Category: Indonesia

A Look of A.A. Maramis Historical Building from Afar on Jakarta Walking Tour

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Jusuf Anwar Building as a Part of A.A. Maramis Building to See with Jakarta Walking Tour

One of the places you must see while you are exploring the Central Jakarta area is the Lapangan Banteng complex. As we mentioned previously, there are many activities that you can do inside the area. Besides those activities, you might also want to look for the historical building that is full of memories from Batavia in the past. It is the A.A. Maramis Building, formerly named Paleis van Daendels.

A Brief History of A.A. Maramis Building That You Can See While Joining Tour in Jakarta

The Building inside the Lapangan Banteng complex is already around from the Dutch colonial era in early 19th Century. It was intended to be the residence of Dutch East Indies Governor General, Herman Willem Daendels. However, the construction was stopped midway, and he didn’t get the chance to reside there as he was stationed to Poland by Napoleon’s order. The construction was finally completed around 19 years later.  Despite the name as a “Daendels Palace” it never functioned as a palace but had housed numerous bureaus and departments such as post office, the state printing office, and general clerk’s department, and high court.

The Iconic Historical Building Style to See on Walking Tour in Jakarta

The building was designed based on the style that was popular in France by that time, Empire Style. However, since it is conformed into the tropical climate of Indonesia, it became known as Indies Empire Style. This style flourished in the colonial Dutch East Indies from around 18th Century and the end 19th Century. Therefore, there are many historical buildings in Jakarta has the similar style.

A Trace of the Past in the Present While Strolling on Walking Tour of Jakarta

the headquarters of Indonesian Ministry of Finance until the present day. In 2019, the building was started to be renovated and will become a museum and finance library, and as a cultural heritage as well. Want to see closer to know directly how it looks in the present day? Come join our Jakarta Walking Tour and we will take you to explore more of what you can see in Jakarta. See you around!

Walking Tour in Jakarta Around the Historical Presidential Palace Building

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Passing By the “Istana Merdeka” While Joining Tour in Jakarta

If you circle around the outer part of Indonesian National Monument complex, you will find a trace of history by viewing many old buildings that has been around from hundreds of years ago. One of the most iconic and important of those is the Presidential Palace building or best known as “Istana Merdeka”. Like any other iconic colonial buildings in Jakarta, it has a roman style gate with many pillars.

Admire Colonial Architectures from afar While Walking Tour in Jakarta

The presidential palace was built around the Dutch colonial era for administrative activities of the Dutch government. In the present day after Indonesian independency, the building is now functioning as a residence for the president and for conducting national events. The location of Istana Merdeka is at the north of the National Monument Complex. There might be a chance to view it from afar while you join our Jakarta Walking Tour with us.

Taking a Stroll Around Central Jakarta Area with Jakarta Walking Tour

Since it is a restricted area, of course civilians with no importance can not enter the area. However, we can still stroll around the outside to look from afar. Besides that, there are many other historical buildings that we can see outside the complex.

Join Jakarta Walking Tour to View Historical Buildings Firsthand

Historical and iconic places are best to be viewed instead of to be read, so come to Jakarta to see them firsthand. Join our Jakarta Walking Tour to explore more about history, culture, and delicacies of Jakarta. See you around!

Explore Historical Buildings in Jakarta with Jakarta Walking Tour – Part 2

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Learn History Through Iconic Buildings in Central Jakarta with Jakarta Walking Tour

If you are keen on to learn history or culture of places and countries, walking around while browsing for historical buildings might be a nice option of tour in Jakarta for you. In the previous part, we already talk about old buildings that are functioning as governmental buildings. So, in this part, we will introduce you other kinds that is used to run a business or other functions.

Walking Tour in Jakarta by Browsing Stores in the Iconic Shopping Complex

We have introduced you to the Pasar Baru shopping district, the iconic place with old buildings that was built in colonial era. If we walk deeper in the complex, we will find stores with unique foreign names that sells variety of things, mostly fabrics and textiles. Beside that, the most historical one is called “Toko Kompak”, that was originally the residence of the Major of Chinese community in the 80’s.

