The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; Japan occupied the islands from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to transfer sovereignty in 1949. Indonesia's first free parliamentary election after decades of repressive rule took place in 1999. Indonesia is now the world's third-largest democracy, the world's largest archipelagic state, and home to the world's largest Muslim population. Current issues include: alleviating poverty, improving education, preventing terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of authoritarianism, implementing economic and financial reforms, stemming corruption, holding the military and police accountable for past human rights violations, addressing climate change, and controlling avian influenza. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to democratic elections in December 2006. Indonesia continues to face a low intensity separatist movement in Papua.

Jakarta - the perennially congested capital which is also the largest city of the country

Ancol Dream Park (Taman Impian Jaya Ancol)

Consists of Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy world), Seaworld (for the largest aquarium in South East Asia), Gelanggang Samudra (Ocean Park), resorts, hotel, beach, marina, and great restaurants. It's one of the biggest park in Asia.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Just Like Its name which mean Beautiful Indonesia in Little Park we can see the whole Indonesian Culture from here. It offers an exciting tour of 30 provinces of Indonesia with samplings of the country's more than 250 cultures. Highlight features are the Museum Indonesia and the Keong Emas IMAX theater.

Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Arts Theater)

This neo-renaissance structure was meticulously restored, and now one of the proud landmarks among the many Jakarta buildings which have been conserved. Some of the city best performance by both local and visiting artists are often held here.

Museum Nasional

The museum houses vast collections of prehistoric, ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, including one of the world's largest collections of Southeast Asian ceramics and Hindu Javanese art. The museum was opened in 1868.

Pasar Baru

Although the name means New Market, it doesn't mean the place is new at all. Dating back to the Dutch colonial era, it has been one of the main hub for commodities trading. And nowadays, it has been nothing short of a mixture of stores packed up in a very limited space. You can bet to find unbranded items with good quality and good price here.

Monas (National Monument)

Jakarta's best known landmark, the 137 meter monument is located in the center of Merdeka (Freedom) square. From the observation deck, you can view the city. At the basement there are dioramas that portray the dramatic story of Indonesia history.

Presidential Palace

Located north of the National Monument, the official residence and office of the Indonesian president is open to the public on weekends for free

Textile Museum

The museum houses a large collections of textiles related to the religious and social practices of the major islands of the archipelago, including batik, ikat and kain ulos.

Gedung Proklamasi(Proclamation Building)

The historical site of Indonesian independence, where on August 17th, 1945 Soekarno-Hatta (Indonesian first president and vice-president) declared the nation's independence.

Lubang Buaya

Another historical site, despite a darker one in Indonesian history. It marks the site where a failed coup d' etat by Partai Komunis Indonesia (Indonesian Communist Party) met its end, alongside the bodies of several high-ranking generals who were tortured to death for not cooperating the revolutionaries.

Museum Sasmita Loka

Museum Wayang (Puppet Museum)

This museum is dedicated to puppetry, one of Indonesia's most famous traditional art forms. On display are the wayang kulit shadow puppets, three-dimensional wooden puppets and special dance masks. Wayang performances are presented on Sunday at 10 am.

Jalan Surabaya (Surabaya Street)

For a unique shopping experience, visit this lively open-air antique market on the fringes of the Menteng residential neighborhood. A good place to bargain for exotic treaures.

Sunda Kelapa Port / Old Harbour

The old port area of Sunda Kelapa remains today as a bustling hub for inter islands trade. Graceful Bugis phinisi schooners, the world's last wind-powered sailing fleet used for trade, still berthed at the quay as they have for century.

Ragunan Zoo

Located to the south Jakarta near Pasar Minggu, this 185-hectare city zoo contains a comprehensive collection of some 3600 species of wildlife from throughout Indonesua. Look for the rare Komodo dragon. The animals live in natural habitats. Pusat Primata Schmutzer consists of gorillas and other various primate fauna.

Istiqlal Mosque

The biggest mosque in Southeast Asia and Cathedral Church located right in front of it)

Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands)

Located north of Jakarta in the Java Sea, these stunning Kepulauan Seribu, easily accessible by speed boat from Ancol marina. This spray of some 300 hundred sandy, picturesque islets offers invigorating respitee for those wishing to escape from the bustling city.

Museum Adam Malik

A small museum dedicated to Mr Adam Malik, one of the renowned figure, who represented Indonesia in the United Nations, among many of his other feats as Indonesian foreign minister then.

