Jakarta Travel Guide

The Latest Picture of Sudirman

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:42:00 +0000

Taken on the 20th floor, facing Gelora Bung Karno (left) and Sudirman Central Business District (right).

Best Cab Companies in Jakarta

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:15:00 +0000

Unlike other South East Asia capital cities I had been visited (KL, Bangkok, Manila), I find that taxi companies in Jakarta have better service and quite cheap. Most of the taxi companies in Jakarta are bound to use meter and it will avoid you to get conned by the taxi drivers.

The most recommended taxi companies in Jakarta are:

1. Blue Bird Group, you can book it at +622179171234

Blue Bird Taxi (Regular)

This blue colored cabs have really good taxi drivers, although I may not guarantee you they can speak English fluently, you will find most of the drivers are polite, honest (when you left things behind they always return them back to you unless passenger after you find it first, make sure to report it quick, happened to me for few times), friendly and the taxi exterior and interior are always clean and well-maintained. You can choose regular taxi (Sedan), premium (Mercedez Benz/ Alphard). Meter start at IDR6.000 (less than a buck) for regular. If you order by phone, there's a minimum charge of IDR25.000, but if your fare exceeds that, you just pay taxi fare without additional charges.

Try not to mistake Blue Bird with other taxi companies that have Blue Bird look-alike, always find "Blue Bird Group" sticker on the front window.

Tips: Upon your arrival in Soekarno Hatta International Airport, after you pass through customs, you can find line of taxi counters, one of the counter is Silver Bird (premium) one of Blue Bird Group's service, the price is a bit high considering the car, you can order this cab or just go to the exit and wait for Blue Bird cab in the corridor. To get you downtown, probably would cost you around IDR60.000-90.000 (depending on the traffic). Blue Bird group's drivers are always wearing blue uniform.

2. Express Group, +622126509000

I think this is the second best taxi company after Blue Bird Group, they have regular taxi (sedan) and Express Tiara (Alphard). The meter start at IDR5.000 and fare is cheaper than Blue Bird though. The taxi exterior however is not as perfect as Blue Bird. You still can spot fender-bender, interior however is clean. Drivers also wear uniform and cab is white-colored sedan.

Other: Gamya (Green), Transcab (Yellow)

Transcab

Tipping: it is not obligatory to tip the driver, if you have small note you can give IDR2.000-IDR5.000.

Sarinah in The Morning Traffic Free

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 03:01:00 +0000

This picture was taken in Sarinah at 6 am facing on the second floor of the first-ever McDonald's outlet in Indonesia that open 24/7.

The Newest Terminal for Domestic Flight

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:49:00 +0000

Terminal 3, originally uploaded by buzzmenow.

This is the newest Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Terminal, modern and very tiny, domestic flight only. There are J.Co, Bakmi GM and other coffee shops and gift shops.

A Glimpse of Northern Jakarta

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:46:00 +0000

Kemayoran, originally uploaded by buzzmenow.

Taken from Kota Bandar Baru Kemayoran. The blue colored roof building is a Christian church built by an Indonesian priest.

Driver or Risk Taker?

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:44:00 +0000

IMG00093, originally uploaded by buzzmenow.

You won't be surprised to see this kind of thing running around in Jakarta. This photo was taken in Sunter, North Jakarta

Foyage: Location Based Application Now Available in Blackberry

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:58:00 +0000

Finding nearby services and shops never been this easy on your Blackberry.

Foyage, a location based application for Blackberry helps you find places around you. Customized for Indonesia local information, you could use Foyage to find more than 12.000 restaurants, atm, petrol kiosk and many more in Indonesia and Singapore

Download (FREE OTA) Foyage from : http://www.foyage.com/bb

Features :
+ location aware
+ latest updates/review from users
+ browse wide range of categories
+ detail information with rating, photo, phone number and map
+ upload your review, photo or comments and share it with other Foyagers

Disclaimer : location detection can be vary depends on your hardware and location.

Contact Foyage Blackberry team for support
bb@foyage.com

Indonesia 2010 Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:17:00 +0000

Download Indonesia 2010 Calendar pdf file at this link

Heritage: Chathedral Church

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Cathedral Church is located in Central Jakarta, the real name of the church was Saint Mary Church and has been built 2 times in Gothic Style. Chathedral I is situated at Weltervreden and baptized at February 1810 by Monsignour Nelissen and father of Saint Lodovicus. In 1826, this church was burned into ashes. Then Cathedral II was established on February 1830, baptized by Monsignour Prinsen in the name of Saint May.