Zoom in to The Philately Building as A Part of the Tour in Jakarta

We have introduced you to the Pos Bloc, where it once was a post office. Later on, the name was Changed to “Gedung Filateli”, or philately building. The entrance and the name are preserved as is in the present, but the function has changed to be a creative space with a few stores inside.

Pass Through the News Agency Building While Walking Tour in Jakarta

The historical building was belonged to a Dutch’s private news agency. As time goes by, the building became the local news agency, Antara, thus the name of “Gedung Antara”. It was from the Antara radio station that the proclamation of Indonesian independency was broadcasted in the 1945.

Fulfil Your Spiritual Journey by Looking an Iconic Church as Your Tour in Jakarta

Still in Pasar Baru area, there is a another must see church beside the iconic Jakarta Cathedral, which is “Gereja Ayam” or translated as “chicken church”, since there is a weathercock on the rooftop of the church.

Finish Your Walking Tour in Jakarta with a Refreshing Ice Cream

After going around to see historical buildings, complete your walking tour by visiting an old ice cream store, also a historical place in Central Jakarta, “Ragusa Es Italia”. It was established in the 1930’s by Italian nationality that was come to Batavia.

To find and learn more about other historical places in Jakarta, come to the city and join our Jakarta Walking Tour. We will wait for your arrival, see you around!

Explore Historical Buildings in Jakarta with Jakarta Walking Tour – Part 1

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Reminisce the Old Jakarta with Jakarta Walking Tour

Since in the past Indonesia was colonized for so many years in the past, the culture, lifestyle, and history had a wide spectrum. All the influences from different colonizers can be seen physically from the buildings that had erected since colonization era. Many of those had been renovated, changed ownership and functions. So, to learn more about what is happening to those buildings now, visit them if you happen to do a tour in Jakarta.

Governmental Buildings by Walking Tour in Jakarta

There are a few of buildings from the Dutch colonization that has been preserved and renovated, and many of them are functioning as governmental building through this day. These buildings can be found easily if you pass by Central Jakarta. We will break them down one by one to make you find it easier while exploring the area.

See Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta by Walking Tour in Jakarta

The Presidential Palace of Indonesia is called Istana Merdeka. It was the residence and office of the president of Republic of Indonesia. It was the residence of governor-general of the Dutch Indies in colonization era.

Court Buildings to See During Tour in Jakarta

There are two court buildings around Central Jakarta area, which are the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court. They are right at the north and west of National Monument, so you can take a quick look while passing by before or after visiting the landmark.

Take a Look of The New Paleis Van Daendels and The Old Supreme Court Buildings for Your Tour in Jakarta

Beside doing various activities in Lapangan Banteng, there are two historical buildings to see if you are in the complex. They were built in Dutch colonial era and now function as the office building of Ministry of Finance.

See The Similarities of the Buildings While You Explore with Walking Tour in Jakarta

If you are quite attentive, you might find similarities between the buildings that we mention above, which is the Roman style pillar in the entrance. Join our Jakarta Walking Tour to find if there are more similarities on the tour. See you around!

RODE WINKEL Café, Once Known as “Toko Merah”

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If you walk around Old Batavia or Old Town Jakarta, you will encounter a red two stories building that is quite catchy because of the wall color that is quite standout. With a vibrant red from the brick color, this building once called “Toko Merah”, or literally means a red store in English.

Before transformed into a café, this building is always closed, and people can only see the outer side of the building that is faces the street. This building that is built from 1730, is once a residence of former governor general during Dutch colonization, General Gustaaf Willem baron van Imhoff.

The owner and residence of the building has changed a few times throughout Batavia Jakarta’s history. In the 18th Century, it became a government office, function halls, and even a trading bureau. And in the 19th Century, it was inaugurated to be a cultural heritage.

However, this year, Toko Merah has been through some changes. The once closed building is open to the public now. Some parts of the building have been renovated to a mini café, called RODE WINKEL café. The café serves signature drinks, coffee, tea, snacks, desserts, also some regular meals with rice that is suitable for Indonesian flavors. Some of the drinks came with a piece of traditional snack or cake that is influenced by Dutch.

It is a nice place to relax after walking around Old Town Jakarta on a sunny day. You can cool yourself by drinking while enjoying the café vibes. Though one part has been transformed into a café, the other parts are still undergoing renovations. Inside the building outside the café door, there is a staircase on the left. It has become a new tourist attraction and people can take photos there.

