Well I can only say that Jakarta is quite unlike what I had expected and that coming from me in neighbouring Malaysia.
I spent 1 week in Jakarta basically taking in all the culinary delights that Jakarta had to offer and needless to say the shopping at Bandung - ladies you will go absolutely nutty and spoilt for choice when you are in Bandung and what more with the currency exchange - even favourable for us Malaysian Ringgit holders
If you ever make it to Bandung - the best layed out with amazing selection of clothes is Rumah Mode - they have it all, clothes clothes clothes and even little eateries so that you can rest your tired feet, quench your thirst and return with fully recharged self to attack the clothes cloths clothes again I swear you won’t leave that place without at least blowing 200-300 USD!! and it would all be worth it.
Bandung is about 3+hours drive from Jakarta and once you get into the place its factory outlet heaven!! Anything and everything is available - and man did I splurge on jeans jeans jeans ... I’m not your tiny petite woman so finding jeans that fit and hip hugged and didn’t end up too baggy on the toosh was amazing, straight, boot, whatever brand you wanted there is was at a fraction of the price I’d stump out in KL and with my SIZE!!! oh yeah! I didn’t need to be anorexic anymore :)
Every retailer in Bandung is carrying some label or other so if you want to shop till you drop make a day trip to Bandung
In Jakarta you must eat at Lara Jhong Krang (I hope I spelt that right) - every province cuisine is presented in such delectable mouth watering platters you will end up wondering where have you been all your life and nevertheless many million rupiahs poorer by the end of the night and literally having to be rolled out to your waiting car or taxi .... but it is an experience not to be missed if you are in Jakarta - its in Menting area if I’m not mistaken but ask and more taxi drivers know this place
Another must not miss is Cafe Batavia - the old Dutch charm building and the one thing that will strike you almost instantly is the millions of pictures on the walls - esp check out the genre that covers the walls and ceilings of the restrooms - I know the ladies upstaris took me about 30 mins to study and comprehend each and every picture and I came away sexually enlightened I heard they have a happening Friday Night for members of the same sex (evil grin) but WOW! some place - the food was great as well
I’m drooling remembering the food and have misplaced have the other superb joints to go to
One other thing is you must treat yourself to a complete Spa from head to toe such luxurious pampering and for about 500000 Rp it is not bad at all you come out feeling renewed rejuvenated and ready to hit their malls and nightlife and nightlife in Jakarta I have heard is fantastico you just need to know the right places to go to I’m looking forward to my next trip which I hope is soon