Museum ABRI (Military Museum)

Jembatan Kota Intan (Kota Intan drawbridge)

The bridge was developed coincide with the development of Batavia by Jan Pieterzoon Coen in 1628, and the only one of the rests of many suspension bridge ever decorating Batavia city.

Bird Market

Located at Jalan Barito in South Jakarta and Jalan Pramuka in Central Jakarta, here you can find various colourful tropical birds on sale.

Fish Market and Museum Bahari (Maritime Museum)

Located at the mouth of the Ciliwung river, this market area bustles with activities related to the sea. The Museum Bahari situated at the harbor, is housed in restored Dutch warehouses dating back to the first trading post of the Dutch East Indies.

Bird Island (in Thousand Islands)

Atmosfear Dry Slider

Located in FX Lifestyle Center Mall Sudirman, one of the world's longest slider and fastest

Museum Bank Mandiri

Located in the Old Town area opposite the Northern Terminus of Corridor 1 of the Busway and Kota Station,see the history of banking in the Dutch colonial era. Sections include the history of how the Dutch segregated the services offered to bankers by race, the history of the creation of Bank Mandiri and it's memorabilia , Colonial Era Bank Governors and Rupiah bank notes through time.

Bandung - university town in the cooler highlands of Java

Villa Isola, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi 229.

Architect: C.P.W. Schoemaker. Built in 1932 for an Italian millionaire D.W. Berretty as a villa. It lies in the northern part of Bandung, overlooking the city to south and the Tangkuban Perahu mountain to the north. Villa Isola and its 2 gardens have a magnificent design by its architect, combining the unique landscape and the Indo-European architectural style. This monumental art was later used for a hotel, named Hotel de Luxe. Now it serves as UPI's (University of Education Indonesia) headmastership building.

Gedung Merdeka, Jl. Asia-Afrika 65 (near alun-alun or city square).

Architect: Van Gallen Last and C.P.W Schoemaker. Built in 1895 for a club house for rich people, named the Concordia Society. In 1955, this building was famous as the first Asian-African conference venue. Now it is a museum for that conference.

Savoy Homann Hotel, Jl. Asia-Afrika

It was built in 1880, renovated in 1938 by a Dutch architect A.F. Aabers with an art-deco style as it is seen today. It still serves a hotel until now. The King and Queen of Siam, The Prince and Queen of Belgium, The Governor General of Indo-China, The Duchess of Westminster and even Charles Chaplin had stayed there three times. You can also still stay in this hotel and enjoying the old colonial time.

Grand Hotel Preanger, Jl. Asia-Afrika 81.

It has two sides: the old facade and the modern wing side. The old facade has an interesting story, as C.P.W. Schoemaker designed the art-deco style that is blended with local culture. It was a controversial issue at that time, but that gives a unique style.

Gedung Sate, Jl. Diponegoro.

Architect: J. Gerber, built in 1921. It was used as the head of the Dutch Indies Government Companies. The roof has a decoration of a popular satay food as now it is famous for the name, though it was not meant to be like that. In fact, it is a 6 ornaments, symbolizing 6 million guldens, the cost of the building. Now, the complex is the office of West Java governor and the local provincial house of representatives. Interestingly, this building mixes different architectural styles: Spanish Moorish style for the windows, Italian renaissance for the over all building, and between Balinese pura & Thai's pagoda for the roof. The facade faces directly to the Mt. Tangkubanperahu. The building is open for public, and at the end of the journey inside, you can sip a nice hot bajigur drink while watching the city view from the top floor.

Cipaganti Mosque, Jl. Cipaganti.

Architect: C.P.W. Schoemaker, built in 1933. It was the only mosque that was built in the European residential area in the northern part of Bandung. The central facade still has the original design, but the mosque has been expanded to both of its side.

ITB West and East Hall (Aula Barat & Timur ITB)

ITB is Institute Technology Bandung, the oldest institute of technology in Indonesia. It was built in 1918 by the architect Maclaine Pont. The most prominent Dutch East Indian architecture is the West and East Hall of this institute, where a West Sumatran style of architecture was used.

