Here I share travel information, all meal prices, and my honest impressions of the flavors.
Travel Period: August 25, 2023 – August 28, 2023
Impressions of Jakarta, Indonesia
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Good Impressions of Safety
I didn’t feel much danger walking at night. In fact, the potholes on the roads seemed to pose a greater risk.
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Shopping Mall Paradise
There are shopping malls everywhere in Jakarta. They are enormous and truly breathtaking. However, competition appears fierce, and some malls even seem rather empty.
Some malls resemble Akihabara, filled almost entirely with smartphone and PC shops. It is clear that smartphones and PCs are extremely popular in Indonesia.
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The Donut Phenomenon
The center of Jakarta feels less crowded than its metropolitan population would suggest. Amid rapid development, a “donut phenomenon” seems to be taking hold. Despite the many huge malls, the number of patrons appears low. This may also be linked to an unorganized suburban sprawl, which I hope to explore someday.
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Great Value for Food
The food offers excellent value – local dishes can be enjoyed at roughly 50–70% of the price one would pay in Japan.
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Many Dishes Suitable for Japanese Tastes
Indonesian cuisine, influenced by Chinese culinary traditions, includes many dishes that appeal to Japanese palates, such as nasi goreng and mie goreng.
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Very Japanophilic
When people realize you are Japanese, their reactions noticeably change. At hotel check-in, when I showed my passport, they clearly responded with an “Oh!”—a reflection of the country’s well-known affinity for Japan.
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Perhaps Too Many Cats
There seem to be many cats that are used to human contact and are quite unguarded.
However, no matter how cute they are, you must be cautious about touching them—a simple scratch could risk rabies.
After all, cats are cute.
Places Visited
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The Slums in North Jakarta
Despite being a megacity, slums are scattered throughout. You might wander into one purely out of curiosity.
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Children playing on the railway tracks, even flying kites.
The free, unstructured atmosphere is strangely appealing.
A truly deep environment—rather peaceful than dangerous.
Although slums are typically places to be cautious, I felt no danger at all and everyone was friendly. I was treated to sweet iced coffee and even given a ride on a motorcycle to a nearby nightlife spot. When I tried to tip at the end, they refused completely. It was surprisingly heartwarming and left a deep impression.
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Taman Anggrek Mall
One of Indonesia’s largest shopping malls. There are many Japanese stores, suggesting a high concentration of Japanese people in the area.
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It is so massive that you can’t capture it all in a close-up photo—the sight in person is even more impressive.
The sense of liberation right after passing through the entrance is remarkable.
A ramen shop, with menus written in Japanese.
They even have a skating rink and everything else.
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FX Sudirman
A mall that houses the JKT48 Theater. Cosplayers gather here for lively events—it has become a mecca for otakus. Although anime merchandise is available, many items are unofficial.
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The entrance is bustling with cosplayers. Youth really is wonderful.
A Naruto cosplay group struck some perfect poses once I asked for photo permission.
The merchandise sales corner—take a look around.
It had the vibe of an instant fan convention.
Hmm, this card seems official (not really).
Their business sense is quite impressive.
There’s also a live stage where they freely play anime songs, and everyone seems to be having a blast singing together.
I even discovered the much-rumored JKT48 Theater.
It was truly a feast for the eyes.
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BLOK M
A famous nightlife district in Jakarta that many Japanese tourists have likely visited and enjoyed. Comparable to Malate in the Philippines or Tanya Street in Thailand, it appears to be an all-around nighttime hotspot where you can shop and savor gourmet cuisine.
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This landmark makes you feel, “I’m in BLOK M!”
The area is bustling with people and offers a variety of street food. It wasn’t as sketchy as I had imagined.
There are quite a few upscale Japanese restaurants—perhaps catering to Japanese visitors.
"YUUI" – what a clever name. It seems they might be targeting a more mature crowd.
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Surabaya Street | Jl. Surabaya
It is said to be the inspiration for Yumi Matsutoya’s song "To the Sister on Surabaya Street." However, there is also the port city of Surabaya to the east of Jakarta, which might be the reference.
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Many shops have their shutters closed—perhaps still bearing the scars of COVID.
A wide selection of travel bags and similar items are sold here, so you can easily pick up what you need on your trip.
From old VCRs to record players, countless antiques are on sale—there might even be some rare finds.
There are also plenty of items resembling traditional musical instruments.
A vast array of curious figurines can be found here.
A Japanese name is even written in the bottom right—one wonders why it’s there.
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Istiqlal Grand Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Asia, truly overwhelming in scale. You can tour the interior, making it well worth a visit. Interestingly, the mosque’s architect, Frederick Siraban, is a Christian.
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The building has an undeniably imposing presence.
Inside, a vast space unfolds, and the massive columns and the throng of worshippers are awe-inspiring.
Looking up, its grandeur is unmistakable.
It is said that this enormous drum is made from a single cowhide—one wonders how huge that cow must have been.
