On a Previous Singapore Trip
On a previous trip to Singapore, I met two Indonesian travelers at my accommodation. Over coffee, we swapped travel stories, and when I mentioned that Bali is a favorite among Filipinos, they nodded knowingly.
Bali’s appeal isn’t just about affordability—it’s iconic. That conversation planted a seed: maybe it was time to explore Indonesia beyond Bali. And so began my backpacking Jakarta adventure.
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 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 with a buttered croissant at Roti-O, a small coffee stall outside the terminal. My first ATM attempt failed, but the coffee shop accepted card payments. A second try at the ATM worked—crisis averted.
I had initially planned to pick up a SIM via Klook, but the counter was only at Terminal 1, and the Skytrain wasn’t running at midnight. Grab cars were an option, but I decided to buy the SIM locally. It turned out to be the right choice—the connection stayed reliable throughout my backpacking Jakarta trip.
Airport Train to BNI City 🚆
By morning, the airport monorail was up and running. I hopped on from Terminal 2 to the airport train station and purchased a ticket to BNI City Sudirman Baru. The self-service, card-only ticketing machine was easy to navigate, with staff nearby to assist.
The train ride was smooth and surprisingly 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 full 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 for Bali or Yogyakarta, Jakarta offers a raw, vibrant mix of tradition and modernity.
Arriving in the city center felt strangely familiar—the rush of commuters, food delivery bikes weaving through traffic, and the language echoes between Tagalog and Bahasa Indonesia. Even the locals resembled Filipinos. It was comforting. This was my first real taste of backpacking in Jakarta, and it immediately felt alive, chaotic, and welcoming.
A Memorable Starbucks Moment ☕
At a nearby Starbucks, I had a heartwarming encounter with a barista who was a person with a disability. We communicated using hand gestures and a small whiteboard. The shop only accepted card payments—a reminder that cash isn’t always king.
Kindness and connection transcended language, making this a memorable first interaction in Jakarta.
Pass Go Thamrin Capsule Stay 🛏️
I checked into Pass Go Thamrin, hoping for an early check-in. No luck. I left my bag with a refundable Rp50,000 deposit and began exploring the city. Capsule room? Bucket list: checked.
Riding Jakarta’s MRT 🚇
Jakarta’s streets buzz with vibrant energy, blending modernity and tradition at every corner. Curious about the MRT, I topped up a card and boarded a train to Bundaran HI.
From there, I walked toward Plaza Indonesia but didn’t enter immediately. The back alleys revealed local eateries where mall employees gathered—a hidden glimpse of city life reminiscent of the Philippines.
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 system, but station personnel were helpful. A few stops later, I arrived at the National Monument, standing tall as a proud symbol of Indonesia’s independence.
The streets buzzed with food stalls, vendors, and the aroma of grilled satay. Ongoing subway construction and jaywalkers reminded me of Manila. After soaking in the atmosphere, I returned to my capsule, exhausted but fulfilled.
Dinner & Reflections 🍜
Dinner at a Japanese restaurant in Plaza Indonesia gave me time to reflect on my first full day. Traveling solo in a Muslim-majority country had initially felt daunting, but Jakarta proved me wrong. 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—a city of stories, street food, and spontaneous connections. Choosing to explore it solo was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Explore More of Jakarta:
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: A Solo Female Backpacker’s Guide
- Exploring Kota Tua Jakarta: A Solo Female Backpacker’s Day
*** 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.***
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