Saung Angklung Udjo

Angklung is a traditional South-East Asian musical instrument, made by bamboo. Udjo Nalagena, a famous angklung artist, created an Angklung House in the outskirt of Bandung, where angklung is made, learned and played. You can enjoy an angklung orchestra played by 12 year old or less children or even be a part of this orchestra, holding one of the angklung instruments. The place is in the middle of padi terrace and bamboo field, a perfect location to feel the relaxedness of a small village. It is one of the famous travel destinations among westerners and is highly recommended.

Bosscha Observatorium

Built in 1923 by Nederlandsch-Indische Sterrekundige Vereeniging (Assoc. of Dutch-Indies Astronomers) is the only observatorium in Indonesia. It lies in Lembang, a small suburb city in the northern part of Bandung. It is now part of the Dept. of Astronomy, Institute Technology Bandung.

Geological Museum

Geological Museum, houses 250.000 rocks and mineral collection, and 60.000 fossils. There are 3 major rooms in the museums: the geology of Indonesia, the history of life and the geology of human life. The building itself has an art-deco style, built in 1928 by a Dutch architect Wnalda van Scholtwenburg.

Sri Baduga Maharaja Museum

Pos dan Giro Museum

Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum

Banjarmasin - the largest town on Kalimantan

Banjarese, the name of South Kalimantan’s ethnicity, have a unique way of building their houses and other structures in harmony with nature. There are at least 12 types of traditional Banjarese houses, which have unfortunately lost their popularity in modern times. Still, you can see a few houses that were built with traditional techniques all over Banjarmasin if you really search for them. The palace ground was totally destroyed by the colonial Dutch, but you can still visit its remnants in Kampung Kraton, along Jalan Pangeran Samudera. There, you can see Masjid Sultan Suriansyah. Built during Pangeran Samudera’s rule, it is the first Mosque in South Kalimantan and contains the royal burial site.

Museum Waja Sampai Ka Puting

This was an old and genuine Banjarese traditional house in "Bubungan Tinggi" style (one of the 12 styles and the most bona fide one) before it was transformed into a museum.

Masjid Sultan Suriansyah

The oldest mosque in South Kalimantan, 300+ years old.

Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin

A giant modern mosque completed in 1981, the second largest in Indonesia.

Floating markets

Trading is from dawn until around 9am. Get there early. Journey takes around 20 minutes by boat.

Canal trips

Pulau Kembang (lit. Flower Island)

Visit the long-tailed macaques at the decrepit Chinese temple, 20 minutes by boat. You can buy nuts to feed them. The monkeys are quite aggressive if you have food and will try to steal it from you.

Pulau Kaget (lit. Surprised Island)

See the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), the mascot fauna of South Kalimantan. No guarantee you would have a good look at them, though, as they are really shy.

Manado - Christian town at the northeastern tip of Sulawesi, famous for diving

Ban Hin Kiong

A 19th century Buddhist temple.

Bukit Kasih

Medan - the main city of Sumatra

Maimoon Palace

Vihara Borobudur (Buddhist Temple)

Vihara Gunung Timur (Chinese Temple)

Mesjid Raya Mosque

Merdeka Walk (5 mins from Kesawan Square)

Tondi Gallery (Contemporary Arts Exhibitions by local artists)

Annai Velangkani (Catholic Shrine with Hindu-style architecture)

Shri Mariaman (Hindu Temple)

Semarang - the capital of Central Java, with a blend of Javanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences

Sam Po Kong Temple

Jl. Simongan No. 129. The beautiful Sam Po Kong temple (Gedung Batu) was built to respect the Muslim Chinese commander named Cheng Ho of Ming Dinasty who visited Semarang in the early 15th century. It was extensively renovated in 2006 to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Cheng Ho's voyage to Semarang.

Tanjung Mas

A busy, important port during Dutch occupation (from 17th century to 1945).

Gereja Blenduk

Jalan Letjen Suprapto 32. The name means "domed church". A beautiful Protestant church built in 1753, it is the oldest church in Semarang. It has a baroque organ, a rarity in Indonesia

Stasiun Tawang

The oldest major railway station in Java, completed in 1870.

Simpang Lima

A vast square at the heart of Semarang. At night, you can eat, drink, or just bring yourself wandering around Simpang Lima.

Taman Budaya Raden Saleh

Taman Budaya Raden Saleh at Jalan Sriwijaya No.29, is a beautiful garden located at the city centre. It has a total area of 89,926 square meters. Suitable for the family recreation.

