Istiqlal Mosque, or Masjid Istiqlal, (Independence Mosque)

Istiqlal Mosque, or Masjid Istiqlal, (Independence Mosque) in Jakarta, is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia in terms of capacity to accommodate people. size of building structure and land coverage. Apparently up to 80,000 people can worship in this mosque.

Just north of Merdeka square, in sight of Monas it is roughly in the centre of Jakarta. A small parking fee applies, and a donation is appreciated, but not compulsory.

This national mosque of Indonesia was build to commemorate Indonesian independence, as nation's gratitude for God's blessings; the independence of Indonesia. Therefore the national mosque of Indonesia was named "Istiqlal", an Arabic word for "Independence". Work started in 1960's and it was finally complete in 1978

Bogor - the city of rain!

Bogor, about an hour south of Jakarta is known as the city of rain, well it was raining the weekend that I went there. However, it was quite refreshing after the smog and heat of Jakarta.

A mosque being built near Bogor.

Watch out for the traffic, but the locals find it a good source of captive customers.

The botanical gardens in Bogor are right in the centre of the city, and very beautiful.


Playing some golf, fantastic veiws.
In the foothills of an old volcano.