The location is the same as Saint Mary Church at this present time. In 1882, added two towers in the front of the church, but again, the beautiful church was ruined on May 1890 and new church was build "a Cathedral" but stopped on January 16, 1898 the construction was continued. On April 21, 1901 the church was officially opened with best oral of blessing by Bishop E. S. Luypen.

Address: Jln. Katedral No.7, Central Jakarta (check location on Wikimapia)

Heritage: Jakarta History Museum

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:51:00 +0000

The museum is located in down-town jakarta and it is the oldest building in Jakarta. This building was originally used as Town Hall of Batavia, which was built and inaugurated in 1710. At first, activities in this building besides dealing with government affairs, also dealt with marriage, judicial and trade affairs, making people in the past know it as "Speaking Building". After Indonesia gained its independence, the building was once used as Quarter of Military District 0503 of west Jakarta. Approaching 1970, it was preserved by jakarta City Government and on April 4, 1974 it was officially made Museum of History of Jakarta.

The museum features the historical development of the city, using a display of various kinds of furniture, chinaware, a map of Jakarta from the 18th century, portraits of Batavia's Governor General, European porcelains used bu them, stoneware, old gravestones, kitchen utensils, coins, etc. There area among others, the replica of the Tugu Inscription from the age of Great King Purnawrman, forming evidence that the center fo the Kingdom of Tarumanegara was located in around the seaportt of Tanjung Priok. Further, the historical evidence of the age of Sunda Kelapa Harbor is represented by a map of the 16th century of the establishment of the City the Bronze cannon and through various drawings and maps of the 17th century. Collection of furniture of Betawi style from the 17th, 18th and 19th century is the richest collection and belongs to the most complete one in the world. This collection is very interesting since it's reflects the association of the community of the City of Batavia with various cultural elements from Europe, especially Dutch, China, India and Indonesia.

Is in front of the museum with an inscription in Latin reading: "Ex Me Ipsa Renata Sum" means "I am reborn from myself". Its exact origin is not known but people call the cannon "Si Jagur" and many believe that it possesses certain mystical powers. Childless women go there to make offerings of flowers, hoping to be blessed with children.

Address : Jl. Taman Fatahillah No. 1, Central Jakarta (check location on wikimapia)

Phone : +6221-6929101

Operating hours :

Tuesday - Sunday : 09.00-15.00

Closed on Monday / Public Holiday

Jakarta Today

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:17:00 +0000

Jakarta at night, Taken from second level of fX lifestyle Center facing Jln. Sudirman, the central business district in Jakarta. You can find coffee shops like Starbucks, food court, karaoke, cinema and few clothing shops in fX. There's Transjakarta Bus Stop nearby fX and the building positioned across Jakarta Stock Exchange building.

Heritage: Shadow Puppet (Wayang) Museum

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:48:00 +0000

The Shadow Puppet Museum is situated to the west of the Jakarta History Museum. It was originally a church, built in 1649, and called Oude Hollandsche Kerk (Old Dutch Church). In 1730 it was rebuilt and given a new name “Nieuwe Hollandsche Kerk” (New Dutch Church). The building was then destroyed by an earthquake. The remnants of the building were totally demolished upon instruction of Governor General Daendles. Shadow Puppet (commonly known as Wayang) in Indonesia, especially on Java Island, was originally a product of the Royal Court culture.

It was first used as an instrument of worship to the ancestors, and after the Hindu culture entered Indonesia in around the 5th century, it developed shifting of values. The congregation consisted of high functionaries and their families and continued to function as a church until 1808.

The building as it appears today is the one that was built in 1912, as a store house owned by Geo Webry. In 19339 the building was bought by the Bataviaschee Genootschap Van Kunstenen en Wetenschappen (Batavia Arts and Science Institute).

Address : Pintu Besar Utara No. 27, West Jakarta
Phone : +6221-6929560
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday : 09.00am – 03.00 pm
Closed on Monday / Public Holiday

Heritage: National Museum

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:31:00 +0000

The Indonesian National Museum offers historical, prehistorically, archaeological and ethnographic aspects of Indonesia through its extensive collection of artifacts and relics which date as far back as to the Stone Age. It has one of the most complete collections of bronzes and ceramics dating back to the Han, Tang and Ming Dynasties.