Tugu Muda

Tugu Muda is one of Semarang's landmark. It is situated westward off Simpang Lima, one of the 5 streets crossing Simpang Lima named Jalan Pandanaran. This monument commemorated the 5 days of fierce battle (October 14-19, 1945) between Indonesian freedom fighters and Japanese soldiers who refused to surrender their weapons.

Museum Ronggowarsito

Jl. Abdurrahman Saleh No. 1. 8AM-2PM, except on Monday. Javanese culture and art. Rp2.000 (Mar 2008).

MURI

Indonesian National Record Museum. Jl. Setiabudi no.179 Srondol. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8AM-4PM.

Nyonya Meneer

Jamu (traditional Javanese drink) museum. Jl. Kaligawe. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10AM–3PM.

Mandala Bhakti

Military museum. Jl. Mgr.Sugiyopranoto Semarang.

Water Blaster (Water Boom)

Entry through Graha Candi Golf Real Estate, with its dazzling hills view and quite an exotic feels of high breeze.

Lele Park (Kampoeng Wisata)

Kecamatan Tugu. Open daily. Facility: children playground, cultural and art shows, animal shows.

Marina Beach

North Semarang. Facility: swimming pool, children playground, beach volley ball, water sports.

Ngaliyan Tirta Indah

Jalan Raya Ngaliyan Kecamatan Ngaliyan. Facility: swimming pool, beautiful plantation, flower garden, sports centre.

Puri Maerokoco and Kampoeng Laut

Tawangmas PRPP, a clone of TMII (Jakarta). Facility: cultural and art shows, boat, water bike, small train, fishing pond.

Sodong

20 km from Semarang. Facility: beautiful plantation, fishing pond, swimming pool.

Mangkang Zoo

Located in the West Semarang. It's newly opened. There a lot of animal preserve there but it lacks of attraction.

Surabaya - Indonesia's second largest city

Grahadi

The colonial-era residence of the Governor of East Java. You can watch Reog dance, a vigorous traditional dance at the nearby 'Balai Pemuda' (Youth Hall- one historical building in Surabaya) every Sunday at 11 am.

G-Walk

Located in west Surabaya (CitraLand). There are many food stalls and bazaars at night where you can find a lot of good food. It gets very crowded at night and it's a place for a lot of young people to hang out.

House of Sampoerna

Situated in "old Surabaya"‚ this stately Dutch colonial-style compound was built in 1862 and is now a preserved historical site. Cited as the top tourist destination in Surabaya, the complex offers a museum, an art gallery, a cafe as well as souvenir shops. Check out the timing for the museum's main attraction: hundreds of girls hand-rolling Indonesia's most prestigious cigarette, Dji Sam Soe, using traditional equipment. They do it at an unbelievable speed. A must see!

Kya-Kya Kembang Jepun

Kya-Kya Kembang Jepun is now defunct. At night the Kembang Jepun area in Chinatown is transformed into a street bazaar of food stalls. An interesting show of Indo-Chinese culture and atmosphere.

Masjid Al Akbar Surabaya

Masjid Al Akbar Surabaya A huge mosque (some say it's the biggest mosque in SE Asia). The mosque has a tower which is equipped with an elevator, so that visitors can see Surabaya from top of the tower, 65 metres (195 ft) above ground level.

Masjid Cheng Ho

A mosque with beautiful Chinese architecture.

Monumen Jalasveva Jayamahe

A monument on Surabaya's seafront dedicated to the service of The Indonesian Navy.

Monumen Kapal Selam

An old Soviet-built submarine called Pasopati, now preserved as a monument beside the river next to Delta Plaza.

Pasar Ampel

A large Arab market selling carpets and all sorts of other goodies. At the end of the main narrow lane is the mosque and grave of one of the nine Muslim saints of Java, Sunan Ampel.

Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang/Bonbin)

3 km south of the city centre (near Joyoboyo bus terminal). One of the largest and best in South-East Asia. You also can see the Suroboyo monument near the zoo entrance.

The Suramadu Bridge (Jembatan Suramadu)

Also known as the Surabaya-Madura Bridge, is a bridge with cable-stayed which connects Surabaya on the island of Java and the town of Bangkalan on the island of Madura. The bridge is open for public since June 10, 2009.

Tugu Pahlawan

A monument dedicated to the fallen heroes of Surabaya during the Independence war of 1945-49.