Curious about the inside of this historical building? Or what kind of delicacies you can try at the café? You can only find out if you visit Batavia Jakarta firsthand. So, come to Jakarta, and join our Jakarta Walking Tour to look into the town’s history closer with us. See you around!

Take A Glance of Jakarta Old Town’s History from A Historical Water Fountain

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Fatahillah Museum is an iconic view of Old Batavia. There is a lot to see in the Jakarta Old Town complex that might catch your attention. One of them is a little fountain that quite stands out in the middle of the square, in front of the museum.

It is shaped like a small monument, designed with a little dome on the top of it. It was built as a replica of a water supply in the 1970s era, whereas water around the city is contaminated, and there is a scarcity for clean water, causing illnesses and deaths. So, the government-built pipes and provided supplies for the Old Batavia area from other areas.

The fountain is a product of a reconstruction from the authentic water fountain that is built in colonial era of VOC. The references are from Johannes Rach’s painting, a famous painter from VOC. So, it is not functioning as a “real” water supply for the city, but only a monument to commemorate the history of Old Batavia.

Although it does not have a functioning water supply, it has become a spot of tourist attractions inside the Old Batavia complex. Many people from inside or outside the city keep visiting the the complex to spend their weekends with their families.

The placement of the fountain adds a nice touch for a view if you look at Fatahillah Museum from a distance. Aside from the fountain, there are also a lot of different spots that will attract tourists to take a picture of. So, it is a nice place to hunt and take artistic photos. A few people are also taking their pre-wedding pictures inside or around the complex.

If you are curious about the real appearance and history of this water fountain, come visit Jakarta and take a walk around the Old Town complex. You can also look and get an in-depth insight into Jakarta’s history and culture by joining a Jakarta Old Tour with Jakarta Walking Tour. So, what are you waiting for? See you in Jakarta!

A Trace of Spices That Are Worth More Than Gold in Old Batavia

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There are countless delicious Indonesian that you can find in Old Batavia, and the key ingredients are the spices. The strategic location of Indonesia and the great ability of Indonesian ancestor to navigate ships in the sea, makes it possible for Indonesian to trade and learn to grow spices from people at other countries and places.

The abundant amounts of spices in Indonesia attract foreigners from Europe and spurred their ambition to exploitation of economics, hence the colonialism started. The history of spices that is worth to know and spread can be found in Indonesian museum in the present day. One of them are in Museum Bank Indonesia, that is located inside the complex of Jakarta Old Town area.

Aside from Museum Bank Indonesia, the history of spices can also be found in Museum Bahari, that is mainly displaying a maritime history of Indonesia. It is not located inside the Jakarta Old Town area, but it is quite near and can be reached in walking distance. It is also near to the Sunda Kelapa Harbor where you can see big ships anchored to load and unload.

A variety of spices that are widely used in Indonesia until the present days includes clove, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, lemongrass, aromatic ginger, turmeric, galangal, and many more. These spices are used not only for cooking ingredients, but also for traditional drinks and medicines. The use of spices provides a rich aroma and distinctive flavors.

Curious about the spices that become a treasure that is sought after? Come visit Jakarta, join our Jakarta Walking Tour, and follow the trace of spices in Old Batavia with us. You can learn the route of spices, see the shape and smell of the spices, and learn their history.

Aside from learning the history of spices, you can also try delicacies that include spices if you join our Jakarta Food Tour.  Prepare your comfortable shoes and clothes, and you will be ready to walk around with the Jakarta Walking Tour. See you around!

A Cannon with Unusual Shape and Stories, Meriam Si Jagur

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Jakarta Old Town is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jakarta. There are many things that you can see and explore there. Beside museums, there are also monuments and historical heritage, one of them is Meriam Si Jagur.

It is a big cannon that is placed across the Fatahillah Museum or Jakarta History Museum in the Old Batavia complex. The rear side of the cannon has the shape of a palm, with thumb tucked out between the index and middle finger. For some people, the shape seems a bit vulgar, but for some others, it is said that it is a symbol of luck.

In the past, it was believed that sitting on the cannon will grant fertility, so, many people who want children will sit on the cannon. This phenomenon makes the government decide to build a fence around the cannon to prevent people sitting on it.

