Jalan Jaksa (often abbreviated as “Jl. Jaksa”, literally means “Attorney Street”) rises to prominence as the integrated backpacker district in Jakarta. Since the late 1960s, the district has been designed as the main low-cost accommodation and nightlife entertainment area. Many tourists from multifarious countries prefer to sojourn in Jalan Jaksa because they can blend with local culture and feel the real atmosphere of Jakarta in comfortable and affordable way. Jalan Jaksa presents the unique mixture of local and international environment in downtown Jakarta.
Affordable accommodation is the key feature of Jalan Jaksa. A number of budget hotels and dorms are spread through the 400 meters of the street. The room rates are variably from IDR 75,000 to 150,000 (about US$ 7.9–US$ 15.8) per night. You can get special experience by staying in cheap lodging provided by local residents. Like all backpacker districts in world’s other big cities, Jalan Jaksa is the home of many restaurants, bars, and cafés as well as pavement food stalls. Beers and many kinds of drink are available in plenty spots around Jalan Jaksa. The restaurants and cafés serve you wide-ranging foods from conventional Western to Asian, but you can also try the delicate local cuisines such as fried rice, fried noodles, and satay in several eateries or sidewalk food stalls. Jalan Jaksa district also provides money changers, laundries, travel agents, internet cafés, and convenience stores. In addition, wireless internet connection is widely available in various hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafés throughout Jalan Jaksa.
Situated in the heart of Jakarta, Jalan Jaksa is a strategic dwelling for travelers. It is located just about 1.5 km southward the National Monument which is widely recognized as the landmark of Jakarta. In comparatively short distance from the National Monument, you can also visit the National Museum by taking a walk. Travelers can easily explore fascinating places in other parts of Jakarta as the northern part of Jalan Jaksa is relatively close to TransJakarta Bank Indonesia shelter, whereas the southern part is not far from TransJakarta Sarinah shelter. You can feel the ambience of colonial Jakarta in the old town quarter, see the cultural diversity of Indonesia at Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park (Taman Mini Indonesia Indah), look around the animals at Ragunan Zoo, spend leisure times at Ancol Bay City Recreational Park, and go to many other places by only taking TransJakarta bus. Moreover, Jalan Jaksa is also near to Gondangdia train station where you can start your journey to the hinterlands of Jakarta.
For travelers who like to shop, staying in Jalan Jaksa is a perfect choice as it is located near a number of shopping malls in Central Jakarta. Jalan Jaksa is reachable in walking distance from Sarinah Plaza, the very first modern shopping mall in Jakarta where you can purchase assorted Batik collections plus Indonesia’s distinctive artwork and souvenirs. You can also come to shopping malls surrounding the HI Roundabout (Bundaran HI), Plaza Indonesia—the home of luxurious international brands which is adjacent to eX Entertainment X’nter—and Grand Indonesia Shopping Town—the largest shopping and entertainment complex in downtown Jakarta. Jalan Jaksa is also not far from Tanah Abang Blok A Market, the largest wholesale shopping center in Jakarta.
Every year the government of Jakarta Special Capital Region conducts Jalan Jaksa Festival, a joyful celebration of Jakarta’s anniversary. Jalan Jaksa Festival is regularly held in the middle of the year as a sequential attraction within the anniversary of Jakarta.The street is closed for vehicles, so anyone could intermingle to enjoy street parades and live music. During the festival, visitors are entertained with various cultural arts of indigenous Betawi people such as ondel-ondel (giant mascot puppets), palang pintu (traditional martial art), gambang kromong (traditional music), tanjidor (traditional orchestra), and marawis (traditional percussion). In addition, there are also booths displaying local products and culinary bazaar in this annual event.
The cheapest way to get to Jalan Jaksa from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is by taking Damri bus to Gambir train station for IDR 20,000 (about US$ 2.1). Then you can continue by taking taxi, bajaj (three-wheel motorcycle), or ojek (motorcycle taxi) for approximately IDR 10,000 to IDR 15,000 (about US$ 1.1–US$ 1.6). Otherwise, you can take a walk from Gambir train station to Jalan Jaksa for roughly 1.5 km. If you are taking TransJakarta bus, hop off at Sarinah or Bank Indonesia shelter and take a promenade to Jalan Jaksa.
If you are traveling to Jakarta in limited budget, Jalan Jaksa is undoubtedly the most suitable place for you to rest upon. Get the nicest experience of low-cost traveling in Indonesia’s largest city by spending time in Jalan Jaksa.
