Positioned right in the heart of Chinatown, everything is within your reach at The Sparks Hotel Jakarta. Here are four things to do nearby
GET SHOPPING
The six shopping centres in the Mangga Dua areas are great for fashion and electronic buys. Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua, ITC Mangga Dua I and II are fashionista heaven, while gadget bargains galore can be found at Dusit and Harco Mas. Alternatively, visit WTC Mangga Dua for the complete shopping and entertainment experience.
GET THRILLED
Ancol Dreamland on North Jakarta bay has activities for visitors of all ages. The city’s largest and most popular recreation park inclu
des sea world, marina, swimming pools, an artificial lagoon for fishing and boating, art market and the country’s largest amusement park, Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy World).
GET CULTURED
Visitors will be fascinated by the Dutch colonial architectural style on the beautiful courtyard of Fatahillah Square, which houses three museums;
Jakarta History Museum, Wayang (traditional puppets) Museum and the Museum of Ceramics and Fine Arts. Both charming and aesthetically inspiring, the museums preserve the Indonesia’s rich culture and heritage.
GET FOODIE
Try the street food stalls along Pecenongan Street near Chinatown. This is one of the best venues in town to tease your palate with Chinese dishes ranging from seafood to roast duck and pork, which taste as yummy as those in fancy Chinese restaurant at one third of the price.
The Sparks Hotel Jakarta Jalan Mangga Besar Raya 42, tel: +62 (21) 625 2534 http://www.sparks-hotel.com/
By Aulia Rachmat. Photos: Courtesy of The Spark and Jed Doble. published in Jetstar Asia Magazine, October-November 2009.