Jakarta is sorely lacking in opportunities for an enjoyable day out of town. Traffic, not to mention the crowd during a visit to Bandung, Bogor and Puncak enough to put many trippers off while the attractions of factory outlets, track down that perfect brownies or hot springs fade quickly for people who want to see and understand more of the country.
Fortunately for the Day Tripper Jakarta, Banten Lama is far from being one, Äòmust see AO for any visitor. Most have never heard of the place and many who have grown after the release clearly marked along the Jakarta Merak aÌ jalan tol have no idea what's there.
There is a popular destination for Muslim pilgrims attracted by the famous mosque on Sunday is especially busy as religious holidays, but most of the time, especially early in the morning, the place remains a quiet, modest.
There was once Banten was a thriving port in the heart of Southeast Asian trade. Spices attracted Chinese traders, India, Persia and ultimately Europe turn the port of Singapore in the 17th century.
Today, little remains of this peak. Even the sea, which was full of all kinds of ships, declined. Instead, what remains are only hints of the glory that was once Banten.
To the north of the tol, the narrow road is typical Java. Potholed, too narrow for traffic and filled with becaks and angkots while motorcyclists weave their path with impunity between the moving obstacles.
with mini-marts and small shop houses that supply the construction industry there is little to suggest that Banten offer. Until you reach the Palace Kaibon. Just south of a stream, Cibanten by a railway bridge, the Palace isn, AOT much to look at; just a pile of rocks that provide an outline of what must have once been an impressive home for Ratu Asiah, the mother of Sultan Syaifuddin before the Dutch leveled in 1832.
They do, AOT get as many foreign visitors and as you progress you will undoubtedly get a lot of strange looks from the locals.
fee must be paid to enter the historic district itself, a man will unfold lazily from his plastic chair by the side of the road, peer into your car and a voice creaked a thousand cigarettes, will tell you how you need. Don, AOT wait for a brochure or a smile, hand over your money, he, Äôll take with barely a smile before returning to her plastic chair and fag side.
The first thing you'll encounter is the Palace Surosowan; a once powerful case that was razed by the Dutch who is angry with the local Sultan. As Kaibon the groundworks remain, the observer can do on the stone steps which would have led to a pool of all kinds, but That, AOS about it.
There is little in the way of shelter and the sun rises, it's getting hot. Some goats and chickens shall wander in and around the Palace.
The alum alum is close, just after a small museum that may or may not be open. Cars are not allowed near the open area, but walking is the best option anyway. market stalls down the narrow street selling all kinds of souvenirs Islamic, most venerating the Wali Songo, the nine saints who are said to have contributed to Islam settle on the island of Java.
The mosque here, Masjid Agung, is several hundred years old and widely worshiped among the faithful; Sundays become very busy with full of faithful angkots arrive every few minutes to fill the coffers of the local community. Typically Bantenese with its roof on many levels, it is possible to mount the mosque minaret, OSA, a white obelisk-shaped tower said to have been designed by a Chinese Muslim. Looking down on the alum alum and palate can afford some idea of the magnitude of the power Banten, AOS much crude market stalls with their blue sheet tend to wither the landscape.
The cemetery contains the graves of some of the Sultans who ruled a Banten which also covered part of the southern tip of Sumatra where the pepper has greatly contributed to their wealth.
Further afield, beyond the concrete monstrosities hammers home to the famous Bird Nest Soup AOS delicacy, there are other relics of the past. Driving is possible, but a short walk is pleasant enough if the sweltering heat option should be considered.
Speelwijk Fort was built by the Dutch to protect their investments in the region. As Kaibon Surosowan palace and it looks like someone has shaved off the top half of the fort. The walls are thick and strong, but there is evidence of a large renovation.
Along the wall of the castle are some crumbling tombs, some of which may have been high enough in the day, which testify to the hardy souls who never returned home from the tropics.
On the other side of a small stream is a historical Chinese klenteng used to clean end to the trip. In a few short hours a visitor can explore a palace Bantenese a mosque with a tower designed by a Chinese convert, a fort built by the Dutch before finally the Chinese temple.
Indonesia, SOA and rich multi spent grown wrapped in a small package only 90 minutes drive from Jakarta. To update should not be just a trudge around a mall!