🇮🇩 A Twin-City Trip to Jakarta and Banda Sea: Two Heartbeats – 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 ❤️
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🏙️ First stop: Jakarta – The pulse of the city and its cultural atmosphere
📍 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 – a truly soothing sight.
• Must-see: Kota Tua Jakarta
👉 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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☕ Coffee Time: A Time-Traveling Experience at Café Batavia
📍 Café Batavia
Address: Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No. 14, Kota Tua, Jakarta
This café, known as "Jakarta's most beautiful colonial café," with its wooden staircase, classic chandeliers, and vintage picture-framed walls, feels like stepping into the 1930s.
Must-Try:
• Batavia Ice Coffee (Sweet but not cloying)
• Chicken Steak (Generous portion, tender meat)
Drinking coffee here is more than just a meal; it's an ambiance experience ☕✨
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🌊 Second Stop: Banda Sea – 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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🐠 Diving Paradise: Banda Neira
📍 Banda Neira Island
Recommended Reasons:
• Water clarity exceeding 40 meters
• Visible whale sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays
• 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 😍
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🏝️ A Blend of History and Sea Breeze: Fort Belgica
📍 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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🍛 Warming Cuisine of the Banda Sea: Spice Island Café
📍 Spice Island Café
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:
• Nutmeg Chicken (rich and layered flavors)
• Grilled Fresh Tuna (fresh tuna from the Banda Sea)
• 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 🌶️🐟
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🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: The Maulana Hotel
📍 The Maulana Hotel
Address: Banda Neira, Maluku
Wooden bungalows facing the sea, balconies overlooking sunsets, swaying coconut palms—it's the kind of relaxing vacation atmosphere you can completely unwind with.
Reasons to recommend:
• Stunning ocean views from the rooms
• Fall asleep to the sound of the waves at night
• Private and relaxing environment
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❤️ Summary|Why do I recommend this route?
✔ Experience two worlds in one trip: city × island
✔ Perfect for those who want to explore culture and see world-class ocean views
✔ A paradise for diving enthusiasts
✔ 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 ✨
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📸 Hashtag
#Jakarta #BandaSea #IndonesiaTravel #KotaTua #DivingParadise #BandaNeira #TravelDiary #CafeBatavia #SpiceIsland #Maluku #IslandLife #TravelGuide #IndonesiaTravel #DivingParadise