A sprawling archipelago of thousands of islands, Indonesia is known the world over for its biodiversity and Balinese beach getaways. As diverse culturally as it is biologically, the capital city of Jakarta is a melting pot of approximately 10 million people. Home to numerous expats from all corners of the world, Jakarta has everything any cosmopolitan city has to offer, but you may have to dig a little deeper to find it. While your first impression may leave you choking on the fumes of the ubiquitous Mini Subway Public buses that leave a trail of gray exhaust fumes along the main streets, Jakarta quickly makes up for with its high-end shopping malls, excellent cuisine, and smiling faces. Known as the “Great Durian” for the notoriously stinky spiny fruit of Southeast Asia, Jakarta certainly impresses all Indonesians. gila blue (crazy foreigners).

If you are moving to Jakarta, the first challenge you might face is finding accommodation. While short-term needs are easily met by any of the city’s international or national hotel chains, long-term accommodation can be more complicated. The decision usually comes down to a villa or an apartment. For those of more modest means, there are also communal living arrangements called cost which include a private bedroom and bathroom with a shared living room and kitchen. The area in which you choose to live is usually decided based on your particular needs. Families often choose to live in the South Jakarta slums to have a bigger house with a yard and easy access to Jakarta international schools. Kemang it is an area of ​​the city best known for its expat population and as such has many boutiques, cafes, restaurants and bars within walking distance. Singles and couples often live in Kemang or opt for the most central apartments that can be found in and around the central business district. Centrally located apartments are often at the higher end of the rental spectrum, offering a host of luxury amenities such as an on-site fitness center, security, and swimming pool.

Jakarta has plenty of entertainment to offer both young and old throughout the year. Emerging local and international artists have put in a lot of effort to broaden Jakarta’s cultural horizon and sponsor annual events like the Jakarta International Film Festival and Jazz Festival. Embassies and consulates also bring in talent every month, including pianists, operatic performances, and chamber music. For sportsmen, whether children or adults, there are numerous intramural teams that are very welcoming to newcomers, such as soccer teams and Ultimate Frisbee leagues. If your idea of ​​athletics is holding up a Starbucks while contemplating whether or not to buy that cute Kate Spade bag, Jakarta won’t disappoint. With new malls springing up every year, Jakarta is fast becoming a shopping haven to rival the nearby mall in Singapore. With numerous luxury stores such as Bulgari, Valentino and Gucci, as well as moderately priced chains such as the UK’s TopShop, there is something for everyone.

If you find yourself homesick while in Jakarta, you don’t have to look far for a taste of comfort food, whatever it may be. Be sure to check excuse in the Italian Intercontinental, Is for steak and seafood at the Grand Hyatt and of course the place to see and be seen for Sunday brunch, seasons coffee in the Four Seasons. If hotels aren’t your thing, don’t worry, there are more than enough international restaurants tucked away in a neighborhood near you. Try the persistent favourite, carp with delicious desserts or queue for freshly flown mussels in blackcurrant Every Tuesday. For consistently good Indian food try kinara in Kemang. The newly renovated Blowfish it’s the trendiest sushi place these days, and the attached club starts at 11 p.m. If you’re in the mood for dim sum, you won’t be disappointed by the consistently high quality of Din Tai Fung in Plaza Senayán Arcadia. And if you stick around long enough, plenty of new restaurants are bound to pop up as the city’s economy continues to pick up.