Historic Port of Sunda Kelapa

History of Sunda Kelapa Port

The Port of Sunda Kelapa was pivotal to the fascinating history of Indonesia–a fact acknowledged by its inclusion in the “Kota Tua Jakarta” (Jakarta Old City).

Situated at the mouth of Ciliwung River, the traditional harbor was once a bustling hub of commerce and trade between the interior of Indonesia and the rest of the world. At its peak in the early 1800s, the port was the busiest in Asia. Spices, tobacco, timber, rubber, coffee beans and coconuts were loaded onto great sailing ships bound for the Netherlands and other destinations. It remained the center of maritime activity in Jakarta until the last decades of the nineteenth century, before the more modern Tanjung Priok Port was constructed in 1873 to reduce its role to mainly a fisherman wharf and inter-island port.

Attractions

Sunda Kelapa is a unique example of a perfectly preserved Indonesian traditional shipping port. The little area has retained its old world character and there is a variety of colonial buildings. It is still a place for harbor for the world famous Phinisi schooners which have been sailing the Indonesian seas for hundreds of years. They can still be seen in their former glory with tall mists and big colorful sails.

When walking along the cobblestone and streets of this area, you will feel as if time had stopped. Many buildings testify to the city’s past. Although the area’s history as a port dates back to the very founding of the city in 12th century, the most tangible physical traces of that history reflect the 17th century, with remnants of fortress (Casteel Batavia), city wall, port tower, warehouses and canals (grootegratch) dating as far back as 1635-1650 when the port was built by the Dutch after being seized from the Sultanate of Banten.

An itinerary to Sunda Kelapa typically includes general sightseeing in the seaport, visiting the maritime museum, enjoying sweeping views from lookout tower, browsing the old fish market and boat riding across the Dutch-made canal. If you wish to visit historic attractions, magnificent wooden ships and rich maritime heritage of Jakarta, you are at the right place in Sunda Kelapa.