Sunda Kelapa Harbour

Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa

The birthplace of Jakarta, where dozens of Bugis pinisi wooden schooners still load and unload cargo. It is a scene of harbor life that has continued for centuries and is a must-visit for photographers.

Sunda Kelapa marks the starting point of Jakarta. From the 12th century it was the port of the Sunda Kingdom. In 1527, after the Portuguese-Sunda alliance was defeated, the victory was commemorated with the name 'Jayakarta' (City of Victory). In 1619, the Dutch established Batavia here. Today, large cargo shipping has moved to Tanjung Priok, but the old harbor remains a dock for wooden sailing ships trading between the islands. Dozens of pinisi two-masted wooden schooners, built by hand by Bugis craftsmen from South Sulawesi, line up here. Workers carry cement, timber, and daily goods on their shoulders and gangplanks, bound for Kalimantan and Sulawesi. This traditional shipbuilding craft was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2017. Admission is about Rp 5,000 for port registration. Small boatmen at the dock will offer to row you around to see the ships (about Rp 50,000-100,000; negotiate first). Other sights near the port include the Dutch-era watchtower Menara Syahbandar (1839), the Bahari Museum (converted from a VOC warehouse, showcasing traditional Indonesian vessels and the history of the spice trade, closed on Mondays), the Pasar Ikan fish market, and the old town's Fatahillah Square, a 15-minute walk away. Tips: visit between 7 and 9 a.m. or before 4-6 p.m., and pair it with the Old Town (Kota) on the same day. Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground at the dock is strewn with cargo and oil. Getting there: take a taxi or motorbike from Kota Station, about 10 minutes, or walk for 20 minutes. Notes: this is a working port, so avoid hoists and gangplanks when taking photos. Do not climb aboard any ship without someone with you. Security is moderate, so keep valuables safe.

Sunda Kelapa Harbour

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