About Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta is a sprawling place with very little character. At its centre is the huge Merdeka Square with its tall Monas monument as a celebration to independence.

Most backpackers make for Jalan Jaksa - a ten minute walk from the train station which is likely to be your arrival point having come from the airport. Jaksa is a pleasant enough little street with a varied collection of average guesthouses. You won’t be staying in Jakarta long - it isn’t that great. Other attractions include some very dubious nightclubs (Tanamur, for example) and a reasonable amount of cheap shopping.