Ujung Pandang (Makassar) - the gateway to Sulawesi

Losari Beach, a beachfront just on the side of the road. A very nice sunset view. There's a culinary festival everynight over there Fort Rotterdam, old fortress from colonial age Pulau Khayangan, an island 20 minutes away by small boat from makasar.

Yogyakarta - Java's cultural hub and the access point to the mighty temples of Prambanan and Borobudur

Tugu Monument

A well known landmark located in the center of downtown Yogyakarta. Built by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VI, the top spire was originally a round sphere which represents the universe. During the colonial era, the spire was replaced with a golden cylinder.

Benteng Vredeburg

Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani 6, Yogyakarta. A Dutch fort located in front of Gedung Agung (President's Palace). A great example of the Dutch colonial architecture. A few warfare items are still preserved, including a twin cannon.

Kotagede

The capital of ancient Islamic Mataram kingdom. The tomb of Mataram Kingdom's first king, Panembahan Senopati, is also located in this place. Before independence, Kotagede was the central economic district of Yogyakarta, as it held the largest marketplace and was home to many wealthy batik merchants. Although some ancient buildings have been modernized or replaced with newer buildings, Kotagede remains a prime example of ancient Javanese architecture and city structure. Be sure to check out the local silver handicrafts.

Imogiri

Southwest of town. Graveyard of the Yogyakarta and Surakarta royal families. Suffered damage during 2006 earthquake but has reopened.

Kotabaru

Which used to be Dutch officials residential area, has few heritage homes as well as a colonial style church and monastery (Gereja Kotabaru) and a stadium (Stadion Kridosono).

Kraton Yogyakarta

A calm yet elegant Javanese heritage that consists of two separate entrances: the Main Court (Pagilaran & Siti Hinggil), and the Residence. The Main Court showcases the grandeur of Sultan's monarchy, while the Residence is more homey while still exhibiting the royal family's luxurious lifestyle. Open 8.30 AM to 1 PM daily, on Friday the attraction is closed at 11 AM. While the guide is part of the entrance fee, they might expecting tips. Some guide might offer extended trip to sultan's servants batik workshop, this is a scam as they only bring you to a regular batik shop with steep price. It's a good idea to refuse their offer politely. Rp 12500 (foreign tourist price) or Rp 5000 (Indonesian tourist price), Rp 1000 extra for a photo permit (price as of June 15, 2008).

Sultan's Carriage Museum (Museum Kereta)

This museum houses Sultan's horse-drawn carriages, including two beautiful carriages imported from the Netherlands and known as Golden Carts (kereta kencana).

Taman Sari

Jalan Taman, Kraton Yogyakarta 55133. Also known by the Dutch name waterkasteel (water castle), this is a partly ruined complex built as a pleasure garden by the first Sultan in 1765. One of the bathing pools was dedicated to the sultan's harem, and he had a tower overlooking the area so he could take his pick. Entrance fee does not cover the guide, who will expect tips. Open 9 AM to 3 PM daily. Rp 7000 for entrance, Rp 1000 for a photo permit (price as of June 15, 2008).

Siti Hinggil Selatan

This somehow-muted palace is rarely used for formal occasion. You can catch a shadow puppet performance during weekend night.

Alun-Alun

Alun-Alun or the Sultan's ground. There are two Sultan's grounds: Alun-alun Utara and Alun-alun Selatan or the northern and southern Sultan's ground, consecutively. If you are lucky, you can see the Gerebeg Maulud parade during Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Masjid Gede Kauman

One of the oldest and largest mosque in Yogyakarta. Located on the west of Alun-alun Utara, this mosque was where the Sultan performs his religious rites and ceremonies. Non-muslim visitors should wear decent clothing. It may be a good idea to ask the mosque authorities prior to entering the mosque due to some rules that must be abide.

Museum Dirgantara (aircraft museum)

Jalan Kolonel Sugiono, Yogyakarta 55002 (behind Adi Sucipito Airport). M-Th 8AM-1PM, Sa 8AM-12PM. This Indonesian aircraft museum holds several antique aircraft from WWII era such as Badger bomber, MIG-15 to MIG-21, P-51 Mustang, Catalina flying boat, Auster MkII, Lavochkin LA-11, F-86 Sabre, T-33 Bird, A6M5 Zero, etc. Rp 5000.

