jakarta: where the heat is real and the food doesn't lie
just landed in jakarta and my first thought is: why is everyone so calm? it's like 35 degrees with 87% humidity and the air is thick enough to chew. i just checked and it's basically a wet furnace outside, hope you brought a towel and an extra shirt.
here's the map, in case you get lost in the maze that is jakarta. speaking of getting lost, i ended up in this market called senen and it was... intense. the smell of fried bananas and cheap perfume was overwhelming, but the prices? bless the budget traveler's soul.
see that sign? that's the kind of chaos i'm talking about. and the food? let me tell you, the street food here is a game of roulette. someone told me that the best sate is at this random stall near a mosque, but also warned me that if it's too clean, it's probably a tourist trap. drunk advice? maybe. but i took it.
if you need a break from the city, bogor is just a short bus ride away and their botanical garden is like stepping into a jungle. seriously, the air is cooler and the trees are huge.
and then there's this place called unk's that everyone raves about. i heard that the coffee is life-changing, but also that the wifi is spotty. so, take your pick.
that red building is a landmark, and the tree next to it is a perfect spot for people-watching.
oh, and if you're looking for more recommendations, check out jakarta's best budget eats on tripadvisor or free things to do on yelp. i also found this local food blog super helpful. and for getting around, jakarta go's public transport guide is a lifesaver.
all in all, jakarta is a mess of contradictions: hot and sticky yet full of life. if you can handle the heat and the crowds, you'll find something amazing here. just maybe not in the middle of the day.
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