The World Has A New Largest City, Jakarta

Tokyo has lost its status as the world’s largest city, with another sprawling Asian metropolis, Indonesia's vast capital Jakarta, knocking it off the top spot.

View of Jakarta, the major port and capital city of Indonesia

This milestone marks the first time in decades that the Japanese capital has not been the most populous center on Earth, highlighting rapid urban growth in Asia and a changing landscape of megacities worldwide.

For the U.S., these findings offer important insights into future urbanization trends, infrastructure challenges, and global economic shifts.

The United Nations’ World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report signals a significant change in global urban dynamics: Jakarta, Indonesia with 42 million residents, has overtaken Tokyo as the world’s most populous city.

Dhaka, Bangladesh, follows close behind with almost 40 million, while Tokyo’s population stands at 33 million, putting it in third place now.

Cairo remains the only non-Asian city among the top 10.

According to the report, released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, urbanization has reshaped the global population landscape.

Cities now house 45 percent of the world’s 8.2 billion people, up from just 20 percent in 1950.

The study found a quadrupling in the number of megacities—urban areas with 10 million or more inhabitants—from eight in 1975 to 33 in 2025, with 19 of those in Asia.

The report points to significant growth for cities like Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Hajipur (India), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), all projected to surpass the 10 million threshold by 2050, when the number of megacities worldwide is expected to reach 37.

While megacities draw most of the attention, small and medium-sized cities—defined as those with under 1 million residents—continue to outnumber and outpace megacities in population and growth, especially in Africa and Asia.

Of the 12,000 cities analyzed, 96 percent have fewer than 1 million inhabitants.

Top 10 Most Populous Cities

According to the U.N. report, nine of the 10 most populous cities in the world are in Asia, although two of them, Seoul and Tokyo, are expected to witness population declines by 2050. The top 10 largest cities in the world by population are:

1. Jakarta

2. Dhaka

3. Tokyo

4. New Delhi

5. Shanghai

6. Guangzhou

7. Cairo

8. Manila

9. Kolkata

10.Seoul

São Paulo, Mexico City, Mumbai, Beijing and Osaka were all knocked out of the top 10.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said: “Urbanization is a defining force of our time. When managed inclusively and strategically, it can unlock transformative pathways for climate action, economic growth, and social equity.” He added, “To achieve balanced territorial development, countries must adopt integrated national policies that align housing, land use, mobility, and public services across urban and rural areas.”

Globally, the number of cities is projected to exceed 15,000 by 2050, with most having populations below 250,000.

While rural communities continue to shrink except in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, small and medium-sized cities are expected to drive the next wave of global urbanization, spurring both opportunities and challenges in infrastructure, housing, and climate adaptation.

By Sam Stevenson

Travelore News: Indonesia To Reopen Bali To International Flights Oct. 14

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia plans to reopen the airport in the resort island of Bali for international flights on Oct. 14, after closing it for more than a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said Monday the airport will open to international flight as long as it fulfills requirements for quarantine and testing.

International arrivals must show proof of hotel bookings for a mandatory eight-day quarantine.

“We are open to several countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, United Arab Emirates and New Zealand,” Pandjaitan said.

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country, has recorded more than 4.2 million COVID-19 cases with 142,261 deaths, but infections have decreased in the last few weeks after peaking in mid-July.

Tourism and Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said Bali’s reopening will focus on travelers and returning expatriates who used to live in Bali.

The government is still finalizing some steps including lists of countries with direct flights to Bali.

“The most important priority is the safety of the Indonesian people in terms of health and being protected from the potential spike in new cases of COVID-19,” Uno said.

The All-suites Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta Is Set To Open In June 2016

Rajawali Property Group and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, today announced that Four Seasons will manage a new, all-suite luxury hotel in Capital Place, a luxury mixed-use development located in the heart of Jakarta’s bustling Sudirman Central Business District.

Recognised as one of the safest developments in Jakarta, Capital Place, a collaboration between the Rajawali Property Group and GIC, achieved an impressive accident-free safety record during construction and was recently chosen by the DKI Jakarta Government as the launch venue for National Safety Month 2016. Located along Jalan Gatot Subroto, the integrated business development will also include a 47-story office tower and upscale retail and dining outlets.

“Capital Place is a remarkable project that represents our bold vision for the city of Jakarta,” says Shirley Tan, CEO, Rajawali Property Group. “We are excited to introduce Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta as the centrepiece of this important development and extend Four Seasons legendary hospitality and services throughout the entire development. By leveraging Four Seasons experience and flexibility gained in similar mixed-use projects around the world, we are creating the first luxury mixed-use development in Jakarta to offer a seamlessly integrated five-star experience.”

