The Jakarta Experience as told by a Jakarta resident by Cantika

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

Jakarta is Indonesia's megapolis and it is the second most well-known destination in Indonesia to an expat, second only to Bali. As the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta is the heartbeat of the country so one can find anything that you want here. From a smorgasbord of impeccable restaurants to the exciting nightlife to the low-key cultural centres, Jakarta has it all packaged into one highly-densed area. Jakarta is renowned for being tough on its residents due to the pollution, gridlock traffic, and competitive atmosphere, but it also has a soft side to it. No matter how hard being in Jakarta can be, the naturally hospitable nature of Indonesians as people does make things easier. A word of warning for expatriates, be careful of strangers and who you trust because there are tendencies amongst locals to take advantage of a person's expatriate status. To recommend Jakarta for living, I would veer away from that, however, a one or two-time visit to the heart of Indonesia - ASEAN's biggest market and an emerging market that everyone wants to get a hold of - should more than suffice!

What is the student lifestyle like in Jakarta?

Locals identify Jakarta as the center of business, politics, and essentially, the country's financial hub. Never has the capital city been associated with being a place that is ideal for students. Due to the city's infrastructure, abundance of commercial venues, and large variety of F&B locations; Jakarta can be a fun place for students looking to experience life in a bustling city. For those interested in a more relaxed, studious atmosphere, Jakarta is not your best friend in this regard.

How much does it cost to live in Jakarta?

Given the country's megapolis status, Jakarta is easily the most expensive city to live in the whole of Indonesia. The city is surrounded by malls and boutique restos as well as cafes, but all are considered at a premium. Since Indonesia remains heavily reliant on imports for many raw materials in addition to the government's high import tax, you will find some items for purchase to be more expensive than in other countries. Despite all this, the cost of living in Jakarta is still manageable if you can control your spending wisely. Psst.. There are many temptations at every corner and that's what's going to entice your spending habit the most.

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

It is relatively difficult to find accommodation in Jakarta because a lot of landlords do not have an online presence. It is best to come to rent a place in Jakarta through AirBnB, Zen Rooms, or Reddoorz first while you adjust to the city first. Once you have settle in then you can start finding housing by walking on foot. I would recommend sticking to areas around the Golden Triangle area (prices can be steep!) which are Sudirman, Thamrin, and Kuningan.

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

To get the true culinary experience of Jakarta, opt for the hawker stalls in and around the city (best to Google it up because there are several!). Try national dishes such as rendang, nasi goreng, ikan bakar, and martabak. The capital is the melting pot of the country so you can pretty much find food from all parts of Jakarta though the taste may not be authentic to what you find in their original place. Be sure to wear loose pants and prep your belly for some gastronomic fun!

What places would you recommend visiting in Jakarta?

Remembering that this is a megapolis, places to visit include Grand Indonesia, Kemang, Senopati, and Senayan City. For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, opt for the Kota Tua or Old City area and Pasar Baroe (New Market). The Jakarta provincial government still has a lot of work to do in terms of tourist sites and heritage centres thus don't expect too much when visiting museums or historic sites.

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

Jakarta is dominated by local F&B chain giants, Ismaya Group and Union Group, in which both undoubtedly make superb food and beverages! The city also has a large franchise presence thus you can still have your McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Dunkin Donuts, and more here. For a safe bet, opt for the restaurant chains offered by Ismaya and Union; they have a strong online presence so it's easy to locate. You have to try the red velvet cake from Union Deli in Grand Indonesia.

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

For a hermit crab, nightlife in Jakarta would not matter. Partygoers rejoice because Jakarta has numerous clubs in Jakarta! Stick to the SCBD area for these locations.

What advice would you give future students heading to Jakarta?

Be smart, don't forget your purpose of studying, eat a lot, and enjoy the experience!