By: Ario Triwibowo

Jakarta is a megacity that has been growing rapidly ever since it was designated the capital of Indonesia. Most visitors to Indonesia land at Sukarno Hatta airport, only to get out of the city as soon as possible. On first sight, Jakarta is not a friendly city: getting around is hard and is best done by car, walking is (apart from a few areas such as Fatahilla Square and around the Monas), a chore, most of the entertainment revolves around one of the many malls.

It is now the largest city in Southeast Asia and continues to pull more and more people looking for a better life, every day.

By: Ario Triwibowo

Jakarta is both a city and a geographical region. In reality, there are five cities or municipalities in Jakarta, each with its own unique character and trademarks.

• South Jakarta

South Jakarta is famous for its hip and upbeat ambience. Many shopping malls, nightclubs and restaurants can be found here. Major business districts, such as Sudirman and Kuningan where offices and skyscrapers rise up into the smoggy sky line the streets. Shopping Malls are concentrated in Senayan (Plaza Senayan, Senayan City and FX Plaza) and Blok M (Blok M Plaza and Pasaraya). There are also a few malls in the lower part of South Jakarta, in Pondok Indah (Pondok Indah Mall) and Cilandak (Cilandak Town Square). The Kemang area is best known for its nightlife with numerous bars and clubs throughout the area. If you want to get a taste of true Jakarta culture, you can visit the Setu Babakan village where the Betawi heritage is kept alive.

By: Emma Kwee

Jakarta is serviced by Soekarno Hatta International airport, located about an hour driving (20 kilometers) from central Jakarta. The airport is often called Cengkareng by Indonesians, after the subdistrict it is located in. Many international airlines from Europe, Asia and Australia make Soekarno-Hatta their turnaround airport, while a number do continue on to Bali and Australia.

This airport is also the hub of Indonesia’s own Garuda Indonesia as well as home for most of Indonesia’s regular domestic airlines and low-cost carriers (LCC).  The airport consists of 3 terminals, with the newly built low cost terminal being the latest addition.

For most international visitors a visa on arrival is mandatory (25 USD). Make sure you have USD, Euro or Rupiah at hand, otherwise you’ll have to ask permission to visit the ATM that conveniently is located after customs!

By: Ario Triwibowo

As the most populous place in Southeast Asia, Jakarta is a bustling and a chaotic city that can easily overwhelm visitors. Being Indonesia’s capital, it is the center for both the nation’s government and the main economic sector. Behind the restlessness of everyday rush hour, Jakarta is sprawling with various attractions that you can indulge in. Whether you want to kick back and relax or party all night long, Jakarta has it all. These insider tips showcase my favorite places to eat, shop and play!

By: Chandra Drews

Nightclubs & Cafes in Jakarta After-hours. You can say many things about Jakarta, but not that it's dull! Check out this top 5 Jakarta Nightlife List: Potato Head, Capocaccia, Stadium, Dragonfly & De Hooi. Let your hair down and unwind in Jakarta's current hot spots!

By: Chandra Drews

With The Big Durian’s (a stinky but delicious fruit, a nickname that aptly symbolizes the capital of Indonesia) 19 million inhabitants it's no surprise that dining options are limitless. To taste the sweeter side of the capital of Indonesia, try these 4 top tips: Street food, Sundanese Food, Padang Food, and dining in the atmosperic colonial Cafe Batavia!

Indonesia might not be the first country you think of as a golf destination. But golf is a fast growing sport, especially in Jakarta. Golf courses in all shapes and sizes offer overworked city dwellers a unique chance to relax (and do some business). Want to practice your swing? Why not try one of the Jakarta driving ranges to perfect your skills?

By: Beatrice

The traffic is horrible, the streets are absurdly flood-prone, and the pollution is suffocating. Yet Jakarta is hardly ever boring, especially event-wise.

Admittedly, it is a bit tricky to find out where the happenings take place, although there is almost always something artsy going on in Jakarta. Knowing the usual spots would be a very good start.

Jakarta based Beatrice shows you where to go for your weekly dose of art.

By: Ario Triwibowo

Jakarta is one of the world’s busiest, largest and most populous cities. The Indonesian capital is ranked as the 9^th largest city and 13^th most populous city in the world. As the center of governance and business, the city attracts more and more people (Indonesians as well as expats). Indonesians come to Jakarta in search of better education, work and above all luck. Expats mostly for the latter two. Adding to the estimated 10-15 million people, this is not without consequence. The traffic is pure mayhem and living costs soar.

Jakarta Living Cost: Housing / Accommodation

For many foreigners, renting an apartment is probably the most convenient way to live in Jakarta. The city’s real estate / property sector has been growing rapidly throughout the past decade, as the need of strategic-located housing increases. Traffic jams have also contributed to this rapid boom. Traffic jams eat time, money and patience, so location becomes even more important when you want to settle down in Jakarta. If you work in the business district, be sure to find housing in the neighborhood, or with good access.

By: Putri Fitria

In metropolitan Jakarta, it seems nothing is more valuable than time. When there is spare time, most Jakartans spend it having a rest, or engaging in typical urban activities. Malls and restaurants seem to be the main source of entertainment. Feel bored with such routines and do you wish to get away from it all? The Seribu Islands are on Jakarta's doorstep and provide all the tropical island feel you need to reload and reboot before plunging back into hectic Jakarta.

Pulau Seribu is a group of islands located north of Jakarta, right off Jakarta Bay. The name Seribu (meaning a thousand) does not necessarily mean that there are a thousand islands. In fact, there are only 342 islands, sandy and coral islands either vegetated or not. Like in many other areas in Indonesia, most of Pulau Seribu's islets are not inhabited.  36 of the 342 islands may be used for recreation. Of these 36 islands, only 13 islands are fully developed: 11 islands are homes to resorts island and two islands are historic parks. Twenty-three islands are privately owned and are not open to the public. The rest of the islands are either uninhabited or support a fishing village.

By: Ray Teh

Jakarta is a busy city, that’s hard to get around in. Jakarta is with its 10 million (registered) inhabitants larger than major world cities such as New York (8 million inhabitants) and prizes for hotels can be comparable! Its sheer size, the daily traffic jams, pollution and pot-holes (even on the toll roads) make choosing your hotel a matter of location, location, location! If you choose to stay, in for example kota, the old center with nice sights such as Sunda Kelapa harbour, the Batavia café and Fatahillah Museum, it will be hell to get there or away, as the area is infamously gridlocked. If you are in Jakarta on business, the South is your best bet (Selatan or Blok M), close to the airport and the business district.

Besides these considerations, cosiness and a place to call home for a few days are also important factors. If you’re out on the road all day in hot Jakarta the thought of getting back to a cosy and comfy boutique hotel is certainly worthwile (even if you are a seasoned road warrior living out of a suite-case).

Below are my top 5 boutique hotels in Jakarta. Whether for business or pleasure, these Jakarta hide-outs will make your stay just that little more comfy and relaxing!