Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is also a city steeped in history. Under its former Dutchname of Batavia, it was a major trading port of the east for several centuries. Jakarta today isa metropolis of more than seven million people with modern shopping, hotels and industry.Jakarta’s nightlife and shopping are described as ‘the best kept secret in Asia’. Anarray of modern nightclubs and discotheques are open till all hours. Its many shoppingcenters are stocked with a wide variety of goods, from local art and handicraft, electronicequipment garments, jewelry, etc. at very competitive prices. There are also many top classhotels and restaurants in Jakarta providing international cuisine as well as a variety ofIndonesian, Chinese, Japanese and European food.The city is home to Taman Mini, a vast complex of Indonesia in Miniature; and Ancol,a sophisticated amusement park. Pasar Seni (the art market) is also situated in Ancol, whereartists sit at work and a wide variety of carvings, paintings and marble, wood, brass andleather souvenirs can be bought at reasonable prices
