Transcending the very notion of a hotel, House of Tugu, Old Town Jakarta invites guests to explore an almost other-wordly realm, defined by timeless artefacts, art pieces and antiques rooted in Jakarta’s own rich history.
Standing across the banks of Kali Besar, in the true historical heart of the city, House of Tugu, Old Town Jakarta is a true treasure trove. Its location is just as significant as its contents, rooted in the Anhar family’s own Peranakan history. Inside, this same history unfolds with the utmost exuberance —a wild and eccentric display of timeless pieces that populate this extraordinary venue, 15 years in the making.
Genuine pieces are arranged in every corner of this extensive property: thousand year old statues stand guard over the bar and main restaurant, a giant and glistening Chinese dragon flies on the ceiling and a giant Buddha dominates a private dining room. Everywhere, odes to Jakarta’s storied past embellish the walls, with a mix-and-match of ancient to colonial history exhibited. The senses are quickly overpowered.
As is customary of any Tugu Hotel, every bedroom has its own character and story. From the themed ‘Concubine Suites’ or ‘Colonial Courtyard Rooms’, to more bespoke options like the Charlie Chaplin Suite, a tribute to Chaplin’s visit to Java in 1932; or the Tiong Ham Suite, a grand 80.56 square-metre accommodation designed to honour of Asia’s legendary Sugar Baron, Oei Tiong Ham —whom the Anhar family are direct descendants.
There is much to discover within the property, from the Kamar Solek Spa, home to ancient healing traditions; Asian delicacies savoured at Jajaghu Restaurant; and Babah Koffie by Kawisari, a coffeehouse and cocktail bar. The private dining and meeting rooms are already heavily sought after, each dedicated to prominent figures or institutions in Indonesia’s own history. This includes the Raden Saleh room, dedicated to Indonesia’s art master – including 19th century masterpieces from of the maestro himself; the Soekarno room, dedicated to Indonesia’s first president; and the Kali Macan Room, whose centre-piece includes the carved-figurehead from an artistic wooden boat dating back to 1648, built for the opening ceremony of the new canal between the large river Kali Ciliwung and the small Kali Macan (Tigergracht).
Perhaps most intriguing of all is the two-storey Peranakan Museum, exhibiting a collection of art, antiques, and historical artefacts that reflect the fascinating blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences. Explore an extensive collection of delicate porcelain, opulent furniture, traditional clothing, and priceless relics
Whether visiting the museum, coming to dine or indeed spend the night, House of Tugu, Old Town Jakarta must be experienced first-hand in order to fully appreciate, or even begin to fathom, how art, history and culture have been masterfully imbued into luxury and hospitality.
House of Tugu, Old Town Jakarta
Jl. Kali Besar Barat No.26, West Jakarta
@houseoftugujakarta
tuguhotels.com