The Museum has one of the finest numismatic collections in the world. Currently the Museum National houses collections of 109.342 objects under categories of prehistory, archaeology, ethnography, numismatics-heraldic, geography and historical relics. The religious art section is filled with statues and sculpture salvaged from sites of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic edifices. Its collection of Cultural instruments, household utensils, arts and crafts provides an introduction to the life of the various ethnic groups which populate Indonesia.

This museum is popularly known as Gedung Gajah or “Elephant Building” because of the elephant stone offered by King Chulalongkorn of Thailand in 1871 placed on the front lawn of the building. They offer two type of service; Consulting and Conservation & Service, Gift Shop and Parking Lot were available. Provide tours which conduct by The Indonesian Heritage Society in several languages.

Address : Jln. Medan Merdeka Barat No.12, Central Jakarta
Phone : +6221-3812346

Operating hours :

Tuesday - Thursday, Sunday : 8.30 am to 2.30 pm;

Friday : 8.30 am to 11.30 am;

Saturday : 8.30 am to 1.30 pm
The Museum is closed on Monday.

Admission charges:
Adults - Rp750
Children under 17 years and students - Rp250

Tours:
The Indonesian Heritage Society conducts tours of the Museum at the following times
English: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30 am & LAST SUNDAY of every month at 10.30 am
Japanese: Tuesday 10 am and FIRST SUNDAY of every month at 10 am
German: Thursday 10 am

Check the museum's web : www.museumnasional.org

Heritage: Merdeka Palace

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:04:00 +0000

This building is located at Jalan Merdeka Utara, Central Jakarta, before was called Koningsplein Paleis or the “Palace of High Representative of the Netherlands Throne”. It was built in 1873 during the administration of Governor General James Lindon, then continued during the administration of Governor General Johan Willem Van Landsberge and completed in 1879.

The construction was carried out by the ministry of Public Works and cost f 360.000. in 1949, this building then named Merdeka Palace (Istana Merdeka), because when the ceremony of December 27, 1949 when the dutch flag was lowered and replaced by the Indonesian Red and White, the word “merdeka” was cheerfully echoed by the people.

President Soekarno, the first Indonesia President later used the palace both as residence and office. The commemorations of the independent day of Indonesia on every 17 August, where people were mobilized to listens the state speech was held in the front yard of Merdeka Palace.

During the new order, since the administration of President Soeharto, Merdeka Palace was no longer used as the official residence of the head of state, because he occupied his own house at Jalan Cendada. Today, it has only used avenue for state ceremonies or receiving the Letters accrediting foreign ambassador to Indonesia.

Jakarta is a Melting Pot

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:46:00 +0000

Jakarta is a melting pot which reflects its diversity and character in her people, architecture and history. As the Capital city of a country, Jakarta never stops from all activities; politics; economics, socials, educations, cultures, etc. The cultural guarantee could personally take the form of the object made by humankind, did not move or move that took the form of unity of the group, or a part-a part or the remnants the rest of them, that be aged at least 500 years.

As the center of all activities and one of the gates to enter Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta provides many of entertainments to be enjoyed, including its historical inheritance, as the result of culture acculturation. Because of that, Jakarta can’t forget its history.

The cultural inheritance of Jakarta can be seen from many aspects, such as historical buildings, cultures, and arts. Also could represent the typical and representative style period as well as it was considered had the important value for the history, science and culture.

The long history of the city of Jakarta has noted, that the historical old buildings, contain ample of memories of the past and constitute and evidence of the course of development of the city. The existing evidences of historical works also reflect the strife of the communities of their age in developing Jakarta, making this city own an identity different from the one of the other cities in Indonesia. Even today, the historical heritage is rightly as a motivating force, encouraging creativity and inspiring the younger generation to do better for sustainability of the development of Jakarta.

The important object that it was considered had the important value for the history, science and culture also could be categorized as the object of the cultural guarantee and many locations of the place of the performance of art in Jakarta like the Jakarta artistic building, apart from the performance of art also were beauty of appropriate architecture was scrutinized.

Jakarta Souvenir Tips

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:31:00 +0000

If you haven't get a chance to visit another Province in Indonesia, you could surely come to these art,craft store to get your souvenir, the list here I got it from our tourism board website..