Museum Sonobudoyo

Jalan Trikora 6, Yogyakarta 55122 (north alun-alun). A Javanese archeology museum, has many Javanese artefacts like wayang puppets, masks, statues, textiles, weapons, as well as a full set of Javanese gamelan instruments. Worth a visit if you have some extra time in Yogya, or you are interested in Javanese culture study. Rp 3000.

Museum Kekayon

Jalan Raya Yogya–Wonosari (km 7) 277, Baturetno, Banguntapan, Bantul, Yogyakarta 55179. Tu-Su 8AM-3PM. A wayang (puppet) museum with a lush javanese style garden. It is divided into 10 sectors, where each holds a vast amount of wayang puppets from various places in Indonesia. Rp 5000.

Candi Sambisari

Candi Sambisari is very unique. Unlike other candi, it sits at estimated 6m below the ground line. It is easy to reach because it is located close to Adisucipto International Airport. You can go there by taxi. Candi Sambisari consists of one main candi and three supporting candis (perwara). You can see lingga and yoni, symbol of male and female sex, inside the main candi. In the main candi's wall, there are three statue, Agastya in south side, Ganesha in east side, and Dewi Durga in north side. From the lingga, yoni, and the statues, it has been concluded that the Sambisari was built to adore Siva Gods. There is no fixed reference about when and who built this candi. But from the Wanua III inscriptions, Candi Sambisari is predicted to be cunstructed in 9th century (812-838 AD).

Candi Kalasan

Candi Kalasan is located not far from Prambanan, around 2 km to the west from Prambanan or 14 km to the east from Yogyakarta. This candi is on the south side of the Prambanan-Yogyakarta main road. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Yogyakarta. Constructed in late 7th century (778 AD) by Rakai Panangkaran from Sanjaya Dinasty. He was Hindu but he built a Buddhist temple, thus it reflects peacefully religion life during that time. The relief carved in this candi are known to be the most beautiful. The wall is covered by ancient white cement called bajralepa. Candi Kalasan was built to adore Dewi Tara (Tara Godess). A Boddhisatva bronze statue used to be placed inside the candi, but this statue is not there anymore.

Candi Sari

Candi Sari is located not far from Candi Kalasan, estimated 600 m to north-east from Candi Kalasan. This candi was built as an ancient Buddhist monk dormitory. Inside the candi, there are two floors with three rooms on each floor. The reliefs is similar with Candi Kalasan's and the wall is also covered with bajralepa. There are Boddhisatva and Tara Godess carved beside the windows that show us the relation between Candi Kalasan and Candi Sari. The unique rooftop consists of 9 stupas in grid. The holes in some areas shows that woods was used to complete the construction. This candi is predicted to be build in the same era with Candi Kalasan.

Bentara Budaya

Jalan Suroto 2, Kota Baru. Art exhibitions, movies, book discussions.

Cemeti Art House

Jalan D.I. Panjaitan 41. Fine art and modern art exhibitions, book discussions and performances.

French/Indonesian Cultural Center (LIP)

Jalan Sagan 3. Art exhibitions, movies, book discussions, performances, library.

Jogja Gallery

Jalan Pekapalan 7, Alun-Alun Utara. Modern art gallery exhibiting avant garde artworks.

Kedai Kebun

Jalan Tirtodipuran 3. Art exhibitions, performances, book discussions.

Jayapura - the capital of Papua and a gateway to the highlands

General McArthur memorial

The General McArthur memorial is set on a hill overlooking Jayapura harbor and city. Whilst the memorial itself is basic the steepness of the terrain makes the site a spectacular vantage point. A number of old Dutch colonial houses can also be seen on the road up to the memorial.

Hamadi Beach

Hamadi Beach is a local harbor beach near the city. On the beach are four large artillery embankments from the second world war. Further down the beach are the local fish markets. The beach itself is not very well kept and covered in rubbish. However, at night a number of food stalls are set up and provides plenty of atmosphere.

White Sands Beach

White sands beach is an ocean beach a small drive out of the city. This beach is owned by local Papuans who charge a small entry fee (RP 20,000). In return for the fee they keep the beach clean of rubbish provide basic toilet facilities and shaded areas to sit. It is a picturesque beach with soft white sand and well worth a visit.

Santani Lake

Santani Lake is outside Jayapura city itself (30 mins). It is a large freshwater lake surrounded by steep mountains. A small number of restaurants and guesthouses are located on the edge of the lake.