Experience in Jakarta, Indonesia by Savira

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

I've been living here my whole life and it's great! Not much to say since it's my home but everytime I bumped into my expat friends who work or study here end up living here. So they must like it! Jakarta is simple, laidback and warm. But it is the people that makes it more memorable. Indonesians are known to be friendly and helpful.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Jakarta?

We usually party in clubs since we don't do house parties. We chill at so many vibrant new concept restaurants and bars. The food taste good too! There are so many street foods if you're adventurous.

How much does it cost to live in Jakarta?

I'd say with $600 a month including renting your room and going out.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Jakarta? Is there any advice you can give?

Not difficult, I reccomend a new graduate or students to live in a "kos". It is someone's big house with a lot of rooms. It's like a dorm but smaller and it's inside a neighborhood. But if you'd like to live in an apartment, there are decent ones.

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

The food is so great! They're very tasty. Whether it's an Indonesian dish or any other, we indonesians like to improvise in the seasoning. My favorite is "soto ayam", "rendang" and "sate padang".

What places would you recommend visiting in Jakarta?

I'd say the museums in Kota Tua. Especially Fatahillah museum. We have so many good restaurants and bars with good concepts. Like Skye bar and restaurant is nice and posh.

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

Depends on the person really. Some people can't handle street food. Street food is always good. If you're thinking about going to nice restaurants, I'd say the Social House in Grand Indonesia mall, FJ on 7 in Kemang and Cacaote for deserts. If you want fun area of Jakarta, go to Kemang, Senopati and SCBD area.

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

Yes it's good! Go to Fable Club, it's my favorite. There are a lot of international kids. Empirica is also nice. Mostly filled with international models. And also lucy in the Sky bar just in the same building as Fable.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Jakarta?

Be careful of pick pockets in the mall, you must know how to bargain, don't take the street bus. They're a bit dodgy. Take city bus like Transjakarta. The rules are pretty much the same with other countries.