Syahbandar Tower
Explore Jakarta's maritime past at Syahbandar Tower and Museum Bahari, offering historical insights and harbor views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Extended hours until 8 PM
Syahbandar Tower
Best Time
Extended hours until 8 PM
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Jakarta's maritime past at Syahbandar Tower and Museum Bahari, offering historical insights and harbor views.
"Worth the visit if you like the history of Jakarta and Indonesian ships."
Beware of Unsolicited Tours
Politely decline aggressive tour offers. Stick to your plan to avoid being led to unwanted areas or pressured for payment.
Check for Exhibit Updates
While the collection is decent, some exhibits may have factual errors or could be better organized.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Syahbandar Tower Views
Top of the tower
Climb the historic tower for panoramic views of Sunda Kelapa harbor and the surrounding cultural landmarks.
Maritime Artifacts
Museum Bahari
Discover diverse boat models, from traditional Indonesian vessels to international designs, showcasing naval history.
Batavia's Historical Core
Adjacent to the tower
See the remnants of the Dutch colonial era, including buildings with VOC logos and the original warehouse structures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Maritime History
Timing Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beware of Unsolicited Tours
Politely decline aggressive tour offers. Stick to your plan to avoid being led to unwanted areas or pressured for payment.
Check for Exhibit Updates
While the collection is decent, some exhibits may have factual errors or could be better organized.
Tower Entry is Free
Enjoy the historical tower and its views without an admission fee. The museum requires a separate ticket.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the historical area and climbing stairs in the tower. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Beware of Unsolicited Tours
Politely decline aggressive tour offers. Stick to your plan to avoid being led to unwanted areas or pressured for payment.
Check for Exhibit Updates
While the collection is decent, some exhibits may have factual errors or could be better organized.
Tower Entry is Free
Enjoy the historical tower and its views without an admission fee. The museum requires a separate ticket.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the historical area and climbing stairs in the tower. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Syahbandar Tower and Museum Bahari an interesting dive into Jakarta's maritime history, with the tower offering great harbor views and the museum showcasing diverse boat collections. However, some reviews point out factual errors and a need for better exhibit maintenance, alongside warnings about aggressive tour guides and potential scams in the harbor area.
"One of the interesting museums in Jakarta. They just changed their opening hours policy until 8 pm on the weekend, which is nice.
The collection is quite decent and has information in English. They also collaborate with donors (Singapore and Italy) to improve the exhibition attractiveness.
Some improvements are necessary though. I found several factual and grammatical errors in the information. The exhibition flows can also be made smoother and less confusing.
Overall, worth the visit if you like the history of Jakarta and Indonesian ships."
A Raz
"Historical building back to 18th century. The museum displays different types of boats from traditional Indonesian and some other countries. Good for learning about naval history at Sunda Kelapa region. Building has been renovated since big fire in 2018, but displays and not well managed and maintained. Having seen quite some museums in other places, I rate this museum lower. This is unfortunate given vast history of Sunda Kelapa and regions surrounding it since early days. There are plenty of things to explore and can make this museum more interesting.
Staffs were nice and helpful."
Frans Ijoel
"Jakarta Maritime Museum with the adjacent Uitkijktoren (Syahbandar Tower). It was built by the Dutch as a warehouse for nutmegs and peppers, the most expensive commodities worth their weight in gold. Upon arrival in the Netherlands these invaluable spiced were stored in the Entrepot Building in Rotterdam (photo 18) where I actually have a flat/apartment. A coincidence? Fate? Hmmmm"
Dr Win Sutanto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Syahbandar Tower and Museum Bahari are located in the Sunda Kelapa harbor area. You can reach them by taxi, ride-sharing services (like Gojek or Grab), or public bus routes that serve the Kota Tua or Sunda Kelapa area. Parking can be challenging, so ride-sharing is often recommended.
The tower is a prominent historical structure within the harbor complex. Follow signs for Museum Bahari or Sunda Kelapa harbor, and you should be able to spot the tower easily.
They are very close to each other, just a short 5-minute walk apart. You can easily stroll between the two locations.
Yes, various TransJakarta bus routes stop in the vicinity of Kota Tua and Sunda Kelapa, making it accessible via public transport.
Absolutely. Using GPS on your smartphone with 'Syahbandar Tower' or 'Museum Bahari' as your destination will guide you directly to the area. :iphone:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Syahbandar Tower itself is free. You can climb to the top and enjoy the views without any charge.
The Museum Bahari requires a ticket purchase for entry. While specific prices can vary, it's generally an affordable fee for exploring the maritime exhibits.
The museum has recently extended its weekend hours until 8 PM. It's advisable to check the latest official opening hours before your visit, as they can sometimes change.
