In Reply to: Taking a trip to jakarta while there? posted by sar_dav on Sunday, 21. March 2010 at 10:38 Bali Time:
Jakarta is a big Asian city like KL or Bangkok. Like those cities, traffic jams are horrendous, especially when it floods in the wet season.
If you are travelling with children, I recommend staying at the Hotel Borrobodur. It has huge grounds and large swimming pool. You can get good rates by using a booking agent at Jakarta Airport such as Kaha.
QANTAS not Jetstar flies to Jakarta. So if you have trouble getting a QFF flight to Bali, try a QFF flight to Jakarta. The service on QANTAS is better than Jetstar.
Some Garuda flights to Jakarta, allow a stopover in Bali, so you can spend the majority of your time in Bali, but still see Jakarta.
Shopping in the huge malls is very good. Sunda Kelapa - the old harbour still has sailing ships (Pinisi).
I would not bother with one night in Jakarta. You will not see anything except airports, planes and a hotel. Give Jakarta at least three days.
Perhaps, next time you go to Bali, go via Jakarta.