ferries or rafts to carry people and goods from one side to the other. Powered by pole or by pulling on an overhead wire fixed to both shores, these craft are one of the few non-motorized forms of transport in the city in addition to the becak, ojek sepeda, dokar and lori. Fares are fixed at around Rp1,000 to Rp2,000 per person.
A canal ferry for carrying people and goods.
Trains are convenient for some destinations.
TRAIN The train from Gambir station in central Jakarta is very convenient for getting to the University of Indonesia, Bogor, Bandung and beyond. Visit www.kereta-api.co.id to get up-to-date schedules. Local station locations and schedules can be more challenging to figure out. Economy class trains can be slow and packed, but bring you up close and personal with a cross-section of Indonesian society. Look out for locals riding on train roofs during peak hours, but don’t try this yourself.
LORI No doubt the strangest and least likely way to travel is by lori—a homemade push-cart rolling along the rail tracks at Kebon Kosong in central Jakarta. Lori can hold four passengers and are also used to transport goods. The standard price is Rp3,000 for 1.5km, but watch out for trains.
When riding on buses and economy trains you will often be approached by beggars and buskers. You might consider taking a pocket of loose coins to give away.
Tipping on public transport is not necessary, but rounding up the fare to the nearest Rp5,000 will be greatly appreciated in taxis.
Using Public Transport
REASONS WHY IT CAN’T BE DONE There are many reasonable objections to using public transportation—each of which is dutifully acknowledged and then dismissed here.
Objection #1: I’ll get lost
It is possible that you will board a bus marked Blok M in south Jakarta and somehow alight near the Monas in central Jakarta. You can see this as either a) a disaster and a waste of time, or b) an excellent opportunity to explore the Monas. Getting lost on public transportation is a great way to find adventure in a new part of town. Ask the conductor or any of your fellow passengers if you have a question about where you are or where you are going. If all else fails, get out and take a taxi.
Objection #2: I’ll get mugged/pickpocketed/harrassed/groped
Jakarta is a reasonably safe city, with the greatest risks being tummy trouble, broken infrastructure and traffic. If you feel especially vulnerable, get some tattoos and wear an eye patch. Otherwise, use common sense, protect your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. You are unlikely to experience trouble on public transport during daylight hours.
Objection #3: It will take too long
On the contrary, ojeks are the speediest form of transport in the city. Other forms of transport may not be quick, but taking public transportation might increase the uniqueness of the day, make for a better after-dinner story and add insight to your overseas experience. Try using public transportation to the destination and taking a taxi home.
Objection #4: It’s hot and uncomfortable
It’s the tropics, everyone sweats. Wear quick-dry clothing and travel during non-peak hours, with weekend mornings being by far the best. Always carry bottled water with you. Indonesian women often carry fans, so why not tuck one in your bag as well?
Objection #5: I can never figure out which is the right bus
Just ask. Indonesians are incredibly friendly and very approachable. Or pick up one of a number of fairly handy transportation guides from local Indonesian bookstores.
Objection #6: It won’t take me directly to where I’m going
Try combining various forms of transportation. For example, take an ojek to the nearest Busway stop, ride the bus to the zoo and take a taxi home.
Objection #7: It’s dirty, polluted and stinks
So is Venice! But don’t let this stop you! Take a bandana to cover your mouth and nose.
Objection #8: I’ll be overcharged
If you don’t know where you are going, an ojek might overcharge you Rp10,000 or Rp20,000. On a bus, the conductor might ask for an extra Rp1,000. Who cares?
Objection #9: My company forbids me
You are not a rare imported species of fish or a vase. Company policies can be over-protective and paranoid; after all, they are looking out for you. Ignore your company once in a while.
Objection #10: I’m a girl
So what? See Objection #2. Travel with a buddy at night.
Now that all the objections have been overcome, everyone is free to choose any form of public transportation and go! The challenge now is to try and use every form of public transportation at least once during your adventure days in Jakarta.
Car Rentals and Taxis
Eazyrent Car Rentals
Trac Astra Rent Car
Bluebird Taxi Group
Express Taxi Group
Planning Your Explorations
Regardless of whether you have been in Jakarta for one day or one year, you may have noticed that just when you think you’ve got it figured out, there is always a new twist. The intention of this section is to clue you in to some of the inner workings of the city and to give the inside scoop on things you may have yet to come across and may have not even imagined possible. It’s very important to read this section thoroughly before setting off on a walking tour, because it could save a lot of time, effort and possibly anguish.
A NOTE ON CITY PARKS Some people will tell you that the only parks Jakarta has are car parks. Unfortunately, that is a lot closer to the truth than we would like to admit. There are quite a few green spaces in the city if you go in search of them. Just consider a few things first .
The term ‘park’ is used loosely here. Strips, squares, triangles or any other shape of public land that has grass and is dotted with at least a few trees and shrubs is considered a park. Asking that parks have playground equipment, exercise stations and jogging paths is holding Jakarta to a standard it’s not ready for.
Don’t be surprised if when you arrive at
