When you think about a trip to Indonesia, the first things that come to your mind are the beautiful sandy beaches spread across many islands, captivating sceneries, and the best of what nature provides. However, a different part of Indonesia might not offer you the most amazing sandy beaches or the best of what nature offers, but it is just as interesting to visit.

That place is Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia and if you are wondering if the city has much to offer besides the skyscrapers, read on to find out what else is interesting.

1. Diversity of culture and ethnicity

Jakarta is a metropolitan that attracts both tourists and business people from all over the world. It also has many foreigners who work and live there, making it a hub for a diversity of ethnicity and cultures. The city's unique diversity offers visitors and the locals alike different things to see and try out from different customs, people, cuisine, and even religion.

2. Accommodation

If you are moving to Jakarta as an expatriate and need long-term accommodation, it might not be so easy considering the number of expatriates in the city. However, with a few inquiries from agencies, you will get whatever type of accommodation you want. If you are looking for a hotel for a short-term stay, Jakarta does not disappoint. The city has hotels ranging from two-star to the more luxury hotel Jakarta five-star facilities.

3. Food

Another thing you will love about Jakarta is the diversity of authentic recipes from different cultures. The luxurious high-end hotels serve both international and local recipes. At the same time, you can enjoy the most amazing Indonesian mouth-watering delicacies from the street food vendors strewn across the city. Some of the most popular local dishes include Satay, Soto, and Nasi Goring.

4. Museums, Art and Culture

Art scenes in Indonesia are vibrant, with Jakarta being the hub of most of the activities. The rich Jakarta art culture ranges from museums to pop-up exhibitions, private collections, paintings, installations, sculptures, and galleries. Visitors and locals can also enjoy artifacts dating back to many years ago and some recent ones.

Some of the most popular art scenes and museums to visit include- Museum of Modern And Contemporary Art in Nusantara (MUCAN), Bank Indonesia Museum, National Museum, Textile Museum, Duta Fine Arts Foundation, The National Gallery of Indonesia, Ruci Art Space, and Sunrise Art Gallery, among many others.

5. The Jakarta old town

A visit to Jakarta is not complete without exploring the old town, Kota Tua. The old town lacks the same modern buildings that make up the larger part of the city, but it is one of Jakarta's most compelling areas. It consists of some of the oldest colonial buildings in Indonesia.

One of the major old town attractions is the historical harbor that served as the major city port. Even though many of the buildings are now cafes and museums, they retain the same architectural features they did a long time ago.

6. The Islands

If you thought that Jakarta is all about tall buildings and vibrant city life, you are wrong. The city is also home to some of the most amazing small islands that make up the popular thousand islands archipelago, with the nearest being only half-hour from the city. The islands are close to one another, making it possible to cover two to three of them in a single day.

Some of the sports you can enjoy on the islands include snorkeling, boat riding, diving, bridge jumping in Tidug, and many other activities. Some islands also have the most exotic resorts, beautiful beaches, and the best seafood experiences.

Wrapping it up

You will never run out of things to do or see in Jakarta. The city offers a balance between modern and colonial architecture designs, which makes it unique and captivating. It also has vibrant nightlife, beautiful hotels, cafes, and it provides great shopping experiences for everyone. The nearby mountains, jungles, and breathtaking sceneries accentuate its natural charms.