In Reply to: Java first this time ... any tips? posted by Bintangluke on Sunday, 7. March 2010 at 17:07 Bali Time:
North of the "Big Durian" is a suburb called "Ancol". It is on the beach not that far from the centre of the city. There you can visit "Pasar Seni" a large art market, plenty to see and do with live performances etc. Attached to the art market is "Dunia Fantasi" A theme park with rides particularly aimed at young children. Your daughter will love it.
The shopping malls in Jakarta are amazing and they are everywhere. Try to visit at least one of the main ones.
Limit your travel in the city out of business hours to avoid the traffic jams. 10am - 4pm or in the evening is fine. On the weekend the traffic is much better.
When in Jogja you must try a local dish "Gudeg".
If you get lost and ask for directions from a local and he hesitates for a while before he responds, don't listen, he doesn't know the answer. In Java it is deemed to be rude to just respond with a "no, I don't know" so many of them will give you another answer ever if it's wrong!