'''Jakarta''' [http://www.jakarta.go.id/en/] is the capital of Indonesia, located on the northwest of the island of Java.
Districts
Jakarta is administratively divided into the following named districts:
'''Central Jakarta''' (''Jakarta Pusat'', postal code: 10XXX) - An aptly named district and the site of Jakarta's symbol, the '''National Monument'''. The Presidential palace, office buildings, hotels, Mangga Dua shopping center, Bundaran HI (HI Traffic Circle) and the elite Menteng residential area are all found in Central Jakarta.
'''West Jakarta''' (''Jakarta Barat'', 11XXX) - Jakarta's Chinatown, this district includes museums, trading centers, nightlife entertainment centers, shopping centers and malls. This is also the site of Jakarta's old town.
'''South Jakarta''' (''Jakarta Selatan'', 12XXX) - The place where you can find upscale shopping centers, malls, restaurants, hotels, nightlife the entertainment center, Blok M, Senayan sports complex, affluent residential areas.
'''East Jakarta''' (''Jakarta Timur'', 13XXX) - Location of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Utan Kayu art community, Cibubur camping ground, industrial parks and Halim Perdanakusuma airport.
'''North Jakarta''' (''Jakarta Utara'', 14XXX) - Beautiful Thousand Islands, Ancol Bayfront City, and Kelapa Gading shopping centers.
'''Suburbs''':
Tangerang (15XXX) - Soekarno Hatta airport, golf course, industrial parks, Lippo Karawaci
Bogor (16XXX) - Beautiful palace, world class botany garden, golf course.
Depok, Bogor (164XX) - Home to the University of Indonesia
Bekasi (17XXX) - Industrial parks.
Orientation
Finding places in Jakarta, especially smaller buildings not on the main arteries, tends to be difficult due to poor signage and chaotic street names. Sometimes, the same name is used for different streets in different parts of the city, and it's often difficult to find the correct street/address without the postal code/region.
Alleys off a main road are often simply numbered, in a sequence that may not be logical, so a street address like "Jl. Mangga Besar VIII/21" means house number 21 on alley number 8 (VIII) off or near the main road of Jl. Mangga Besar.
If you don't want to waste time, ask for the descriptions/name of nearby buildings, billboards, color of the building/fence and the postal code of the address. If you still cannot find the address, start asking people in the street, especially ''ojek'' (motorcyle taxi drivers).
Understand
Jakarta's nickname among expats is the '''Big Durian''', and like its fruit namesake it's a shock at first sight (and smell): a sweltering, steaming, heaving mass of some 10 million people packed into a vast urban sprawl. The contrast between the obscene wealth of Indonesia's elite and the appalling poverty of the urban poor is incredible, with tinted-window BMWs turning left at the Gucci shop into muddy lanes full of begging street urchins and corrugated iron shacks. The city's traffic is in perpetual gridlock, and its polluted air is matched only by the smells of burning garbage and open sewers, and safety is a concern especially at night. There are few sights to speak of and most visitors transit through Jakarta as quickly as possible.
Keep in mind that rules and regulations are very rarely enforced in all aspects of life in Jakarta. This is not to abet you to break the rules, but simply to explain why many of its citizens act so haphazardly, particularly on the road.
All that said, while initially a bit overwhelming, if you can withstand the pollution and can afford to indulge in her charms, you can discover what is also one of Asia's most exciting, most lively cities. There is plenty to do in Jakarta, from '''cosmopolitan shopping''' at the many luxurious shopping centers to one of the hippest '''nightlife scenes''' in Southeast Asia.
History
The port of '''Sunda Kelapa''' dates to the 12th century, when it served the Sundanese kingdom of Pajajaran near present-day Bogor. The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese, who were given the permission by the Hindu Kingdom of Pakuan Pajajaran to erect a godown in 1522. Control was still firmly in local hands, and in 1527 the city was conquered by '''Prince Fatahillah''', a Muslim prince from Cirebon, who changed the name to '''Jayakarta'''.
By the end of the 16th century, however, the '''Dutch''' (led by Jan Pieterszoon Coen) had pretty much taken over the port city, and the razing of a competing English fort in 1619 secured their hold on the island. Under the name '''Batavia''', the new Dutch town became the capital of the Dutch East Indies and was known as the ''Queen of the East''.
However, the Dutch made the mistake of attempting to replicate Holland by digging canals throughout the malarial swamps in the area, resulting in shockingly high death rates and earning the town the epithet ''White Man's Graveyard''. In the early 1800's most canals were filled in, the town was shifted 4 kilometers inland and the ''Pearl of the Orient'' flourished once again.
In 1740, there was a rebellion by Chinese slaves against Dutch. The rebellion was put down harshly with the massacre of thousands of Chinese slaves. The remaining Chinese slaves were exiled to Sri Lanka.
In 1795, the Netherlands were invaded and occupied by France, and on March 17, 1798, the '''Batavian Republic''', a satellite state of France, took over both VOC debts and assets. But on August 26, 1811, a British expedition led by Lord Minto defeated the French/Dutch troops in Jakarta, leading to a brief occupation of Indonesia by the British (led by Sir Stamford Raffles of Singapore fame) in 1811-1816. In 1815, after the Congress of Vienna, Indonesia was officially handed over from the British to the Dutch government.
The name '''Jakarta''' was adopted as a short form of Jayakarta when the city was conquered by the Japanese in 1942. After the war, the Indonesian war of independence followed, with the capital briefly shifted to Yogyakarta after the Dutch attacked. The war lasted until 1949, when the Dutch accepted Indonesian independence and handed back the town, which became Indonesia's capital again.
Since independence Jakarta's population has skyrocketed, thanks to migrants coming to the city in search of wealth. The entire '''Jabotabek''' (Jakarta-Bogor-Tangerang-Bekasi) metropolitan region is estimated to have 16-18 million people, a figure projected to double to 30 million by 2016. The official name of the city is '''Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta Raya''' ('''DKI Jakarta'''), meaning "Special Capital City Region".
Get in
By plane
'''Soekarno Hatta International Airport''' ({{IATA|CGK}}; {{ICAO|WIII}}), [http://www.soekarno-hatta-airport.com] at Tangerang, Banten. All international and nearly all domestic flights land here 20 km (12 miles) to the northwest of the city. The unintuitive airport code comes from ''Cengkareng'', a district near the airport. During the rainy season the road to and from Cengkareng can be flooded, so be prepared and allow more time to reach the airport if you have a flight to catch. If you don't have non-stop options between your origin city and Jakarta, try connecting via Singapore as there are more than a dozen flights a day between those 2 cities.
The Soekarno Hatta airport has '''three terminals''', further split up into subterminals, which are really just halls in the same building:
'''Terminal 1''' (A-B-C). Used by domestic airlines except Air Asia, Mandala, Garuda.
'''Terminal 2'''. All international airlines (D-E) and domestic Garuda flights(F).
'''Terminal 3'''. The newly built Pier 1 serves Air Asia domestic flights and all Mandala flights.
A '''free but unreliable shuttle bus''' runs between the terminals; if you're in a hurry, it's a safer bet to take a taxi, although they'll ask for a rather steep Rp50,000 for the service (not entirely unjustified, as half of this goes to paying their parking fees).
For many country's citizens, visas on arrival are available at the airport, see the main Indonesia article for the details of the rules. If possible, use exact change (in US dollars) and ignore any requests for bribes. ATMs and currency exchange services are available in the baggage claim hall, and Terminal D has a left luggage service. Avoid money exchange inside the airport at all cost, the rates are far better in the centre of town.
