Forum Question of the Month: What to See in Jakarta.

In the Southeast Asia Travel forum, EnidGlasgow asks:

My fiance and I are planning a business vacation to Jakarta in a few months and could use some pointers on travelnig in the region. We've never been to Jakarta or anywhere in indoneisa for that matter so any tips would be helpful. Our original intentions in the area are for business but we're extending our stay for pleasure.

What are some good ways to really experience Jakarta, and not just the touristy stuff either? Sights, museums, restaurants, etc.

You're in luck - I was in Jakarta fairly recently, and while the stay could have been longer (it was a whirlwind tour of three Indonesian cities!), I saw enough that made me want to come back for more.

What did I love about the place? Padang food. Big ambitious monuments. And a vibrancy to the place you won't find in more modern cities like Paris or even Singapore.

I've vowed to go back someday soon, but while I'm still scraping up the airfare, maybe you, EnidGlasgow, can experience Jakarta all over again, and I can live through your experience vicariously.

Mind you, it's a big place - you'll need my Eight Essential Jakarta Destinations list to sort you out.