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With a thriving economy and attractive expat salaries on offer, the lifestyle in Jakarta can be full of comforts and luxuries.
Traffic around central Jakarta can sometimes hinder leisure time during the week, so weekends are perfect for golf at Royale Jakarta Golf Club or scuba diving in the Thousand Islands. Short holidays to Bandung or Yogyakarta are also popular. There are plenty of sights to see and things to do.
The vast expat communities and associations in Jakarta provide a little taste of home. Regular balls and charity events fill the social calendar, and many associations participate in local festivals such as the Jakarta Fair and the Java Jazz Festival. From medieval banquets to Latin balls and Mardi Gras soirées, expats can enjoy the buzzing nightlife of Jakarta as often as they please. There are also plenty of activities for expat kids and families.
Shopping in Jakarta
Shopping in Jakarta is practically a national sport. Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia are among the most popular destinations. The city's immense variety of malls and markets makes it a shopper's paradise. Like most major cities in Asia, Jakarta has extravagant world-class malls with designer stores galore, as well as smaller local designer boutiques. Renowned designers and interior decorators frequently visit Jakarta and showcase their latest creations at runway shows and special exhibitions at the many malls around the city.
Malls
Visiting shopping malls is a central activity in the lives of many Jakartans. Malls provide an escape from the heat, humidity, and rain, and the many entertainment options make them pivotal in the lifestyle of Jakartans and expats alike.
Shopping malls in Jakarta can be described as lifestyle centres. Expats can leave the mall with a fresh new haircut after a massage, enjoy international cuisine, and buy stationery, a pair of shoes, and pet food. For shoppers, Jakarta's malls are a true cornucopia.
Markets
Markets are excellent venues for fresh produce, live fish, and beautiful, freshly picked flowers. These markets are usually crowded with bajajs (three-wheeled motorised rickshaws), carts, and even motorcycles, and they are bustling with life and colour.
There are often price fluctuations between locals and foreigners, so it's best to go in with at least a slight idea of how much something is worth. Bargaining is expected, so be prepared to negotiate prices until you find a good discount of about 10 to 20 percent.
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Dining in Jakarta
Dining in Jakarta covers a colossal variety of international cuisine, particularly in areas like Kemang and Menteng. Specialities range from high-end teppanyaki restaurants to small hole-in-the-wall venues that serve authentic Javanese fare.
For those with a sweet tooth, Jakarta is also known for its decadent desserts like dadar gulung, klepon, and onde onde. Local street foods, such as satay, gorengan (fried snacks), and the ever-popular nasi goreng (fried rice), are must-tries for anyone who wants to taste the real Indonesia.
Even though Indonesia has a large Muslim population, alcohol is widely available and served in most restaurants. Alcohol can be pricey compared to other countries due to high levies on imported spirits and wine, plus value-added tax.
Things to See and Do in Jakarta
Nightlife in Jakarta
Nightlife in Jakarta exemplifies Indonesia at its best: diverse and intense. From small pool bars to swanky nightclubs with long queues outside, the city offers expats whatever kind of diversion they desire.
Several neighbourhoods are popular among expats for their nightlife. Kemang, Senopati, Senayan, and Kuningan each have their own character and crowd. Kemang in South Jakarta draws groups of friends who want to watch sports, listen to live music, play pool, or enjoy a beer in a laid-back atmosphere. Senopati and the nearby SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District) are known for upscale cocktail bars and stylish lounges. The Senayan and Kuningan areas are home to some of Jakarta's trendiest and most expensive clubs.
Expats and locals attend the clubs to see and be seen, and booking a table for the night is common practice. Singles looking to have a cheap beer with friends and mingle with the locals often visit the area of Blok M.
Outdoor activities in Jakarta
Outdoor activities in Jakarta go far beyond the city limits. Volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls, and dense forests are all within weekend-trip distance of the capital.
Beach days are another viable option. Most of Jakarta's beaches require a boat trip, which is a fun way to get around, but for those who prefer something a little bit closer, Ancol Beach is easily reached from the city.
Activities for Kids and Families in Jakarta
Meeting people and making friends in Jakarta
For expats new to Jakarta, friendships and professional connections can make all the difference. The city has no shortage of ways for newcomers to find their feet, whether through professional networks or casual meet-ups. For remote workers and entrepreneurs, co-working spaces are excellent places to network.
The British Women's Association is open to all nationalities, despite its name. Events range from coffee mornings to charity initiatives, and the group has built a strong sense of community among expat women.
The American Women's Association of Indonesia welcomes American women and those with ties to the US, although membership is open to all nationalities. It runs a busy calendar of social events and volunteer activities to help its members adjust to life in Jakarta.
Expats with a passion for the performing arts can join the Jakarta Players. This English-speaking theatre group holds regular auditions and shows. For newcomers, it is a natural way to break into the local arts scene and make friends.