Jakarta

Sprawling, crowded, and traffic-plagued Jakarta can easily confound and confuse visitors. Beneath its haphazard surface though, this swelling coastal capital of up to 18 million seems perched to live up to its name, "great victory." Seemingly everywhere, Jakartans are embracing the new, from thriving restaurant, bar, and club scenes to an astounding collection of malls with brand-name tenants. A true city of contrasts—rich and poor, traditional and ultra-modern—Jakarta preserves its history in museums and historic downtown Kota.