Four Seasons is well-known for operating some of the world’s greatest hotels in key global financial centres including Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo, London, New York and Paris. Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta will replace the current Four Seasons hotel located on Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said, which is also owned by the Rajawali Property Group, and has been closed for renovation since late 2014.

“Four Seasons has proudly operated in Jakarta for 20 years. We have tremendous confidence in this market and look forward to a long and bright future here,” says Michael A. Crawford, President Asia Pacific, Four SeasonsHotels and Resorts.

“This is a unique opportunity to operate a new luxury hotel in Jakarta, while continuing our successful relationship with the Rajawali Property Group. We always strive to bring our guests the best, most remarkable properties and experiences, and we feel privileged to do so with the addition of this spectacular hotel, one that unites the vibrancy of downtown Jakarta with Four Seasons unparalleled level of personalisation and service,” continues Crawford. “We look forward to welcoming back the many loyal guests and patrons of Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta as we mark the beginning of our exciting new chapter in this great city.”

With 125 spacious suites offering panoramic views of Jakarta’s skyline, the Hotel will be an impressive addition to the Jakarta cityscape. The architects of the development are the internationally acclaimed Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, whose design celebrates the Indonesian architectural principle of transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces. The clean lines of the French Deco-inspired Hotel interiors, designed by the renowned New York interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, will gracefully complement the impressive outdoor spaces created by tropical urban landscape designer Bill Bensley.

Guests of Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta will enjoy a world-class facility including state-of-the art spa, fitness, and event and meeting facilities combined with the highly customised service synonymous with Four Seasons.

Four Seasons is also known for running some of the world’s most dynamic and locally relevant restaurants, and the dining and bar offerings at Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta will be no exception – lively gathering places designed to appeal to locals and visitors alike.

About Rajawali Property Group

Rajawali Property Group is the real estate investment and development arm of Rajawali Group. Rajawali Group is one of Indonesia’s largest investors. Driven by the philosophy of value creation, the Group has successfully engaged across a wide range of industries, including hotel & property, agriculture, mining, infrastructure, transportation and media. Over the last three decades, the Group has built a solid reputation for strategic investments, including Indonesia’s first privately-owned television network Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI), the nation's first private mobile services operator PT XL Excelcomindo Pratama, and growing PT Express Transindo Utama into the country's second largest taxi operator by fleet size with a business model recognised by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as an effective poverty reduction program for emerging economies. The Group's track record in value creation includes the turnaround of PT Perusahaan Rokok Tjap Bentoel and partnering with the Government of Indonesia to significantly increase the shareholder value of the country's largest cement maker PT (Persero) Semen Gresik Tbk. As part of the Group’s vision of a sustainable future for Indonesia and Asia, it established the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia and initiated the Harvard Kennedy School Indonesia Program to enhance research and education in public policy and governance issues.

Travelore Tips: 10 Travel Secrets From The Top Hotel Concierges In The world

Concierges are often overlooked as a resource for insider information on any given destination—called upon instead for last-minute theater tickets, restaurant reservations, and the like—but they're also experts at the destinations they represent. Certified Indigenous, a new book released by The Luxury Collection, taps concierges of the world's top hotels for their best destination secrets. Here are some of our favorites.

Ignore what all the guidebooks tell you and skip Moscow’s busy “golden period” (April-June) in favor of winter—yes, really. “Winter is the best season to visit Moscow,” promises Julia Pasechinik, Chief Concierge of Hotel National. “The streets are decorated and look so beautiful, especially at nighttime, when the trees and buildings are lit up and covered with snow. It’s magical.”

“Hire a traditional troika—a carriage pulled by three horses, once the standard mode of transport in cold weather,” adds Pasechinik. “Afterward, have a bowl of hot borscht and a small glass of vodka at Pavilion, like the natives.”

Chris Neidenthal/Getty

Jakarta might be filled with tourist traps, but there’s still lots of authenticity hidden in plain sight—if you know where to look. “Go to Setu Babakan, a cultural village that preserves the indigenous Betawi culture in Jakarta,” advises Teguh Perwira, Chief Concierge at Keraton at The Plaza. “You’ll find traditional houses, see cultural shows, and experience authentic Indonesian traditions.”

If you’re in the Old City, stop by the charming Cafe Batavia. “It’s in the second oldest building in Kota Tua and is the perfect spot for lunch. Grab a window table on the second floor, overlooking the old city hall.”

Ian Trower/Alamy

There's so much more to Vienna than palaces, gardens, and museums; it has a very fun, playful side that most tourists overlook. "Visit the Prater Amusement Park and ride the Riesenrad," advises Dieter Ludewig, Chief Concierge of the Hotel Bristol. "Then hike up Kahlenberg to its peak, Stefaniewarte, for the best views of the city."

