Post: #51

So if I went to Jakarta for 10 days would you guys recommend a hotel or a temp apartment off AirBNB or similar.

To me the hotel room really ups the sex tourist vibe. Personally I don't care about that but if it costs me a bang I will.

Post: #52

(07-31-2013 04:07 AM)worldwidetraveler Wrote:  

(07-31-2013 03:50 AM)Prosal Wrote:  

(07-31-2013 03:30 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  Prosal, how old are you? Many of us are in our twenties and early thirties. I imagine you must be in your fourties or fifties?

I could imagine many expats live in Jakarta without being seriously wealthy. Not everyone needs to stay at the Hyatt to enjoy themselves, especially not those of us in our twenties.

It's funny how I've read many many times here that a guy qualifies himself as a "Millionaire" or as someone who earns "close to seven figures", without any comment from the other members, but as soon as I write that I like to spend my money on expensive goods or that I enjoy sometimes to treat myself in a luxurious place, someone jumps on me.

Once more, I gave this tip to Akula for his 10 days trip and because in Paris he stayed at the Hyatt. OK, next time I'll refrain from giving tips. I am 50 yo.

FYI, here is the entrance of the building in Tashkent where I rent my apartment:

Prosal, I don't think anyone was trying to give you a hard time in this thread.

I appreciate the tips about the higher end stuff. It is always better to get a wide range of options for everyone. Those that backpack can add in their favorite spots. Not everyone would be interested in them but some would.

Rio was hoping you would be really old so he could catch up to your bank account. heh

Yeah good tips Prosal thanks, much appreciated. One of the great things about this forum is you get high end and low end tips that you can balance out - so the reader can decide.

Re the money thing, well, I did stay at the Paris Hyatt but it was a business trip so work paid for it But I will admit I do tend to try to stay in relatively nice places wherever I go, let's call that the $150-300 per night hotel range when I'm on 3-4-5 day long weekend trips. However, that's bc I have a full time job now. So if it's a nice vacation I guess I tend to justify spending a little more (simply bc I get relatively little free time away from work, so when I do I feel like spending more for a nice place I can afford, guess that's the 'corporate mentality' a lot of us working stiffs have, but doesn't have to be like that for everyone fo sho).

Now, if I didn't have to work full time in an office environment, and had to be more thrifty and was living somewhere for a month or two or longer, I'm no longer looking at hotels I think, and Air B&B is something I'd use. That's what I did a few years ago between jobs in Kiev for 12 days (rented an apartment online for like $80/night) and in Brazil where I tried to stay at places for less than $100 a night. Now that I know what I know and that I can go even cheaper with Air B&B, I'd seek even less expensive places as long as they are in a central location.

One thing I"ve learned that I like about some Europeans and most Russians is that they are not afraid to spend a decent amount of money on nice things and to 'live for the moment.' Russians especially live much more day to day than what I grew up with in the US (with good reason, many have lost everything twice in the past 25 years). That can mean clothing, a nice hotel, or a nice vacation. I grew pretty tired of the 'kill yourself working for 30 years, save everything and then retire at 65" crap you get in the US -screw that. And oh by the way how well did that work out during the crash and in the future with the Fed debasing the USD by printing ad infinitum?

Anyway, back to the thread, I'm def going to hit up Jakarta on my hopefully soon Asian trip, but it sounds a bit more expensive that I thought.

Post: #53

I have heard that picking ip at the venues like x2 and dragon i is quite a bit toigher than at other places, such as red square, etc, that are frequented less by indo chinese ( which are the elite)? Any trooth to that?

Post: #54

(07-31-2013 05:15 AM)Vicious Wrote:  So if I went to Jakarta for 10 days would you guys recommend a hotel or a temp apartment off AirBNB or similar.

To me the hotel room really ups the sex tourist vibe. Personally I don't care about that but if it costs me a bang I will.

The latter point in pretty relevant/interesting to me, and makes the Air B&B argument that much stronger. I'm looking on the website and found this house - with a pool (!) for around $100/night (for a full house!) that's not bad (assuming you split it up, you're living in luxury)

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/663312

Post: #55

(07-31-2013 05:23 AM)ChrisGambi Wrote:  I have heard that picking ip at the venues like x2 and dragon i is quite a bit toigher than at other places, such as red square, etc, that are frequented less by indo chinese ( which are the elite)? Any trooth to that?

Disagree with both statements.

Blowfish is the only one of those listed with a high concentration of Indo-Chinese. X2 and Dragonfly have a mix of people.

The Indo-Chinese are generally wealthy and successful in business, but the "elites" of Jakarta are Javanese.

Post: #56

@Vicious
I would go with getting an apartment for sure. Much better value for a 10 day stay over a hotel. And you are right about the sex tourist vibe. It's just like Bangkok where the normal girls you pick up are going to feel much better about going to an apartment instead of a hotel.

(07-31-2013 05:15 AM)Vicious Wrote:  So if I went to Jakarta for 10 days would you guys recommend a hotel or a temp apartment off AirBNB or similar.

