Sunda Kelapa

Lonely Planet review

The old port of Sunda Kelapa has more sailing ships - the magnificent Makassar schooners - than you ever thought existed. These brightly painted ships are an important means of transport and freight delivery between the capital and the outer islands. They also provide one of the most spectacular sights in Jakarta.

For a fee, old men in row boats will take you out for a closer look at the ships. Don't hit your head on the mooring ropes or gangplanks, and don't be too surprised if you get hit from above by rubbish thrown from the decks. If you get out as far as the Palau Seribu (Thousand Islands) in the Bay of Jakarta, you'll probably see some of these majestic schooners under sail.