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Jakarta - pre-travel post
Jakarta is the largest city. and capital of Indonesia. It has a booming population of 9.7m. The city is often full of traffic, so walking may be your best option most of the time. When we get here Dave will find out that I haven't done my research properly, and we should get here in the height of the wet season, still, at least I've given him a poncho. Temperatures should be in the mid to high 20's, so warm and wet, lovely. Rooms start at around 125000 rupiah.
A little rain never hurt anyone, so we can still do all these outdoor activities like visiting the Old Town, or Kota Tua. The are of the city has a square in old Dutch colonial style, with cafes and street vendors, and even a good few museums, great for a wander and some photo opportunities (if youve got a waterproof camera). There is also a lovely bridge here called Jembatan Kota Intan, a suspension bridge built in 1628. If you're really feeling the local and cultural vibes, you can get down the gritty stuff by taking a hidden tour of Jakarta. Ronny and Anneke will take you to some local slums and make you sympathise with the people who gross you out with how they live, but you can feel slightly better about yourself knowing that the money you paid for the tour goes to the local people, so you can stop worrying about it now, they're probably rolling in it.
When you feel like you've done your bit for the world, hit up Jalan Jaksa, a popular place for travellers so naturally where the party is. Also much of the cheap accommodation, food and drinks can be found here.
But it's not all about architecture and cultural shit, there's something for nature lovers too! Haven't seen all the birds you wanted on a trip to Bird Island? Why not see them all for sale in cages? I know, not nice, but the Bird Market might be worth a quick visit.
Finally, Jakarta seems to be some kind of musical hub, hosting a vast array of festivals year round. Around about the time we got there (4th - 6th March) is the Jakarta Java Jazz Festival, who doesn't love jazz?
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