By Lawrence T. / Especially for those who are visiting Jakarta for the first time.–
Traveler with limited time when visiting a big city often worry about how to manage their time. This is especially true if it is their first time visiting the city. Even the existing traffic jam problem. With limited time, such as a one- or two-day visit, or perhaps between business trips, you might want to enjoy the city briefly but memorable.
Now we talk about the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek/ Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi). These cities have many amazing attractions that are a shame to miss. Jakarta, Bandung, and Bogor, for example, offer a wealth of cultural riches to witness and interesting places to visit.
So, here are some tips for enjoying Great Jakarta in a short time. These tips are guaranteed because as local we always adapt to them.
1. Make your own itinerary
Planning a trip carefully will make a maximum results. Prepare enough planning by writing it in a simple book, paper or typed in your gadget. Prioritize the visits you will make and be disciplined in adjusting them for available time.
2. Stay connected online
Try connecting online with the apps or travellers who have been to the city you’re planning to visit. You can find some reviews on Trip Advisor for destinations or restaurant recommend, for example. You can also find them on Google Maps to check the review, or to see if there is a traffic jam on the way. Their reviews will help you quickly and accurately identify destinations or attractions you’ll visit and recommend local dishes you’ll enjoy.
3. Join Walking Tour or option for hire a Local Tour Guide as driver
Most major cities in Indonesia typically offer walking tours for traveller or publics who want to visit or explore the city. Jakarta Good Guide, for example, offers regularly scheduled Jakarta Walking Tours with several licensed guides. You can pay for these tours voluntarily. By joining a walking tour, you’ll interact directly with other participants and gain knowledge and experience about the culture, customs, and history of the places you visit.
Sometimes, even though you have limited time, you still want to explore and get the whole destination. Why not hire a local tour guide who has private vehicle as part of their services? Your time will be greatly efficient. As your tour guide, they will quickly explain and take you to the most popular spots for tourists to experience the city. You’ll be more mobile and expand your travel knowledge despite your limited time.
You won’t waste much time, as you’ll receive all your travel needs directly from the guide who is familiar with the area.
4. Book a Hotel near the Destination
Look for hotels or lodgings that offer extensive information about the city’s characteristics and close to your desired destination. You can also use homestay services offered by local residents, where you can get accurate information directly from the owners about the places or tourist destinations you want to visit.
Of course, you should use services that have been verified and guarantee comfort and safety. Airbnb, Traveloka, and Trip Advisor are trusted sites you can use in Jakarta or other major cities in Indonesia for homestay services.
5. Observe etiquette, Adapt to the weather, and Magic word “Terima kasih“
Finally, this looks simple and trivial and is common in other countries, but it is very important in Indonesia. Indonesia, with over 17,000 islands and various ethnicities and languages, highly values Eastern customs. Make it a habit to adhere to the etiquette of each city. Even if your visit is brief, respecting the etiquette of a place will help you have a wonderful and unforgettable experience. When you interact with others in Indonesia, do so with a smile. You’ll receive a more charming smile in return.
Adjust your clothes to suit the prevailing weather in Indonesia. As a tropical region, Indonesia only experiences a rainy season, which usually occurs towards the end of the year until March, and a dry season, which usually occurs from early March to October.
Even during your short visit, remember to always say “Terima Kasih!” (Thank you) at the end of your interactions with locals. It will be enough for them as a great kindness and make your visit even more memorable.
