Jakarta

Jakarta is Indonesia's capital and largest city, known as 'The Big Durian'. Despite traffic and pollution, it offers vibrant nightlife, shopping malls, diverse food from Betawi to international, and rich history with colonial buildings and museums. It's a cosmopolitan hub in Southeast Asia.

Jakarta is served by Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. Major railway stations include Gambir, Pasar Senen, Kota (historic), Halim (high-speed), and Jatinegara. Intercity buses arrive at terminals like Kampung Rambutan, Pulo Gadung, and Pulo Gebang.

Getting around Jakarta is challenging due to traffic. Options include Transjakarta BRT, MRT, commuter trains, taxis (Blue Bird is reliable), ride-hailing apps Gojek and Grab, and riverboats. Walking long distances is impractical due to heat and chaotic streets.

Jakarta has a tropical climate with rainy (November-March) and dry (June-August) seasons. The dry season is best for outdoor activities. Rainy season brings floods and traffic chaos. Temperatures average 28°C year-round.

Budget hostels (losmen) are found around Jalan Jaksa from Rp30,000 per night. Kwitang offers filthy hotels for Rp50,000-150,000. Cikini has better rooms for Rp300,000-400,000. Mid-range options include favehotel, amaris, and ibis budget. Monthly rentals (kost) start from Rp500,000.

Jakarta offers vast food options from street stalls to high-end. Betawi specialties include nasi uduk, soto Betawi, kerak telor, and asinan Betawi. Budget meals up to Rp25,000; mid-range Rp25,000-100,000. Nightlife is vibrant in areas like Kemang and Blok M, with bars and clubs. Alcoholic drinks are not sold in convenience stores but in malls and supermarkets.

Explore Kota Tua with museums like Jakarta History Museum, Bank Indonesia Museum, Museum Wayang. Visit Merdeka Square with the National Monument, Istiqlal Mosque, and the gothic cathedral. Other sights include Museum Nasional, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, and Ragunan Zoo. Statues like Selamat Datang and Dirgantara are iconic.

Terror attacks are rare; traffic is a bigger threat. Theft and robbery occur, especially at night in less affluent areas. Be vigilant in crowded places. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. Women have dedicated seating on Transjakarta and trains.

Budget meal up to Rp25,000; budget hostel from Rp30,000 per night. Mid-range meals Rp25,000-100,000. Daily budget for backpackers: approximately Rp150,000-300,000 covering food, transport, and accommodation.

Within Jakarta, day trips include Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (theme park), Kota Tua Jakarta (historical walking), Merdeka Square (monuments), Ragunan Zoo, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (cultural park).

Learning a few Betawi slang words is appreciated as locals use 'prokem'. Dress modestly in religious areas; avoid overly revealing clothing to avoid unwanted attention. Smoking is officially banned in public places but widely ignored.

Cooking classes are available on Jalan Kemang. Cultural centres like Korean Culture Centre, Institut Francais, Goethe Institut offer language and culture classes.

Teaching English is possible for citizens of UK, Australia, NZ, Canada, USA, with salaries $700-3000/month plus sometimes accommodation. Coworking spaces are widespread in Central and South Jakarta, with day passes from Rp100,000.

Jakarta is a shopping paradise for international brands and antiques. Surabaya street sells antiques and used suitcases. The Jakarta Great Sale runs mid-June to mid-July. Malls are open 10:00-20:00 daily.

Jakarta's nightlife is among the best in Asia. Areas include upscale Kemang, seedy Mangga Besar, and expat-favorite Blok M. Kota area is seediest after midnight. Many venues close during Ramadan. Dress modestly to avoid being mistaken for a prostitute.