[John's Travel Diary] Jakarta and Kuta: Indonesian Cities in Motion and How to Escape Them
A weary traveler in need of a good night’s rest is hard pressed to find solace in Indonesia’s capital city. Jakarta is a busy metropolis that never seems to rest, and one would have trouble distinguishing night from day if natural indications ceased to exist. Many use the city as a gateway to the rest of Java and other eastern islands such as Bali, Lombok, and Komodo. The city itself does offer ample shopping and entertaining nightlife, though expect to battle unruly traffic and use discretion when selecting social clubs and watering holes so as to avoid unpleasant situations. For a nightlong adventure, visit SE Asia’s largest nightclub, Stadium, to experience four floors that offer multiple discotheques, live music, pubs, singing rooms (perfect for those suffering norebang withdrawals), and even sleeping rooms.
When the city has taken its toll, explore the rest of Indonesia’s expanse and its natural attractions. Indonesian islands are home to a string of active and engaging volcanoes; visit Mt. Bromo in eastern Java or brave Mt. Trambora, the world’s deadliest volcano located in Indonesia’s Sumbawa Islands. Again, do your homework before departure!
Bali, Indonesia is a world-renowned surfer’s paradise, and with consistently rideable waves comes a steady flow of visiting tourists. Kuta, Bali is a major party hub where Monday and Saturday are synonymous in club-goers’ minds; events ensue nightly and carry on well into the morning. The beaches are fun but overpopulated, and if one doesn’t mind sharing, can provide great surf and attractive sunsets. If searching for a more tranquil setting, Ubud, located in Bali’s interior, is deemed the island’s cultural epicenter. This locale provides a slower pace where visitors can enjoy local art creations and live performances. The rest of the island also offers rivers prime for white water rafting, volcanoes apt for day hikes, seaside temples, and monkey forests.
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