To get to the city, the easiest option is to contact your hotel to pick you up in the airport, as '''many hotels in Jakarta provide free airport transfers'''. If you want to take a taxi, follow the "Taxi" signs out of the terminal and take a taxi from the Silver Bird counter; ignore the many touts. Silver Bird is a very reliable operator but pricier than the rest at around Rp 120,000 to the Golden Triangle (including airport surcharge and tolls). You can also take Blue Bird taxi, a cheaper one under same management with Silver Bird. Blue Bird management handles some brands like Morante, Cendrawasih, Pusaka Group (Pusaka Nuri, Pusaka Lintas, Pusaka Satria, etc). Notice carefully, some other taxi operators use the same color as Blue Bird to cheat you. Check www.bluebirdgroup.com for details & recognizing Blue Bird taxi. Other operators will charge you in the vicinity of Rp 70,000-90,000.
'''Xtrans''', Telephone: (62)-(21)-5296-2255 and (62)-(21)-5296-4477. Provides airport shuttle service from Soekarno Hatta airport to major hotels in Sudirman and Thamrin Street in Jakarta and Bumi Xtrans in Cihampelas Street in Bandung. Cost: US$3.30/adult and US$2.20/child. Schedule: once every hour from 0500h to midnight. Xtrans booth are available at Terminal IA, IB, IC and IIE.
If you have more time than money, hourly '''DAMRI''' shuttle buses connect to Jakartan destinations Rawamangun, Pasar Minggu, Blok M and Gambir (Rp 20,000) as well as directly to the neighboring cities of Bekasi and Bogor (Rp 30,000).
For overnight transits, there are a few hotels near the airport:
'''Sheraton Bandara Hotel'''[http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=107] Bandara Soekarno-Hatta (''3 km from airport''), Jakarta 19110, Indonesia. Phone:(62)(21) 559 7777. Sheraton Bandara is a 5-star hotel with 205 Deluxe rooms and 15 Suite rooms. Rooms have Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds and 32" LCD TVs. Complimentary shuttle airport pick-up and drop off and a private lounge at the airport. Check the special offers on the hotel's website to find special packages such as day use, special rewards and offer on related deals. US$100 and above.
The older '''Halim Perdanakusuma Airport''' ({{IATA|HLP}}), to the southeast of the city, is used by military, VIP flights, charter flights, helicopter leasing companies and private jets. There are no longer any scheduled services to Halim Airport.
By train
The current main station for long distance passengers in Jakarta is the '''Gambir''' station, located in Central Jakarta, just east of the '''Monas'''. '''Eksekutif''' (AC) and some '''bisnis''' (non-AC) class trains depart from this station. Trains to Bandung are frequent, with one coming almost every 2 hours, departing throughout the day. Most trains to further cities (Purwokerto, Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, Malang and Surabaya) depart either in the mornings or from late afternoon to evening.
Cheaper trains without air-conditioning generally use the '''Pasar Senen''' station located two blocks east of Gambir. Beware that the location is rife with crime, although the station itself has been spruced up recently. Anyway, these '''ekonomi''' trains are not really suggested for tourist travel: they are slow, facilities are poor, they are overloaded.
Most trains arriving in Jakarta also stop at '''Jatinegara''' station in the eastern part of the city, giving better access to the eastern and southern parts of the city.
'''Jakarta Kota''' station is located in the old part of the city, and serves as the departure point for commuter trains and some trains to Merak. It is an interesting Art Deco style building that is currently being restored.
Information about train tickets from PT Kereta Api (Persero) is available on the Web, but no on-line reservation is possible. In Jakarta, you can buy your tickets in the major stations up to 30 days in advance. Except in weekends, you can generally buy a ticket just before departure. Beware of ticket scalpers! They will offer their wares even to people waiting in the queues in front of the ticket sales points. You should expect to pay 50-100 percent more if you do so, and you might find that your coach has empty seats anyway.
An airport bus service connects Soekarno-Hatta Airport with Gambir station.
By bus
Passengers from other cities arrive in bus terminals such as '''Rawamangun''' (East Jakarta) '''Kampung Rambutan''' (Southeast Jakarta), '''Pulo Gadung''' (East Jakarta), '''Kali Deres''' (West Jakarta) or '''Lebak Bulus''' (South Jakarta). You'll need to speak at least functional Indonesian to manage, and the terminals are notorious for muggers and pickpockets, so observe the safety precautions under #Stay safe.
By boat
The national ferry company, PELNI, and other sealines, operate passenger services to destinations across the archipelago from Tanjung Priok port in the North of the city. Some smaller speedboats, particularly to the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu), depart from '''Ancol''' also on Jakarta's north shore.
Get around
''f'' becomes ''p''
''z'' becomes ''j''
The prefix ''me-'' for verbs becomes ''ng-''
The suffixes ''-i'' and ''-kan'' turn into ''-in''
A short glossary of common Jakartan expressions:
; no : tidak → nggak
; I : saya/aku → gua/gue
; you : kamu/anda → lu/lo
; sorry : maaf → maap
; to come up : menaik → naek
; to take : mengambil → ngambil
; to look : melihat → ngeliat
; to use : memakai/menggunakan → pake/ngegunain
; to visit : mengunjungi → ngunjungin}}
Getting around Jakarta is a problem. The city layout is chaotic and totally bewildering, traffic is indisputably the worst in South-East Asia with horrendous traffic jams (''macet'' "MAH-chet") slowing the city to a crawl during rush hour, and the current railway system is inadequate to say the least. The construction of a monorail system, started in 2004, soon ground to a halt over political infighting and the main glimmer of hope is the gradually expanding '''busway''' (Bus Rapid Transit) system.
Various areas of the city have different levels of chaos. For example, North Jakarta (the poorer area of the city) is more chaotic than areas in South Jakarta (more upscale).
By train
Commuter trains in Jakarta connect the city center with outlying regions, namely Tangerang, Bekasi, Depok, Bojonggede, Bogor and Serpong.
Commuter services operate from 5 a.m. (first train departing Bogor to Jakarta) to almost 10 p.m. (last train leaving Jakarta for Bogor). Trains often run late, though. Weekend special services connect Depok and Bogor with the popular Ancol entertainment park in Jakarta.
Commuter services operate over these lines:
Central line (1): JAKARTA KOTA - Jayakarta - Mangga Besar - Sawah Besar - JUANDA - GAMBIR - GONDANGDIA - Cikini - Manggarai - Tebet - Cawang - Duren Kalibata - Pasar Minggu Baru - Pasar Minggu - Tanjung Barat - Lenteng Agung - Universitas Pancasila - Universitas Indonesia - Pondok Cina - DEPOK BARU - DEPOK - Citayam - BOJONGGEDE - Cilebut - BOGOR
Central line (2): Angke - Duri - TANAHABANG - Karet - Manggarai and continuing to BOGOR
Tangerang line (1): JAKARTA KOTA - Kampung Bandan - Angke - Duri - Grogol - Pesing - Kembangan - Bojong Indah - Rawabuaya - Kalideres - Poris - Batuceper - Tanahtinggi - TANGERANG
Tangerang line (2): MANGGARAI - SUDIRMAN - Karet - TANAHABANG - Duri and continuing to TANGERANG
Serpong line (1): JAKARTA KOTA - Kampung Bandan - Angke - Duri - TANAHABANG - Palmerah - Kebayoran - Pondokranji - Sudimara - Rawabuntu - SERPONG
Serpong line (2): MANGGARAI - SUDIRMAN - Karet - TANAHABANG and continuing to SERPONG
Bekasi line (1): TANAHABANG - Karet - Manggarai - Jatinegara - Klender - Buaran - Klenderbaru - Cakung - Rawabebek - Kranji - BEKASI
Bekasi line (2): JAKARTA KOTA - Jayakarta - Mangga Besar - Sawah Besar - JUANDA - GAMBIR - GONDANGDIA - Cikini - Manggarai - Jatinegara and continuing to BEKASI
Bekasi line (3): JAKARTA KOTA - Kampungbandan - Rajawali - Kemayoran - PASAR SENEN - Gang Sentiong - Kramat - Pondokjati - Jatinegara and continuing to BEKASI
Station names written with CAPITALS are regular express stops. Several express trains (and semi-express trains) stop at other stations only at certain times outside the rush hours. All trains other than the expresses '''do not''' stop at Gambir station, the main station in Jakarta, so this might be a problem for those arriving from other regions and wanting to continue to other stations. The choice is to take an express train to the nearest station and continuing by other forms of transport, or taking a taxi to Juanda station, located a few hundred meters north of Gambir, close enough if you wish to walk.
