Fatahlillah Square is one of the most historical sites in Indonesia where it was formerly the main area of Batavia. This would be what is known today as Jakarta and was then the place of status for the people here. Today, one could still see some of the old remnants of the city although it no longer exudes the prosperity that it used to.

Here is where one can now visit the food stalls and try out the local delicacy here like the infamous Bakso, a type of noodles and the omelet styled Kerak Telor. As night falls, there would be more stalls coming around here as well as street performers and live music acts. This would breathe life into Fatahillah Square where the younger crowd throngs the streets and the surrounding areas. For those who would like to know more about the historical beginnings of the square can head out to the numerous museums and buildings here.

It occupies a 1.8 acre space which was formerly the social and political center when the Dutch colonized the country then. Here is where the old Stadthuis stands which was the then Dutch East India Company’s headquarters. Restoration for the square has been going on since it was named as a National Heritage Area during the 70s and is expected to complete by 2014.

In a corner of the square is the Batavia Café which is one of the major spots here for one to enjoy food and snacks. It is a common favourite among the expatriates as well as foreign tourists here set within a 200 year old building. Most of the original elements have been restored and well preserved and one could still feel the European style café, which was first envisioned by Mr Graham James, the proprietor of the café. There are a mixture of Dutch and Australian dishes to try out here within the walls of the 2 storey building although it is known to be a bit upscale and costly. The Jakarta History Museum is where one can learn more about the country and the square’s origins. Here, some 23,000 artifacts are put on display amidst its 37 rooms that include furniture, stone inscriptions and such.