Jakarta is the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, a country composed of more than 13,000 islands with a population of over 180 million. Comprising more than 300 ethnic groups speaking 200 different languages, the Indonesia population exhibits marked diversity in its linguistic, culture, and religious traditions.
Jakartas history began as a flourishing port north of the city and developed southward over the centuries. Five autonomous municipalities emerged, together offering a veritable city of contrasts. As off putting as the overpopulation and traffic congestion may be, the metropolis promises many pockets of attractions that make for a gratifying stay for those who plan their trip well.
From the Capital City, sophisticated land, air, and sea transport is available to the rest of the country and beyond.
The cheapest and most central accommodation area is along Jalan Jaksa, a small street south of the National Monument. Many of the mid range hotels are also found in this vicinity. Jakarta has the widest range of street hawkers, markets and restaurants of any Indonesian city most are found on and around Jalan Jaksa or in the markets around Jalan Surabaya in Menteng.
Despite the crushing poverty exhibited in many parts of the city, Jakarta has a large number of giant, glittering malls.
Jakarta has a vast range of food available if you know where to find it. In addition to selections from all over the country, you can also find excellent Chinese, Japanese and Korean food thanks to the cosmopolitan population.
Jakarta has the widest range of street hawkers, markets and restaurants of any Indonesian city most are found on and around Jalan Jaksa or in the markets around Jalan Surabaya in Menteng.
There are a number of interesting museums including the Indonesian National Museum, which houses an enormous collection of cultural objects from the countries various ethnic groups and the Jakarta History Museum, which contains memorabilia from the Dutch colonial era. The cities public monuments include the fanciful National Monument in Merdeka Square and the Statue of Welcome.
Cultural showcase hosts a variety of Western and Indonesian performances, ranging from poetry readings and jazz concerts to premier showings of international films and gamelan concerts. There are a number of upmarket bars, discos and restaurants on Jalan M H Thamrin that feature live acts for somewhat sleazier entertainment, try the nightlife along Jalan Abang Timur 14. A cheaper alternative is to walk to Taman Ria at Merdeka Square and see the local talent perform amid the bright lights of the merry gorounds.
Oslo is not one of the most appealing cities, compared to other European capitals, but this spacious city has a quite few prime sights, particularly museums and no shortage of outdoor attractions and activities around the city.
Byporten Shopping has a unique blend of shops. Oslos newest shopping centre is situated right beside Oslo Central Station and includes more than 70 shops, 10 restaurants, a Scandic Hotel, Norways largest Mique store, Norways largest Egon Restaurant and an underground car park.
Paleet Shopping Centre is the most elegant shopping and food court at the upper part of the main street Karl Johans gate. It includes 45 shops and 13 restaurants with a range you will not find anywhere else.
Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle built around 1300 and modernized in the 17thC. It holds the Resistance Museum and Defence Museum, displaying a history of the Nazi occupation and the Norwegian resistance in WWII. Even if war is not your favourite subject the site is green and pleasant, and the view overlooking the city and harbour is worthwhile. During the summer, it hosts events such as concerts, dances and plays.
Vigeland Park, a superb sculpture park with many and curious life size statues by one of the countries best known artists, Gustav Vigeland. The star piece is a 20 metre high obelisk the worlds biggest granite sculpture, with 121 clambering bodies representing the human life cycle.
Munch Museum, a star attraction for art lovers, dedicated to Norways most famous artist, including his best known painting The Scream though often absent due to world demand. National Gallery, Norways finest collection of art, from Greek and Roman sculpture to Italian Renaissance and French Impressionists, as well as Norwegian and Nordic art. Folk Museum, a vast open air museum of reconstructed traditional architecture including the stave church. Kon Tiki Museum, featuring the historic balsawood raft which travelled across the Pacific in 1947.Viking Ships Museum, displays restored Viking boats and burials.
Restaurants around at Aker Brygge, a former shipyard, now a popular summer promenade and leisure complex with harbour views and steep prices. Lofoten serves a huge selection of seafood or you can try the more casual Albertine Cafe or alfresco Lekteren for mussels and shrimp. Nearby, Bagatelle is the only Norwegian restaurant with two Michelin stars. The 100 year old atrecafeen at the Hotel Continental is an elegant classic. The Grunerlokka area north of the Central Station has become fashionable and has some fine restaurants try stylish Sudost or bohemian.
The city culture scene is fairly active not only in summer time but throughout the year, and includes theatre, live music, dance, clubs and more.
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