Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is representative of the many contrasts of the archipelago; trendy shopping malls, colonial-era remnants, upscale neighborhoods, and sprawling slums create a unique atmosphere. HAPPYCAR is here to help you find the best car hire Jakarta has to offer so you can take full advantage of this lively city, with pick up locations at the Jakarta Airport. We check the prices of international and local providers so that you don’t have to check each website to provide you with the best deals on a car hire to make your money go further on a rental car that fits your specific needs. You have the options of choosing car size, pick up location and type of insurance to ensure you get the best deal on a great car hire!
General Information
Jakarta’s history is epitomized by its status as an important trading port; when the Portuguese arrived in 1522, they found the bustling port of Sunda Kelapa, part of last Hindu kingdom of West Java. At the beginning of the 17th century, the Dutch and English were vying for control of the city, with the Dutch emerging victorious. The Dutch East India Company established Batavia, a shoreline fortress on the site of modern Jakarta, which soon became their capital. Batavia was converted into a ‘tropical Amsterdam’ by the Dutch, and the population was bolstered by Indonesian and Chinese immigrants. In 1942, Japanese occupation of the city ended Dutch rule, and the name ‘Jakarta’ was reestablished. In 1950, Jakarta became the official capital of Indonesia. The Asian financial crisis of the late 90’s hit Indonesia hard, and soon the capital became a political battleground with protesters demanding the resignation of President Suharto. Jakarta has since recovered from the financial crisis, and has become an important center for tourism throughout the Indonesian archipelago.
Take advantage of your Jakarta car rental
With your HAPPYCAR rental car you will be able to explore Jakarta and the rest of Indonesia at your own leisure. The capital, which sprawls over 225 square miles in the northern region of Java, is a patchwork of expensive neighborhoods, colonial architecture, glamorous shopping malls, and slums, all in the shadow of the city’s looming skyline. Kota, also known as old Jakarta, is a sight-worthy attraction in the north; this 16th century Dutch neighborhood is home to several important historical structures, including the former city hall of Batavia, the Fish Market, and the former court of justice of Batavia. Nearby is Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta’s lively old port. In addition to the harbor, you will also find the Harbor-Master Tower, the Maritime Museum, Fatahillah Museum, Arts Museum, Beos Station, and Wayang Pupppet Museum. If you head south passing through Jakarta’s center, you will leave behind the quaint 16th century buildings for modern golf courses and amusements parks in the south. Medan Merdeka, Jakarta’s spiritual center, is one of the largest squares in the world, at whose center stands the National Monument. Jakarta’s main commercial district lays a short distance from the square, where you will find extensive shopping options.
Indonesia’s most populous island, Java, has much more to offer outside of the capital city. The islands landscape is dominated by hundreds of towering volcanoes, some of which are still active; the fertile slopes are covered in green, resplendent rice fields. The southern part of the island is home to the ethnic Javanese people, and functions as the center of their culture. Here you will find Yogyakarta and Solo, two cities still immersed in traditional dance, music, and art. The cities are ideal bases from which to explore the gigantic ninth-century Buddhist temple Borobudur, as well as the impressive Prambanan complex, a contemporary Hindu site.
Book now with HAPPYCAR and take full advantage of the flexibility and freedom your car rental Jakarta grants you. Our quick and hassle free service provides you with a great springboard into your adventures. The HAPPYCAR team wishes you a pleasant journey!