Jakarta has a tropical monsoon climate which is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures throughout the year are generally between 24 and 33 degrees Celsius and humidity levels are high, about 70 per cent during the whole year. The peak and low season is therefore related to the distinct wet and dry seasons.
Forget about renting a car to get around Jakarta. The traffic is so busy and the taxis so reasonably priced that you won’t need to think about driving. Choose licensed taxis and make sure the meter is turned on to avoid any disagreements later on.
There are more than 20 bus companies in Jakarta, but buses are busy at all times of the day.
Bajaj are orange, motorised tricycles, akin to the Thai tuk-tuk, with space for two passengers. They’re a popular choice in Jakarta, nimble enough to get through the heavy traffic. Motorcycle taxis are nimbler still. Again, set on a price before you set off.
Getting downtown from the airport
From Soekarno Hatta International, there are a couple of options for getting downtown. The Damry Bus runs from early morning till late evening.
There are official taxis at the airport. There’s a small charge for using the airport taxis – based on the destination. Ensure the meter is on before setting off.
What is good to know if travelling to Jakarta?- A park with full-scale replicas of traditional Indonesian houses, a cable car and monorail might sound a little tacky, but visiting Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is a great way of getting a handle on the vast country of Indonesia. There are museums and a theatre, a lake with a miniature of Indonesia in the centre, gates and gardens, handicraft centre, fishing ponds, hostels and restaurants.