The 18th Asian Games 2018 and Jakarta's Major Attractions

1. Indonesia set to host 18th ASIAN GAMES 2018 in JAKARTA and PALEMBANG

Indonesia today is busy preparing to host the 18th Asian Games 2018 to be held here from 18th August to 2nd September 2018. The games will take place simultaneously in capital of Indonesia and , capital of the province of South Sumatra, so as to accommodate all branches of sports.

At the 33rd Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly held at the Songdo Convensia, South Korea in 2014, Indonesia was officially assigned Host City for the 18th Asian Games in 2018. This will be the first time that the Asian Games will be held in two cities: Jakarta and Palembang. Both cities of Jakarta and Palembang have met all OCA’s venue requirements for hosting the upcoming events that are able to welcome around 15,000 athletes and distinguished delegations from 45 OCA member nations.

The 18th Asian Games also introduces three mascots namely Bhin Bhin, Atung and Kaka. The mascots represent three aspects of these competitive games, being: Strategy, Speed and Strength. Each mascot wears special attire inspired by the traditional textiles from , Jakarta and Palembang. Bhin Bhin comes in the image of the Cendrawasih or Bird of Paradise (mainly found in Papua), Atung is a Bawean Deer, symbol of speed, and Kaka is a Rhino representing strength.

As all of Asia and the world watches these sport celebrations, Indonesian Tourism will be given a golden ticket at centre stage since Tourism is definitely an important element in welcoming the many athletes and spectators, to introduce Indonesia’s fantastic natural beauty and exciting experiences to enjoy.

Do not miss this most exciting event in Jakarta and Palembang!

2.The Fatahillah Square

When you get to stroll around here, you will feel yourself as transported back to the 17th century, surrounded by colonial style Dutch structures that have now been transformed into museums, cafes and art galleries.

Today, the Town Hall now houses the Fatahillah Museum, otherwise known as the History of Museum of Jakarta, while surrounding buildings have been transformed into the Wayang Museum, the Museum of Arts and Ceramics, the Museum of Bank Indonesia, the Bank Mandiri Museum and others. Further down by the Canal are the Archives Museum, and Toko Merah or the Red Shop. Further northwards was the main port of Sunda Kelapa where ships lay at anchor, where you may now still see legendary phinisi schooners. The original VOC warehouses have been turned into the Maritime Museum. Other remains are the tower of the harbor master where ships had to pay their excise duty, and also a typical Dutch drawbridge.

On weekends and holidays, this particular area comes alive with throngs of visitors. Colorful vintage bicycles called Sepeda Ontel stand by for rent for a fun tour around prestigious landmarks. Culinary adventure is also festive here, from the low priced super tasty food offered by street vendors to fine dining in a gorgeous two hundred years old colonial building. Ah! And prepare yourself for spontaneous modern art performances that will excite you with their absolute creativity.

3.The Thousand Islands

Not many people are aware that Jakarta is also blessed with romantic tropical islands-get away, far away from busy and noisy city streets.

The string of islands that lie in the Bay of Jakarta are known as Pulau Seribu, or the Thousand Islands, which together form the Pulau Seribu National Park. Pulau Seribu means a "Thousand Island" consisting of almost 128 small islands located in the Bay of Jakarta in the Java Sea. they stretch from the nearest island called Pulau Ayer to those far out into the Java Sea like Pulau Putri, Pulau Sepa, Pulau Pantara, etc. Most of these are inhabited and can be reach in about 1 - 2 hours from Marina Ancol by ferry or by chartered board.

The Thousand Islands are the natural water and beach playgrounds in Jakarta. Each island offers different types of recreation from just beach combing, boating, jet skiing and snorkeling, to fishing and scuba-diving further out to sea. A number of islands such as Pulau Bidadari, Pulau Ayer, Pulau Pramuka, Pulau Kotok and Pulau Putri have bungalows for rent complete with facilities to enjoy island life at your leisure.

To make your holiday complete, here are also Dutch colonial vestiges to explore in archaeological parks as well as nature reserves for breeding of hawksbill turtles and protection of mangrove forests.