There are four types of trains: express (air-conditioned non-stop trains, generally most useful for commuters going and returning from work), semi-express (similar to express, but with more stops, runs outside the rush hours), '''ekonomi AC''' (all-stops, air-conditioned, probably most useful for tourists) and '''ekonomi'''.
Riding the ''ekonomi'' class is not advisable: crime and sexual harrasment are known to happen inside packed trains. During the non-rush hours, though, economy train travel is quite an interesting experience. It is a tour of Jakarta's darker side, with peddlers offering every imaginable article (from safety pins to cell-phone starter kits), various sorts of entertainment, ranging from one-person orchestras to full-sized bands, and a chance to sample real poverty; you are riding a slum on wheels.
By busway
The Transjakarta Busway (in Indonesian known as ''busway'' or ''Tije'') is modern, air-conditioned and generally comfortable, although sometimes service can be spotty (they have a knack of going to the depot for service and refueling at the same time during the rush hours). The bus is often crowded during rush hours. There are eight lines operational as of May 2009 with more lines planned to open soon:
Line 1: Blok M - Masjid Agung - Bundaran Senayan - Gelora Bung Karno - Polda Metro - Benhil - Karet - Setia Budi - Dukuh Atas - Tosari - Bundaran Hotel Indonesia - Sarinah - Bank Indonesia - Monas - Harmoni - Sawah Besar - Mangga Besar - Olimo - Glodok - Kota
Line 2: (to Harmoni) Pulo Gadung - Bermis - Pulomas - ASMI - Pedongkelan - Cempaka Timur - Rumah Sakit Islam - Cempaka Tengah - Pasar Cempaka Putih - Rawa Selatan - Galur - Senen - Atrium - RSPAD - Deplu - Gambir I - Istiqlal - Juanda - Pecenongan - Harmoni Central Busway
(to Pulo Gadung) Harmoni Central Busway - Balai Kota - Gambir II - Kwitang - Senen - Galur - Rawa Selatan - Pasar Cempaka Putih - Cempaka Tengah - Rumah Sakit Islam - Cempaka Timur - Pedongkelan - ASMI - Pulomas - Bermis - Pulo Gadung
Line 3: (to Kalideres) Harmoni Central Busway - Pecenongan - Juanda - Pasar Baru - Juanda - Pecenongan - Jelambar - Indosiar - Taman Kota - Jembatan Gantung - Dispenda - Jembatan Baru - Rawa Buaya - Sumur Bor - Pesakih - Kalideres
(to Harmoni Central Busway) Kalideres - Pesakih - Sumur Bor - Rawa Buaya - Jembatan Baru - Dispenda - Jembatan Gantung - Taman Kota - Indosiar - Jelambar - Harmoni Central Busway
Line 4: Pulo Gadung - Pasar Pulo Gadung - Tugas - Pertamina - Telkom - Tarakanita - Sunan Giri - Ikip - Kehakiman - BPKP - Utan Kayu - Pasar Genjing - Pasar Pramuka - Matraman - Manggarai - Pasar Rumput - Halimun - Dukuh Atas
Line 5: Kampung Melayu - Pasar Jatinegara (to Kampung Melayu) - Kebon Pala - Slamet Riyadi - Tegalan - Matraman - Salemba UI - Kramat Sentiong NU - Palputih - Senen - Departemen Keuangan - Budi Utomo - Golden Truly - Lautze - Kartini - Jembatan Merah - Mangga Dua Square - WTC - Ancol
Line 6: Ragunan - Departemen Pertanian - SMK 57 - Duren Tiga - Pejaten - Buncit Indah - Warung Jati Indah - Imigrasi - Mampang Prapatan/Hero - Kuningan Timur - Depkes - Patra Kuningan - Pasar Festival - Kuningan - Kuningan Madya - Menara Duta - Latuharhari - Halimun - Dukuh Atas
Line 7: Kampung Rambutan - Tanah Merdeka - Makro - Rumah Sakit Harapan Bunda - Pasar Induk Kramat Jati - Terminal Cililitan - Mayjen Sutoyo - UKI - Bakornas Narkoba RI - Rumah Susun - Gelanggang Remaja - Depkeu - Kampung Melayu
Line 8: Tomang-Grogol 2- Jelambar-Indosiar-Kedoya Green Garden-Kedoya Assiddiqiyah-Duri Kepa-Kebun Jeruk-Kelapa Dua Sasak-Pos Pengumben-RS Medika-Permata Hijau-Simprug-Pasar Kebayoran Lama-Kebayoran Lama Bungur-Tanah Kusir-Pondok Indah Mall-Pondok Indah South-Pondok Pinang-Lebak Bulus
Line 9: Pinang Ranti - Pluit (Planned to open in late 2009)
Line 10: Cililitan - Tanjung Priok (Planned to open in 2010)
The transfer points for the Transjakarta Busway lines are:
Dukuh Atas: Busway Line 1, 4 and 6
Halimun: Busway Line 4 and 6
Kampung Melayu: Busway Line 4 and 7
Harmoni Central Busway: Line 1,2,3
Juanda: Busway Line 2 and 3 (for those who is coming from Pulo Gadung and want to transfer to Line 3)
Pulo Gadung: Busway Line 2 and 4
Matraman: Busway Line 4 and 5
Senen: Busway Line 2 and 5
Jelambar & Indosiar : Busway Line 3 and 8
Semanggi/Benhill: Busway Line 1 and 9
Kuningan Barat: Busway Line 6 and 9
Grogol 2: Busway Line 3 and 9
PGC: Busway Line 7,9 and 10
Unlike Jakarta's other buses, busway buses shuttle on fully dedicated lanes and passengers must use dedicated stations with automatic doors, usually found in the middle of large thoroughfares connected to both sides by overhead bridges. The system is remarkably user-friendly by Jakartan standards, with station announcements and an LED display inside the purpose-built vehicles.
Buses run from 5 AM to 10 PM daily. Tickets cost a flat Rp 2,000 before 7 am, and Rp 3,500 after. Transfers between lines are free. The buses can get very crowded, especially during rush hours at 7 AM and 4 PM, when office workers are on the move.If you happen to have an iPhone or iPod touch, a Transjakarta Application map is also available to download, As of May 2009, the application is '''free'''.
By bus
It's advisable to refrain from using other buses for intracity travel; stick with taxis as they are safer. If you're feeling adventurous, as of October 2005 the flat fare for regular buses is Rp 2000, while air conditioned buses (Mayasari or Patas AC) cost Rp5000. Some buses have a box at the front next to the driver where you can pay your fares, while others employ a man or a ''kondektur'' who will personally collect the fares from passengers.
