Sunda Kelapa is a five hundred year old harbour area located at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. It was in this area that the Portuguese traded with the Hindu Kingdom in the early 16th century. Sunda kelapa was the main port of the Sunda Kingdom and thrived on trading of spices such as pepper, the main spice produce of the kingdom. This together with Acheh was one of the few Indonesian ports that had ties with Europe. In 1619, this area was seized by an official of the Dutch Indian East Company and was named Batavia. However, the port was renamed to its original name after Indonesia gained independence. History has it that Sunda Kelapa was a main influence in the development of Jakarta, playing a significant role in its commercial and trading industry.
Today, even though its surroundings have been modernized, travellers are still able to catch a glimpse of Indonesia’s past. Transformed into a large fish market, it is able to accommodate only the traditional Pinisi, which is a two mast wooden sailing ship. Serving as a freight service from one island to another, Pinisi can be seen throughout the archipelago. Offering sceneries from the past, the habour is filled with a variety of shops, selling a wide range of seafood including an array of shells, lobsters and turtles. In the mornings, the catch of the day which is the prized fish caught in the wee of the morning is auctioned off. Travellers will be able to witness the bustling fishing community as they gather for this momentous occasion. Catering to all the seafarers in the community, Sunda Kelapa houses an array of items that is needed to embark on a fishing journey.
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