Jakarta’s Chinatown Charm

Heading to Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown established in 1740 when the Dutch forced the Chinese out from the walled city, the area offers up fascinating laneways and markets in an energetic enclave jam-packed with great food and hidden temples.

Next to St. Maria de Fatima, formerly an old 19th-century Chinese mansion, which was transformed into the Catholic Church in 1955. The interior is reminiscent of an affluent Chinese house featuring an exquisite oriental wooden ceiling. The decorations, however, are very much Catholic in style with a statue of St. Maria de Fatima and two carved Chinese lions stand in front of the church, welcoming visitors.

Next Visit Vihara Dharma Bhakti, also known as Jīn dé yuàn or Hokkien Kim Tek Ie. Completed in 1650, is the oldest Chinese temple in Jakarta ", built to honour Kwan I'm whom the temple is dedicated to. Pantjoran Tea House, Standing across Pasar Glodok, the two-storey building combines antique architectural charm with premium teas that are instilled with an important virtue from the past era.

Following the tradition of a generous Chinese captain named Gan Djie during the Batavia era, they provide cups of fine tea for anyone passing by his porch, at no charge, up to eight pots per day. Stay for a while to enjoy the tea and snack, a perfect spot to observe the dynamic flurry that happens on the surrounding historical area.