Indonesia Handicraft Centre
Jl. Iskandarsyah II/2, Pasaraya Big & Beautiful South Jakarta
Phone: (+6221) 7260170

Irian Art Shop
Jl. Pasar Baru No. 16 A Central Jakarta
Phone: (+6221) 3843422

Arta Nauli Handicraft
Jl. Tebet Timur Raya 55, South Jakarta
Phone: (+6221) 8294192

Akbar Gallery
Jl. Ciputat Raya no. 28 South Jakarta
Phone: (+6221) 7491713

Classique Sculpture
Jl. Pasar Baru No. 18, Central Jakarta
Phone: (+6221) 563 1652

Balikerti Art Souvenir Shop
Jl. Raya Krekot Bunder No. 67 West Jakarta
Phone: (+6221) 3848187

Fafa
Jl. Taman Meruya Ilir B1 A 12/2 Central Jakarta
Phone: (+6221) 5841784

Geni Inoivan Lestari PT
Jl. Puri Kencana B1 K7/1P West Jakarta
Phone: (+6221) 5823574

Thanks to http://www.my-indonesia.info

Jl. Kuningan Barat 2
Phone: (+6221) 5209689 - (+6221) 5272420
Fax: (+6221) 5229136 - (+6221) 5263923
Website: www.jakarta-tourism.go.id

Another Do's and Don'ts

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:30:00 +0000

Have you read my "Local Custom and Ettiquette Guideline"? I'm adding some Do's and Don'ts when you interact with Indonesians.

Dining
When you're going out for lunch or dinner with Indonesians, when the waiters do not serve food altogether, Indonesians politely won't eat and prefer to wait so they can eat together at the same time. And Indonesians usually will say "selamat makan" or "Let's eat" before eat.

Exchanging Business Cards
A lot of Indonesians follow the Japanese, when we are meeting with clients, we start it out by saying "Hai/Hi", handshake and introduce your name and what division are you working in, then exchanging business card by holding it with both hands and bow just a bit, remember a bit, no need to bend 90 degrees

Casual

When we are meeting old friends in mall or public area, we will do the handshake and then kiss both cheeks. Not kiss with lips though more like touching our left and right cheeks with theirs.

Use of The Left Hand
Being "kidal" or left handed surely not a problem, but in many occassions, handshake and hand something to someone, we use right hand, some people would think that is rude if you're giving something using the left hand. But it's totally understandable if your right hand is occupied, just tell them, "Sorry pakai tangan kiri ya" or "Sorry I had to use my left hand".

Burping
It is unpolite to burp in public, unless you are an attention stealer then you burp as loud as you can.

The Word Bule
Bule is how Indonesians call Westerners (Caucasian), the word itself means White. It's not a bad word or rude. And Bule is not 100% use to call Caucasian, when someone has fair skin (mostly Chinese), we would call them as Bule as well.

Safety
"Is Jakarta or Indonesia safe?" I even lose track about how many times this question has been asked by fellow foreigners, I heard this question too often, and my answer is YES!. Get robbed, pick pocketed, accidents would happen in many ways wherever you are. Agree? Terrorist bombing was not happened only in Indonesia, if I'm not mistaken, even UK got bombed more than us. Right now, Indonesia rank #67 as the safest country in the world (I got it from local online news), FYI, USA #83. Do not worry too much, we all have been affected by media frenzy, media loveees bad stories that's why foreigners only watch tragedies from Indonesia. Media won't cover "Dog bites a Man", "Man bites a Dog" instead.

Bad Luck Numbers
1. #4. Why? Because 4 in chinese word it's called "Shi" that means death. You won't see this number in elevator. We skip 1,2,3,5 and 12,15. Building management avoid this number because, if they have, no one would rent/buy on 4th floor or another 4-related floor.
2. #13. Same reason as you guys. Also this number is disappeared on elevator buttons.
So do not think that we miscount the button haha..

Friday
Friday noon, male moslems have to do "Sholat Jumat" or "Friday Worship/Pray" in mosques from 11.30 until 12.30 continue with lunch, so probably back in office around 13.30.

Read also Local Custom and Ettiquette Guidelines

Jakarta Today - 12 May 09

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Photo was taken in Sunter, North Jakarta - 12 May 09 around 1 pm

Jakarta Community Bar

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:44:00 +0000

Since my analytics shows people searching for gay bar in Jakarta, so here you go, I provide you with these 2 location.

