I lived in Jakarta for six months while completing an internship with UNDP. It was my first time in Indonesia and only my second time in Asia. Until then, my experience of the continent had mainly been limited to tourist areas in Thailand, so moving to Jakarta was a huge culture shock.
Living in Indonesia’s capital taught me a lot, not just about the country and its people, but also about myself.
Since moving back to Europe, I’ve continued returning to Jakarta whenever I can. Every visit teaches me something new, but these are some of the lessons that have stayed with me over the years.
None of this is based on hard facts or research. These are simply observations and experiences from everyday life while living in Jakarta.
Things Don’t Always Run on a Strict Schedule
As a Swede, I am used to being on time. Usually early.
One of the first things I had to adjust to in Jakarta was that social plans often ran on a more flexible schedule than I was used to. Friends might arrive later than planned, meetings could start a little behind schedule and traffic often had a say in everyone’s plans.
At first I found it frustrating. Eventually, I learned to relax and go with the flow.
Always Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Jakarta’s traffic is legendary.
Fortunately, I could walk to work most days, but whenever I needed to travel across the city I learned to leave earlier than I thought necessary.
Sometimes you’ll arrive far too early. Other times you’ll be grateful you left when you did.
Bring a Sweater
This sounds ridiculous considering Jakarta’s tropical climate, but trust me.
Shopping malls, conference centres, hotels and office buildings often have extremely powerful air conditioning. I once spent an entire day in a conference room wishing I’d brought a jacket.
Even in one of the hottest cities I’ve ever lived in, I regularly carried a light sweater.
Choose Your Air Carefully
One thing I quickly noticed was how different the air quality could feel from one street to the next.
Busy main roads filled with traffic often felt noticeably more polluted than quieter residential streets. Whenever possible, I preferred walking through neighbourhoods and side streets rather than sticking to the main roads.
Not only was the air usually better, but it was also a far more interesting way to experience the city.
People Will Be Curious About You
If you’re a foreign visitor, especially outside the main tourist areas, don’t be surprised if people look at you, say hello or ask to take a photo with you.
In my experience, this was almost always done with genuine friendliness and curiosity. Some of my favourite interactions in Jakarta started with a simple smile or greeting from a stranger.
Dress Conservatively
Jakarta is a huge and diverse city, and you’ll see all kinds of fashion styles.
That said, dressing modestly is generally appreciated, particularly outside shopping malls, expat areas and nightlife districts. It also helps you blend in a little more and avoid unwanted attention.
Check the Ingredients in Beauty Products
This was one of the more unexpected things I discovered.
Many beauty and skincare products in Indonesia contain whitening ingredients, including products that wouldn’t necessarily advertise it prominently to Western consumers. Even some deodorants contain whitening agents.
If that’s not something you’re looking for, it’s worth checking the labels before buying.
Gojek Drivers Are Everywhere
If you’ve spent any time in Indonesia, you’ll know Gojek.
At one point I was convinced the same drivers followed me around the neighbourhood every day. No matter how many times I walked past, someone would ask if I needed a ride.
Nowadays, apps like Gojek and Grab make getting around Jakarta much easier than when I first arrived.
It Is Hot. Very Hot.
And humid. You will sweat. No matter how much you try to prepare yourself, you’ll probably still underestimate just how humid Jakarta can feel.
Jakarta Rewards Patience
This is probably the biggest lesson Jakarta taught me. My first impression of the city wasn’t particularly positive. It felt overwhelming, chaotic and difficult to understand.
But the longer I stayed, the more I appreciated it. I learned to enjoy the food, the neighbourhoods, the atmosphere and the people. Jakarta isn’t a city that immediately reveals its best side, but if you give it time, it has a way of growing on you.
Final Thoughts
Living in Jakarta changed the way I travel. It taught me to slow down, be more patient and look beyond first impressions. It’s a city that many travellers skip, but one that has left a lasting impression on me.
Even after moving away, I continue to return whenever I can. Partly to see friends, but also because Jakarta remains one of my favourite cities in Indonesia.
Further Reading
If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, you might also enjoy our guide on why Jakarta is worth visiting and our favourite places to eat in the city.
📌 Our friends Aimee and Paul at snaphappytravel.com have a great post about The Best Apps and Websites We Used When Traveling Through Bali which we think will help any traveller visiting Indonesia (not just Bali).
