Taxis are available directly outside arrivals. The hour-long journey to the city centre should cost no more than 25,000 rupiah (less than £1.50). For those on a tighter budget, an air-conditioned bus travels from the airport every 30 minutes, stopping at five key points around the city.
Most of the five-star chains have places in Jakarta but the most relaxing, elegant hotel is the Dharmawangsa. Part of the elite Rosewood group, its high-ceiling lobbies and calm atmosphere takes one a million miles away from the bustling city outside. Internet deals for £160 plus 21% tax and service are the best going.
Jalan Brawijaya Raya 26, Kebayoran Baru;
Indonesian food is never pricey so for an expensive night out go to William Kafe Artistik, run by one of Indonesia's top gourmands, William Wongso. One has to book a couple of days in advance, which is when one plans the menu as each meal is made specially. The result is likely to be an amazing Asian-Western fusion meal. Food alone will be about £40pp. Drinks could easily see that double.
Jalan Panglima Polim Raya 63-65
Starring Mel Gibson as an Australian TV reporter caught up in the tumultuous last years of the Sukarno era in the 1960s. Yes, it's dated but it conveys well the sense of Javanese mysticism that influences so many people's lives.
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Jakarta basics
- Population:
- 12m
- Currency:
- Rupiah
- Time zone:
- GMT+7
- Dialling code:
- +62 21
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