If you are looking for a unique and fascinating destination in Jakarta, look no further than Sunda Kelapa, the old port that witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the clash of cultures, and the birth of a nation.
Sunda Kelapa is not only a historical and cultural treasure, but also a vibrant and colorful place where you can experience the local life, admire the traditional wooden boats, and enjoy various tours and activities. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Sunda Kelapa, from its history and attractions to its tours and tips.
Tours and Experiences
One of the best ways to explore Sunda Kelapa is to join a tour or an experience that will take you to the most interesting and scenic spots of the port and its surroundings. Whether you want to learn more about the port's history, see the daily activities of the fishermen and traders, or witness the cultural diversity and richness of the area, there is a tour or an experience for you. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
Sunda Kelapa History Tour:
This tour will take you back in time and show you how Sunda Kelapa played a crucial role in Indonesia's history. You will visit the Museum Bahari, which showcases the maritime heritage of the country, the Sunda Kelapa Lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of the port, and the Menara Syahbandar, which was once the watchtower and the customs office of the Dutch colonialists. You will also see the Portuguese Cannon, which was used to defend the port from invaders, and the Fatahillah Square, which was the center of the old Batavia city. This tour is perfect for history buffs and culture lovers who want to discover the stories and secrets of Sunda Kelapa.
Sunda Kelapa Boat Ride:
This experience will let you enjoy the beauty and charm of Sunda Kelapa from a different perspective. You will board a traditional wooden boat, called a phinisi, and sail along the port, admiring the hundreds of colorful boats that line the dock. You will also see the Marunda Island, which is home to a fishing village and a mangrove forest, and the Onrust Island, which is a historical site that houses the ruins of a Dutch fort and a quarantine station. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their way of life. This experience is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers who want to experience the port's beauty and charm.
Sunda Kelapa Cultural Show:
This show will introduce you to the diverse and rich culture of Sunda Kelapa and its surrounding communities. You will watch a variety of performances, such as the Betawi Dance, which is a traditional dance of the native Jakarta people, the Silat, which is a martial art that originated in Indonesia, and the Gambang Kromong, which is a musical ensemble that blends Chinese, Malay, and European influences. You will also have the chance to taste some of the local delicacies, such as the kerak telor, which is a spicy omelet with rice and coconut, and the bir pletok, which is a ginger-based drink. This show is suitable for families and groups who want to enjoy the port's culture and entertainment.
You can book these tours and experiences online or through your hotel or travel agent. The prices range from $10 to $50 per person, depending on the type, duration, and inclusions of the tour or experience. You can also read some of the reviews and ratings from previous visitors to help you decide which one to choose.
Things to Know Before You Go
Before you visit Sunda Kelapa, there are some things you need to know to make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are some of the tips and information you should keep in mind:
How to get there:
Sunda Kelapa is located in the north of Jakarta, about 10 km from the city center. You can get there by car, taxi, bus, or train. If you are driving or taking a taxi, you can use the Jalan Tol Pelabuhan (Port Toll Road) or the Jalan Tol Ancol (Ancol Toll Road) to reach the port. If you are taking a bus, you can use the TransJakarta Busway and get off at the Kota Tua (Old Town) station, then walk or take a bajaj (a three-wheeled motorized vehicle) to the port. If you are taking a train, you can use the Commuter Line and get off at the Jakarta Kota (Jakarta City) station, then walk or take a bajaj to the port.
When to visit:
Sunda Kelapa is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The best time to visit is in the morning or in the afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the light is better for photography. You can also avoid the crowds and the traffic by visiting on weekdays rather than on weekends or holidays. The peak season for tourism is from June to August, when the weather is dry and sunny, and from December to January, when the port celebrates its anniversary and hosts various events and festivals.
What to wear:
Sunda Kelapa is a casual and laid-back place, so you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. However, you should also respect the local culture and religion, and avoid wearing anything too revealing or offensive. You should also wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot and the ground can be uneven and slippery. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bottle of water to protect yourself from the sun and the heat.
What to expect:
Sunda Kelapa is a working port, so you should expect to see a lot of activity and noise. You will see the local people loading and unloading goods, repairing and maintaining boats, and selling and buying fish. You will also smell the fishy and salty air, and hear the sounds of the engines, horns, and bells. You should also be aware of the safety and hygiene issues, and avoid touching or stepping on anything that might be dangerous or dirty. You should also be respectful and polite to the local people, and ask for their permission before taking photos or videos of them or their boats.
History
Sunda Kelapa is more than just a port, it is a witness to Indonesia's history. The port has been in existence for over 800 years, and has seen the rise and fall of empires, the clash of cultures, and the birth of a nation. Here is a brief overview of the port's history and its role in Indonesia's development:
Sunda Kingdom:
Sunda Kelapa was originally a part of the Sunda Kingdom, a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that ruled over western Java from the 7th to the 16th century. The port was the kingdom's main trading hub, and attracted merchants and traders from China, India, Arabia, and Europe. The port was also known as Kalapa, which means "coconut" in Sanskrit, because of the abundance of coconut trees in the area.
Portuguese:
In 1522, Sunda Kelapa signed a treaty with the Portuguese, who were looking for a strategic base to control the spice trade in the region. The treaty granted the Portuguese the right to build a fortress and a warehouse in the port, in exchange for military assistance against the rising threat of the Islamic Sultanate of Demak. However, the treaty was short-lived, as the Portuguese were soon attacked and expelled by the Demak forces in 1527.
Dutch:
In 1619, Sunda Kelapa was captured by the Dutch East India Company, who renamed it Batavia and made it the capital of their colonial empire in the East Indies. The Dutch expanded and fortified the port, and built a new city around it, with canals, bridges, churches, and mansions. The port became the center of trade, commerce, and administration for the Dutch, and also the source of oppression and exploitation for the native people.
Indonesian:
In 1942, Sunda Kelapa was occupied by the Japanese, who used it as a naval base during World War II. The Japanese also supported the Indonesian National Revolution, which was a struggle for independence from the Dutch colonial rule. In 1945, Sunda Kelapa witnessed the proclamation of the Republic of Indonesia, which was the first step towards the nation's sovereignty and freedom. In 1972, Sunda Kelapa was restored to its original name, and became a symbol of the nation's pride and identity.
Sunda Kelapa is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the history, culture, and beauty of Jakarta and Indonesia. The port offers a variety of tours and experiences that will suit your interests and needs, as well as some tips and information that will make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free. Sunda Kelapa is not only a port, but also a story, a story that shaped Indonesia's history and future.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tour or ticket now and explore Sunda Kelapa, the old port of Jakarta that shaped Indonesia's history.