Cheaper yet are ''mikrolet'' (mini-buses) and ''angkot'' (small vans) that ply the smaller streets and whose fares vary from Rp 1500 to 2500, but good luck figuring out the routes. You pay the fare directly to the driver after getting off.
You may need to spare one or two Rp500 coins before boarding the bus, since there is on-board "entertainment" and other distractions. On a typical day, you may find street musicians singing unplugged versions of Indonesian and Western pop songs asking for donations at the end of the performance, and street vendors, one after another, trying to sell almost everything, starting from ballpoint pens, candies, to boxed donuts and health goods.
If you do happen to be travelling in a bus, refrain from sitting or standing at the back area of the bus as this is where muggers find their prey. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be alert at all times as pickpocketing occurs.
Do note that buses do not run according to any schedule or timetable. Sometimes a bus may take a while to come,in other circumstances it is possible that two of the same bus routes may come together and these drivers will definitely drive aggressively in order to get more passengers. They do not stop at any particular bus stop and can stop just about anywhere they like. If you want to get off, simply say "kiri" (to the left) to the "kondektur" or just knock on the ceiling of the bus for three times (be sure that the driver hears your thumping), and the bus driver will find a place to drop you. An additional tip to alight from these buses is to use your left foot first to maintain balance and try to get down as quickly as possible as they do not fully stop the bus.
Also note that seats in these buses are built for Indonesians who're typically shorter and more slender and agile than people with a larger build such as caucasians and africans. Non-Indonesians might find the seats in these buses to be confined and uncomfortable.
List of bus terminals in Jakarta: Blok M (South Jakarta), Lebak Bulus (South Jakarta), Pasar Minggu (South Jakarta), Grogol, Kota, Kalideres (West Jakarta), Manggarai (South Jakarta), Pulogadung (East Jakarta), Rawamangun (East Jakarta), Kampung Melayu (East Jakarta), Kampung Rambutan (South Jakarta), Tanjung Priok (North Jakarta), Senen (Central Jakarta).
By car
Rental cars are available, but unless you are familiar with local driving practices or lack thereof, take reputable taxis. If you're from a foreign country, it is not recommended to rent a car and drive on your own. The chaotic and no-rules traffic will certainly give you a headache. Renting a car with a driver is much a better idea. The fixed price of gasoline is Rp 4500/litre and the price of diesel fuel is Rp 4500/litre (as of January 2009)
Toll roads circle the city and are faster when the traffic is good, but are very often jammed themselves. The drainage systems of major roads are poorly maintained and during rainy season (Dec-Feb) major roads may be flooded, leading to total gridlock as motors stall.
Finding parking places in residential areas can be difficult due to the narrow roads. Paid parking is easy to find in shopping malls, offices and the like is Rp 1000-3000/hr.
If you do decide to drive by yourself or having a driver in Jakarta, please remember that there is a 3 in 1 system implemented in some of the main thoroughfares in the morning from 7.30-10.00 AM and in the afternoon from 4.30-7.00 PM where there is a requirement of having a minimum of three people in a car. The routes include the whole stretch from Kota train station through Blok M via Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Jl. Thamrin, Jl. Sudirman and Jl.Sisingamangaraja; Jl. Gatot Subroto from the Senayan-JCC Overpass to the intersection with Jl. HR Rasuna Said. There are intentions from the local government to change this system to an Electronic Road Pricing system beginning in the future.
By taxi
Door and roof logo is either the Blue Bird or the Pusaka/Lintas "flying egg"
Windshield says "Blue Bird Group"
Driver is in uniform
Headrests have Blue Bird logos}}
Most visitors opt to travel by taxi, which is cheap and occasionally even fast. There are a multitude of taxi companies of varying degrees of dependability, but Blue Bird group (tel. +62-21-7981001, 24 hours) is known for their reliability, has an efficient telephone order service and will among other things actually use the meter. The Blue Bird group also runs Silver Bird, Morante, Cendrawasih and Pusaka Nuri taxis; the Silver Birds "executive taxi" charges a premium.
A cheaper option is to take a ''TARIF BAWAH'' (low tariff) taxi - '''Putra''' (dark blue) is regarded as good safe ''TARIF BAWAH'' taxis, though not of quite the same standard as Blue Bird. These can work out about half the cost of taxis such as Blue Bird, which can be significant if you take a lot of taxis in Jakarta traffic.
Some other large, generally reliable companies include '''Taxiku''', '''Express''' and '''Dian Taksi'''. You can generally determine a good cabbie by asking "''argo?''" ("meter?") - if they say no or "tidak", get another taxi.
The standard taxi rate (effective February 2009) is Rp 6000 flagfall, and Rp 3000/km after the first 2 km. Some taxis (marked ''TARIF BAWAH'') use the older, cheaper rate, while Silver Bird is more expensive. Tipping is not necessary but rounding the meter up to the nearest Rp 1000 is expected, so prepare for small changes, or else you will be rounded up to the nearest Rp 5000.
Keep the doors locked and the windows closed when traveling in a Jakartan taxi, as your bag and watch make attractive targets when stuck in a traffic jam or traffic light. Criminal groups in Jakarta often attack passengers who use their cellular phone during traffic jam or near traffic light.
If you always kept a notebook with you, please DO write the taxi number and name, with the driver's name and ID number, so in case you left something in the taxi you can claim it to the taxi company.
Think twice about using the smaller taxi companies if you are alone, and try to know the vague route - the driver might well take you a roundabout route to avoid traffic, but you will know the general direction. Stating your direction clearly and confidently will usually pre-empt any temptation to take you on the long route. It is also not uncommon for taxi drivers to be recent arrivals in Jakarta - they often don't know their way around and may be relying on you to direct them - establish that they know the way before you get in! Make sure they don't take you the wrong way around the Toll!
By bajaj
The Jakartan equivalent to Thailand's tuk-tuk is the '''bajaj''' (pronounced "bahdge-eye"), orange mutant scooters souped up in India into tricycles that carry passengers in a small cabin at the back.
They're a popular way to get around town since they can weave through Jakarta's interminable traffic jams much like motorbikes can. Although slow, boneshaking (suspension is not a feature in a bajaj), hot (locals joke about the "natural A/C") and the quick way to breathing in more exhaust fumes than you ever thought possible, riding around in these little motor-bugs can really grow on you.
There are no set prices, but a short hop of a few city blocks shouldn't cost much more than Rp 5000. Be sure to agree to (read: haggle) a price before you set off! Bajaj drivers are happy to overcharge visitors. Locals who regularly use the bajaj know what a typical fare should be and are happy to tell you. Also, since bajaj aren't allowed on some of the larger roads in Jakarta, your route may well take you through the bewildering warren of backstreets. Try to keep an eye on what direction you're going, because some unscrupulous bajaj drivers see nothing wrong with taking the "scenic" route and then charging you double or triple the price.
By ojek
If you're poking around narrow back streets, or just in such a hurry that you're willing to lose a limb to get there, then Jakarta's motorcycle taxis (''ojek'') might be the ticket for you. Jakarta's ojek services consist of guys with bikes lounging around street corners, who usually shuttle short distances down alleys and roads but will also do longer trips for a price. Agree on the fare before you set off.
'''''Ningrat Limobike'''''
This company operates motorbike cabs targeted at more affluent passengers than typical ojeks. All the prices vary between zones and you will be informed when you make a booking. All prices are official so you don't need to bargain like when you ride a privately-operated ojek.
By helicopter
If you're in a hurry and seriously loaded, '''Janis Air Transport''' (tel. +62 21 8350024) will be happy to charter a helicopter for you.
