Jakarta orientation

Jakarta sparwls around 30 km from docks to the suburbs of south Jakarta, covering 661 sq km. The city centre fans out from around Merdeka Sq (Lapangan Merdeka), which contain the central landmark of Sukarno's towering gold tipped National Monument (Monas). Merdeka Sq is one of the city's central focal points, along with a number og other centres that are all separated by vast traffic jams and sweltering heat.
Just south of Monas is Jl. Jaksa, the traditional backpacker centre, which is well placed for the historic north of the city and transports links, with busways and the main train station, Gambir, close by.
North of Monas is the old city of Kota, containing most Jakarta's meagre tourist attaractions, while nearby is the schooner harbour of Sunda Kelapa. The modern harbour Tanjung Priok, is several kilometres along the coast to the east, past the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol recreation park.
The main throughfare in the central part of the city is Jl. Tamrin which stretches south of Monas and Merdeka Sq down to the Welcome Monument roundabout; it's lined with big hotels and shopping centres
Continuing south, Jl. Thamir becomes Jl. Jend. Sudirman, home to more hotels, large banks and office blocks. Further south are the affluent suburban areas of Kebayoran Baru, Pondok Indah dan Kemang, with their own centres and busy shopping districts. Kemang, in particular, is swamped with bars, restaurants and boutiques but accommodation options are limited. The intercity bus terminals - Kalideres in the west, Kampung Rambutan in the south and Pulo Gadung in the east - are on the outskrits of Jakarta but are all connected by busway routes to the centre

Dangers and Annoyances

For such a huge city with obvious social probmels and unhealthy repotation, Jakarta is surprisingly safe. Violent crime is very rare and tourists are very seldom targeted. It does, however, remain the most crime prone city in Indonesia. Exercise caution after dark, particularly in Glodok and Kota. Attacks by taxy drivers have been known to take place, so always opt for reputable firms at night, such as the citywide Bluebird group.
Jakarta's buses and trains tend to be hopelessly crowded, particularly rush hours. Pickpockets are notoriously adept and many locals will warn you againts such thieves.
Some foreign embassies warn againts travel to Indonesia and especially Jakarta, through overall there's very little risk for travellers. That said, attacks againts foreign interests have occured and protests, although often peaceful, may still become violent with little warning. Events in the Middle East can spark domonstrations.
Occacionally, bars and clubs have been smashed up by the city's self-appointed morality police, the Jakarta based Front Pembela ISlam (FPI or Islamic Defenders Front), especially during Ramadhan