If you love traveling, rich history and experiencing new cultures then you should probably give Jakarta a try. This is the largest city in Indonesia and couples up as its capital. At first glance, this dynamic megalopolis may appear unwelcoming due to the busy streets, congestion and annoying traffic, for which the city is well known for. However, there is more to this wonderful city than what meets the eye.

Underneath this unappealing façade is a number of beautiful surprises. The city has an exciting nightlife, a vibrant shopping scene and is the melting pot of Indonesian culture and rich cuisine. Compared to many other world capitals, the locals are welcoming, friendly and positive, and the crime levels are very low. If you happening to visit Jakarta during the New Year Celebrations then you are in for a wonderful treat. Here are a couple of things you might not want to miss out on.

Visit the mall to watch traditional performances
Jakarta offers some of the best shopping hot spots in South East Asia. You can find literally anything, from the local international brands to the latest international labels. You can’t claim to have been in Jakarta without having visited at least one of the 150 + gigantic shopping malls that are scattered throughout the city. Apart from offering a good shopping experience, these malls are a great place to relax, unwind and get some entertainment.

During the new year celebrations in Jakarta, you can opt to visit one of the malls. During this period, they will be well decked in red and gold with a number of Chinese decorations such as red lanterns and dragons. You will also get a chance to be entertained by the lion dancers who showcase a number of acrobatic performances. Some of the malls where you will most probably see these dancers include the Ciputra, Bay Walk, Kelapa Gading, Grand Indonesia, the Plaza Indonesia and the Pondok Indah.

Experience the tantalizing rich Chinese cuisine
One of the things you may not want to miss out on are the tasty dishes. Jakarta has a very diverse range of food options available for those foodies who love Indonesian food. Most of the top-notch Chinese restaurants in Jakarta serve special dinners during the new year celebrations. As you have your meal, you can watch some beautiful performances which include, Chinese songs and dances accompanied with traditional Chinese musical instruments such as the guzheng and the erhu. The Graffiti restaurant has been well recommended by a number of tourists who have visited the place.

Fireworks celebrations in Jakarta
No new year’s celebration party is complete without a mighty fireworks display. At midnight, you will experience one of the best fireworks displays at a number of temples, malls, and parks. To avoid getting caught up in traffic during these celebrations, it is advisable to travel on foot. Some of the spots where you can get to enjoy some massive fireworks displays include Monas, Taman Impian Jaya-Ancol, Hotel Indonesia traffic-circle, Taman Mini Indonesia-Indah and Central Park.