Jakarta Big City

20.07

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Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, located on the northwest of the island of Java. 

Jakarta Skyline

Districts

Jakarta is administratively divided into the following named districts:

• Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat) - An aptly named district and the site of Jakarta's symbol, the National Monument. The old part of Jakarta (Batavia), The Presidential palace, office buildings, hotels, Mangga Dua shopping centre, Bundaran HI (Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle) and the elite Menteng residential area are all found in Central Jakarta.

• West Jakarta (Jakarta Barat) - Jakarta's Chinatown, this district includes museums, trading centres, nightlife entertainment centres, shopping centres and malls. This is also the site of Jakarta's old town.

• South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan) - Where you can find upscale shopping centres, malls, restaurants, hotels, nightlife the entertainment centre, Blok M, Senayan sports complex, and affluent residential areas.

• East Jakarta (Jakarta Timur) - Location of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Utan Kayu art community, Cibubur camping ground, industrial parks and Halim Perdanakusuma airport.

• North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara) - Beautiful Thousand Islands, Ancol Bayfront City, and Kelapa Gading shopping centres.

Suburbs:

• Tangerang - Soekarno Hatta airport, golf course, industrial parks, Lippo Karawaci

• Bogor - Beautiful palace, world class botany garden, golf course.

• Depok - Bogor - Home to the University of Indonesia

• Bekasi - Industrial parks.

Orientation

Finding places in Jakarta, especially smaller buildings not on the main arteries, tends to be difficult due to poor signage and chaotic street names. Sometimes, the same name is used for different streets in different parts of the city, and it's often difficult to find the correct street/address without the postal code/region. A sign with a street name facing you indicates the name of the street you are about to enter, not that of the cross street. 

Alleys off a main road are often simply numbered, in a sequence that may not be logical, so a street address like "Jl. Mangga Besar VIII/21" means house number 21 on alley number 8 (VIII) off or near the main road of Jl. Mangga Besar. 

If you don't want to waste time, ask for the descriptions/name of nearby buildings, billboards, colour of the building/fence and the postal code of the address. If you still cannot find the address, start asking people in the street, especially ojek (motorcyle taxi drivers). 

source: http://wikitravel.org/en/Jakarta

How to Get in Jakarta (by Plane) ?

19.58

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Soekarno Hatta International Airport (IATA: CGK; ICAO: WIII), [2] at Tangerang, Banten. All international and nearly all domestic flights land here 20 km (12 mi) to the northwest of the city. The unintuitive airport code comes from Cengkareng, a district near the airport. During the rainy season the road to and from Cengkareng was prone to flooding but this problem has now been alleviated with the building of a raised, dual carriageway, toll road between the city and Cengkareng. If you don't have non-stop options between your origin city and Jakarta, try connecting via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur as there are more than a dozen flights a day between these cities and Jakarta.

The Soekarno Hatta airport has three terminals, further split up into sub-terminals, which are really just halls in the same building:

• Terminal 1 (A-B-C). Used by domestic airlines except Air Asia, Mandala, Garuda.

• Terminal 2. All international airlines (D-E) and domestic Garuda flights (F).

• Terminal 3 (Low Cost Carrier Terminal). The newest and nicest of the bunch, Pier 1 serves Air Asia domestic flights and all Mandala flights.

A free but unreliable shuttle bus runs between the terminals; if you're in a hurry, it's a safer bet to take a taxi, although they may ask for a rather steep Rp 50,000 for the service (not entirely unjustified, as half of this goes to paying their parking fees), however it should really be a metered ride. If you have time, though, it's not a problem to wait for next one - just ask the airport staff where it stops and what it looks like (yellow color, normally). Also, be sure to know which terminal you will disembark from.

Visas on arrival (VOA) are available at the airport, see the main Indonesia article for the details of the rules. If possible, provide an exact payment of US$25 and ignore any requests for bribes or any additional fees. ATMs and currency exchange services are available in the baggage claim hall, and Terminal D has a left luggage service. The Visa on Arrival is payable in cash only and the nearest ATM is past the customs area, so if you don't have cash, you will need to be escorted to the ATM and back.

Be cautious of having any involvement or contact with the baggage porters, the greater majority of them are committed scamsters and they often attempt to obtain money by cheating and misleading passengers. They should be paid Rp 5,000 to carry bags but that is best avoided, seek out a trolley and deal with it yourself.

Exchange rates in the airport are not significantly worse than the centre of town and better than you will get from hotels. Bear in mind that you will need some cash and Jakarta is not a place where you can just stroll down to the nearest bank in town as it is pedestrian unfriendly. ATMs generally have limit of Rp 1-3 million per transaction; for the latter, try CIMB or bii-Maybank - in the international terminal, there are several of these on the second (departure) floor.

If you are taking a domestic flight from Soekarno Hatta, you can enjoy cheap airport lounges. There are several private lounges open to travellers on any airline that are in stiff competition with each other. For Rp 50,000, you can get a few hours in one of these lounges where you can relax on the comfy couches, eat and drink as much as you want and use the internet (either by wifi or through their computers).