Information on online ticket purchases is not widely available. It's best to purchase tickets directly at the museum's ticket office upon arrival. :admission_tickets:
Discounts are not frequently mentioned in reviews. It's worth inquiring at the ticket counter about potential student or group rates if applicable. :ticket:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Syahbandar Tower, you can climb to the top for panoramic views of Sunda Kelapa harbor, see historical buildings with VOC logos, and experience the ambiance of Batavia's historical core.
Museum Bahari displays various types of boats, from traditional Indonesian vessels to international designs, offering insights into Jakarta's maritime history.
The tower is still intact, but the stairs and floor may be slightly tilted due to its age. Visitors are allowed upstairs, but exercise caution.
Some reviews suggest that while the collection is decent, improvements are needed in display management and maintenance.
Yes, the surrounding Sunda Kelapa harbor area is historically significant and offers a glimpse into traditional boat activities. You can also explore other nearby historical sites in the Kota Tua district.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities directly within Syahbandar Tower. However, you can find food vendors and small eateries in the vicinity of Sunda Kelapa harbor and the nearby Kota Tua area. :knifeforkplate:
Near Museum Bahari and in Kota Tua, you'll find a mix of local Indonesian street food, traditional snacks, and some cafes offering Indonesian and Western dishes. :foodie:
For a more authentic experience, try the local food stalls. If you prefer more established dining, head towards the Kota Tua area which has more cafes and restaurants. :street_food:
Generally, bringing your own snacks and water is acceptable, especially for a casual visit. However, it's always good practice to consume them in designated areas and dispose of waste properly. :water_wave:
Yes, many Indonesian dishes are naturally vegetarian or can be made vegan. Look for options like 'gado-gado', 'nasi goreng' (without shrimp paste), or 'tempeh' dishes. :herb:
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the tower offers excellent panoramic shots of the harbor. The historical architecture of the tower itself and the surrounding VOC-era buildings are also great subjects.
Photography is generally allowed inside Museum Bahari, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific 'no photo' signs near certain exhibits. :camerawithflash:
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer beautiful lighting for photographing the harbor and the traditional boats.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near historical sites in Jakarta. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless you have explicit authorization. :noentrysign:
You can capture close-ups of the traditional wooden boats, wide shots of the bustling harbor activity, and even portraits of the fishermen if they are approachable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the possibility of uneven surfaces and stairs in the tower, so keep a close eye on younger children. While the museum's exhibits might require some explanation, the visual aspect of the boat models is generally appealing. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as dining options directly at the site are limited, though more are available in the nearby Kota Tua area.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, explore the local street food vendors and small eateries around Sunda Kelapa harbor or head to the more developed Kota Tua area for affordable local cuisine. Transportation via ride-sharing apps or public buses can also be cost-effective ways to reach the site.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside Museum Bahari, the detailed models of various ships provide excellent subjects for close-up shots and historical documentation. The vibrant activity of the harbor itself, with its traditional boats and working fishermen, offers dynamic scenes for street and documentary photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Syahbandar Tower and Museum Bahari
Adjacent to the tower is the Museum Bahari (Maritime Museum). This museum houses a collection that aims to educate visitors about Indonesia's rich maritime heritage. It features various types of boats, from traditional Indonesian vessels like the Pinisi schooner to models of international ships, illustrating the evolution of naval technology and trade routes. Despite its potential, some visitors note that the museum's exhibits could benefit from better management and maintenance to enhance the visitor experience.
Together, the Syahbandar Tower and Museum Bahari offer a glimpse into Jakarta's past as a bustling port city. The area is also known as Titik Nol Batavia (Batavia Zero Point), highlighting its importance during the Dutch colonial era. Exploring this site provides a unique perspective on the historical trade and seafaring activities that shaped the region.
Navigating Potential Scams and Tourist Traps
Be aware that these 'guides' might try to steer you towards specific boat operators or charge exorbitant fees. If you are interested in a harbor tour, it's best to research reputable operators beforehand or inquire at the official museum ticket counter. Do not feel obligated to pay for services you did not request.
Remember that the Syahbandar Tower itself is free to enter, and the Museum Bahari has a separate, reasonable ticket price. Stick to these official points of entry and payment to avoid being overcharged or misled. Being informed and assertive is key to a safe and enjoyable visit.
Photography Opportunities
Inside Museum Bahari, you can photograph the diverse collection of boat models. These range from intricate replicas of traditional Indonesian sailing vessels to historical ships that played a role in trade and exploration. Capturing these detailed models can be very rewarding for those interested in maritime history.
For the best light, aim for the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon. This is when the sun casts a warm glow over the harbor, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the textures of the boats and buildings. The bustling atmosphere of the harbor, with fishermen at work and boats coming and going, offers dynamic subjects for candid photography.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit