We have very low expectations of Jakarta but we were
pleasantly surprised by it that we came home full of charming and heartwarming
memories to remember it by. Come to think of it, most of our travel
memories that lingers with us stems from the most unexpected adventures.
Jakarta is exactly as they say; chaotic, noisy and
polluted; but amidst the chaos, noise and pollution, Indonesians are one of the
sweetest, friendliest neighbors we’ve met. Not only once did someone went
of their way to help us find our destination when we were desperately lost –
one even acted as our tour guide and photographer and flat out refused the tip
we were insisting on. Indonesians we found are always, always with a ready toothy smile.
And their food! Delicious! We savored every bit and relished every taste. Word of caution though, when a local tells you the dish is not spicy, DO NOT believe him. You’ll thank me for it.
WHAT TO SEE:
Passer Baroe
Built
in 1821, it’s the oldest shopping center in Jakarta. Much like Manila’s
Tutuban, cheap shopping, you can basically find anything here from knock-off
designer items to authentic batik products, household items and furniture,
textile shops and shoe stores and lots and lots of street food.Taman Fatahillah also called Taman Square or Old Batavia
Jakarta Cathedral
Istiqlal Mosque
The largest mosque in Southeast Asia,
visitors are welcomed Muslim or not. A local at the entrance asked us to
take off our shoes and led us to some sort of viewing deck where you can take
pictures. Please be advised that at the exit someone will approach you
for a donation, this is not a scam so don’t be too dismissive, they might take
you to a room and ask you to sign a guestbook and if you’re lucky, you might
get a bit of a history lesson as well.

NOTES:
Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport – IATA Code: CGK
located 20 kilometers west of Jakarta city center
Currency: Indonesia Rupiah exchange rate at that time
(Augusut 2013) 1USD = 12040 Indonesian Rupiah.
Electrical
outlets – 2 round pins
Philippine
time is an hour advance.
Jakarta is a beautiful city of Indonesia. It offers attractions, food and adventure that will make your stay worthwhile and more memorable.
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