Birthdays are a tangible occasion for an individual – a celebration of yearly milestone and an invisible calendar of one’s life on earth. But when it comes to the birthday celebration of a city – something that is both wondrous and ambiguous at the same time, what are we really celebrating? How do we celebrate a city that has come before us and will, at some point, outlive all of us?
Now that Jakarta’s 487th anniversary is slowly inching towards us on June 22nd, perhaps it’s time to give a tangible significance to this year’s celebration of the city. We like to think that it is all about loving Jakarta for what it has become and what it will be. It’s about casting aside our own prejudices toward the city and embracing Jakarta for its unique curves and edges.
This is why, this year, we (the folks from Bobobobo and Manual) hope to rekindle the relationship between the city and its residents. We have thoughtfully selected ten locations in Jakarta, which presences speak volume about the city that we currently live in. We hope that by exploring these locations, it will spark a renewed enthusiasm towards Jakarta and, with luck, learn something new about ourselves as individuals at the same time.
Pasar Antik Jalan Surabaya
Pasar Antik has been a fascinating spot for both locals and tourists alike. Stretch along the strip Surabaya Street, this antique market carries precious objects from old ornamental lamps, wood furniture to historical Chinese cannons. To some, they are compelling objects but achieve the status of collector’s items simply because of its age. To others, they are valuable objects from the past to be reveled in. No matter what the reason for the fascination, the presence of Pasar Antik in Surabaya Street shows that the past is something to be looked after and cherished.
Address: Jl. Surabaya, Jakarta Pusat
1/15 Coffee
No longer a stranger among coffee enthusiasts in Jakarta, 1/15 Coffee has been steadily brewing quality coffee since its inception more than a year ago. It is also home to Doddy Samsura, the winner of Indonesia Barista Championship 2013. The establishment’s careful attention to its coffee beans, different methods of preparation along with its chic ambience reflects a shift in the way the locals approach their coffee. It goes on to show just how far we have come since the days of instant coffee mix.
Address: Jl. Gandaria 1 No. 63
Tel: +62 21 7225678
Web: www.1-15coffee.com
Junkyard
Thanks to our never-ending quest for all things new and modern, how many items, objects and articles have found its way into garbage dumps where it is left to rot and dream of its glory days? Junkyard, a café by day and bar by night, sees the value of those forsaken “junk” and gives them a new lease on life. Here, a wooden door is transformed into a communal table for a party of four. An oddball among other upscale establishments in the district of Senopati, Junkyard oozes an air of easy, rustic sophistication. These “junk” may have seen better day, but thanks to Junkyard, they are now in one again.
Address: Jl. Birah Raya No. 10
Tel: +62 812 91769769
Pasar Burung Barito
For any good city spot to be worth its salt, it has to engage a person’s most important senses – sight, hearing and smell. A visit to Pasar Burung Barito is guaranteed to tune those three senses up several notches. How not to when you’re greeted with deafening chirps from different kinds of feathered friend (hearing); beautiful exotic animals fixed in majestic poses (sight); and the giddy aroma of perspiration and excitement that wafts through the air (smell)? Regardless of your reason to be here, Pasar Burung Barito introduces a new perspective and provides a fascinating relief to the usual lineup of bland malls.
Address: Jl. Barito Raya
Burgreens
We all know by now that we are what we eat. But how many times has one faltered in the quest of living a healthy lifestyle all because of… food? Fortunately, the folks at Burgreens understand the struggle when it comes to eating healthy food. This is why you won’t see a plate of raw vegetable dressed in “tree-hugging” philosophy in Burgreens. The establishment gives organic vegetarian food a lighthearted fast food inspired makeover – mini burgers with mushroom patties and sweet potato chips. Who would have thought that organic and fast food could produce such a winning combination?
Address: Jl. Plamboyan No. 19
Tel: +62 878 82005070
Web: www.burgreens.com
Moje
It is easy to be fooled by the appearance of the furniture in Moje – all of them look like old vintage. But the truth is, they are actually new and made from scratch using old and unused woods. Moje effortlessly infuses the “past in present” into their furniture and home wares. Still, to simply call them recycled furniture would be unmerited, for every product displays remarkable quality, craftsmanship and, most importantly, characteristic. In Moje, it is hard not to lose one’s sense of time among the beautiful shelves, cabinets and chairs but feel so right at home at the same time.
Address: Jl. Moh. Kafi 1 No. 26
Tel: +62 21 78830707
Web: www.moje-natural.com
Kopi Es Tak Kie
Serving coffee since 1927, Kopi Es Tak Kie has been keeping it simple and straightforward all the way to the present day. Even though the modest coffee shop has lived through a world war, nothing much has changed, especially its coffee – either black coffee or the latter with milk. Kopi Es Tak Kie is not sentimental about its past, but rather believes in the old adage that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Even under the current wave of modern coffee culture, the presence of Kopi Es Tak Kie still remains strong and firm. Some coffees are just best drank with a splash of nostalgia.
Address: Jl. Pintu Besar Selatan 3 No. 4-6
Tel: +62 21 6928296
Dapur Babah
Not many restaurants can provide a thorough “back-in-time” experience as well as Dapur Babah does. Located in Veteran Street – one of old Batavia’s most fashionable streets, this establishment is the kind of spot where one will subconsciously find themselves sitting upright with their chins held high. The stunning collection of mementoes and paraphernalia, such as antique teak furniture, rustic house wares and stone statues hark one back to a time where traditions and social etiquettes are held at the highest esteem.
Address: Jl. Veteran 1 No. 18-19
+62 21 3855653
Awan Lounge
Most of Jakarta’s sightseeing activities are done on ground zero, where more often than not, one lifts their head to marvel at the stoic monuments or towering skyscrapers. Awan Lounge, a rooftop bar that sits on top of Kosenda Hotel, provides another engaging perspective in a laidback and soothing manner. While the bar offers exciting drink menu, nothing draws the crowds like a splendid view of the city during the night. It is no doubt, one of the best spots in the city to enjoy a balmy evening in a sophisticated manner with the company of gentle summer breeze.
Address: Jl. KH Wahid Hasyim No. 127
Tel: +62 21 31936868
Web: www.awanlounge.com
Pasar Bunga Rawa Belong
Henri Matisse, a famous artist, once said “There are always flowers for those who want to see them”. If that’s the case, then Pasar Bunga Rawa Belong is, without a question, a sanctuary for every flower lover in Jakarta. This famous flower market operates 24/7 with impressive arrays of flower from the Motherland and overseas countries, such as Cambodia and Taiwan. But that’s not where the market’s charm starts and ends. Your time of visit will determine the kind of flowers that you’ll come across in this market. Apart from its ability to surprise, this is no doubt, the most sweet-smelling spot in Jakarta one can find themselves in.
Address: Jl. Sulaiman No. 50
In the light of Jakarta’s 487th anniversary, Bobobobo has prepared five special city deals and the fashion items shown on the editorials are also available for purchase. For more information, head to http://www.bobobobo.com/article/content/jakarta-anniversary-2014-the-jakarta-escapade
Also, don’t forget to participate in our #Why ILoveJKT Instagram photo competition to win a weekend hotel staycation in The Hermitage Hotel! Check out @manualjakarta and @_bobobobo_ for more information.
