Private Tour: The Old Batavia Trail from Jakarta

Sightseeing  :  Indonesia  :  Special Capital Region Of Jakarta  :  Jakarta  :  Private Day Trips

Thought to be operational since before the 13th century; this is a fascinating location that preserves the history of Jakarta. Travel to the oldest China town area in Indonesia, Glodok, which was once located just outside the city walls before it was relocated. The area is characterized by winding lanes, slanting red tiled roofs, small dark shops and acts as a hub for the Chinese community. You will also get to visit the oldest Chinese temple in Jakarta, the Golden Wisdom Taoist temple called Jin De Yuan, which dates back to the 1650s.After hotel pickup, start with a visit to the last remaining Dutch drawbridge in Jakarta, known as Chicken Market Bridge. After the bridge visit, you'll stop at Fatahillah Square. Walk along cobblestone paths through the historical Kali Besar Barat, lined with Dutch architecture, before visiting the Wayang Kulit shadow puppet museum. After you are done checking out the displays in the museum, continue to Toko Merah, known as the Red Shop, former home of Dutch Governor General van Imhoff and one of the most impressive red tiled facade buildings remaining. Just beyond the Red Shop is Sunda Kelapa Harbour. A structure that is very much attached to Jakarta history, it houses a range of Buganese Phinisi Schooners that still bear unloaded goods from across the archipelago. Wander the intriguing flea markets of Jalan Surabaya, a favorite of locals and travelers alike. Lined on both sides with curios and goods ranging from Chinese porcelain to colonial Dutch trinkets, this is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon haggling with the locals. Last, but not least, we will visit the National Museum (closed on Mondays), which displays artifacts from ancient Indonesian pre-history and is also home to the Gold Room, which displays a collection of gold jewelry from the different ethnic tribes in Indonesia. On your way back to the hotel we will also be able to stop for nearby photos at the Presidential Palace and the National Monument.