Another unique thing about this cannon is the name, Si Jagur, it is from where it is located back then, in St. Jago de Barra, a Portuguese Fort in Macau, where the cannon was created. The cannon was made by Manoel Tovarres Bocarro and placed in Macau, before finally moved to Old Batavia by Dutch colonial empire in 16th Century. 

There is also a legend that the cannon is incarnation of a governor that was ordered to find a powerful weapon by Pajajaran King. From other source, a book by Ludovic Marquis de Beauvoir, titled Voyage Autour do Monde, the cannon was brought to the position by a great tidal wave.

If you want to know more about Si Jagur and want to see firsthand the unique and historical cannon, join us on our Jakarta Old Town tour, and we will take you to see and explore in depth the history of Jakarta and Old Batavia. So, see you around!

Lontong Sayur, Another Rice Dishes for Breakfast in Jakarta

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Rice again for breakfast in Jakarta, only in different color and shape, lontong sayur. Different from the usual rice, lontong is tube shaped and in green color. The color came from the banana leaf that is used as the wrapper. Lontong is cooked rice that is wrapped in banana leaf and then steamed. However, there is another type of lontong, called ketupat, that is diamond shaped and wrapped in palm leaf pouch.

There are various kinds of dishes that use lontong, such as chicken satay, gado-gado, opor, and lontong sayur. Lontong sayur is the popular choice for breakfast in Jakarta. It is usually sold along with other breakfast options such as nasi kuning and nasi uduk as we mention in another article.

Lontong sayur itself has a few different versions, depending on the area such as lontong sayur Minang, lontong sayur Padang, and lontong sayur Betawi. But in general, the broth is pretty much the same, with some alternatives for the ingredients. Lontong sayur has a thick broth, since it is usually used coconut milk, and it is usually in orange color that came from turmeric.

Vegetables that are used for the ingredients neutralize the thickness of the broth, suitable for people who crave something healthy but a little bit spicy for their breakfast option. Long beans, julienned chayote and young papaya is most common ingredients. Besides vegetables, there is also boiled egg for protein.

Lontong sayur is a fulfilling breakfast in Jakarta to face a busy day ahead. Are you curious about this delicious breakfast? Then come to Jakarta, spend a night, and you can search lontong sayur for your breakfast in Jakarta.

And when your stomach is full and your energy has recharged, come join us for a walk with Jakarta Walking Tour, we can take you to explore interesting places and interesting delicacies around Jakarta. See you around!

The Secret of Sweet Taste from Indonesian Delicacies

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Have you tasted sweet martabak, es teler, and soda susu while visiting or staying in Indonesia? When you take a bite of the dishes, you might taste a nice and sweet flavor. It came from sweetened condensed milk, or susu kental manis, often abbreviated as SKM.

Sweetened condensed milk is made from cow’s milk and added with sugar. The texture is thicker and stickier than ordinary cow’s milk. SKM is often used for cooking ingredients and to add flavor in some kind of drinks.

One of the examples of SKM using in food is in martabak. While egg martabak tastes savory and it is made from eggs, meat and green onions, sweet martabak is a kind of pancake with various fillings. It is also called terang bulan in some Java areas. Usually, customers can choose what they like for the sweet martabak filling. There are wide options such as chocolate sprinkles, shredded cheese, nuts, banana and SKM.

Aside from food, SKM is also often used in drinks. A few examples of them are es teler and soda susu. Es teler is a kind of fruit cocktail served with ice. A few kinds of fruit are used as ingredients and the sweet taste came from sugar and SKM. For a more detailed explanation about es teler, please go here: https://wp.me/p5DzGJ-IX

The other type of drink that also using SKM is soda susu. It is made from clear or colored carbonated drinks, added with SKM, served with ice. It is a perfect choice to drink in hot weather. Go here if you want to know more details about soda susu: https://wp.me/p5DzGJ-J0

There are also many kinds of drinks and snacks using SKM in Indonesia, but sweet martabak, es teler, and soda susu are a few of the popular ones in Jakarta. If you join our Jakarta Food Tour, you might be able to taste them if you are curious. So, let’s join us if you have a plan to visit Jakarta. See you around!