Jakarta
Aug 18th, 2012, 12:55 PM
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Jakarta
I am planning to visit Jakarta for 2 days in the middle October 2012 before going to Yogyyakarta
I would like to know how is the weather at that time of the year and also what area in Jakarta I should be looking for hotel accomodation.
I am looking for a safe area and easy to move around to visit Jakarta Tourist attractions.
Beside the National Museum and Old Jakarta any more recommendation I should visit ?
I would like to know how is the weather at that time of the year and also what area in Jakarta I should be looking for hotel accomodation.
I am looking for a safe area and easy to move around to visit Jakarta Tourist attractions.
Beside the National Museum and Old Jakarta any more recommendation I should visit ?
Aug 18th, 2012, 01:33 PM
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As the rainy season is just ending, you may get some rain, but when we were there it was absolutely beautiful weather.
Also, for hotels, there are so many good options because it is a center for business. The only thing you'll want to take into account is distance from where you want to spend your time, as the traffic can be horrible.
Finally, the National Museum is amazing -- and will be great to visit before you get to Borobudur and Prambanan. Other than that, we just enjoyed walking around and absorbing the local culture.
Also, for hotels, there are so many good options because it is a center for business. The only thing you'll want to take into account is distance from where you want to spend your time, as the traffic can be horrible.
Finally, the National Museum is amazing -- and will be great to visit before you get to Borobudur and Prambanan. Other than that, we just enjoyed walking around and absorbing the local culture.
Aug 18th, 2012, 04:37 PM
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I lived in Jakarta for 16 years and I would say that it's not much of a tourist destination. If you have to be there, you can find entertaining things to do, but if you have a choice go somewhere else.
Weather in October should be good -- hot and smoggy, as always, but dry.
Jakarta is mainly safe, though it can be bewildering. Just be aware of your belongings and use common sense.
There is no such condition as an easy to move around location. Traffic can be miserable wherever you are and walking is not a pleasant experience. It's hot, there are no functioning sidewalks and the motorcycles are menaces.
Public transportation is non-existant so be prepared to hire a car and driver. Make sure you have a functioning cell phone as drivers are frequently lost.
The National Museum and some of the others like the Puppet Museum and the Maritime Museum are worth the effort. Check the hours as they are irregular. The Old Town and Old Port, only if you are truly interested in Dutch Colonial History. The Grand Mosque is impressive. The Botanical Garden in Bogor (about an hour south of Jakarta) is stunning, but don't go on weekends. I am not a fan of Taman Mini, though the architectural exhibits are interesting.
There are many fine hotels in Jakarta with beautiful pools, good restaurants and wonderful spas. If you can afford it, I'd recommend the Dharmawangsa. Otherwise, try one of the boutique hotels in Kemang. I like the Gran Mahakam.
There are also lots of good restaurants -- Indonesian, other Asian and Western. Food is inexpensive but alcohol, especially wine, is prohibitively expensive.
For shopping I'd suggest the Kemang area. It's not so easy to walk from shop to shop (beware of motorcycles!) but it can be done if you're persistant. All of the department store have massive arts and crafts floors. Pasaraya (two floors actually, one for handicrafts, one for batik) is one of the best.
Weather in October should be good -- hot and smoggy, as always, but dry.
Jakarta is mainly safe, though it can be bewildering. Just be aware of your belongings and use common sense.
There is no such condition as an easy to move around location. Traffic can be miserable wherever you are and walking is not a pleasant experience. It's hot, there are no functioning sidewalks and the motorcycles are menaces.
Public transportation is non-existant so be prepared to hire a car and driver. Make sure you have a functioning cell phone as drivers are frequently lost.
The National Museum and some of the others like the Puppet Museum and the Maritime Museum are worth the effort. Check the hours as they are irregular. The Old Town and Old Port, only if you are truly interested in Dutch Colonial History. The Grand Mosque is impressive. The Botanical Garden in Bogor (about an hour south of Jakarta) is stunning, but don't go on weekends. I am not a fan of Taman Mini, though the architectural exhibits are interesting.
There are many fine hotels in Jakarta with beautiful pools, good restaurants and wonderful spas. If you can afford it, I'd recommend the Dharmawangsa. Otherwise, try one of the boutique hotels in Kemang. I like the Gran Mahakam.
There are also lots of good restaurants -- Indonesian, other Asian and Western. Food is inexpensive but alcohol, especially wine, is prohibitively expensive.
For shopping I'd suggest the Kemang area. It's not so easy to walk from shop to shop (beware of motorcycles!) but it can be done if you're persistant. All of the department store have massive arts and crafts floors. Pasaraya (two floors actually, one for handicrafts, one for batik) is one of the best.
