Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, is a bustling metropolis that boasts a rich cultural heritage. As you explore the streets and lively areas in the capital you will come across many attractions, monuments and historical sites that let you get a better understanding of the history of this charming city. There are many museums here which also provide a deeper knowledge of the local culture. One such site worth visiting is the Maritime Museum.
Also known as Museum Bahari, this well known attraction provides a fascinating perspective on the country’s seafaring traditions and how Indonesia is intrinsically linked to the sea, even in the present. Located in the old harbour area known as Sunda Kelapa, the museum is housed within warehouses that were once used by the Dutch East India Company.
Within the Maritime Museum you will find a wide range of exhibits, models, pictures and artefacts all linked with the country’s maritime history. Coming under the control of DKI Jakarta, this attraction features ship models of vessels used by the Dutch East India Company, tools used for the building of ships, models of fishing boats and more.
Entrance to the site is free of charge and the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9 am to 3 pm. Among its collection are the traditional vessels belonging to the Indonesian archipelago which provide further insight into this captivating area. These vessels include Lancang sailing boats such as the ‘Lancang Kuning’, the two-masted schooner known as the Pinisi and the Gelati which is used as a sort of fishing boat.
Other sights of interest here include Kalimantan’s Jukung boat, Maluku’s Kora-Kora boat, navigational aids and the Biological Oceanography section where one can learn more about the flora and fauna that are to be found around the seas that surround Indonesia.
Those heading to the Indonesian capital and in search of a centrally located Jakarta hotel from which to set off on their adventures in the city can stay at Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta. Offering a variety of attractive Jakarta hotel deals, this well placed property features a range of modern amenities and services and is an ideal base for business and leisure travellers alike.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+