Apollo Bar & Lounge check location on wikimapia
Bellagio Boutique Mall UG Level, Jl. Mega Kuningan Barat VII
Jakarta 12950, Phone: 021-91308423

The all new Apollo Bar & Lounge is a “mixed” bar, lounge & club concepts for Jakarta’s mid-high end Gay and Lesbian communities and their fun-loving friends! Everyone is welcome!

Apollo is conveniently located in central Jakarta on the 1st floor (UG) in the Bellagio Mall in mega Kuningan. The location is safe, secure and discreet, with ample basement parking.

Apollo is firstly a bar, where friends can gather for friendly after-work drinks and tasty bar snacks during Happy Hour from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Apollo is open on Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 PM and on Sunday for Tea Dance from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Heaven check location on wikimapia
City Walk Square, Jln Darmawangsa IX (above Centro), Jakarta Selatan,
Opens on weekend

Source: www.apollo-jakarta.com and www.indonesiaclubbing.com

Local Custom and Ettiquette Guidelines

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:50:00 +0000

Diversity
It is made up of over 17,500 islands (6,000 of which are inhabited) which are home to over 300 local ethnic groups, each province has its own culture, language and beliefs, other major ethnics are Chinese and Indian. Although Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world it also has a large number of Christian Protestants, Catholics, Hindus (in Bali) and Buddhists (mostly are Chinese). Major ethnics that live in Jakarta are Javanese, Bataknese, Sundanese, Padang, Chinese and Indian.

Meeting and Greeting
A handshake is the most common greeting accompanied with the word "Apa Kabar (How are you?)". Many Indonesians may place their hands on their heart after shaking your hand to show our respect. Many Indonesians, especially those from Java, may have had an extremely long name, which was shortened into a sort of nickname for everyday conversation. There are several ethnic groups in Indonesia. Most have adopted Indonesian names over the years, while some retain the naming conventions of their ethnicity.

Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift giving etiquette in Indonesia heavily depends on the ethnicity of the receiver..
Here are some general gift giving guidelines:

Gift giving etiquette for the Chinese:
It is considered polite to verbally refuse a gift before accepting it. This shows that the recipient is not greedy or also known as "Basa Basi", so don't take this either way. Gifts should be wrapped up with nice paper and not opened when received.

Gift giving etiquette for Indonesian (local ethnic):
Any food substance should be "halal" - things that are not halal include anything with alcoholic ingredients or anything with pork derivatives such as gelatine. Halal meat means the animal has been slaughtered according to Islamic principles.

Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Indians:
Offer gifts with the right hand only. Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colors as these bring good fortune.Do not give leather products to a Hindu and food substance also has to be "Halal",ingredients are not contain beef meat.

Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette is generally relaxed but depends on the setting and context. The more formal the occasion the more formal the behaviour. Below are some basic dining etiquette tips.
1.Food is often taken from a shared dish in the middle, to take out food from the shared dish use different spoon and fork that placed on the shared dish.
2.Informal occasions Indonesians love to use their hands to eat but this also depends on what kind of restaurant. Fine dining? of course not, more likely on restaurant that serves Padang or Sundanese food or event Kentucky, McDonald's. They claim it is easier to use hands to eat Chicken. Point taken.

Business Cards
Business cards are normally exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting. Business cards should display your title. This helps enhance your image and credibility and also could change the way people treat you. Well unless if you are Caucasian, suddenly the credibility just popped out. Give/accept cards using two hands with a little bow and examine a business card you receive before putting it on the table next to you or in a business card case. If you were in a big meeting with several participants, try to placed the business card on the table accordingly to where the participants are seated. This helps you not to forget their names, trust me Indonesian names are freakishly long and hard to remember and we are using first name basis.

What to Wear?
Business attire depends on what industry are they in of course for banker business attire is formal, shirt with a tie and a blazer, creative industry such as advertising, publishing, are more casual, some company allowed their employee to wear jeans.

Communication Style
Indonesians are indirect communicators. Dealing with someone face-to-face is the only effective way of doing business. If you offend them, they will mask their feelings and maintain a veil of civility.

Business Meetings
Initial meetings may be more about getting-to-know-you rather than business. Do not be surprised if business is not even discussed, this was how I get 60% of my business deals, through cups of coffee. "Jam Karet" (rubber time) describes the Indonesian approach to time, thanks to Jakarta awful traffic that is unpredictable. Please aware not to put business meeting on Friday noon, male moslems have to do "Sholat Jumat" or "Friday Worship/Pray" in mosques from 11.30 until 12.30.

