Though their bright and festive appearance seems to have degraded over the years — with (somewhat frightening) street-side buskers cheapening the city’s mascot for a little extra change — no one can deny how iconic and recognisable Jakarta’s ‘ondel-ondel’ are. But what are ondel-ondel, and where did they originate? The History of Ondel-Ondel These large

Pasar Baru is hardly new as its name implies, it has a long history of trade that stretches way back in time, in fact it is a memory that cannot be separated from the history of Jakarta. Most of the shops are able to tell the long history of doing business in the area, including

In its history, the Jatinegara region, or Meester Cornelis, was once a colonial military area. Photo courtesy of The Jakarta Post Why is the Jatinegara Market also known as Mester? The name of Mester is written on the gate of Jatinegara market, visible from Jalan Jatinegara Timur. The area of Jatinegara was known as Mester

Toko Kopi Luwak. Photos by Daan Andraan. Main Source: Daan Andraan/NOWJAKARTA In the middle of the proliferation of coffee shop businesses that offer perfect cups of coffee and comfortable ambiances, Jakarta still leaves old and modest coffee grinding stalls with their interesting stories.  From small and dull square spaces that are tucked into a city’s frenetic

Have you been to Taman Puring? Photo courtesy @temantaman.jkt on Instagram After a three-month revitalisation, Taman Puring now appeals to people of all ages who are looking to relax, spend quality time with family or chase that adrenaline high with a bit of parkour. Nestled at Jalan Kyai Maja, Kebayoran Baru, Taman Puring exudes a new charm,

An 8,000sqm parking lot is turned into a meeting point where Jakarta communities could enjoy food and run creative activities. Photo by Raditya Fadilla/NOW!JAKARTA Opened in mid-December 2019, Thamrin 10 Food and Creative Park is new a lifestyle hub in Central Jakarta built over a former parking space in Thamrin Street No. 10, close to Sari Pacific Hotel and

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There are many traditional markets in Jakarta but one could spot the best go-to-shopping destinations that have unique and trendy style. Photo courtesy of Jakarta Tourism/NOW!JAKARTA A traditional market or Pasar (in Bahasa Indonesia) is the part of Indonesian life where people have a buying and selling transaction for daily household necessities from vegetables, spices, pieces of

Saruga, The Bulkstore & Co. and Naked Inc. are some of the pioneers behind this urban zero waste lifestyle. Photos by Raditya Fadilla/NOWJAKARTA Concerned about the alarming level of plastic packaging waste, these young entrepreneurs established sustainable bulk stores to encourage society to change. Jakarta has seen an increase in non-waste businesses offering packaging free

Not many lifestyle destinations can boast golf course views, but that’s precisely what The Maj Senayan offers. This popular entertainment hub overlooking the Senayan National Golf Club has become one of Jakarta’s most sought after destinations from day to night.  The Maj Senayan is a popular entertainment hub overlooking the Senayan National Golf Club which

We don’t need to travel to Singapore to see dancing water with lights as the city now offers a new and similar experience at West Iran Liberation Monument in Central Jakarta. The dancing fountain at West irian Liberation Monument has bring magic back to the the historical site as it regained its popularity, especially after

Looking for a place to kick back on the weekend? Test your skills or just take a break at some of these locations around town. Istana Anak (Kids Palaca) at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII). iStock/NOW!JAKARTA Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)  Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park  is a culture-based recreational area located in East Jakarta. The park