Hotel & Travel

  2. HOTEL-AND-TRAVEL

 

Hotel and Lodging

 

 

Travel Tips - Jakarta

 

Packing Essentials

Jakarta has a hot, humid tropical climate year-round, with little temperature variation. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal.

Air-conditioning in malls, offices, and hotels can be strong, so a light jacket or cardigan is useful. Expect high humidity daily—packing deodorant, wet wipes, sunscreen, and a small towel will help you stay comfortable.

 

Purchasable Essentials

Rain showers are common, especially during the wet season (November–March), so a compact umbrella or light rain jacket is highly recommended.

Sunscreen, bottled water, and basic toiletries are inexpensive and easy to find at convenience stores such as Indomaret and Alfamart.

 

Spending Tips: Digital & Cash

Digital payments are widely used in Jakarta, especially in malls, cafes, restaurants, and ride-hailing services.

However, small local eateries (warungs), street vendors, and traditional markets often prefer cash (Indonesian Rupiah – IDR). Carrying small-denomination notes is very helpful.

 

Tipping Practices

  • Not mandatory: Tipping is not expected in Jakarta.
  • Restaurants & hotels: A service charge (5–10%) is often included. Additional tipping is optional.
  • Street food & local stalls: No tipping expected.
  • Drivers & porters: Small tips are appreciated but not required, especially for helpful service.

 

Transport & Ride-Hailing

Jakarta traffic can be very congested, especially during peak hours.

  • Ride-hailing apps: Grab and Gojek are essential for getting around and are generally more convenient than street taxis.
  • Public transport: The TransJakarta busway and Jakarta MRT are modern, affordable, and air-conditioned but cover limited areas.
  • Taxis: Blue Bird taxis are the most reliable and metered.

 

E-Wallets & Payment Options

  • GoPay – Widely accepted
  • OVO – Common in malls and cafes
  • DANA – Increasingly accepted
  • Apple Pay / Google Pay – Limited acceptance; not widely supported

 

Language: English Proficiency

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. English is commonly spoken in hotels, offices, malls, and tourist-facing businesses, but may be limited in local eateries and markets.

Learning a few basic Indonesian phrases (such as terima kasih for “thank you”) is appreciated.

 

Local Insights

  • Food: Don’t miss nasi goreng, satay, bakso, and martabak—Jakarta is a street food powerhouse
  • Malls: Shopping malls double as social hubs due to heat and traffic
  • Traffic: Always allow extra travel time; short distances can take over an hour
  • Etiquette: Dress modestly in offices and religious areas; politeness and patience go a long wayExpect warm, humid weather with hot summers and mild winters. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for outdoor comfort, but always bring a light jacket or cardigan for heavily air-conditioned malls and transport. Humidity is high for much of the year, so expect to sweat in non–air-conditioned areas; consider packing personal care items like wet wipes, deodorant, and a small towel.

 

The information above is subjected to change without being reflected on this page. Due dilligence for your own travel requirements is advised.