Jakarta City Guide

Food options are wide-ranging with local dishes like Nasi Goreng, Sate, and Rendang. The city also offers diverse international cuisines. Vegan and vegetarian options are growing. Many street food stalls stay open late.

Jakarta’s nightlife includes clubs, bars, and live music mainly in parts like SCBD, Senopati, and Kemang. Options range from casual to upscale.

Jakarta has a rich coffee scene with many specialty shops and local roasters. Coffee quality and variety are high.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Restaurants often add service charges. Rounding up fares or small tips for good service is common.

SIM cards are easy to buy at the airport or shops. Telkomsel offers best coverage, with XL and Indosat as alternatives. Registration with passport is required. eSIMs are available but limited.

Cleanliness varies—busy areas are cleaner, but some neighborhoods and markets can be messy. Waste collection is regular but recycling limited.

Some pharmacies and clinics operate 24/7. Convenience stores like Indomaret and Alfamart are open all day. Street food is available late or round the clock.

International products are widely available in supermarkets like Ranch Market and Carrefour. Traditional fresh markets such as Pasar Mayestik offer local produce. Supermarkets open 9-10 AM to 9-10 PM. Bargaining is expected only in traditional markets.

Cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants. Digital wallets like GoPay, OVO, and Dana are popular, even with street vendors. Cash is still needed for small markets and public transport.

ATMs from major banks are everywhere, mostly in bank branches, malls, and convenience stores. Foreign card fees range from IDR 25,000 to 50,000 per withdrawal.

Jakarta has many international schools offering English instruction, like Jakarta Intercultural School and British School Jakarta. Local schools teach in Bahasa Indonesia. Admissions often fill early.

Jakarta’s nomad community is growing but smaller than Bali’s. Meetups and co-working spaces help with networking.

Green spaces like Taman Suropati and GBK park exist but are limited compared to city size. Shaded areas are few outside parks.

Running is popular in parks and sports complexes like GBK, but traffic and air quality can be issues. Several running clubs exist.

Gyms range from budget to premium, with many options across the city.

Tennis courts available at sports clubs and hotels, with some offering equipment rental and coaching.

Padel courts are emerging but still limited in number.

Many yoga studios offer varied classes and English-speaking instructors. Drop-ins and memberships available.

Multiple gyms offer martial arts like BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, and local Pencak Silat.

No skiing is possible in Indonesia's tropical climate.

Limited watersports in Jakarta due to water quality. Better options at Ancol and Thousand Islands for kayaking and snorkeling.

Surf spots like Cimaja are several hours away on Java’s west coast, best visited during dry season. Jakarta itself has no surf beaches.

Thousand Islands nearby offer dive and snorkel sites for all levels. Dive centers operate in Jakarta with training and equipment rental.

Private hospitals like Siloam and Pondok Indah have English-speaking staff and good care. Public hospitals are less reliable. Pharmacies are common and often open late or 24/7.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Use bottled, boiled, or filtered water.

Many malls and parks have playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafes and baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Ragunan Zoo and Ancol Dreamland.

LGBTQ+ rights are limited and public displays are discouraged. Few safe spaces or events exist, so discretion is advised.

Pet-friendly places are limited, with some cafes allowing pets outdoors. Vet services and pet supplies are available.