TANJUNG PRIOK (JAKARTA)

Tanjung Priok is a district in North Jakarta, and is home to the busiest port in Indonesia. The heart of Jakarta is 8 mi/ 14 km from the port. Don’t let the seemingly close distance fool you. Jakarta is one of the heaviest traffic cities in the world, a situation that isn’t helped by the lack of public transportation for the 10 million residents. 
 
Most cruise lines will offer a wide range of tours, but if you wish to explore at your own pace, you can hire one of the many drivers in the port offering trips around the city. The streets of Jakarta are complicated and busy, making it necessary to hire a driver who knows the city well with deft traffic maneuvering skills. Be sure to give yourself a time cushion for returning by all aboard!
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Jakarta is overwhelmingly large with a buzzing, fast-paced energy, and the city has many different districts. Jakarta’s Old Town, Kota Tua (formally known as Batavia) is a heritage area with beautiful, albeit decaying, colonial buildings around Taman Fatahillah Square. Here, you will find the Jakarta History Museum, Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics, Wayang (puppet) Museum, and the famous Café Batavia. Nearby Kota Tua is Glodok, the city’s Chinatown, which has a mix of temples and markets, making for a unique atmosphere.
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If you are interested in learning more about Jakarta’s history, geography, and archeology, consider heading into Jalan Medan Merdeka Bara, which is in Central Jakarta. In Merdeka Square you will see the 132m tall Monas Monument, and around the edges there are a range of attractions including the National Museum of Jakarta, the National Library, and the National Gallery. 
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Many cruise lines employ Indonesians who call Jakarta home, and it can be a travel treat in of itself to see the heartwarming family reunions. Often, there will be a party at the port upon arrival for the homecoming!