Jakarta
Jakarta, the capital and largest city of Indonesia, is a metropolitan mecca that has really come into its own in the past few decades. Now, this thriving city is home to national monuments, palaces, skyscrapers, and some of the most happening parties around. With almost 9 million people living just within the city limits it’s no surprise that this culture powerhouse is driving the types of fashion and entertainment seen in the United States. Come see why the locals say this city has “one of the hippest nightlife scenes in Southeast Asia”.
- Pictures |
- Things to do |
- Nightlife |
- Dining |
- Shopping |
- Travel tips
Jakarta Pictures
Things to do in Jakarta
The golfing scene in Jakarta is really nice, and pretty cheap by Western standards, with the courses on par with the nicest places in the United States. Bowling is also another great pastime in Jakarta, with most alleys found in shopping malls. Games cost about US $3.00 and are in really upscale places. There’s also the Ancol Dream Park, Jakarta’s premier amusement park, including “Fantasy World”, “Seaworld”, “Ocean Park”, resorts, hotels, beaches, marinas, and superb restaurants. It’s one of the biggest parks in all of Asia and is known to be a great time. Also be sure to check out the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a great museum with tours of the country’s 30 provinces, and samplings of the country’s more than 250 cultures. It also features a huge IMAX theater. The National Museum, opened in 1868, features vast collections of prehistoric, ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, and one of the world’s largest collections of Southeast Asian ceramics and Hindu Javanese art.
Nightlife in Jakarta
Jakarta has a huge underground scene, with some of the best clubs sort of sketchy but amazing in their own right. The upscale X-Lounge, and sketchy discos like Stadium are both great places to chill out, but if you’re going to a really sketchy place remember to bring a friend. Also be careful of prostitutes, as Jakarta is known to have a fairly high number. The best district to go to is Blok M; get over there and go with the crowd, you’re sure to find something awesome!
Dining in Jakarta
Jakarta is full of restaurants serving traditional ethnic foods, as well as many different Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and international food. The best Indonesian dishes to get are the “Sop iga sapi”, beef spare rib soup, “Soto betawi”, coconut milk broth with beef tendons, “Kerak telor”, omelet cooked with rice and served with shredded coconut, and “Nasi Ulam”, rice cooked in coconut milk served with fried beef and other toppings. Be aware that your stomach may need to adjust to the local food due to the unique spices used in the cooking. Take a walk around the city and you’re sure to find great food.
Shopping in Jakarta
Shopping Malls in Jakarta are usually huge, with many great, unique shops inside. Some of these include Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, Pacific Place, Plaza Senayan, Pondok Indah Mall, Mal Kelapa Gading, and Senayan City. Jakarta’s markets are also great places to pick up cheap items. Markets are usually found in the Mangga Dua area and prices are ALWAYS negotiable. Tanah Aband and Pasar Baru are very popular among Malaysian tourists.
Jakarta Travel Tips
- Tap water is not drinkable. Always use bottled water for everything.
- Lower parts of the city can become flooded during rainy season.
- Smoking is prohibited and fined in public places.
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