This appears to be the courtyard on the rooftop. Interestingly, the view of a Christian church in the distance reflects the diverse religious landscape of Indonesia.
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Indonesian National Museum | Museum Nasional Indonesia
A very large museum that, according to its website, houses 190,000 historically valuable items. In person, the sheer number of exhibits is astounding, making it a must-visit for those interested in Indonesian history and culture.
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The museum entrance.
A statue of the Hindu god Ganesha. Hm, I thought Indonesia was primarily Islamic—but it appears that Bali is predominantly Hindu.
A piggy bank, which is said to have originated in 14th century England—remarkable that it made its way here.
Traditional Indonesian instruments such as the rebab and the sape of the Dayak people.
Stilt houses.
An impressive weapon—its name remains unknown.
A statue resembling a divine guardian.
A stone monument—wonder what is inscribed on it.
Food Expenses and Taste Ratings for a Solo Trip to Jakarta, Indonesia
Gourmet Images and a Brief Comment
There are also some gourmet images not listed here.
Nasi Goreng Pagoda
Jakarta, Mangga Dua SquareI want to fall in love with Indonesia. Starting with safe choices, I aimed to get closer step by step, beginning with their staple dish, nasi goreng. The garlicky soy sauce-flavored fried rice was perfectly cooked, with a runny fried egg adding flair and nutrition. Delicious food makes you love the country!
Anker Beer
JakartaDespite Indonesia being a Muslim country where alcohol is typically forbidden, I found many places to drink, much to my pleasant surprise. Their domestic Anker beer, rich and flavorful enough to enjoy without snacks, had a powerful taste that made it a true anchor (Anker) of my experience. Sometimes, forbidden things make the best appetizers.
Sweet Coffee from the Slums
JakartaWhile exploring Jakarta, I inadvertently found myself in a slum. I was struck by the children playing on the railway tracks and the palpable economic disparity. While wary of potential theft, I walked cautiously through the area. Surprisingly, everyone was incredibly friendly, and I even received a free iced coffee. The warmth of the people disarmed my caution, leaving me feeling unguarded.
Kerak Telor
JakartaYou often find yourself battling the urge to try new foods overseas. I took on the challenge of "Crac Te Ruel," a dish of eggs and glutinous rice turned upside down in a pot, embodying traditional cuisine. The hot, crispy rice had a flavor reminiscent of scorched egg fried rice, enhanced by spices and crunchy coconut shavings. Curiosity often triumphs over hesitation.
Gado-gado
JakartaGado Gado, meaning "mixed" in Indonesian, is akin to a hodgepodge. Initially, the spicy peanut sauce was overwhelming, but it paired well with warm vegetables and fried tofu. However, the dish seemed a bit off, likely due to being served at closing time with ingredients stored at room temperature. Despite the oversight, it made for a memorable experience.
Sweet and Spicy Guava
JakartaFruit with sweet sauce and chili powder? This odd combination intrigued me. The guava, coated in a sweet sauce, became even sweeter, while the chili powder added a spicy kick, creating an addictive sweet-spicy balance. Asia's culinary prowess captures your heart like a mother's embrace.
Coconut Juice
JakartaThe coconut is an elite fruit, versatile enough to be used in cosmetics and oils. Indonesia, the world's top producer, showcases its power. At a food court, fluffy white coconut shavings and a pink, milk-like sweetness were irresistible. Though it needs no introduction, the coconut's versatility demands praise.
Sate (Goat Meat)
JakartaAfter trying various cuisines, you start to guess their flavors accurately. I thought I had "satay," an Indonesian dish, figured out. The juicy, salted goat meat skewers made me crave beer. Dipping them in a savory-sweet sauce paired perfectly with rice. This taught me the value of savoring each meal rather than making assumptions.
Kolang Kaling
Jakarta, Local MarketIn Jakarta, I discovered "Kolangkaling," a dessert resembling red jewels. The juicy, crunchy bite was refreshing and sweet. Surprisingly, it was made from the endosperm of sugar palm seeds, a treat exclusive to tropical regions. It's a sneaky regional specialty, Earth!
Mee Ayam (BBQ Chicken Noodles)
Jakarta, TRANSMARTSlurping the chewy, sweet-sauced noodles of "Mie Ayam," the flavorful chicken made the experience delightful. The noodles' unique texture had roots in Chinese cuisine but were customized to be Halal. Each bite tasted like a culinary evolution.
Salted Egg Bun (Bakpao Telur Asin)
Jakarta, TRANSMARTJakarta's shopping malls are abundant but highly competitive. In a less bustling mall, I tried "Bakpao," a Chinese bun. The moist bun with juicy, mildly sweet egg filling was satisfying. Maintaining quality despite fewer customers showed the restaurant's dedication.