To get to the city, the easiest option is to contact your hotel to pick you up in the airport, as many hotels in Jakarta provide free airport transfers. Getting a taxi is a little more complicated:

• If you book from the counters right outside Customs, you'll get a nice car, jump to the head of the queue and pay around Rp 175,000 for a trip to the Golden Triangle. These counters can also sell you SIM cards and refills.

• If you head past the counters, you'll get to the ordinary taxi ranks — and encounter many touts and baggage carriers, these individuals should be ignored and will probably need waving off (just wave your hand and shake your head). Silver Bird is a very reliable operator with good drivers and plush Mercedes cabs, but pricier than the rest at around Rp 120,000 to the Golden Triangle. Blue Bird has smaller but still nice air-conditioned Toyota Vios cars, and would cost you around Rp 90,000. Other operators will charge you in the vicinity of Rp 70,000-90,000. All taxis use meters (argo), passengers are responsible for paying roadway tolls, prices are posted at the toll booths and a receipt is given. The airport has a docket system for payment of an airport surcharge in addition to the normal taxi metered charge. It is detailed on the docket and is determined by destination distance. You are asked for your destination when arriving at the taxi rank and the docket is issued accordingly when you are assigned a taxi. If you do not make it clear that you require a taxi you may not be assigned one. The Bluebird taxi staff are uniformed. If someone offers you a taxi and they are not wearing that uniform you are well advised to ignore them.

Xtrans, ☎+62 21 5296-2255, +62 21 5296-4477. Provides reliable airport shuttle service from Soekarno Hatta airport to major hotels in Sudirman and Thamrin Street in Jakarta and Bumi Xtrans in Cihampelas Street in Bandung. Cost: US$3.30/adult and US$2.20/child. Schedule: once every hour from 5AM-10PM. Xtrans booth are available at Terminal IA, IB, IC and IIE.

• Jakarta Airport Transfer, Jl Jembatan Tiga Raya 5AH, Jakarta Utara, ☎ +62 21 9062 2754 (Jakarta) (Info@jakartaairporttransfer.com). Door to door transportion to Jakarta city and neighbouring cities. Whole day car hire is available in Jakarta and Bandung with driver if required. Airport transfers provide options of stopovers at Puncak, Bogor, Cirebon with a choice of economy (7 seater) or jumbo vehicle (15 seater). Online reservation and instant confirmation. A daily Bandung Express is a more private though more expensive option for travellers to Bandung with pricing from Rp 300,000/passenger.  edit

If you have more time than money, frequent (15 min to 1 hr between buses, depending on route and time) DAMRI shuttle buses connect to Jakartan destinations Rawamangun, Pasar Minggu, Blok M and Gambir (Rp 20,000) as well as directly to the neighboring cities of Bekasi, BogorDepok (Rp 30,000). The bus service operates until midnight and is comfortable. You can get the tickets in the many counters after the airport exit. If arriving by an international flight, head to the left after going out of the building until you see DAMRI ticket booths and bus stops. and

For overnight transits, there are a few hotels near the airport:

• 'Sheraton Bandara Hotel, Bandara Soekarno-Hatta (3 km from airport). ☎ +62 21 559 7777, [3]. 5-star hotel with 205 Deluxe rooms and 15 Suite rooms. Rooms have Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds and 32" LCD TVs. Complimentary shuttle airport pick-up and drop off and a private lounge at the airport. Check the special offers on the hotel's website to find special packages such as day use, special rewards and offer on related deals. From US$100.

The older Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (IATA: HLP, ICAO: WIHH), to the southeast of the city, is used by military, VIP flights, charter flights, helicopter leasing companies and private jets.

• Susi Air, ☎ +62 811 211 3080, [4] provides services to local destinations across Western Java from Halim Airport.
• source: http://wikitravel.org/en/Jakarta

Little Italy San Diego

06.57

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Little Italy in San Diego is rapidly evolving as an inner city neighborhood that's perfect to live in, shop, dine, or visit.  The Little Italy offers great views of the bay, art and cultural festivities, and great food.  

The nearby street sign for Little Italy, created in 1999, signals that the area is the heart and soul of San Diego's inner community.  The sign is truly a signal of peace, and can be found on India Street between Date and Fir.

Each and every year, there are nearly a dozen festivals held in Little Italy.There are tons of holiday celebrations, music, and art expo's.  During this time, Little Italy comes alive like never before.

The heart of Little Italy is India Street.  This street has plenty of outdoor cafes, restaurants, galleries, and specialty shops.  Nearby Amici Park offers a playground for the Washington Elementary School and a community park that's complete with a bocce ball court.

Bigger than the Little Italy neighborhoods in New York and San Francisco, San Diego's Little Italy keeps getting bigger and better.  The waterfront district of San Diego is bouncing back with Little
Italy, proving to be a great place for tourist attraction.

Downtown San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

06.52

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The Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego contains some of the most extensive and dramatically designed historic buildings in the area.  Constructed between 1873 and 1930, these Victorian style buildings are truly a sight to behold.
The Victorian era buildings found in the Gaslamp Quarter are home to night clubs, restaurants, theaters, and shops.  A simple stroll down 4th and 5th avenue will put you at the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Also found in the Gaslamp Quarter is the Horton Plaza and Horton Plaza Park.  The Plaza is the first place in the United States to feature a water fountain containing electric lights; a true tribute to the designer Alonzo Horton.