By boat
Jakarta is launching waterway using canals as a medium for public transportation manage by Transjakarta (busway). As of August 2007, the new service is still being pilot tested.
On foot
There are still many parts of Jakarta which are traffic free and full of trees, flowers, little red roofed houses and friendly people. These areas are generally safe for walking.
Some people would say that walking around the center of Jakarta is ''not recommended''. With the exception of a few posher areas, sidewalks are crowded with pushcart vendors, drivers disregard pedestrians, crossing streets can be suicidal. On many busy streets there are no pedestrian crossings, so it's best to latch onto a local and follow them as they weave their way through the endless flow of cars. Muggings do occur, especially on overhead bridges, and can happen even in the daytime. If you use pedestrian bridge, watch out for motorcycle and bicycle that often use the bridge illegally.
In the near future, it will be probable to walk around the Jakarta Old Town area as the local government is currently undertaking a project to create the old town area into a pedestrian-friendly zone.
See
'''Ancol Dream Park (Taman Impian Jaya Ancol)''': consists of Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy world), Seaworld (for the largest aquarium in South East Asia), Gelanggang Samudra (Ocean Park), resorts, hotel, beach, marina, and great restaurants. It's one of the biggest park in Asia.
'''Taman Mini Indonesia Indah''': Just Like Its name which mean Beautiful Indonesia in Little Park we can see the whole Indonesian Culture from here. It offers an exciting tour of 30 provinces of Indonesia with samplings of the country's more than 250 cultures. Highlight features are the Museum Indonesia and the Keong Emas IMAX theater.
'''Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Arts Theater)''': This neo-renaissance structure was meticulously restored, and now one of the proud landmarks among the many Jakarta buildings which have been conserved. Some of the city best performance by both local and visiting artists are often held here.
'''Museum Nasional''': The museum houses vast collections of prehistoric, ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, including one of the world's largest collections of Southeast Asian ceramics and Hindu Javanese art. The museum was opened in 1868.
'''Pasar Baru'''
'''Monas (National Monument)''': Jakarta's best known landmark, the 137 meter monument is located in the center of Merdeka (Freedom) square. From the observation deck, you can view the city. At the basement there are dioramas that portray the dramatic story of Indonesia history.
'''Presidential Palace'''. Located north of the National Monument, the official residence and office of the Indonesian president is open to the public on weekends for free
'''Textile Museum''': The museum houses a large collections of textiles related to the religious and social practices of the major islands of the archipelago, including batik, ikat and kain ulos.
'''Gedung Proklamasi(Proclamation Building)'''
'''Lubang Buaya'''
'''Museum Sasmita Loka'''
'''Museum Wayang (Puppet Museum)''': This museum is dedicated to puppetry, one of Indonesia's most famous traditional art forms. On display are the wayang kulit shadow puppets, three-dimensional wooden puppets and special dance masks. Wayang performances are presented on Sunday at 10 am.
'''Jalan Surabaya (Surabaya Street)''': For a unique shopping experience, visit this lively open-air antique market on the fringes of the Menteng residential neighborhood. A good place to bargain for exotic treaures.
'''Sunda Kelapa Port / Old Harbour''': The old port area of Sunda Kelapa remains today as a bustling hub for inter islands trade. Graceful Bugis phinisi schooners, the world's last wind-powered sailing fleet used for trade, still berthed at the quay as they have for century.
'''Ragunan Zoo''': Located to the south Jakarta near Pasar Minggu, this 185-hectare city zoo contains a comprehensive collection of some 3600 species of wildlife from throughout Indonesua. Look for the rare Komodo dragon. The animals live in natural habitats. Pusat Primata Schmutzer consists of gorillas and other various primate fauna.
'''Istiqlal Mosque''': the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia and '''Cathedral Church''' located right in front of it)
'''Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands)''': Located north of Jakarta in the Java Sea, these stunning Kepulauan Seribu, easily accessible by speed boat from Ancol marina. This spray of some 300 hundred sandy, picturesque islets offers invigorating respitee for those wishing to escape from the bustling city.
'''Museum Adam Malik'''
'''Museum ABRI (Military Museum)'''
'''Jembatan Kota Intan (Kota Intan drawbridge)''': The bridge was developed coincide with the development of Batavia by Jan Pieterzoon Coen in 1628, and the only one of the rests of many suspension bridge ever decorating Batavia city.
'''Bird Market''': Located at Jalan Barito in South Jakarta and Jalan Pramuka in Central Jakarta, here you can find various colourful tropical birds on sale.
'''Fish Market and Museum Bahari (Maritime Museum)''': Located at the mouth of the Ciliwung river, this market area bustles with activities related to the sea. The Museum Bahari situated at the harbor, is housed in restored Dutch warehouses dating back to the first trading post of the Dutch East Indies.
'''Bird Island (in Thousand Islands)'''
'''Atmosfear Dry Slider''' Located in FX Lifestyle Center Mall Sudirman, one of the world's longest slider and fastest
'''Museum Bank Mandiri''' : Located in the Old Town area opposite the Northern Terminus of Corridor 1 of the Busway and Kota Station,see the history of banking in the Dutch colonial era. Sections include the history of how the Dutch segregated the services offered to bankers by race, the history of the creation of Bank Mandiri and it's memorabilia , Colonial Era Bank Governors and Rupiah bank notes through time.
For more details of these sights in Jakarta, please see the district sections of Jakarta
Do
'''Cinema''': Movie theatre are a more affordable escape at around Rp50,000 for a plush seat in any of the capital's shopping malls. Beware the heavy hand of the Indonesian censor though. The price of popcorn, drinks are exorbitant. Several cinemas also show Indian, Chinese and Indonesian movies. The largest chain of cinemas in Indonesia is 21 group. Website: Cineplex [http://www.21cineplex.com 21].
'''Fitness center''': Large hotels provide free fitness centers for guests. Some hotels have sauna, spa, tennis court and jogging track. They are also available in shopping malls.
'''Golf''': Golf is the number one pastime of the upper classes and, as so many other things here, relatively cheap by Western standards. Green fees can go as low as Rp60,000 on weekdays, although the better courses are twice that, and weekend rates are considerably steeper at Rp300,000 and up.
'''Bowling''': Most alleys are found in shopping malls. The fee for a game is US$ 2.00 to US$ 3.00. Guest can rent bowling shoes etc. The length of the lanes are 32 feet.
'''Football''': Do not watch any football match in Jakarta, because the '''Jakmania''', Persija Jakarta's ultras often turn into rioters when face Persitara's '''North Jak''' and Persib's '''Viking'''. During and after certain soccer games, foreign tourists should not go near the Lebak Bulus Stadium. Jakarta also has plenty choices of Futsal fields in many areas. Dirt and grass makeshift fields are abundant in residential areas, and can be crowded with players, onlookers and vendors, especially on weekend afternoons. In these casual games, anyone can simply ask to jump in or relax.
'''Drifting''': There's a drifting circuit on top of Mal Artha Gading (MAG)
Work
Casual work in Jakarta is difficult to come by and Indonesian bureaucracy does its best to stop foreigners from getting formal jobs. As in the rest of Asia, teaching English is the best option, although salaries are poor (US$700-1000/month is typical, although accommodation may be provided) and the government only allows citizens of the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the U.S.A. to work as teachers.
The rationale behind the limitation on foreign employment is centered on the high local unemployment rate, and a push to develop local skills.
Buy
If you're stopping in Jakarta, consider buying an extra suitcase, because there's lots of good shopping to be done.
