Jakarta

Located on the northwest coast of Java, Jakarta is Indonesia’s sprawling capital city and considered one of the world’s greatest megalopolises. The port dates from the 12th century, when it served an ancient Sundanese kingdom, and was then rebuilt with forts and canals and named Batavia, the capital of the Dutch East Indies known as the “Queen of the East”.

Despite heavy traffic and pollution the city is filled with exciting nightlife and vibrant shopping areas, and the atmospheric old city (Kota) offers an interesting insight into the capital’s long history. The city is a real melting pot of cultures where locals are known to be remarkably optimistic and positive, and it is a place where you can really get under the skin of Indonesia.