Experience in Jakarta, Indonesia by Maria

What is it like to live in Jakarta? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Jakarta is a great city, especially Central Jakarta because there's a lot of entertainments available. Shopping malls, Restaurants, and also skyscrapers. Most of them are nearby houses, so when staying at home is becoming boring, going to the malls takes very little time. Concerts are also held mostly in Jakarta. However, traffic jam is one of the worst problems here. The weather is also hot, and during the summer the sun can also sting your skin. The people almost never sleeps, the nightlife in certain places in Jakarta are very much alive. Malls opens and closes at around 10am to 10pm daily.

unfortunately, i wouldn't exactly recommend Jakarta. Although when it comes to Indonesia in general, then yes i do recommend Jakarta. Due to the case of Jakarta's ex-governor being Christian, the people became quite racist to minorities (mainly Christians). It's quite hurtful to see the endless religion controversies happening these days.

Transportation is not that great because it doesn't reach too far. The best method is by train. Unfortunately, when it's rush hour, the train station can be so packed you can barely breath. Everybody wants to sit, therefore the second the door opens they will come barreling in. so for those who wants to get out, it can be quite hard. But when it's not rush hour there's no problem. Transjakarta (bus) is also the second best. Fare is only Rp 3.500 however far you go (and it goes far enough). Now there's a free double decker that tours Central Jakarta, it's great! There's also online transportation methods like uber and ojek (motorcycle).

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Indonesian foods are delicious! especially traditional foods like Nasi Liwet, Gudeg, Nasi Kuning, Nasi Uduk, etc. are definitely recommended!! Every kind of foods are available in Jakarta, so you don't have to worry about not being able to eat certain cuisines.

oh when newbies visit Jakarta, Indomie is a must try!!! It's basically a fried noodle that makes you addicted. (It's pretty popular internationally, also sold abroad, but the spices are way better in Indonesia.)

Is it good to eat out in Jakarta? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Definitely. Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) has various restaurants (it's a huge place).

When it comes to Indomie, i recommend this restaurant called 'Upnormal'. There's plenty of Indomie filled with various flavor, like Carbonara, rendang, etc. The desserts like bread or banana with various ice cream flavors like green tea, taro. It's an amazing cheap resto. Perfect place to go when you're definitely under tight budget. Oh and there's also board games available! Helps to distract you while waiting for the food to be served. Super recommended. 

Is the nightlife good in Jakarta? Where is good to go?

PIK is one of the best when it comes to nightlife. There's restaurants and entertainment spots that closes late in the night.

What advice would you give future students heading to Jakarta?

Prepare lots of t-shirts because of the hot weather. Don't wear too revealing clothes (unless you go to malls) because it attracts unwanted attention. People will talk about you when you do also because of the culture. Be always aware when it comes to belongings. Be careful towards motorcyclists also because they tend to drive wildly. Some people here speaks english but not all, so it can be quite hard to communicate. but do not worry, english speakers are not that hard to find. Not all Jakartans are bad, some are very nice and very helpful to strangers so be prepared to make new friends here!