The Gaslamp Quarter received its name from the gaslamps that were used in the area around the early 1900's.  During those times, gaslamps were the main source of light for the area that is now the vision of Modern Day San Diego.

Now days, there are more than 130 stores and shops filling the Gaslamp Quarter.  With everything from Macy's to Mervyns, Gaslamp Quarter has plenty for you to see and do.  In Horton Plaza, you can find a multi screen movie theater that is sure to please movie lovers.

For a wonderful experience, the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego shouldn't be overlooked.  There is a lot you can do here, from fine dining to excellent shops.  For a family vacation, San Diego has a little bit of something for everyone.

Mission Bay San Diego

07.30

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Mission Bay Park in San Diego is the largest facility of its kind, offering over 4,600 acres with free recreational activities for visitors.  What was once a sprawling swamp in the 1960's, was dredged and
transformed into what is now a great attraction to the San Diego area.

Across the 27 miles of bay front, water activities are all over the place here.  For beach lovers, there are 17 miles of oceanfront property, including Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.  There are separate areas as well, for swimming, fishing, boating, and even sailing.  Mission Park also offers free events suchas volleyball, jetski, and many different types of competitions and exhibitions.

For the children, Mission Bay Park offers a playground area with plenty of other things to do as well.
Mission Park has always been an attraction, one that keeps people coming back for more.

For those living in the area, Mission Bay in San Diego provides plenty of things to do.  The location
is great, with something always going on.  If you plan to visit San Diego in the near future - make
sure you drop by Mission Bay and see what makes this area one of the best in the world.

Seaport Village San Diego

07.29

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The Seaport Village of San Diego combines the best of waterfront shopping, dining, and overall family entertainment.  While the Marina Park is here as well, nearby is the small but popular San Diego public park.  

In Seaport Village you'll find 14 acres of pleasure with more than 75 shops and galleries, restaurants, and eateries on the sidewalk.  Even though the area is primarily targeted towards visitors, locals get the best of the best with the restaurants and their out of town company.

The San Diego Pier Cafe is also here, which is one of the best known restaurants in the area.  Located on the bay, the cafe provides seafood with breathtaking views.

The Seaport village provides a great place to view Coronado and the Coronado Bridge, as it overlooks the harbor.  Just a short stroll from the village, you have the San Diego Convention Center, Pet co Park, and the Gas lamp Quarter.

Providing plenty to do and plenty of things to see nearby, Seaport Village has it all going on.  A visit
here is unlike any other, as the city of San Diego will always have something unique to offer you and your entire family.

Maritime Museum San Diego

04.02

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Since 1948, the Maritime Museum located in San Diego has served the city in many big ways. The museum here is dedicated to collecting and preserving the rich maritime heritage and historic values of the city - then presenting it to the public.

The biggest attraction to the museum is the historic ships.  Here, you'll find five great examples of
maritime vessels - Berkeley, Californian, Medea, Pilot, and the Star of India.

All across the museum you can find many examples of Naval technology and ships of the past.  The guides at the Maritime Museum are very friendly and helpful, willing to answer any question that you may have.

Nearby to the museum, you have several attractions and things to see.  With the museum being in the
downtown area of San Diego, it's very close to some of the other things that San Diego is so very well
known for.

If you happen to be on vacation in San Diego, make sure you visit the Maritime Museum.  Kids love to see the ships on display, as well as the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, which is a short walk from the Maritime Museum.

Belmont Park In San Diego

03.56

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Located in sunny San Diego, the Belmont Park is one of the best amusement parks in San Diego.  With plenty for the entire family, this Park has something foreveryone.  With rides for the entire family and basically everything in between, Belmont Park makes for a very exciting adventure.

The most distinctive attraction in the Park is the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.  The coaster was built in 1925 and has been restored over the years.  This coaster is trulyne of a kind, as it offers quick drops, steep hills, and insane speed!

Belmont Park in San Diego also offers the endless wave, which is perfect for wave riders.  The Flowrider offers hourly rides, even lessons for beginners.  If waves aren't your sort of thing, you may find the raceway bumper cars or the Chaos enticing.  Chaos resembles a ferris wheel, although it creates a random three dimensional rocking and rolling.  Anytime you get on it, no two rides are every the same!

For arcade enthusiasts, there is a family fun arcade and gamelords.  This creates the ultimate gaming experience,keeping kids, teenagers, and even adults occupied for hours on end.

Other rides at the park include the Vertical plunge, krazy kars, and the infamous "plunge".  The plunge is a great attraction, and actually happens to be the largest indoor heated pool in San Diego.  Perfect for swimming, diving, and just enjoying yourself, the plunge is a blast.

To feel the sensation, the Crazy Submarine and the Trampoline can help you.  To truly test your limits, the Rock Wall will offer a unique challenge.  Anyone wanting to give it a try, can get to climbing the wall and see if  they truly have what it takes to get to the top.