What the experience is like travelling in Jakarta, Indonesia, the true Indonesian city life

I have spent the last month in Jakarta travelling around the city like a mad person. To be honest, I didn’t think there was going to be to much here. But the longer I stayed, the more I realize that this city has it’s own uniqueness that has the ability to grow on you.

The Experience

When you come to Jakarta, expect to experience what true Indonesian city life is like. This is a city where you experience the complete opposite of the tourist packed island of Bali. It will be the more authentic experience that many long-term travellers crave and those who like to avoid the planned itinerary.

Cost of services and goods in Jakarta are generally cheaper than any other part of Indonesia, due to the sheer size of the population here, the competition is intense. For example, ordering a Grab or Grab food is cheaper and is usually half the price. Delivery prices is usually 3000 Rupiahs for food and zipping on Grab Bike can be as low as 10000 Rupiahs. You’ll even notice there are hundreds of grab drivers donned in their green helmet and jacket crowding many hot spots waiting for the next job to show up on their phone.

The People

When you travel a city, the first thing you’ll come to notice are the people. How they dress, speak, look, and even sometimes smell. The disparity of wealth here is quite large, so you’ll see a lot of poor people or upper middle class to upper class here. Regardless of classes, you’ll notice that they all seem to smile.

Points of Interests:

This city isn’t a place where you rush from one place to the next to get your next instagram shot. No, it’s more of a “let’s walk in this direction today to see what there is” type of place. Other than the National Monument, a modern mall called the Grand Indonesia, and the Fatillah Square on the north side of the city, you’ve pretty much have no where else to go.

However, don’t let that discourage you because there are many undiscovered areas of the city that can give you the lifestyle shots you’ve been yearning to take. If you haven’t been through a slum area before, try it. Your eyes will widen and your mind will open with the things you’ll see. Slum areas are generally in the north.

Experience a Mosque:

Visits to a mosque are open to everyone and you can generally get a guided tour. It’s as easy as a quick google search and you’ll find a lot of reviews describing their experiences and appropriate time to make a visit. There are a few prayers time throughout the day and you’ll hear prayer callings blare on loud speakers all around the city during these times. When the sun is setting and these prayer callings happen, it’s like a magical Eat, Pray, Love moment that you won’t ever forget.

Just remember that when you are visiting a mosque, appropriate attire is required. Men must cover from their hips down, so wear pants. Women must cover their entire body, so wear long sleeve shirts and long dress/pants.

Culture:

I found Indonesia’s culture similar to that of Malaysia, I mean after all, they are both majority Islamic Countries. But Indonesian food culture is different. Some things have the same name like “Nasi” for rice, “Mie” for noodles. But that’s where it ends. One taste of Indonesian street food and you’ll know the differences. They love their spiciness and Bakso (hard boiled egg meat ball) here, and it’s something you must try before you leave.

Travel Insurance

Before you go on your travels, I suggest you buy travel insurance to protect yourself in case something happens. Most companies won’t insure you for long term, but WORLD NOMADS insurance does.

WORLD NOMADS was created by travellers to fit the needs of travellers, and the best part is you can continually increase the coverage on the road if you decide you need more. Most traditional companies do not allow this.

I’ve spent the last 6 months travelling in Southeast Asia, backpacking Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore,  Indonesia so far. In fact, I’m still on the road currently sitting at a Starbucks in the Grand Indonesia Mall, right smack dab in the centre of Jakarta. Let me tell you ahead of time: Traffic is absolutely nuts in these countries. You need travel insurance, don’t go without it.

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