction in 1730, the historic building named Toko Merah has changed ownership several times, from the VOC, Chinese civilians,