Jakarta Travel Essential Guide is here

1. Transportation: Jakarta offers many transportation options such as trains, MRT, BRT, etc. For tourists, the most recommended is riding a motorcycle taxi (ojek), as the prices here are relatively affordable and it avoids traffic jams.
2. Jakarta has a BRT system; Route 1 connects Kota Tua Old Town, Independence Square, Grand Indonesia CBD, and more. It’s quite practical and can be used, but you need to buy a card costing 50k, which includes a 10k balance. The MRT and trains are relatively less practical.
3. Attractions: First, I recommend Kota Tua Old Town, which really has a tropical vibe but is quite small. At night, the central square has many people singing. Independence Square is worth a visit; you need to pay an entrance fee to go inside. Foreigners seem to need to buy a card on their first visit. I spent a total of 50k. Inside, there are some exhibits about Indonesian history, and you can enjoy the Jakarta city view from the stage.
4. Istiqlal Mosque: This is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and the third largest mosque in the world. Visitors must enter through Gate 5 opposite Jakarta Cathedral. Turn left to find a tourist information center where free guided tours are available, but be mindful of the dress code. The interior is quite impressive.
5. Jakarta Cathedral: Located right opposite the mosque, it can be visited together. However, it is said that motorcycle gangs are common in this area, so everyone should be careful to protect their phones.
6. The best meal was taken us by a former boss stationed locally to a beautiful restaurant called Tugu Kunstkring Paleis, a renovated old building from the Dutch colonial period. The environment and dishes were very distinctive. The rest of the days were spent hungry and unwilling to eat, and after a week of hunger, finally, I can go home.

Post by Apollo_3_Stormrider-48 | Mar 3, 2025