Transjakarta – The express bus system of Jakarta

Jakarta has a population of approximately 9 million people and no metro system. It’s a city that sprawls in every direction and its traffic congestion is legendary.

The city has come up with a workable bus system that has at least made travel in some parts of Jakarta much faster.

Transjakarta Bus
[Transjakarta Bus]

Transjakarta is a network of express bus services that use designated lanes on key roads. The bus lanes are separated from the rest of the traffic on the major roads and special bus shelters collect the bus fare in advance.

Transjakarta Bus Lane
[Transjakarta Bus Lane]

The buses have modified wide doors which are at the same height as the terminal gate. A conductor is on each bus who controls the amount of people who get on, so it doesn’t become a great crush of passengers.

Transjakarta Bus Station
[Transjakarta Bus Station]

The buses run regular services, so the wait is not usually too long.

While an express bus service is no substitute for an extensive metro system, TransJakarta works surprisingly well. The government have talked of building a metro system, but if or when that ever happens, this is a good solution to the traffic jams of Jakarta.

Jalan Jaksa – The backpacker budget accommodation street in Jakarta

For backpackers and budget travellers arriving in Jakarta, Jalan Jaksa is the the best option to find budget accommodation.

The jalan (street) has Losmen (basic flophouse style accommodation) and budget hotels. This type of accommodation is not bookable online so you have to look around for a place once you arrive.

Jalan Jaksa - Jakarta
[Jalan Jaksa]

While Jalan Jaksa is no where near the size of Khao san Rd in Bangkok (or the same liveliness), it serves a similar function as a good hub for travellers while passing through Jakarta on their way to other points of Indonesia.

Cafe on Jalan Jaksa
[Cafe on Jalan Jaksa]

As well as budget accommodation there are plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants and mini-marts.

Jalan Jaksa Minimart
[Jalan Jaksa Minimart]

There are also netcafes and travel agents that can book bus tickets, airfares and tours. Many of the cafes also have free wi-fi for customers.

Jalan Jaksa Travel Agent
[Jalan Jaksa Travel Agent]

Second hand books for sale on Jalan Jaksa
[Second hand books for sale on Jalan Jaksa]

Getting to Jalan Jaksa
From the Airport the cheapest way to Jalan Jaksa is the bus service which runs to Jakarta Gambir Station, the main train station of Jakarta. From the station Jalan Jaksa is about 1.5 kilmetres aways, which a three-wheel motorcycle taxi (bajaj) can take you.

If you are arriving in Jakarta by train, get off at Gambir and follow the directions as above, or if your trains stops at Gondangdia, then get off at this station as it is only 500 metres from there.

Obama in Indonesia

Barack Obama lived in Indonesia from 1967 to 1971, and he attended local schools in Jakarta from ages six to ten.

Obama had stated that he was going to visit a Muslim majority country in his first 100 days of office. There was talk that the country would be Indonesia, but it turned out that Turkey got the honour.

In Indonesia have seen two Obama references that mark a shift in the general good will back towards the USA.

In Jakarta I found this “Obama Fan’s Club” bar.

Obama Fans Club - Jakarta

Obama Fan's Club - Jakarta

In Yogyakarta I spotted this Obama stencil on a wall.

Obama Stencil - Yogyakarta

Obama Stencil - Yogyakarta

So a fan club and graffiti without any derogatory remarks for a US president, something you would not have seen a year ago.

Trains in Java – Indonesia

Java has a useful train network which makes for a great way to get from Jakarta to major cities on the island.

Train at Jakarta Gambir Station

Train at Jakarta Gambir Station

The trains are spacious and comfortable and have a meal service.

Jakarta view from train

Jakarta view from train

After flying and overnight buses the train has been a welcome change. The train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta shows off Java at its most scenic, with dormant volcanos as the back drop of rice fields.

Java from the train

Java from the train

Economy and Express Trains to Bogor

Bogor is about 60km from Jakarta and is practically a suburb of the capital. It makes for a great day trip from Jakarta to visit the world class botanical gardens.

There are two trains that run from Jakarta to Bogor, an economy and express train. I jumped onto the first train going to Bogor, which happened to be the economy train. It’s sort of like a chicken bus. As many people as possible squeeze in with all their boxes and produce.

Bogor Economy Train

Bogor Economy Train

On the way back I got the express train, which could be any commuter train in the world.

Bogor Express Train

Bogor Express Train

Flight Review: AirAsia – Padang to Jakarta

I had originally intended to get the bus from Padang to Jakarta, until I discovered that the cost of flying was only a few dollars more than the bus. Seeing that the bus was also going to cost me 30 hours, flying was an easy choice.

There are plenty of flights between Padang and Jakarta so the tickets are reasonably priced even a few days before flying.

Padang Departure Board

Jakarta air lift - Padang Airport

What I like about AirAsia is that seating is assigned, so there is no mad rush for seats like on Ryanair and easyJest.

When you book online you can pay to pick a seat. You can also pick your own seat at check-in without having to pay. I was fortunate enough to get window seat behind the exit row. This is possibly the best seat of the lot as there is no seat in front of you.

Emergency Row Seat

The best seat in the house - behind the emergency row

If you are going to be flying to Jakarta, get a window seat so you can see the Thousand Islands chain. This evocatively titled island group is closer to 100 islands than 1000, but it looks great from above no matter how many there are.

Thousand Islands

Thousand Islands - more than just a salad dressing