The MANDATORY Survival Guide: South Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia's massive capital, sits on the northwest coast of the island of Java.
A historic mix of cultures – Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and European – has influenced its architecture, language and cuisine.
The old town, Kota Tua, is home to Dutch colonial buildings, Glodok (Jakarta’s Chinatown) and the old port of Sunda Kelapa, where traditional wooden schooners dock.
Population:9.608 million (2010)
Language: Bahasa (Indonesia)
Where I'm Heading To: Kuningan City

Prior to tripping in Jakarta, always remember to prepare a list of translated phrases which you might WILL need.

The Mandatory Survival Guide

Right off the Plane, into a BLUE BIRD (Taxi) *will explain in a bit
Prep 70,000 Rupiahs for tolls

Sir, I want to go to ___ - Mas, saya pergi ___ 

Turn Right - belok kanan

Turn Left- belok kiri

Go straight- jalan lurus
How much - berapa (ber ah pe)

Thank you- Terima kasih

Addressing waitstaff 
Sir/ Bro (informal) - Mas
Sir/ Senior (formal)- BaPak

Miss/ Sis (informal)- Kak
Madam/senior (formal) - Ibu

Ordering 
I would like to order now- Saya ingin memesan sekarang
Can I have (I want) - saya mau
1, 2, 3 - Satu, dua, tigga

Asking 

Do you have- Anda memiliki / Anda (for short)
How much? (cost) - berapa

Where is - dimane ( not "De mane", it's di-ma-ner)
Go / walk -Pergi / Jalan
Go where- Pergi mane
Ashtray- asbak (because you can smoke in some restaurants)
Water- air (no, not AIR. Ai- Air)
Tissue - Tisue

Toilet - Jamban

Thank you - terima kasih

Traveling to the airport (best by uber, prep Rupiah 70,000 for tolls)

I am going to the airport -saya akan ke bandara

Drop me off at exit _ (E for budget airlines to singapore) - turun saya di keluar_ 

Thank you- Terima Kasih

*So why Blue Bird Cabs and not silver bird, or black bird (though you might have jungle fever)?
1. Blue Bird is the most frequently used form of transport
2. The other birds OVER CHARGE/ are premium cabs

What's good in the hood?

1. My brest friend lives there so Jakarta happens to be THE hangout spot 

2. Kuningan City Mall is linked to Denpasar Residence. Hotels in this area is a waste of money. I recommend renting an apartment here. 

3. Swimming pool, Gym, F&B and NIGHTCLUB all in 1 building. What more could you possibly ask for? 

4. GoJek; this app is THE BOMB.  Massage, delivery & other services.
Having a massive hangover from a nightout with.. the neighbours? use Gojek!
Sgd 10 for a 30mins massage.
Sgd 15 for KFC bucket of 8 + dranks
5. Starbucks; because we all need a little "fancy" in life 

6. Madicure, Padicure, Perms and shiz - spoil yourself silly without having to leave the building
7. Shopping - not exactly great for high fashion goods, but shops here are pretty decent.
If you're looking for Coach, Dr Martens, Massimo Dutti, Pull& Bear, Topman G2000, H&M, Lacoste.. etc, flag a BlueBird and head down to Grand Indonesia Mall

This photo does Denpasar Res no justice.

                                                      

Trust me, it's definitely worth the stay.

In photo:
Pools with private cabanas & Exodus (nightclub)