Jakarta travel informationWhat to expectIndonesia is very unique I didn't know what to expect on my first trip. I knew tourism is very big in Indonesia and the people are very friendly as their livelyhood is based on tourism. But, outside that, I have to admit I didn't know what to expect. Is it like Bali or a Metropolitan city with 25 million people or Tropical paradise,well it is all of them and so much more. This is an exotic Asian country with it is own unique personality, charm and tropical beauty. The first impression I had of Indonesia came from the taxi ride to the hotel I could not help but notices ther streets were clean the there was no graffiti. Also, most people dress very conservative it was warm yet everyone was fully clothed. This is a very conservative country in fact no pornography.
TaxiesThere are many to choose from the best are blue bird,and express taxi;cost is typically 15.00 USD from the airport to your hotel in central or northern ( Near they ocean) Jakarta. Taxies are very inexpensive.The auto rickshawThe auto-rickshaw is great to use for short trips and when you are in a hurry during rush hour as they can go between the cars and around them.TrainThe train travel all over Java. The longest trip on a train I would take is Bogor. Otherwise the plane is a good there are few good airlines at great price.Money Indonesia is a real recession breaker vacation. Prices are very low for food,drink and hotel. Dinner is a rare find of cheap and delicious. seafood dinner (fish,prawn,lobster or shrimp)is no more than 8 USD or 4 Euros. Lunch is 1/2 the cost and breakfast is less than lunch.FoodIndonesian food is extremely fresh you will find everything is caught and served daily and somewhat spicey they love the chili (hot sauce). But, if you get homesick it's ok there are restaurants here from every cuisine. Street food, you have to try it is like going to friends house on a bar-b-que. There are a few different types of restaurants 1. they bring everything they have and you pick what you want. 2. Street food - Everyone eats street food. 3. traditional restaurant.
ElectronicsAll my electonics worked,laptop,battery charger,everything. Indonesia you just need a simple outlet adapter.There is internet almost every hotel,and many shops.The magic jack works very well so International calls to the USA are free. If you are thinking of getting a spare digital camera get one that uses the AA batteries they are easy to find. Indonesia has No copyright laws so it is common to see video game copies for sale in the shopping malls.WaterDrinking the water is not a good idea.But it is ok if it is boiled.Theme parksThere are many there parks that are family,eductional and fun. Like Sea World, Taman Mini, Ancol Park, Zoo, Botanical garden to name a few. They are all 5.00 or less. Many families spend the weekend in the parks.Indonesian are very close.MuseumsTher are so many different museums that show Indonesia rich culture many are located in Central Jakarta and old JakartaShoppingThere is pleny of opportunity to shop here,as many products are made here. Designer clothing is 1/10 the price here.Blok.MBlok.M is the financial district. There is the Indonesian stock exchange ,Ritz Carlton, St. Regis (Soon) and many upscale stores.
ClothingNo one wears shorts , The shortest skirt is below the knee and that is rare.
EtiquetteBusiness - Dress conservative, Fully clothed avoid slang they will not understand Many schools are British so there are a lot of British words that might be confusing. when dealing with Muslim - remember the right hand is used for cleaning.FamilyJakarta is a great family vacation Indonesian have a very strong family bond. you will find no pornography no grafiti streets are safe to walk at any time
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