To me the hotel room really ups the sex tourist vibe. Personally I don't care about that but if it costs me a bang I will.

@prosal is correct about Jakarta not being super cheap at least relative to what it was a decade ago. Real estate prices have skyrocketed in Jakarta the past 5+ years. They are well into the boom part of a boom bust cycle. Remember it has been since 1997 since Indonesia/Thailand/Philippines have had a major recession/crash in the economy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_Asian_...ial_crisis

Here is a short report on the market in Indonesia.





I would say best to worst value on renting apartments goes...
1. Bangkok
2. Manila
3. Jakarta

However it is not a huge difference. I do know if I had to I would feel much more comfortable living in a $300/month condo/apartment in Bangkok than the other cities. But that might just be because of years of living in that city has made me much more comfortable.

I generally stay in places around the $700-$800/month range and that will get you a really nice studio or a decent one bedroom in the nicer parts in any of those cities.

Post: #57

(07-31-2013 03:23 AM)Prosal Wrote:  I gave this tip to Akula because when he was in Paris, he stayed at the Hyatt.

Anyway, you need to be seriously wealthy if you want to live by western standarts in JKT without working.

I see, you were tailoring your message to him.

I don't do night game in the US, or drink regularly--I think this keeps costs down quite a bit. My expenses are mainly rent and food.

Does anyone know if you can get milk and/or protein powder at reasonable costs in Jakarta?

Post: #58

(07-31-2013 11:13 AM)iknowexactly Wrote:  Does anyone know if you can get milk and/or protein powder at reasonable costs in Jakarta?

What do you mean by reasonable cost? Milk is about 50% cheaper than NYC. You can buy protein powder at any of the major malls; in particular, Natural Farm has locations in Plaza Indonesia, Grand Indonesia, Senayan City, etc. and sells top US brand protein powder for about 25% more than domestic US prices.

Post: #59

(07-31-2013 06:00 AM)Akula Wrote:  The latter point in pretty relevant/interesting to me, and makes the Air B&B argument that much stronger

Not so. I m a proponent of apartments in FSU, but in Jakarta, better stay in a hotel. Girls want to fuck you, no matter where you stay.

Post: #60

This is great info.
Where can I rent furniturned apartments for 400$ a month?
Can somebody also break down the prices between BKK and Jakarta?
Restaurants
Drinks?
Taxis, transportation?

Where does 1000$ last longer? In Jakarta or BKK?

Post: #61

(07-31-2013 11:23 AM)Soma Wrote:  

(07-31-2013 11:13 AM)iknowexactly Wrote:  Does anyone know if you can get milk and/or protein powder at reasonable costs in Jakarta?

What do you mean by reasonable cost? Milk is about 50% cheaper than NYC. You can buy protein powder at any of the major malls; in particular, Natural Farm has locations in Plaza Indonesia, Grand Indonesia, Senayan City, etc. and sells top US brand protein powder for about 25% more than domestic US prices.

Yeah! 50% off is reasonable! I'm doing my variant of Starting Strength, where he recommends drinking a gallon of milk a day, I drink about a third. I call it "Not Losing Strength". Thanks for info.

Post: #62

(07-31-2013 11:13 AM)iknowexactly Wrote:  

(07-31-2013 03:23 AM)Prosal Wrote:  I gave this tip to Akula because when he was in Paris, he stayed at the Hyatt.

Anyway, you need to be seriously wealthy if you want to live by western standarts in JKT without working.

I see, you were tailoring your message to him.

I don't do night game in the US, or drink regularly--I think this keeps costs down quite a bit. My expenses are mainly rent and food.

Does anyone know if you can get milk and/or protein powder at reasonable costs in Jakarta?

I just spent 13 days in Jakarta.

Stayed at Avissa Suites hotel in Kuningan at USD53 per night. Best deal I could find.

Bought Gold Standard whey protein for USD68 for 2lb, USD40 for 1lb.

You have to actually be there to comprehend how bad the traffic congestion is in a very big city with no effective metro or rapid transit system. The nearest thing they have is a busway system that can best be described as "slightly better than nothing".

That said, I strongly recommend staying as close as possible to the busway route that runs from Kota to Blok M, because A. You may use it, and B. Girls may use it to get to you.

For example, one girl I met allowed 1 hr to get to me in a taxi, but took 2.5 hrs.

BTW, do NOT visit during Ramadan.

Post: #63

(07-31-2013 11:06 PM)Antipodean Wrote:  You have to actually be there to comprehend how bad the traffic congestion is in a very big city with no effective metro or rapid transit system. The nearest thing they have is a busway system that can best be described as "slightly better than nothing".

It once took me 45min to move 100m in a taxi. It's hard to believe it until you see it that an entire city of 10+million people can be gridlocked. Literally gridlocked, where absolutely no one can move because every single road is filled with cars. (The reduction in fuel subsidies should hopefully help with this over time. And if they can ever finish that SkyTrain without the corrupt construction company going bankrupt...)