Once you've worked up an appetite, "eat lunch at Gastwirtschaft Huth and try the tafelspitz (boiled beef),schnitzel (deep-fried veal), and apfelstrudel. Or, for a quick bite, try a sausage at Würstelstand Bitzinger for a truly local experience."

Shopaholics, rejoice: Turns out one of the best ways to experience the City of Bridges is through browsing its artisan boutiques. “Much of the beauty of experiencing Venice comes from shopping,” admits Filippo Bollani, Chief Concierge at Hotel Danieli. “Stop in the charming boutique Pied-à-terre for a pair of handcrafted leather Furlane, the famous velvet gondolier slippers, handsewn by Friulu countrywomen, using bicycle tires for the soles.”

“Then there’s Nardi. Its jewelry is beloved by clientele that have included Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. The shop also works with clients to create fabulous bespoke pieces, the ultimate Venetian keepsake. End the day with an aperitif and dinner in Restaurant Terraza Danieli.”

Reda and Co/Alamy

Shanghai

Fight the impulse to see everything in glamorous, action-packed Shanghai and, instead, just take it slow. “Take a walk through the 400-year-old Yu Garden, a tranquil private garden,” advises Stanley Shao, Chief Concierge at The Hongta Hotel. "Stop at Lu Bo Lang for Chinese radish cake and xiao long bao (steamed pork dumplings), or the Pavilion tea house to sip Chinese tea.”

“Do as the locals do and spend an evening taking a mellow boat ride down the Huangpu River, enjoying the lights and spectacle of Shanghai—from afar.”

Alex Segre/Alamy

Mallorca

The island of Mallorca may be best known for its beaches but, according to Mariano Iglesias Moreno, concierge at Castillo Hotel Son Vida, the island’s peaks are equally beautiful. “The Serra de Tramuntana mountains are my favorite natural attraction in Mallorca,” says Moreno.

“Start your day with a mild hike through the mountain range, starting in Esporles. While you’re there, try pa amb oli—an authentic snack of bread with native ramallet tomato squeezed over it, and a dash of olive oil, salt, and various toppings. Later, visit the indoor markets of Palma—Mercat Olivar and Mercat de Santa Catalina—which is like heaven for foodies.”

Marin Siepmann/Alamy

Paris

Paris, like Venice, is best experienced through admiring (and tasting!) the work of its artisans. "Visit the Delisle showroom, where, since 1895, craftsmen have been working with bronze and iron to make custom lighting, furniture, and clocks," advises Marie-Liesse Thery, Head Concierge at Prince de Galles Hotel. "Or arrange for a visit to the workshop of Manuela Paul Cavallier, an artist who use gold leaf to combine a 17th-century aesthetic with a contemporary vibe."

Like cheese? "Visit Fromagerie Quatrehomme on Rue de Sèvres. The family dairy shop has more than 200 cheeses on offer. The owner, Marie, was the first woman to be awarded the title Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman in France) in 2000."

Boris Karpinski/Alamy

San Francisco

When in San Francisco, it's worth exploring outside the city center. "Ride the ferry to the charming town of Sausalito, full of boutiques, outdoor cafes, galleries, and wine shops," suggests Jose Lopez, Chief Concierge at the Palace Hotel. "Spend the afternoon wandering, shopping, and tasting, and enjoy the stunning sights on the water spanning from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge on the way back."

"Also visit North Beach, and slip into an Italian cafe for homemade cannoli and delicious espresso."

Bob Kriesel/Alamy

Crete

Crete isn’t all sandy beaches and aquamarine waters; it’s also home to the country’s best wine, according to Konstantinos Skoumbakis, Chief Concierge at the Blue Palace. “Don’t miss Boutari Winery, near the archaeological site of Knossos, where some of the earliest traces of Western viticulture were discovered,” says Skoumbakis. “It’s a state-of-the-art winery that gives incredible insight into the country’s history in winemaking.”

“End the day at the Blue Palace. We light bonfires on the beach and slow-cook the famous antikristo lamb. Bread is baked in a stone oven, and local producers come with their honey, olive oil, herbs, and clay pottery. Crete is a magical place.”

Fanika Zupan

New York

When visiting New York, "touristy" isn't always a bad thing. "Take a stroll through Central Park—it's the world's most famous public park—and see the Reservoir, Belvedere Castle, and the Great Lawn," advises James Jolis, Chief Concierge at The Chatwal. "Art lovers should also visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, particularly the Ancient Temple of Dendur in the Egyptian Collection."

For food: "Go to Totto Ramen for a quick bite. And indulge in one of the notable restaurants in the Theater District before seeing a show—Betony (pictured) is good for modern American fare, and ABC Kitchen for an intimate downtown vibe."

For concierge secrets in other destinations, check out The Luxury Collection's Certified Indigenous: Exceptional Itineraries for the Global Explorer.

Ilya Savenok/Getty

From www.cntraveler.com