The Indonesian capital is a huge city that sprawls its tentacles across an area that covers well over 600 sq km (231 square miles). The main points of interest for tourists do, though, tend to be fairly central, with many sightseeing trips starting off at the historic waterfront and the Kota district, and then working inland towards the Gambir and Menteng districts.

Kota is home to the Jakarta History Museum, the Puppet Museum and the old port of Sunda Kelapa with its charming old schooners, which turn the clock back through the centuries and give a real flavour of old Batavia. This is the most attractive part of the city and a great place to spend time in on a hot day when there are cooling sea breezes.
 
Inland highlights dotted amongst the gleaming new glass and steel offices and malls include the National Museum and the National Monument, which both provide their own insights into the culture and history of this uniquely diverse country, as well as a sprinkling of temples and mosques that are testament to the various religions and creeds who call Jakarta home.

Jakarta City Government Tourism Office
Jalan Kuningan Barat 2
Tel: (021) 520 5455.
Website: www.jakarta-tourism.go.id  

There are other branches at the Jakarta Theatre, Jalan Wahid Hasyim 9 (tel: (021) 316 1293) and at Soekarno Hatta International Airport (tel: (021) 550 7088). 

The main tourist information centre is mainly given over to administration. The other branch at Jakarta Theatre is the best bet for maps, leaflets and dependable information and they can also help with booking tours.