Quote:That said, I strongly recommend staying as close as possible to the busway route that runs from Kota to Blok M, because A. You may use it, and B. Girls may use it to get to you.

Yep. Anywhere along the Sudirman stretch (as I mentioned in OP) between the traffic circles, with Plaza Senayan/Senayan City at one end and Plaza Indonesia/Grand Indonesia at the other, is optimal. Also the quickest way to get around at night with taxis.

Quote:BTW, do NOT visit during Ramadan.

Ramadan sucks. Nightlife mostly dies and all the Muslims (who can afford to) go to party in Bali or Singapore. People originally from Manado still seem to go out, though, as they're predominately Christian.

Post: #64

Bangkok traffic drives me nuts. Jakartas sounds even worse.

Is the Skytrain supposed to be finished soon, or not even close?

Post: #65

(08-01-2013 01:38 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  Bangkok traffic drives me nuts. Jakartas sounds even worse.

Is the Skytrain supposed to be finished soon, or not even close?

It would be several years before they complete a metro system.

Adjacent to where I was staying is an overhead express road that looks almost complete. It has a few sections missing. I'm told that it has been like that for 4 years.

Post: #66

(08-01-2013 01:38 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  Bangkok traffic drives me nuts. Jakartas sounds even worse.

Is the Skytrain supposed to be finished soon, or not even close?

It would be several years before they complete a metro system.

Adjacent to where I was staying is an overhead express road that looks almost complete. It has a few sections missing. I'm told that it has been like that for 4 years.

Post: #67

(08-01-2013 01:38 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  Bangkok traffic drives me nuts. Jakartas sounds even worse.

Is the Skytrain supposed to be finished soon, or not even close?

Bangkok traffic seems pleasant compared with Jakarta. If you need to get some where at 5pm in Bangkok you can grab a motorbike taxi/BTS/MRT or something. Might be a pain in the ass but you can eventually get to your destination.

In Jakarta I remember having to plan my whole day around traffic. There is no skytrain/subway option. I think if you ask people who have been to Jakarta, traffic will be on the top of every persons list of what they dis-like about the place by a long ways. It dictates everything that you do.

When living in Jakarta I had a girlfriend who had a car and luckily she was a great and patient driver as I would have gone nuts if I had to drive. I remember always getting irritated at the guys in parking lots who had whistles and would constantly blow them and act like they are helping you park but are just a distraction. Then every time you park or leave they have their hand out for a tip like they actually did something. I would bitch and bitch about that every time to my girlfriend who would politely give them 1,000 rupiah ($0.10). I eventually gave up on caring and my blood pressure went down. I quickly learned I had better live with this irritating fact of life or I was just going to be bitching all day every day.

Post: #68

@Antipodean
You want to tell us some stories and thoughts about your experiences in Jakarta? I would be interested to hear how things went.

Post: #69

(08-01-2013 09:37 AM)DirectDanger Wrote:  @Antipodean
You want to tell us some stories and thoughts about your experiences in Jakarta? I would be interested to hear how things went.

Working on it. I'm a slow typist

Post: #70

Are all the main clubs house and progressive? Any good hiphop / top40 clubs with people actually dancing?

Jakarta has been on my radar for some time now.

Post: #71

(08-03-2013 01:46 AM)5th Street Wrote:  Are all the main clubs house and progressive? Any good hiphop / top40 clubs with people actually dancing?

Jakarta has been on my radar for some time now.

Prive (depending on the night) and Tribeca both play hip hop and RnB. Never been though, not my scene.

Post: #72

I have some free Marriott nights. The JW Marriott in Jakarta is the best deal, I can get 4-5 nights free. I'm curious about the location. Is it decent for partying, going to malls, basically going to the areas a first timer would want to check out?

Also, if you're in or going to be in Jakarta in September and want a wingman send me a PM.

Cheers!

Post: #73

(08-06-2013 05:47 PM)EMB Wrote:  I'm curious about the location. Is it decent for partying, going to malls, basically going to the areas a first timer would want to check out?

The Marriott is in Kuningan, a rather soulless district. Very few nightlife options. Nearest malls are Mall Ambassador and ITC Kuningan, which are not great.

Post: #74

(08-07-2013 03:48 AM)Prosal Wrote:  

(08-06-2013 05:47 PM)EMB Wrote:  I'm curious about the location. Is it decent for partying, going to malls, basically going to the areas a first timer would want to check out?

The Marriott is in Kuningan, a rather soulless district. Very few nightlife options. Nearest malls are Mall Ambassador and ITC Kuningan, which are not great.

So the area apparently sucks. I've been reading that on other sites as well. Apparently there's a martini bar at the JW, but it's dead most nights of the week. I'd still like to stay there as it would save me about $600 vs. paying for another 5 star place. Can I at least access the good places easily by taxi?

Post: #75

Can you get around by motorbike in Jakarta even when the automobile traffic is gridlocked, like in Kuta/Denpasar, or is it just suicide to try?