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Jakarta
The Big Durian
This bustling metropolis, nicknamed the Big Durian, is jam packed with things to do
and a joy to explore. With over 10 million inhabitants Jakarta is a cosmopolitan city
that carries a unique charm.
Getting in & Getting Around
The only way to get in from abroad is via airplane. There are two airports in Jakarta.
Soekarno-Hatta is the city’s international airport and a hub for Garuda Airlines, Indonesia’s
national carrier. Halim Perdanakusuma Airport is much smaller and serves domestic
scheduled flights, private charters, and military flights.
Jakarta is well connected to the rest of the country via buses, train, ferries, and an
extensive road network should you want to drive in.
Jakarta is a vast city with a confusing layout making it a challenge to navigate. Getting
around by car or taxi can be tricky during traffic hours so it’s better to use the commuter
trains as it’s more efficient. The Bajaj is a unique mode of transport similar to Thailand’s
Tuk-tuk, another popular local method is to use motorbike taxis which can cut through
most traffic.
Things To Do
Any trip to learn about the city’s
history should start in the area Kota
Tua, a Dutch legacy area, where many
old buildings have been preserved
and where the Jakarta’s history
museum is located.
For a concrete jungle of a city Jakarta
has a surprising green side to it. The
city boasts over 1000 parks. Our picks
of the lot are the National Monument
Park, Pluit Park, and Menteng Park.
The shopping malls in Jakarta are
modern, grand, and offer everything
you’d expect in terms of retail, dining,
and things to do. For an alternative
shopping experience, you should
check out one of the many bustling
markets dotted all over the city, Pasar
Baru would be our pick of the bunch.
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