Source: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk

Spaghetti House in Pacific Place

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:24:00 +0000

It's long weekend now in Jakarta, because of legislative election and tomorrow is Good Friday. Thank God, I could use this weekend to add hours to my sleep, I'm so sick because of the bad weather, sometimes it's heavy rain, but sometimes it super freakin HOT, I surely could melt just like a tiny scoop of ice cream.
Today, I hung out at Spaghetti House in Pacific Place, it's one 5th Floor. When I was in high school Spaghetti House in Plaza Senayan was my first choice to grab dinners with couple friends

But then they closed down the place, with unknown reason. I think their food is great, I love their lasagna. Just now, I ate caesar salad with shrimp for about Rp. 30.000 per portion with one glass of fresh avocado juice that costs me Rp. 18.000 something.

Caesar salad was good but I had better, avocado, yes it's fresh and my friends ate aglio olio with chicken and potato skins, both were great too, nothing to complain. Prices also reasonable and the place itself, they seperated smoking and non-smoking area. Unlike Mos Burger, this non-smoking area is larger than smoking one.

Canteen in Pacific Place

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:13:00 +0000

I totally love this one, I captured interior of this cafe, Canteen, and it's so cosy and comfortable with sound of chill jazzy music. Offers from cup of hot cappucino to white wine. Great place to hang out, and more love it because it has wifi connection. As you can see on the picture, the place look great, with wooden chairs, and bricks wall. The should add some french posters and hung it on the wall I think it would be even great.

Canteen is on the 4th floor in Pacific Place, located inside Aksara bookstore. Inside for smoking, there are 10 small tables outside Aksara bookstore it's a non-smoking area. Wi-fi connection quite fast with many powerpoints to plug in your laptop AC power, room capacity i think about 50-100 people. With 2 comfy couches on the other side of the room. And there's a bar just next rite where I sit. And one thing about the interior, I like they way they put wine bottles on the rack close to the wooden ceiling.

I ordered hot capuccino, Rp. 18.000, same price as my last avocado juice in Spaghetti House =). One main course in Canteen ranges from Rp. 35.000 to Rp. 130.000, and one bottle of white wine okay, they took beverages menu away. Food varies from western to asian. More western options. it's worth second, third and so forth visits. Gotta recommend this place to bunch of friends.

Check more hotspots location in Jakarta.

Jakarta Hotspot - WiFi

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:40:00 +0000

This is totally useful, but I gather this information from several websites and blogs so I am not sure whether these spots still have WiFi connection or not, whether it's free or not or with minimum purchase at least, but the ones with yellow highlighted mean I have proved by myself or from reliable sources. Enjoy...

Wisma BNI 46, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1, JKT 10220
Bakmi Keriting Restaurant
Food Court Restaurant
Java Bay Restaurant

Plaza Senayan, Jl. Asia Afrika 8, South Jakarta
Wi-Fi connection anywhere in malls

fX Lifestyle Center, Jl. Jend. Sudirman
Wi-Fi connection anywhere, and very lousy one.
Coffee Bean, Cosi and Koffie have different providers, maybe theirs better.

Citywalk Sudirman, Jln. Kyai Haji Mas Mansyur
Wi-Fi connection anywhere, internet speed is excellent.

Plaza Semanggi, Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 50
Anywhere on 1st and 2nd Floor and food court area

Plaza Indonesia, Jl. MH Thamrin Kav. 28-30
De'Excelso
California Pizza Kitchen
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Dome
Lamoda

Pacific Place, Jl. Jend Sudirman Kav 25
Canteen level 4, inside Aksara Bookstore
Fish and Co level 4
Oh La La level basement, below ranch market

Ratu Plaza, Jl. Jend. Sudirman
Millenia - eMall, 4th Fl.

Senayan City, Jl.Asia Afrika No.19
Urban Kitchen, 5th floor, close to foodcourt and XXI Cinema
J.Co, ground floor
Amild Cafe, ground floor - lagoon

Pondok Indah Mall 2, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah
Anwhere from 2nd floor to the highest floor and food court area

Gajah Mada Plaza, Jln. Gajah Mada

Anywhere in the building, FREE!

Mangga Dua Square, Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya
Mojo Cafe, on 3rd Fl (Next to Surya Cinema Jakarta kota)

La Piazza, Kelapa Gading
Free in public area, some coffee shops offer different provider. Try J.Co or Starbucks.