Aug 19th, 2012, 05:48 AM
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Do take marmot's cautions about both traffic congestion and difficulty walking anywhere very much to heart. When I travel, I love to go for very long walks, but it is simply impossible in Jakarta. I have not yet been anywhere else with such limited options for pedestrians.
Another tip from marmot that I would like to pass along: go for a "creambath," a delightful combination shampoo and massage.
I stayed in Jakarta twice, once at the Grand Hyatt by the historic roundabout which has the advantage of a connection to a major up-scale mall with many stores and restaurants. Given the walking problem (above), that is more of an advantage than you might realize. (I am not a shopper. ) The hotel also has a gorgeous pool.
My husband stayed at the Mandarin across the way from the Grand Hyatt on another trip but, did not prefer it even though we tend to think of Mandarins as supremely luxurious.
On my second stay, we were in a different part of town -- Kemang -- and stayed at the smaller, more modest Grand Kemang which was fine.
The National Museum was a highlight. The puppet museum was less impressive, partly because the scheduled performance that had been confirmed on the phone wound up being canceled. We tried walking around the old port area to explore it, but gave up after awhile.
By all means stay at the Dharmawangsa if you can. It is magnificent. I did not stay there but had tea, drinks, and a meal on different occasions. Absolutely lovely.
Another tip from marmot that I would like to pass along: go for a "creambath," a delightful combination shampoo and massage.
I stayed in Jakarta twice, once at the Grand Hyatt by the historic roundabout which has the advantage of a connection to a major up-scale mall with many stores and restaurants. Given the walking problem (above), that is more of an advantage than you might realize. (I am not a shopper. ) The hotel also has a gorgeous pool.
My husband stayed at the Mandarin across the way from the Grand Hyatt on another trip but, did not prefer it even though we tend to think of Mandarins as supremely luxurious.
On my second stay, we were in a different part of town -- Kemang -- and stayed at the smaller, more modest Grand Kemang which was fine.
The National Museum was a highlight. The puppet museum was less impressive, partly because the scheduled performance that had been confirmed on the phone wound up being canceled. We tried walking around the old port area to explore it, but gave up after awhile.
By all means stay at the Dharmawangsa if you can. It is magnificent. I did not stay there but had tea, drinks, and a meal on different occasions. Absolutely lovely.
Aug 19th, 2012, 07:09 AM
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It has been a couple of decades since I was last in Jakarta. I also tried to get out and walk - one of the things I love to do in Asia cities, but soon found it was just not a great idea. We did visit one small area of antique and craft shops, where I strolled and shopped for hours, but it was the only place I really walked. I still remember our visit to Pasaraya - I still have many items I purchased there - beautiful crafts, some of them old, some new, but remarkably good quality.
I expect you'll feel relieved to move on to Yogjakarta.
I expect you'll feel relieved to move on to Yogjakarta.
Aug 20th, 2012, 06:18 PM
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Hi there,
I live in south Jakarta. Although Kemang is lovely I wouldn't stay there because the traffic is extra bad due to all the smaller streets - plus it is far from where you want to go - Museum Nasional, Cafe Batavia etc. If you are here mid week and hire a driver, Taman Safari is worth a day trip.
Jalan Surabaya is antique street and also a good option.
The Dharmawangsa is incredible. But again, maybe not the right area for you, and you are only here for two days. I would recommend staying Hotel Kempinski, or Grand Hyatt as suggested above - that way you have easy access to Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia. Both places have amazing food and you an go to Alun Alun at Grand Indonesia for souvenir shopping. They also have bluebird and silverbird taxi stands - these are the better taxis for bules.
When going back to the airport, remember that the traffic during peak hour can add hours onto your trip so leave with plenty of time to spare.
Where are you staying in Yogya? We love the Hotel Phoenix.
Good luck!
I live in south Jakarta. Although Kemang is lovely I wouldn't stay there because the traffic is extra bad due to all the smaller streets - plus it is far from where you want to go - Museum Nasional, Cafe Batavia etc. If you are here mid week and hire a driver, Taman Safari is worth a day trip.
Jalan Surabaya is antique street and also a good option.
The Dharmawangsa is incredible. But again, maybe not the right area for you, and you are only here for two days. I would recommend staying Hotel Kempinski, or Grand Hyatt as suggested above - that way you have easy access to Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia. Both places have amazing food and you an go to Alun Alun at Grand Indonesia for souvenir shopping. They also have bluebird and silverbird taxi stands - these are the better taxis for bules.
When going back to the airport, remember that the traffic during peak hour can add hours onto your trip so leave with plenty of time to spare.
Where are you staying in Yogya? We love the Hotel Phoenix.
Good luck!
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