Wander full Weekend in Batavia (2 of 2)

Second day in Jakarta - 

I wake up at around 7am and had 10 mins walk from hotel to Thamrin road, to witness the Car Free Day of Jakarta. 

Every Sunday, all motorized vehicles (except for TransJakarta buses) are barred from entering two of the capital’s busiest streets — Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin — from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. on car-free days.

This is the Jakarta government’s response to everyone who has longed for better air quality in Jakarta as well as more space where Jakartans can interact.

If you are spending the weekends over, it is worthy to wake up early and join among the locals in their festive mood. The road facing the Bank Indonesia or few meters away form Millennium Sirih Hotel is closed every Sunday.

That means the roundabout is filled with people in a party mood – cycling, jogging, street performances and street food sellers.

 

After light breakfast, we all proceed to the Kota Tua via taxi. Kota is Indonesian word for "city", it was the reminiscent of the vicinity during colonial times in 16th century that the city was only within Batavia walled compound (today Kota), while the surrounding areas was only kampung (villages), orchards, and ricefields.

Dubbed "The Jewel of Asia" and "Queen of the East" in the 16th century by European sailors, Old Jakarta — or Batavia, as it was named by the Dutch — was once a center of commerce for the whole continent due to its strategic location and abundant resources.

The area is full of street food vendors, I tried this Chicken Bak Mi (at only 20,000 IDR) or only 1.25 SGD!

Then we walked around the main square where we saw several performers, and also the traditional Dutch buildings surrounding the square.

 

Then we ride back to Grand Indonesia - Blitzmegaplex Cinema to catch the 11:15 am showing of Captain America in 4D cinema. There was a buy 1 free 1 promo from a local bank that time, so it costs us only 75,000 IDR per pax (or 8.6 SGD).

This ends our wonderful experience in Jakarta.  Hope this article will also encourage you to visit this place and enjoy their unique sights and taste their delicious cuisines.