On a previous trip to Singapore, I met two Indonesian nationals at my accommodation. We exchanged travel stories over coffee, and when I mentioned that Bali is a favorite among Filipinos, they nodded knowingly. Bali’s popularity isn’t just about affordability—it’s iconic. But that conversation planted a seed.

Selamat Datang, Jakarta City!

Fast forward to August 2024.

While everyone else was talking about Bali, even on the travel blog I often visited, I decided to book a flight, not to Bali but to Jakarta City, the capital city of Indonesia. I read that Jakarta and Manila have similarities, especially in terms of traffic jams and a few language terms. I wanted to tick Indonesia’s country off my bucket list, and most of all, I could easily navigate the city if there was a train.

✈️ From Manila to Jakarta

My journey began at NAIA Terminal 3. After paying the travel tax and clearing immigration, I boarded my 8 PM flight with a mix of excitement and quiet nerves. Three hours later, I landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Terminal 2—just shy of midnight.

After immigration and security checks, I bought a local SIM card and grabbed a cappuccino and buttered croissant at Roti-O, a small coffee stall outside the terminal. I had no Indonesian Rupiah yet, and my first ATM attempt failed. Thankfully, the coffee shop accepted card payments. A second ATM try worked—crisis averted.

I initially planned to purchase a SIM card via Klook, but I backed out. The pickup counter is located at Terminal 1 only. There was no Skytrain at midnight, although there were Grab cars to get there. I opted to buy the local SIM card instead at Terminal 2. I was able to easily navigate through the airport and find the SIM card counter without any issues. The local SIM card provided me with a reliable internet connection throughout my trip to Indonesia.

I had originally planned to pick up a SIM via Klook, but the counter was only at Terminal 1, and there was no Skytrain operating at midnight. Grab cars were available, but I opted to stay put and buy the SIM locally. It turned out to be a good decision—the connection was reliable throughout my trip.

🚆 Airport Train to BNI City

By morning, the airport monorail was running. I hopped on from Terminal 2 to the airport train station and bought a ticket to BNI City Sudirman Baru. The ticketing machine was DIY and card-only, but staff were nearby to assist.

The train ride was smooth and scenic—green rice paddies, motorbikes zipping along narrow roads, and glimpses of daily life that reminded me of rural Philippines. As we neared the city center, the skyline shifted, and Jakarta’s urban energy came into view.

🏙️ First Impressions of Jakarta

Jakarta is often overlooked by travelers, but it’s a city of contrasts. Divided into North, South, East, West, and Central clusters, it’s home to landmarks like Monas Tower and the National Museum. While many tourists skip the capital in favor of Bali or Yogyakarta, Jakarta offers a raw, vibrant mix of tradition and modernity.

When I arrived in the city center, I felt an uncanny familiarity. The rush of commuters, the food delivery bikes weaving through traffic, the language echoes between Tagalog and Bahasa Indonesia—it felt like Manila’s cousin. Even the locals resembled Filipinos. It was oddly comforting.

☕ A Memorable Starbucks Moment

At a nearby Starbucks, I had a heartwarming encounter. One of the baristas was a person with a disability. We communicated through hand gestures and a small whiteboard where I wrote my order. The shop only accepted card payments—another reminder that cash isn’t always king here.

If I had known, I wouldn’t have withdrawn Rupiah that day. But the experience reminded me that kindness and connection transcend language.

🛏️ Pass Go Thamrin Capsule Stay

I checked into Pass Go Thamrin, hoping for an early check-in. No luck. I left my bag after paying an Rp50,000 refundable deposit and began exploring the city. Capsule room? Bucket list: checked.

🚇 Exploring Jakarta’s MRT

The bustling streets of Jakarta were filled with vibrant energy and a mix of modernity and tradition. I immersed myself in the city’s rich culture and history as I wandered through the bustling streets. The fusion of modernity and tradition in Jakarta was truly captivating, making my exploration a memorable experience.

Curious about Jakarta’s MRT, I bought a top-up card and boarded a train to Bundaran HI. From there, I walked to Plaza Indonesia. A few blocks away was a TransJakarta bus station. I didn’t enter the mall right away—my curiosity led me to its back alleys, where mall employees gathered at local eateries. It reminded me of the hidden corners of malls back home.

🏛️ Monas Tower & TransJakarta Adventure

To visit Monas Tower, I took the TransJakarta bus—Jakarta’s version of Manila’s P2P carousel. I was initially intimidated by the bus system, but the station personnel were helpful. A few stops later, I arrived at Monas, the National Monument. It stood tall and proud, a symbol of Indonesia’s independence.

I noticed ongoing road construction for future subway stations and, yes, jaywalkers—just like Manila. The streets buzzed with food stalls, vendors, and the scent of grilled satay. After soaking in the atmosphere, I returned to my accommodation, exhausted but fulfilled.

🍜 Dinner & Reflections

That night, I had dinner at a Japanese restaurant in Plaza Indonesia. As I settled into my capsule, I reflected on my first full day. I had some initial reservations about traveling alone in a Muslim-majority country, but Jakarta proved me wrong. The locals were warm, helpful, and welcoming.

🧳 Final Thoughts

Jakarta surprised me. It’s not polished like Singapore or postcard-perfect like Bali, but it’s real. It’s a city of stories, street food, and spontaneous connections. I’m glad I chose to explore it solo.

*** I went to Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 17-20, 2024, alone. It was my first time exploring a Muslim-dominated country, and I was pleasantly surprised by the warm hospitality and diverse culture I experienced during my visit. Thank you for reading and supporting my work.***