Job Discussion Forums

[KarYo]

Hi.
I moved to Indonesia a few months ago and have been living and teaching in Jakarta.
When I get the time I have been leaving the city as often as possible to visit different parts of the country. during my holiday period at the end of December I travelled mostly by train around the island of Java; I stopped off at Cirebon, Semarang, Cepu, Dieng & Wonosobo. Also, I have flirted with the south of Sumatra (Kalianda, Kruis and Bander Lampung).
I have also been to Anyer, Bogor and Puncak quite frequently.

If anybody can help me with some ideas for things to do IN Jakarta, that would be great. Also, anywhere else I should visit while i am here.

Likewise, if anybody wishes to know more about the places I have aready seen, feel free to ask.

Thanks in advance...

[father Mackenzie]

Hi Karyo

There are quite a lot of things to do in Jakarta other than drinking, karaoke and playing pool.
Ice Skating in Taman Anngrek, People watching in all the malls, take the ferry to the Thousand Islands, Ancol and Dufan Theme park (Ancol is nice good restaurants etc), more shopping. Lippo Karawaci has some nice restaurants and cafes. Paintball in BSD.
The museums are worth a visit and there are a fair few of them. The old city at Kota is nice and pleasant. Sit in the grass at the Monas.
There are several water parks here all good fun, there is a karting track near the airport.
Taman Mini is supposed to be worth a visit, China town at Pancoran and the markets at Blok M are also interesting.
Thats all I can think of for now but really Jakarta does need to be explored over time. Do you like living in Jakarta?

As for other places to visit in Indonesia, where to start?
Bromo, Boroburdor, Yogja, Malang, G Land, The mud flow at Porong (near Surabaya), Bali, Lombok, Makassar and the islands of Sulawesi, Flores.... the list is endless. You need lots of time to see Indonesia and appreciate how big and stunningly beautiful it is. There are so many places to see you need to priortise where you go and when. Travelling Indonesia is hard work but I find worth it in the end.