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Expat Exchange - Discovering the Best of Jakarta 2024
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Lunch at the Ragunan Zoo in Jakarta, Indonesia


Discovering the Best of Jakarta

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Our Guide to Jakarta: Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Plus, Tips on Making Connections with the Locals and Finding Fun Recreational Activities

Welcome to Jakarta! If you're planning to move to Jakarta, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Jakarta has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Jakarta.

Jakarta is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for tourists and locals alike. The city is home to a variety of cultural and historical sites, as well as modern shopping malls and entertainment venues. Some of the most popular attractions in Jakarta include the National Monument, which is a towering obelisk that commemorates Indonesia's independence, and the National Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from the country's past. Other popular attractions include the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a theme park that showcases the culture and history of Indonesia, and the Ancol Dreamland, a large amusement park with rides, shows, and other attractions.

Jakarta is also known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include the upscale Japanese restaurant Nobu, the modern Indonesian restaurant Locavore, and the classic Italian eatery La Scala. For a more casual dining experience, visitors can try the popular street food stalls at Jalan Sabang or the seafood restaurants at Pasar Ikan. When it comes to nightlife, Jakarta has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, including the popular rooftop bar Cloud Lounge, the trendy club Dragonfly, and the classic jazz bar Loewy.

Jakarta also offers plenty of recreational activities for visitors and locals alike. Popular activities include golfing at the Damai Indah Golf Course, swimming at the Ancol Beach, and shopping at the Grand Indonesia Mall. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, such as hiking in the Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park, kayaking in the Thousand Islands, and exploring the Ujung Kulon National Park.

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Insider Tips from Expats in Jakarta: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Travel, Java Lava mt hiking club, BIS PTA, Cub scouts (either British First Kemang or American scouts) and the various artist groups," said one expat living in Jakarta.

"Expats in Jakarta often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, running, and yoga. Expats can also join language exchange groups, book clubs, and other social activities. Additionally, many expats attend networking events, such as those hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, to meet other expats and locals. Expats can also meet people by attending events at local bars, restaurants, and cafes, or by joining online forums and social media groups," wrote a member in Jakarta.

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"The local's lives revolve around work, getting to work and family affairs, photography and facebook but beyond that I can't comment. Expat lives revolve around work and family too of course but the family bit comes and goes. Many seem to let the nanny's take over and participate in a lot of Golf or women's organizations, and football/rugby. For us we travel, throw house parties, and participate in school activities," commented an expat living in Jakarta.

"Living in Jakarta as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The city is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, with a diverse range of cultures and cuisines. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to explore the city, from its bustling nightlife to its many cultural attractions. The cost of living in Jakarta is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. The city is well-connected, with excellent public transport and a wide range of accommodation options. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the city's excellent healthcare system and its many international schools. Overall, Jakarta is a great place to live and work for expats and digital nomads," said an expat in Jakarta.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

Lunch at the Ragunan Zoo in Jakarta, Indonesia

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