'''Shopping Malls''': Despite the crushing poverty exhibited in many parts of the city, Jakarta has a large number of giant, glittering '''malls'''. Note that, for imported goods, prices in some of the Plazas' designer shops could actually be ''higher'' than what would be charged in the same shop in other countries. The up-market malls in Jakarta are Grand Indonesia (Anchored by: Seibu, Alun-Alun Indonesia and Harvey Nichols), Plaza Indonesia (Anchored by: Marks and Spencer), Pacific Place(Anchored by: M Department Store, Kidzania Theme Park), Plaza Senayan (Anchored by: Sogo and Metro), Pondok Indah Mall (Anchored by: Sogo and Metro), Mal Kelapa Gading (Anchored by: Sogo) and Senayan City(Anchored by: Debenhams).
'''Markets''': In addition to malls, there are also numerous extremely large '''shopping centers''', quite a few of which can be found in the ''Mangga Dua'' (Two Mangoes) area. These include the huge ''Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua'' and the gigantic ''WTC (Wholesale Trade Center) Mangga Dua'', massive indoor markets with hundreds upon hundreds of shops selling everything at wholesale prices. When you shop in those places, you can always bargain the price.
Tanah Abang and Pasar Baru are HUGELY popular among Malaysian tourists.
'''Antique shop''': If you are looking for some antique product such as local handicrafts, Indonesian traditional batik, wayang golek (Javanese puppets), you can go to Jalan Surabaya in Central Jakarta where you can find many antique shops along this street. Pasaraya Grande shopping mall at Blok M, South Jakarta has one dedicated floor for all Indonesian antiques and handicrafted goods.
'''Duty Free Shops''': Duty Free shops are available at Soekarno Hatta airport and small number of shops in the city. Bring your passport to the shops.
Eat
Jakarta has a vast range of food available at hundreds of eating complexes located all over the huge city. In addition to selections from all over the country, you can also find excellent Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and many other international foods thanks to the cosmopolitan population. Longer-term visitors will wish to dig up a copy of "Jakarta Good Food Guide", although unfortunately the last edition dates from 2002, or "Jakarta Java Kini".
You can find Jakartan versions of many dishes, often tagged with the label ''betawi'' (Indonesian for "Batavian").
'''Sop iga sapi''', beef spare rib soup that takes a simple Dutch dish and piles on Indonesian spices.
'''Soto betawi''', coconut milk broth with beef tendons, intestines, tripe.
'''Kerak telor''', omelette from egg cooked with glutinous rice and served with shredded coconut and a dried shrimp topping.
'''Ketoprak''', rice roll, tofu, bean sprout, crackers in peanut sauce.
'''Bubur Dingin''', lit. Cold Pouridge with beef sweet soup
'''Nasi Ulam''', rice cooked in coconut milk served with fried minced beef, sweet fried tempe, many other toppings, cucumber, and sambal (chilli sauce).
Your stomach may need an adjustment period to the local food. Due to many spices locals used in their cooking. Standard price on this guide: The price for one main course, white rice ("nasi putih") and one soft drink, including 21% tax and service charge.
'''Street Food''', Jakarta is famous for its street delicacies. Every Region of Jakarta has its own unique offering of street foods. Some areas for looking for great /exceptional and unique. street food are '''Kelapa Gading (Seafood), Muara Karang/Pluit (Seafood), "Nasi Uduk" (Kebon Kacang, Central Jakarta) and Tennis Sized Meatballs(Blok S, South Jakarta)'''. Beware though, as these foods may take a toll on your stomach. It is advised to be used to the Indonesian climate for at least 2 weeks before eating street food. Price= Rp. 5,000-Rp. 25,000
'''Budget''': The food courts of Jakarta's '''shopping malls''' are a great way of sampling Indonesian and other food in hygienic and air-conditioned comfort. '''Plaza Senayan''' (basement), '''Plaza Semanggi''' (level 3A and 10-Plangi Sky DIning), Taman Anggrek's '''Dapur Anggrek''' (level 4) all have good selections, but Mal Kelapa Gading's '''Food Temptation''' (level 3) claims to be the largest in Indonesia. Also at Mal Kelapa Gading are '''Gading Food City''', offering a vast selection of mostly Indonesian outdoor eats with live music, and the more upscale '''La Piazza'''. Also, in the New Kelapa Gading Mall 5, a new food court with a traditional colonial era Indonesian atmosphere, '''Eat n Eat''' offers a great mix of Indonesian cuisine and others from the Malay Archipelago. .In South Jakarta, '''Kemang Food Fest, in Kemang,''' the most popular expatriate neighborhood, offers great food for 24 hours/7 days a week. A number of restaurants(both offering eastern and western food) gather in this outdoor establishment. Further, another great option near the center of the city is in '''Tebet'''. The area offers great food(both indoors and outdoors), includes a comic cafe and is surrounded by fashion outlets. If you happen to be near Bundaran H.I., Grand Indonesia's '''Food Louver''' foodcourt on the level 3 skybridge offers a great variety of food from around the world.In addition, some seats offer a great view of the Jakarta Skyline. Most budget restaurants have delivery service or you can call '''Pesan Delivery''' service, Tel.: (62)(21) 7278 7070. Website: [http://www.pesandelivery.com]. You can order take away foods from most budget restaurants. Several traditional Indonesian cuisine are too hot/too spicy for foreign tourists. On some restaurant you can ask for food without chilli: "Tidak pakai cabe" or "Tidak Pedas". Standard price: Rp. 15,000-Rp. 50,000
'''Mid-range:'''. Mid to Upper-scale restaurants are commonly found in '''Pondok Indah Mall 2's Restaurant Row''', '''Mal Kelapa Gading's Gourmet Row''' , '''Senayan City's Basement Floor''', '''Grand Indonesia's Crossroad of the World district''' and '''Cilandak Town Square'''.(Prices range from Rp. 30,000-Rp. 100,000 for entrees).
'''Splurge''': The best gourmet splurges in Jakarta are the '''opulent buffet spreads''' in the five-star hotels(Marriott, Hotel Mulia, Ritz-Carlton and Shangri-La), which offer amazing value by international standards. Standard price: Rp. 150,000- Rp. 300,000 per pax
Drink
Jakarta may be the capital of the world's largest Islamic country, but it has underground life of its own. If you're the clubbing type, its nightlife is arguably among the '''best in Asia'''. From the upscale X-Lounge to the seediest discos like Stadium, Jakarta caters to all kinds of clubbers, but bring a friend if you decide to brave the seedier joints (though they tend to have the best DJs). Fans of live music, on the other hand, are largely out of luck if they go to budget bars, at least unless they're into Indonesian pop.
When out and about, note that Jakarta has a fairly high number of '''prostitutes''', known in local parlance as ''ayam'' (lit. "chicken"), so much so that much of the female clientele of some respectable bars (operated by five-star hotels, etc) is on the take.
A nightlife district popular among expats is '''Blok M''' in South Jakarta, or more specifically the single lane of Jl. Palatehan 1 just north of the bus terminal, packed with pubs and bars geared squarely towards single male Western visitors. While lacking the bikini-clad go-go dancers of Patpong, the meat market atmosphere is much the same with poor country girls turned pro. Blok M is now easily accessible as the southern terminus of BRT Line 1. For a more off-the-beaten track experience, head a few blocks south to Jl. Melawai 6 (''opposite Plaza Blok M''), Jakarta's de-facto '''Little Japan''' with lots of Japanese restaurants, bars and (what else?) karaoke joints.
