In Reply to: cheers posted by richardA on Tuesday, 1. August 2006 at 00:05 Bali Time:
Hmm... yes Jakarta, is a big crowded, polluted traffic jammed city... but then again it does have 12million residents..
I really cant think of any "outstanding" places to visit in the Jakarta area itself. There are museums... the national monument, Ancol (beachside area..but i wouldnt swim in the water), Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta, where you can see Indonesia in miniture, with every provence having a special area to themselves....so you can learn about different areas of the country all in one day..
If you wish to stay even for a couple of days.. there is a famous backpacker area, called Jalan Jaksa, here apparently you can get cheap beer, cheap accomodation.... its popular with some expats as well. Ive never been to that place, but the guys from my office go regularly.. :)
Otherwise you could take a quick trip one hour outside of Jakarta to Puncak, where its much cooler, nice views, and heaps of tea plantations.. its a weekend getaway area for most Jakartans.
You could also catch a train to Bandung, about 4 hours from Jakarta, here again, much cooler, lots of good shopping.. check out the volcanic craters in the area, and natural hot springs where you can take a swim as well.
Actually you would probably be better getting a train to Bandung..check it out...then come back to Jakarta after a day or two... you can get cheap tickets for the trains. Economy is like 30 thousand rupiah...but remember its economy...so you probably wont even get a "seat" etc etc..
christine