Kelapa Gading Mall 2,
Anywhere in foodcourt

Taman Anggrek Mall, Jl. Let. Jend. S. Parman Kav 21
J.Co
Coffee Bean on 1st Fl
Dunkin Donuts on GF

Pluit Junction, Jl. Pluit Raya No. 1
Anywhere and super high speed connection, love this one a lot!!

Menara Jamsostek, Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto 38
Anywhere on 9th Floor - Foodcourt

Mayapada Building, Jl Jend Sudirman Kav 28
Anywhere in foodcourt, basement

Mega Kuningan
Biznet

Airport, Bandara Soekarno Hatta, Cengkareng
Garuda Lounge, Departure Terminal E & F

Bellagio Boutique Mall, Jl. Lingkar Mega Kuningan
Bakoel Koffie

Kemang
Delights Cafe, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 9E
Aksara Bookstore, Jl. Kemang Raya no. 8B
Casa Cafe, 2nd Level of Aksara Bookstore, Jl. Kemang Raya no. 8B
Grand Flora Hotel, Jl. Kemang Raya No.7
Bakwan Ecetera, Jl. Benda No. 89, Kemang
Cafe Amor, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 67
Pizza Marzano, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 12

Grand Indonesia, Jln. M.H.Thamrin

Tator Cafe, West Mall

Coffee Bean, West Mall, Ground floor.

Depok Town Square
Anywhere in foodcourt on level 2

Gran Melia Hotel, Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said Kav X-0
Wi-Fi connection anywhere (based on my personal experience, wifi connection in hotel usually free for their customers only, otherwise they will charge or you need to use their business lounges to get access, like Hotel Sultan)

Harris Hotel Tebet, Jl. Dr Saharjo 191
Not recommended by some users because of speed trouble.

Jakarta Convention Center, Jl. Gatot Subroto
Anywhere

Dunkin Donut, Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Kota
Lokananta, Jl. Panglima Polim II No. 2
Cafe Pisa, Jl. Gereja Theresia No. 1, Menteng
Cosi Cafe, Jl. Pluit Raya No. 15A

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Walkway from Balai Sidang to Hotel Sultan

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:32:00 +0000

WOW! Today, there are 2 big events going on at Senayan-Sudirman area, traffic will get worse during weekend, so my suggestion is if you are going to attend any event in Balai Sidang Convention Center (primary Jakarta convention center), like right now 2 big events are Indonesia Handi Craft (INACRAFT) or Disney on Ice, both will be held until end of this week.

I just went there and tried to get back home, but if I took the way like regular people do, I probably spend like 2-3 hours. I suggest that if you drive to go there you could park your vehicle in Sultan Hotel parking area and there's an underground tunnel connecting Sultan Hotel to Balai Sidang.

Go to new lobby of Sultan Hotel and take the stairs to convention center. Then walk to to the end of the hall , you will pass by PACTO, I don't know what Pacto is, but it's some kind of office. Then just go ahead til you find glass door. Just open the door and there it is the loooong shortcut, no need to worry because there are 2 auto-travelators to get into Balai Sidang and go downstairs to take another 1 auto-travelator. Tunnel is fully air-conditioned.

I, alone just took that shortcut, a bit creepy because the walkway was like 500-700 meters and I was alone in that creepy tunnel plus I was forced to listened creepy traditional indonesian songs, but this shortcut save my time so I didn't care. And you could actually enjoy, (if you enjoy), paintings and giant pictures of our late president Soeharto hanging on the wall..yes, that 500-700 meters..on the other wall just paintings.

One more tips, if you take a cab, you could try to do the same way if cabbie drop you off at Sultan Hotel, but if you choose to be dropped off in Balai Sidang, if it's hard to find taxi at Balai Sidang lobby, you could take the same way to get Taxi in Sultan Hotel. Silver Bird at new lobby, Blue Bird at old lobby.

Mos Burger in Plaza Senayan

noreply@blogger.com (GohDewi) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 14:24:00 +0000

More new spot, Mos Burger, Japanese Burger, It's in Plaza Senayan on 3rd floor, next to Metro Dept Store.

My friend just ate Spicy MOS Cheeseburger, she said very nice, better than burger king.

One tiny burger costs around 25.000Rp, and there are smoking and non-smoking spaces, separated. I wonder why non smoking area is way much smaller that smoking one, and there are only table for two in non-smoking area. Maybe they have their own concept of "You Date, You Don't Smoke"..

I, duh, forgot to take food picture, I took location instead.