Sometimes, the best trips are the unplanned ones, and my recent visit to Jakarta with two friends—a long-time buddy and a new acquaintance—was proof of that. None of us had been to the city before, so we decided to make Jakarta our playground for a few days. It was a perfect excuse to catch up and explore somewhere new.
A City of Warmth and Friendliness
We kicked off our trip by sticking to the city center, but we also ventured to a newly developed township called PIK 2. On the surface, Jakarta seemed like any other big metropolis—skyscrapers, bustling roads, and a non-stop pace. But what made Jakarta stand out was the people. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with warmth and kindness. It made me wonder whether we were getting extra special treatment as tourists or if Jakartans are just naturally that friendly. Either way, their hospitality left a lasting impression on me.
One standout experience was visiting a café called The Neighbourhood. With live music setting the perfect ambiance, great company, and delicious food, it quickly became one of the highlights of our trip.
Food: A Reason in Itself
One of the reasons we were excited about Jakarta was the food—and it did not disappoint. We tried a few local dishes, and as expected, I loved every bite. At Pagi Sore, a local favorite, I convinced my friends to try Keropok Jangek—a dish I’m personally obsessed with. However, it wasn’t for everyone, as my friends weren’t as impressed. Still, it was fun to see their reactions and introduce them to something new.
Unexpected Fun on the Road
Our best moment, though, was an impromptu karaoke session during a Grab ride back to our hotel from PIK 2. The driver was so friendly, and by the end of the trip, we were all singing together in the car. Jakarta’s Grab drivers seemed to have a particular obsession with the Malaysian animated series Upin & Ipin. Every time we mentioned we were from Malaysia, they’d excitedly bring it up!
Navigating Jakarta: Chill Yet Chaotic
Jakarta’s infamous traffic lived up to its reputation, but surprisingly, it didn’t feel as frustrating as back home in KL. The traffic moved—slowly, yes—but there seemed to be an unspoken rule that as long as you didn’t bump into someone’s car, everyone just went with the flow. If the same happened in KL, it would probably end in a fistfight!
One tip for anyone visiting Jakarta: be sure to plan around major events. We happened to be there during a presidential event, which meant road closures in and out of the city center. We had to switch to bike rides to navigate the traffic, which was both terrifying and exhilarating. But hey, it’s those unexpected moments that make travel exciting, right?
Why I’d Return
There’s a certain charm to Jakarta that I feel not everyone will fully appreciate. It might seem like just another city at first, but once you dive deeper—exploring its people, food, and hidden gems—you find yourself wanting to go back. I know I do.
If you’re planning a trip, just make sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on anything. But if you’re like us, just winging it can sometimes lead to the best adventures.
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