HI

We arrive at the CGK airport at 8;25 AM on a thursday and have to catch a domestic flight the next day at 9;15 am departure time. Do you suggest staying at a hotel in the city or near the airport.It would be great help if you could let me know considering we would like to see the city but not be delayed due to traffic. And how many hours before shaould we arrive at the airport?

Thank you
Amaan

Jakarta doesn't offer a lot of tourism opportunities. There are some beautiful hotels -- The Dharmawangsa and the Grand Hyatt would be my top choices, but there are many others. All have lovely pools, lovely spas and good restaurants. The Grand Hyatt is adjacent to two monstrous upscale shopping malls with even more restaurants. The Dharmawangsa is in a leafy suburb just a short taxi from the lively Kemang neighborhood for trendy restaurants, shops and clubs.

The Bandara which is about a 5 minute taxi from the airport is quite pleasant. If you decide to stay in town plan to leave your hotel 2.0 to 2.5 hours before your domestic flight. I always make it 2.5 and I'm always the only person at the gate a full hour before departure, even with checked baggage.

For excellent shopping for bargains and arts & crafts (including batik) I like Pasaraya Department Store and and Grand Indonesia. Tanah Abang and Dua Mangga if you are a serious bargain shopper and have a high tolerance for pain.

Food in Jakarta has become quite sophisticated in the past few years. I'm not up to date on current favorites, but you can find information on line.

The National Museum has a very good representation of art and architecture across the archipeligo, but make sure to check the opening hours before you go.

The best way to get from the airport to town is by Silver Bird Taxi. They have a counter at the airport. Taxis are OK for short trips. Blue Bird Taxis are recommended. Drivers don't speak much English and they never have change, so be prepared (or take a Silver Bird).

Traffic in Jakarta is shocking. I wound up spending my free night at the new inexpensive Budget Ibis Tanah Abang, which is actually a 10 or 15 minute WALK to the National Museum (safe but keep an eye on the sidewalk). The upper levels of the National Museum are well worthwhile and I had to pay a visit to the Flores Man exhibit also. As you exit the museum you'll likely be solicited to take tour of the national Monument which is across the street. Another possibility is to visit the old Dutch section..be aware if you use a taxi or driver it is hard to find nearby parking, but mine persisted. Even without any explanations or guiding, I enjoyed walking through the Wayang puppet museum. Because of the parking situation he could only wait about 15-30 minutes for me. I would have liked more time there.