To hang out where Indonesia's young, rich and beautiful do, head to Plaza Indonesia's '''EX''' annex, packed full of trendy clubs and bars including Jakarta's Hard Rock Cafe. Plaza Senayan's '''Arcadia''' annex attempts to duplicate the concept, but with more of an emphasis on fine dining. The Kemang area in southern Jakarta is popular with expats and locals alike. It has numerous places to eat, drink and dance.
The Kota area in northern Jakarta is the oldest part of town with numerous colonial buildings still dominating the area. It is also considered to be the seediest part of town after midnight. Most karaoke bars and 'health' clubs there are in fact brothels who mostly cater to local Jakartans. Even regular discos such as Stadium and Crown have special areas designated for prostitutes. This part of town has a large ethnic Chinese population who also dominate the clubbing scene there.
The bulk of the clubbing scene is spread throughout Jakarta however, most usually found in officebuildings or hotels. A help of an experienced local with finding these places is recommended. Do note that nightlife in Jakarta tends to be pricey for local standards.
In general, dresscodes are strictly enforced in Jakarta: no shorts, no slippers. During the month of Ramadhan, all nightlife ends at midnight and some operations close for the entire month.
Sleep
The travel agencies at Jakarta's airport can have surprisingly good rates for mid-range and above hotels.
In Jakarta, there are several classes of hotels:
Budget hotels: Melati 1, Melati 2, Melati 3 (the best).
Midrange - Splurge: 1 Star, 2 Stars, 3 Stars, 4 Stars, 5 Stars (the best). The standard room rate: published rate for standard room + 21% (tax and service charge).
'''Budget''': Hotels with standard room rate below US$ 25/night. Backpacker losmen can be found around Jalan Jaksa, which is close to the Gambir station, rooms starting from Rp30.000/night.
'''Mid-range''': Hotels with standard room rate of from US$ 26/night to US$ 100/night.
<sleep name="Aston Marina" phone="+62-21-6983 7120" url="http://www.astonmarinaancol.com" price="Rate starts at USD 50.00 +">Aston Marina is located in the heart of the North Jakarta. It is within walking distance to Ancol, Indonesia_fs famous theme and entertainment park. The hotel has 6 shopping malls within 2 km in the surrounding Mangga Dua area. Aston Marina has 358 units of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments plus 2 exclusive penthouses.
Marina Mediterania,Tower A, Jl. Lodan Raya No. 2A, Jakarta 14430 - Indonesia)</sleep>
'''Splurge''': Jakarta has more than its fair share of luxury hotels, and after the prolonged post-crash hangover new ones are now going up again. Many remain good value by world prices, but opulent lobbies do not always correspond to the same quality in the room though. The standard room rate on splurge hotels are more than US$ 100/night.
Contact
Telephone
''Wartel'' telephone shops are ubiquitous on the streets of Jakarta.
If you see a public telephone, lift the receiver and check the number in the display near the keypad. If the number is not 000, don't insert coins, because the phone is broken. They usually are, but are very cheap (just 0,001 $/ minute) when they do work.
Internet
If you have your own laptop, it may run free WLAN networks at many of the capital's malls. Ask at the information desk for access codes. Free hotspots are also available on most McDonald restaurants and StarBucks Cafes. Several hotels also provide free hotspot on their lobby.
Internet cafes are available in many parts of the city with a price of Rp. 4,000 - Rp. 5,000. However, most of them only have dial-up capabilities. Most of the internet cafes can be found around universities, and in most shopping malls. However, the internet connection speed can be better in the internet cafes found at malls.
If you are keen on using the internet for long hours, try to get the "happy hour" deals provided by internet cafes near universities. They provide 6 hours of surfing on the internet for Rp. 12,000, but only available at midnight to 6 AM.
Tourism information
'''Jakarta City Government Tourism Office''' [http://www.jakarta-tourism.go.id/], Jl. Kuningan Barat No. 2, tel. +62-21-5205455 (''info@jakarta-tourism.go.id'').
'''Jakarta City Digital Map and Travel Guide''' [http://www.streetdirectory.co.id/], Wisma 77 Lantai 5 Jalan Letjen S. Parman Jakarta Barat, tel. +62-21-53690808 .
Emergency
Ambulance: 118.
Police: 110.
Search and rescue team: 115.
Indonesian Police HQ: Jl. Trunojoyo 3, South Jakarta. Tel.: (62)(21) 7218144.
Jakarta Police HQ: Jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 45, South Jakarta. Tel.: (62)(21) 5709261.
Hospitals with 24 hour emergency room (ER): see the Jakarta district pages.
Embassies and consulates
The ''Departemen Luar Negeri'' (Deplu) or Ministry of Foreign Affairs [http://www.deplu.go.id] maintains a complete searchable database of diplomatic institutions. The embassies are located in Jakarta, except some consulates general and honorary consulates. The addresses of '''some''' of the embassies and consulates are listed here:
Australia Embassy. l. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav. C 15-16 Kuningan, South Jakarta 12940. 62-21) 2550-5555.
Austria Embassy. l. Diponegoro No. 44, Menteng, Central Jakarta 10027 (P.O.BOX 2746). 62-21) 3193-8090, 3193-8101.
Bangladesh Embassy. aman Ubud I No. 5 Kuningan Jakarta 12950. 62-21)5292-1271.
Brazil Embassy. enara Mulia Building, 16th Floor, Suite 1602, Jl. Jenderal Gatot Subroto Kav. 9-11, Jakarta 12390 (P.O.BOX 2482 JKT-1001). 62-21) 526-5656.
Brunei Darussalam Embassy. alan Teuku Umar No. 9 Menteng, Jakarta 10350. 62-021) 31906080.
Cambodia Embassy. l. Kintamani Raya C-15 No. 33, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 520-1373, 919-2895.
Canada Embassy. orld Trade Centre, 6th Floor Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 29, Jakarta 12920 (P.O.BOX 8324/JKS.MP, Jakarta 12083) ). 62-21) 2550-7800.
People's Republic of China Embassy. l. Mega Kuningan No.2, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 576-1039.
Royal Danish Embassy. enara Rajawali, 25th Floor, Jl. Mega Kuningan Lot No. 5.1, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 576-1478.
Egypt Embassy. l. Denpasar Raya Blok A 12 No. 1, Kuningan Timur, Setiabudi, Jakarta. 62-21) 520-4793, 520-4359.
Finland Embassy. enara Rajawali, 9th Floor Jl. Mega Kuningan Lot #5.1 Kawasan Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 576-1650.
France Embassy. l. M.H. Thamrin No. 20, Jakarta 10350. 62-21) 2355-7600.
India Embassy. l. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. S-1, Kuningan, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 520-4150, 520-4152, 520-4157.
Ireland Honorary Consulate in Jakarta. l. Terogong Raya No. 33, Jakarta 12430, Indonesia (PO Box 1078 JKS, Jakarta 12010). 62-21) 769-5142.
Jamaica Honorary Consulate in Jakarta. l. Dr. Saharjo No. 52, Jakarta 12970. 62-21) 831-1184.
Japan Embassy. l.M. H. Thamrin Kav. 24, Jakarta Pusat 10350. 62-21) 3192-4308.
Jordan Embassy. rtha Graha Building, 9th Floor, Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 52-53, Jakarta 12190. (62-21) 515-3483, 515-3484.
Germany Embassy. l.M. H. Thamrin Kav. 24, Jakarta Pusat 10350. 62-21) 3192-4308.
Greece Embassy. laza 89 Suite 1203 12th Fl., Jl. HR. Rasuna Said Kav. X-7 No. 6, Jakarta 12940. 62-21) 520-7776.
