๐ฎ๐ฉ A Twin-City Trip to Jakarta and Banda Sea: Two Heartbeats โ City and Sea
This trip to Indonesia began in bustling Jakarta, then headed east to the mysterious and tranquil Banda Sea. One a modern metropolis, the other a serene sea, together they created an unforgettable journey โค๏ธ
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๐๏ธ First stop: Jakarta โ The pulse of the city and its cultural atmosphere
๐ Kota Tua Old Town: A stroll through time
On my first day in Jakarta, I visited Kota Tua Old Town. The Dutch colonial-era buildings stood quietly, and the square was filled with street performances, the aroma of coffee, and tourists โ a truly soothing sight.
โข Must-see: Kota Tua Jakarta
๐ Address: Kota Tua, Pinangsia, Jakarta
I highly recommend sitting by the street with an iced tea, watching the sunset bathe the square in gold, and slowing down the pace of the entire city.
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โ Coffee Time: A Time-Traveling Experience at Cafรฉ Batavia
๐ Cafรฉ Batavia
Address: Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No. 14, Kota Tua, Jakarta
This cafรฉ, known as "Jakarta's most beautiful colonial cafรฉ," with its wooden staircase, classic chandeliers, and vintage picture-framed walls, feels like stepping into the 1930s.
Must-Try:
โข Batavia Ice Coffee (Sweet but not cloying)
โข Chicken Steak (Generous portion, tender meat)
Drinking coffee here is more than just a meal; it's an ambiance experience โโจ
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๐ Second Stop: Banda Sea โ Indonesia's Most Mysterious Blue
Flying from Jakarta to Maluku, then transferring to a boat to the Banda Sea feels like jumping from the city into a completely different world.
The Banda Sea is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, a diving paradise, and a historical center of the world's spice trade.
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๐ Diving Paradise: Banda Neira
๐ Banda Neira Island
Recommended Reasons:
โข Water clarity exceeding 40 meters
โข Visible whale sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays
โข Amazingly well-preserved corals
Led by a professional dive guide, I dived into the Banda Sea and saw for the first time countless colorful coral reefs; the underwater world was like a living city.
When a giant sea turtle gracefully swam past me, I almost forgot to breathe ๐
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๐๏ธ A Blend of History and Sea Breeze: Fort Belgica
๐ Fort Belgica Castle
Address: Banda Neira, Maluku
Standing atop the 17th-century Dutch castle, gazing at the unreal blue of the Banda Sea, with a gentle sea breeze, you'll understand why explorers have been drawn to this sea for centuries.
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๐ Warming Cuisine of the Banda Sea: Spice Island Cafรฉ
๐ Spice Island Cafรฉ
Address: Jl. Nusantara, Banda Neira, Maluku
The Banda Sea was once the world's nutmeg center, and this restaurant showcases the spice to its fullest potential.
Must-Try:
โข Nutmeg Chicken (rich and layered flavors)
โข Grilled Fresh Tuna (fresh tuna from the Banda Sea)
โข Sago Pudding (a local specialty)
The flavors here are rustic yet memorable, completely different from city restaurants, allowing you to taste the soul of the sea and the Spice Island ๐ถ๏ธ๐
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๐จ Accommodation Recommendation: The Maulana Hotel
๐ The Maulana Hotel
Address: Banda Neira, Maluku
Wooden bungalows facing the sea, balconies overlooking sunsets, swaying coconut palmsโit's the kind of relaxing vacation atmosphere you can completely unwind with.
Reasons to recommend:
โข Stunning ocean views from the rooms
โข Fall asleep to the sound of the waves at night
โข Private and relaxing environment
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โค๏ธ Summary๏ฝWhy do I recommend this route?
โ Experience two worlds in one trip: city ร island
โ Perfect for those who want to explore culture and see world-class ocean views
โ A paradise for diving enthusiasts
โ Unique food, with distinctive spice dishes
If you're looking for a route that's both enriching and story-filled, Jakarta + Banda Sea is definitely worth adding to your next travel bucket list โจ
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๐ธ Hashtag
#Jakarta #BandaSea #IndonesiaTravel #KotaTua #DivingParadise #BandaNeira #TravelDiary #CafeBatavia #SpiceIsland #Maluku #IslandLife #TravelGuide #IndonesiaTravel #DivingParadise