Jakarta, the Enticing City

The Indonesian capital city of Jakarta is a truly fascinating place. It is all at once the combination of emerging southeast Asian democracy with its associated political upheaval, of rapid modern growth and change mixed with deeply rooted traditions, and of widespread peace and religious tolerance amidst a country known for its scattered religious turmoil.

Jakarta looks like a typical American city, loaded with tall skyscrapers, modern shopping malls, beautiful office buildings, and dozens of prominent monuments and museums. For a Muslim country, nightlife in Jakarta is fairly lively. There are a number of cinemas, theatres, nightclubs and casinos throughout the city, though do not expect to be overwhelmed by the quality of any of these establishments.

What is it that makes Jakarta such an enticing city?
Sure we all love to bark about the traffic and the pollution, but there is something wildly intoxicating about the capital. A certain je ne sais quoi, if you will.

So is it the 5-star service that dazzles you, or is it the hyperrealism, the pandemonium of the streets, the piquant smells and the furiously hot spices, that keeps you enthralled?

Luxurious Jakarta is so seductive and it’s easy to become spoiled in the blink of an eye. The city’s best spas, restaurants, bars and clubs cater to practically any whim. And while you may scoff at the street vendors, the girly bars and the sputtering bajaj, the truth is that they all add spice and character to the city and without them, Jakarta would just be a poor man's Singapore.

The city’s allure is that it makes you feel alive. Intense pleasure from massage parlours, culinary ecstasy from haute cuisine, shock and awe from watching Blok M girls work, schoolgirl delight from the insane shopping. And then there’s the sheer fear you feel for your life when crossing Jalan Gatot Subroto on foot, or navigating through Pasar Senen, or when you’ve realised that 4 am streetside bakso you just gulped down is seriously disagreeing with you.

One thing is for sure: Jakarta keeps you on your toes...