Republic of Korea Embassy. l. Jenderal Gatot Subroto Kav. 57, Jakarta (P.O.BOX 4187 JKTM). 62-21) 520-1915.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea Embassy. l. Teluk Betung No. 2, Jakarta 12050 (P.O.BOX 6190 MT, Jakarta 10310). 62-21) 3190-8425, 3190-8437.
Lao People's Democratic Republic Embassy. l. Patra Kuningan XIV No. 1A, Kuningan, Jakarta. 62-21) 522-9602.
Malaysia Embassy. l. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav. X/6 No. 1-3, Kuningan, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 522-4940 to 47.
Marshall Islands Embassy. l. Pangeran Jayakarta No. 115 Blok A-11, Central Jakarta 11730. 62-21) 624-9054.
Myanmar Embassy. l. Haji Agus Salim No. 109, Menteng, Jakarta 10350. 62-21) 314-0440, 3192-7684.
Royal Netherlands Embassy. l. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. S-3, Kuningan, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 524-8200.
New Zealand Embassy. RI II Building, 23rd Floor, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav 44-46, Jakarta 10210, (P.O.BOX 2439 JKT 10024). 62-21) 570-9460.
* <do name="New Zealand Consulate in Jakarta" address="BRI II Building, 23rd Floor, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav 44-46, Jakarta 10210, (P.O.BOX 2439 JKT 10024)" phone="(62-21) 570-9460"></do>
Royal Norway Embassy. enara Rajawali, 25th Floor, Jl. Mega Kuningan Lot 5.1, Kawasan Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 576-1523.
Papua New Guinea Embassy. anin Bank Centre, 6th Floor, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No. 1, Jakarta 10270. 62-21) 725-1218.
* <do name="Papua New Guinea Consulate General in Jayapura, Papua" address="Jl. Percetakan No. 23-B, Jayapura 99111, Papua" phone="(62-967) 531-250"></do>
Phillipines Embassy. l. Imam Bonjol No. 6-8, Menteng, Jakarta 10310. 62-21) 310-0334.
Russian Embassy. l. H. R. Rasuna Said Kav. X-7, 1-2, Kuningan, Jakarta. 62-21) 522-2912.
Singapore Embassy. l. H. R. Rasuna Said Blok X/4 Kav. No. 2, Kuningan, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 5296-1433, 520-1489.
Solomon Island Honorary Consulate in Jakarta. uta Mas Fatmawati D2 No. 24, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati 39, Jakarta 12150. 62-21) 726-4606.
South Africa Embassy. isma GKBI, 7th Floor, Suite 705, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No. 28 Jakarta 10210, Indonesia. 62-21) 574-0660.
Spain Embassy. l. Haji Agus Salim No. 61, Menteng, Jakarta 10350. 62-21) 314-2355, 3193-5940.
Sri Lanka Embassy. l. Diponegoro No. 70, Menteng, Jakarta 10320,. 62-21) 314-1018, 316-1886, 3190-2389.
Sweden Embassy. enara Rajawali, 9th Floor, Jl. Mega Kuningan Lot #5.1, Kawasan Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 2553-5900.
Switzerland Embassy. l. H.R. Rasuna Said Blok X.3/2, Kuningan, Jakarta 12950. 62-21) 525-6061.
Taipei Economic and Trade Office Jakarta, Indonesia. edung Artha Graha, 12th Floor(Service Division) and 17th Floor Sudirman Center Business District JL Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 52-53 Jakarta 12190. 62-21) 515-3939 /515-1111.
Timor Leste Embassy. edung Surya 11th Floor, Jl. M.H.Thamrin Kav. 9, Jakarta 10350. 62-21) 390-2678 to 79.
Royal Thai Embassy. l. Imam Bonjol No. 74, Jakarta Pusat 10310. 62-21) 390-4052.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Embassy. l. M.H. Thamrin No. 75, Jakarta 10310. 62-21) 315-6264.
* <do name="United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Consulate General in Jakarta" address="Deutsche Bank Building, 19th Floor, Jl. Imam Bonjol No. 80, Jakarta 10310" phone="(62-21) 390-7484"></do>
United States of America Embassy. l. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 5, Central Jakarta 10110. 62-21) 3435-9000.
Vietnam Embassy. Jl. Teuku Umar No. 25, Menteng Jakarta 10350. 62-21) 910-0163, 310-0358.
Stay healthy
Tap water in Jakarta is '''not''' drinkable. ''Always'' use bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), Jakarta is the 3rd most polluted city in the world after Mexico City and Bangkok.
During rainy season (December, January, February), lower parts of Jakarta (mostly those to the north) are often flooded.
There is a new law against smoking at public places in Jakarta, and the smoker can (in theory) be fined up to US$5000. If you want to smoke, ask other people first: ''Boleh merokok''?
Stay safe
Strict gun control laws make Jakarta safer, but '''theft''' and '''robbery''' are problems. Be on your guard in crowded places such as markets, because pickpockets often steal wallets and cellular phones. Keep a close eye on your valuables and choose your transportation options carefully, especially at night. For all-night party excursions, it may be wise to keep your cab waiting — the extra cost is cheap and it's worth it for the security.
Theft and robbery are the main security problems for a foreign tourist. Don't leave cash, valuable items and important documents in an empty hotel room. Put it on hotel's safe deposit box. Put a copy of your passport and the original ID Card/Driver License on the hotel's safety deposit box. If you are inside the hotel room, always use the deadbolt/chain lock. If you suspect something is wrong, call the front desk.
Bring your passport and a copy of your ID card/driver license all the time.
Never show or carry your valuables like wallets, jewelry, gold watches, cellular phones, personal digital assistant (PDA), mp3 player, large camera prominently.
If possible, don't bring any bags. If you must, keep them in front of you, not on your back or by your side.
In cheap hotels, the hotel's safe deposit box is probably safer than leaving valuables in your room. Deadbolt/chain lock the room when inside, and call the front desk if you suspect an intruder.
Avoid quiet or dark places.
Choose reputable taxi companies and make sure the doors are locked and the windows are closed. Blue Bird Group taxis are the safest bet. Check for "Blue Bird Group" in large white letters emblazoned at the top of the taxi's windscreen.
Always split your valuables in 2 places (e.g. keep your money in your wallet and also in your pocket. You may also want to keep some in reserve under your socks).
Keep/remember the contact number of your country's embassy and other important emergency numbers.
Stay away from the transsexual prostitutes (banci or waria in Indonesian) in the 'Taman Lawang' area. These are unemployed and often drug addicted people who have no other source of income than prostitution. Therefore they are known to rob and steal.
The high-profile '''terrorist bomb blasts''' at the JW Marriott in 2003 and the Australian Embassy in 2004 mean that security in Jakarta is heavy, with car trunk checks, metal detectors, and bag searches at most major buildings. Still, statistically this is more a nuisance than a real threat, and enforcement of the security rules tends to be lax at best (They use the metal detectors in the trunks of cars).
Get out
Anyer resort beach 160 Km west of Jakarta. Driving time: up to 4 hours.
Bandung — some 180 km southeast of Jakarta, another popular tourist destination. Driving time: up to 3 hours (through Cipularang toll road).
Bogor — cooler climes and a beautiful botanical garden an hour away. Several great Golf courses are located in Bogor. Sentul A1 Race Circuit is located in Citeurerup, Bogor. Driving time: up to 2 hours. On weekend, the trip may take up to 3 hours.
Puncak beautiful view of tea plantation. Taman Safari Wildlife Recreational Park, Jalan Raya Puncak 601, Cisarua, Bogor, 16750. 70 km south of Jakarta. Driving time: up to 2 hours.
Ujung Kulon, a beautiful national park, southwest of Jakarta. Driving time: up to 5 hours.