According to Abbreviation Finder, the Indonesian capital Jakarta may not be the main destination for Norwegians, which may have something to do with the geographical distance. Because with a flight of at least 16 hours, Jakarta and Indonesia can clearly be defined as “on the other side of the globe”. Nevertheless, there are more and more adventurous tourists who want to travel there, to what is a completely unique city without comparison. Every year, more than eight million tourists find their way to Indonesia, and then it is first and foremost the capital Jakarta that is the biggest attraction.
Among the world’s 200 largest cities, Jakarta with its more than 10 million inhabitants is in 17th place. In other words, it is a very large city, with very many people in a relatively small space. The coastal location far south of the equator creates a tropical and delicious climate, which means that Jakarta has an average temperature of over 25 degrees all year round. Consequently, it will be enough sun and heat no matter when you want to travel there, but it is recommended in the period May to October (so as to avoid the worst rainstorms).
Recommended hotels in Jakarta
- Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta-Lovely hotel with a very high standard. Features a full-service spa, great outdoor pool, fitness center and on-site restaurant and bar. Good feedback.
- The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place- Modern and elegant five star hotel with its own spa, swimming pool and health club.
- Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta–Great hotel with a high standard and good facilities. The hotel is also relatively reasonably priced for being a five star hotel.
Travel to Jakarta
Getting to Jakarta is not just-just, although there are good flight offers there from the European airports. You can get there with only one flight change if you travel from Oslo Airport, but you must expect a travel time of between 16 and 20 hours. It’s like traveling to another world, and when you first arrive in Jakarta and Indonesia, many will find that you have almost done it. The country’s official currency is the Indonesian rupiah, which can be difficult for Norwegians to relate to. 1 Norwegian krone corresponds to around 1800 rupiahs, and consequently it will be important to keep your tongue straight in your mouth.
When it comes to safety for tourists in Jakarta, one will experience Indonesians as friendly and nice. The only thing you need to be aware of are pickpockets. Also think about the weather – the tropical heat ensures that you should get plenty of drink. The drinking water should otherwise be bought in bottles, and not drunk from the tap.
Overnight and eat in Jakarta
Asia is generally cheaper than Europe, and Indonesia and Jakarta will be perceived by Norwegians as very cheap. When it comes to accommodation, you can get a perfectly fine tourist hotel for 150-200 kroner a night. If you pay three times as much, you can count on a solid overnight stay in a luxury hotel with most facilities and offers.
The Asian cuisine is well known through the countless Asian restaurants that exist in Norway, and it is food that many Norwegians are very excited about. In Jakarta you will find very many restaurants serving typical food from China and India, but also local restaurants with Indonesian food. You are unlikely to go hungry in Jakarta, as eating and drinking is so cheap that it almost encourages gluttony.
Attractions in Jakarta
Jakarta is an exotic and modern city, with a very good entertainment offer and a fairly good nightlife. There are plenty of activities for children and families here, and the climate alone is a good enough reason to visit Indonesia and Jakarta.
Ancol Dreamland og Snowbay Waterpark
One of the big draws in Jakarta – and perhaps especially if you travel with children – is Ancol Dremland (also called Dream Park). This is an extensive complex that is open 24 hours a day and consists of various theme parks. Here you will find everything from water parks to carousels, animal shows, aquariums, beaches and activities such as paintball and bowling. In other words, this is the complete amusement park that the world has never seen before! Snowbay Waterpark is a large water park with a variety of water slides and other fun. It is recommended to visit the water park on weekdays to avoid queues.
The National Museum and the National Monument
Those interested in art and history will enjoy a trip to the National Museum in Jakarta. It is several centuries old and is located right in the center of Jakarta. Here you will find archeological finds and historical objects, as well as some art. Also see the Jakarta National Monument, which is a large “glowing” tower in the center of the city. It should symbolize the will to fight for the Indonesians.
Shopping in Jakarta
You can not miss a lot of shopping when you are in Jakarta, whether it is in the local stalls at a market or in a luxury shopping mall. Souvenirs are best bought at Pasar Ikan. Cheap copies and similar products can be found at Mangga Dua. If you want designer goods at cheap prices (compared to in Europe), then go to Plaza Indonesia of FX Mall. Also, do not forget a trip to the marketplace.
Museum and concert hall
If you want a real encounter with art, then take the trip to the national gallery in the city. It has an extensive exhibition of both local and international art. The city also has a large concert hall / theater, where concerts with famous artists or bands are played or arranged weekly.
Spa and massage
The exotic Indonesia and Jakarta have a great offer in spa, massage and wellness. There are many extensive complexes here, where you can get everything done from a total treatment to a simpler manicure or face wash. It is relatively cheap with such treatments, so here we recommend that you treat yourself to a “full package”.