KEPULAUAN SERIBU/THOUSAND ISLANDS: A Hidden Gem Of The East
Have you ever seen a cluster of island that is so secluded and pristine? With the sand that is so white and the sea as clear as sparkling jewel? But, what if we tell you it is located just right above the metropolitan city of Jakarta? Believe it?
Yes, you better believe it! As what we always whisper to everyone, Jakarta has always something for all getaways. Out of the hustle bustles, Kepulauan Seribu (literally in English, Thousand Islands) is definitely a hidden gem waiting for you to discover. A perfect escapade for the Cosmo that is so close from the heart of the bustling metropolitan. Again, we proudly present to you: Kepulauan Seribu. A romantic retreat awaits you on these islands comprised of about 340 small islands offer a variety of enjoyment.
As the only Jakarta’s nautical tourism paradise, Thousand Islands’ natural charm offers five-star facilities for the sunbathers and water sport fanatics. Luxury resorts & hotels, selections of activity, superb seafood delicacies to the warm smile of the locals are welcoming you to join the peaceful festivity on these secluded islands. Scattered along the bay of Jakarta, Thousand Islands can be reached from 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on which island do you choose to sail through. Several tour operators are definitely able to recommend you for the trip arrangement. Prices will include the boat transfer from Ancol marina to one of the islands which has a hotel on it. Food and accommodation are also included in the package. If you wish to dive or snorkelling, that would also be included.
For your information, the boat transfers run on fixed schedule, few morning departures from the marina. The return trip will be either in the afternoon (around 2PM) or in the late afternoon (i.e. 5PM). If you wish to have several options of lodging, Thousand Islands offers plenty of accommodation ranges from villa-on-stilts, regular wooden bungalows, to modern concrete cottage. The bay is laid out in clear blue water with thousands of species of tropical fish that live among the colorful coral reefs. Below are several islands of our picturesque Thousand Islands we would love to recommend. The pace is up to you!
Kotok Island
Kotok Island is an example of a tropical atoll island with pristine vegetation. The turquiose sea and colorful reef made this place one of the destinations for divers to look out. This island is also known as an observation area of Elang Bondol (Scaly-breasted Falcon). A bird that is one of the icons of the city.
Sepa Island
Located only 70 kilometers from Jakarta and about half an hour away by speedboat from the Marina Ancol, Sepa island is sheltered with shady palm trees and surrounded by white sand beach. A seamless way for you to relax and unwind in a tropical warmth. Bungalows and lounges are presented each with its own front porch just for you to enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset view.
Ayer Island
Ayer is one of the major islands of Thousand Islands covering an area of 60 hectares, bounded by white sand beaches, complete choices of cottages and bungalows with enthralling array of water sports and other facilities, such as pool, karaoke, meeting rooms, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, children’s playgroung and clinics.
Bidadari Island
Bidadari Island is among one of the nearby island of Jakarta bay being well developed with great accommodations. Easily reached just 20 minutes by speedboat from the marina, the island presents a beautiful view from the cottages which are built among the trees and float on the sea with the fisherman’s houses.
Untung Jawa Island
An island that is very enchanting. It offers something more secluded atmosphere and demands adventurous spirit, where we can witness an interesting fishing village with facilities such as campsites, cottages, restaurants and souvenir shops. A definite preference for those who are wanting some privacies or adventures.
Onrust Island
Onrust is the island covering the area of 1512 hectares and one of the best shipyards in Southeast Asia at the time. Being discovered first by Captain James T. Cook with the ship endeavor in 1770, this island can be reached through the Marina Ancol, Muara Angke and Kamal Muara. Here you can also find the ruins of a 17th century fortress during the Dutch colonial times.
Bira Besar Island
Are you one of those golf freaks who always travel around the globe seeking for the new challenge? Experience the spectacular sensation of Golfing on this secluded island and pamper yourself in opulent cottages serving you with the best fishing site and canoes.
Other Islands
For the ones who travel with family, you may be interested to visit nature conservation reserves like the bird-sanctuary with unique tropical forest and surrounded by lush coral reefs and mangroveson Rambut Island, and the turtle hatchery on the capital city of the island district, Pramuka Island. Other islands no less exotic in the Thousand Islands are Tidung, Kelor, Bokor, Pelangi, Matahari, Panggang, Melinjo, Kelapa, Harapan and Kelapa Dua Island.
So what are you waiting for? This can be one of your top picks on your consideration to spend holidays alone or with your loved ones. It could be the perfect way to relax over the weekend or to get out of the boring routines in the city. We invite and welcome you to Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu)!
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