New York is famous for its jam-packed streets, hustle and bustle and sometimes absolutely crazy traffic.
But just when you thought things couldn’t get any more crowded – spare a thought for those living in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta: which is twice as densely populated as the Big Apple.
Located on the northwest coast of Java – the world’s most populous island – Jakarta is the largest metropolis in Southeast Asia.
It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Southeast Asia, established in the fourth century as Sunda Kelapa.
Its high density means that Jakarta has around 22,300 people living per square kilometer, as compared to NYC’s 11,300. It has an eye-popping population of almost 11 million people. This is far more than New York’s eight million and London’s nine million.
To accommodate its large population the city has grown very quickly. It now covers an area of 662 square kilometers.
The city’s population increase is in part due to immigration as residents of other cities or villages turn to the capital city for broader opportunities – such as better education and job opportunities.
But with that dense population comes positives as well as negatives. Even travel review website Tripadvisor warns that it’s a city of highs – and lows – for those looking to visit.
It said: “Chaotic, crowded, and cosmopolitan, Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a city of contrasts.
“Home to millions of people from around the world, the city is a mixture of languages and cultures, poverty and wealth.”
It adds: “The city boasts some of the best nightlife in Asia and some of the worst traffic.”
As a major centre for shopping, bars, restaurants and nightlife locals and visitors can also escape the chaos and pollution by going to tourist favourites such as Ancol Dreamland – which is an amusement area featuring water parks, beaches, golf courses – and a SeaWorld.
Those who visit say it’s a whirlwind experience. Travel bloggers Ellie and John run website www.adventuresofjellie.com and said they were huge fans of the city that divides opinion.
They said: “The Indonesian capital of Jakarta is a massive sprawling metropolis and has earned the nickname, the ‘Big Durian’.
“A slightly cruel reading of this nickname is that it’s big, ugly and smelly.
“A more accurate one however, is that for every one person who dislikes Jakarta, another absolutely adores it. Surprise, surprise we were in the latter camp, we loved it!”