I started my Indonesian adventure in Jakarta. The early arrival was a bonus, and with a 60-day visa already arranged, the airport process was quick. However, the bus to Gambir station filled up just before boarding, so a one-hour wait was necessary, even though a taxi was an option, I love to travel cheap, but mostly like a local. Without a SIM card or Google Maps, navigation depended on map notes from a guidebook, which added a sense of adventure. It’s more expensive to buy your SIM card at the airport, so I choose to buy one in Jakarta Center.

Finally arriving at the hostel after a rainy walk and crossing a busy street with locals, the first Indonesian beer felt rewarding. That evening, I joined a group of Dutch and English travelers, and together with a local guide, we explored Jakarta by night and I had the most amazing Rendang.

The next, and my only full day in Jakarta I did a walking tour included stops at key sites like the National Monument (Monas), Istiqlal Mosque, Chinatown, and Kota Tua (Old Town), followed by a boat ride in the old harbor. It was the perfect way to scratch of all the touristic places in Jakarta. The city itself is busy, but with Grab of Gojek and train, it’s easy to get around.

An extra experience that made my stay in Jakarta worthy was stepping into a unique culinary experience: eating cobra, including drinking snake blood, which was memorable if not something to repeat. So if you’re up for something crazy, I dare you to try!