Nasi Goreng
Jakarta, Nasi Goreng Kebuli Apjay Pak Ivan Panglima Polim IXRestrictions can enhance the flavor, much like in manga. This "Nasi Goreng" was only available at night, requiring a 30-minute wait. The complex pepper and Sichuan flavors made it like a dry curry fried rice. Analyzing the taste was challenging, showing some flavors can't be easily replicated.
Avocado Milk Drink
Jakarta, Blok M SquareJakarta's Blok M is famous for nightlife and street food. I tried "Avocado Milk" from a street vendor. The unique avocado flavor was balanced by milk, with condensed milk adding pure sweetness. The area also boasts many Japanese-speaking establishments for a fun night out!
Bacang
Jakarta, Istiqlal MosqueThe Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia's largest, had a nearby rare treat called "Bacang." The rice soaked in sweet sauce with minced pork was delightful. Selling pork near a mosque highlighted Indonesia's impressive tolerance. The country's grandeur extends beyond its mosques.
Coconut Juice
Jakarta, National Monument / MonasSometimes, there's food that's not particularly tasty but still enjoyable. Near Jakarta's National Monument, I tried coconut juice. Its unique taste wasn't exactly delicious but had a strange appeal. A positive outlook is crucial, though saying this at home might be risky.
Iga Bakar (Grilled Short Ribs)
Jakarta, National Monument / MonasIndonesia's irresistible dish, "Iga Bakar," features short ribs. The fatty beef and sweet-spicy sauce were heart-melting. Once you start eating, it's hard to stop. It turned me into a wild animal, uncontrollably craving rice. This dish is a love potion for rice!
Guava Juice
Jakarta, National Monument / MonasDisputes at home can spoil meals, reducing children's appetites and growth. A cheerful comment like "Today's tonkatsu is crispy!" might brighten the meal. However, giving a food review during dinner might be unwelcome. Family dynamics aren't as sweet and gentle as guava juice.
Bakmi (Bakmi GM)
Jakarta, Mall Taman AnggrekAt Taman Anggrek, Indonesia's largest mall, I tried "Bakmi," a Thai-style noodle dish. The sweet sauce-coated noodles were quickly devoured. With lychee tea and whole fruit, I felt luxurious. Bakmi GM, founded by a couple in 1959, even hosted President Sukarno. History adds depth to the flavor.
Seafood Dynamite Roll
Jakarta, fX SudirmanFX Sudirman, home to JKT48 Theater, features numerous cosplayers. After spotting characters like Gojo Satoru, Naruto, and a giant Anya, I decided to eat sushi. However, the sushi looked fake. Was it a transformation technique? Despite appearances, it tasted like real sushi, though my soul screamed for katsudon.
Bintang
Jakarta, Atsumaru JakartaThe Foreign Ministry warns against people speaking Japanese. Does this apply to Japanese-speaking izakayas? "Gathering" in Jakarta seemed suspicious but drinking Bintang beer assured me of its safety.
Sausage Set (Paulaner Bratwurst)
Jakarta, Paulaner BräuhausSpending money for good food is simplistic. In Jakarta, I visited a German restaurant. The grilled sausages had rich, juicy flavors, and the fragrant beer complemented them well. Despite the high cost—2,000 yen for a sausage and 1,000 yen for a beer—I reformed my views on paying for quality.
Soto Betawi
Jakarta, Lippo Mall PuriWriting this, I feel lonely. It's my last day in Indonesia. After reclaiming souvenirs from the mall walls, I investigated "Soto Betawi," a beef and coconut milk soup. The stew-like, moderately salty dish paired well with rice. Memories make me tear up, though it might just be the latest episode of "Attack on Titan."
Instant Coffee (Kopi Kapal Api Special)
Jakarta, Soekarno–Hatta International AirportDeparting Jakarta, I drank black coffee on an airport bench. The paper cup was flimsy, and the coffee gritty, but it was a fond memory. Missing the slum dwellers and wanting to return to Indonesia, I felt nostalgic until coffee dripped from the cup's bottom onto my thigh.
Hotel Stayed in Jakarta, Indonesia – Studio One Thamrin Hotel
Hotel Impressions
- Located in the heart of Jakarta with excellent access to tourist attractions. Using Grab for transportation is recommended.
- There are few shops within walking distance around the hotel, and the nearest convenience store is somewhat far.
- Two bottles of water were replenished daily, which was very helpful on the hot days.
- I was bitten by mosquitoes in several areas; it’s wise to bring bug repellent.
- When I showed my passport at check-in and they realized I was Japanese, they reacted very favorably. Truly a Japanophilic country.
Photos of the Hotel Interior
The back of the lobby on the 1st floor. A refreshing space that seems perfect for dining or enjoying a café.
The room is clean and very refreshing.
The desk is a bit small, so it might not be ideal for PC work.
You can book Studio One Thamrin Hotel through the following sites.
*This article contains affiliate links. If you like the hotel, booking through these links would be greatly appreciated!