Taxis
Jakarta taxis are more colorful than the bright yellow cabs of Manhattan; they come in such a great variety and can become a source of confusion. You'll be surprised with all colorful taxis swarming in this city? There are regular taxis and also exclusive ones for those who seek convenience. The stylish and elegant taxis are usually black sedans with 3000 CC engine. This exclusive taxi doesn't look much like a taxi. Take this taxi and have a very smooth ride.Overslept guaranteed!
Limousine
If your standard of luxury equals to Holywood movie stars, a limousine service is ready for you. The limos feature a range of standard and luxury cars. They are the latest models of Japanese and European luxury cars. Stretch limousines are also available with or without driver. If you have no objection to splurging money, this is the best means of transportation you can use.
Or for the adventurous among you, there is always public transportation like:
Buses
Buses are the primary means of public transportation in Jakarta. Big Mercedes Benzes span the metropolitan Jakarta, taking you from one main hub to another way across town, while spewing toxic through their tail pipes. On some, the PATAS, you would actually be able to enjoy the comfort of air-condition and a high probability of getting a seat. On the regular DAMRI, consider yourself lucky if you can get a seat. When you do, remember to get up and inch towards the exit amidst the sea of people at least 5 minutes before your stop. Fare does not depend on distance.
Metro Mini
If you think that this is a smaller version of whatever nice image you have concocted in your head when you hear the word "Metro", think again. These bright orange beasts roam the streets of Jakarta. Warning: if you are 5'11'' or taller, there is exactly one seat in the bus where you can sit - back row, middle seat, facing the isle - and there is no chance for you to be able to stand up straight.
Despite all of these, they are quite effective in getting you from point A to point B, and, whether you like it or not, in getting you to know the warmth of Jakarta and its people along the way as you rub shoulders, backs, and step on other people's toes or getting stepped on.
Mikrolet
An even smaller version of public transport. Not as romantic as the bemo of Bali, it is typically a modified van that can carry up to 10-12 passengers. Mikrolet can take you to the remotest corners of Jakarta.
Ojek
The last one in the chain is probably Ojek. Ojeks usually park in front of small alleys (gang) that can have thousands of residencies inside. There is no chance for a taxi or a car to get into these alleys, and the distance maybe to far to walk it. So, Ojek - a motorcycle complete with its driver for hire - comes to the rescue..
Becak
Becaks (or trikshaw) used to be ubiquitous in Jakarta. They are basically bicycle with an attached 2-passanger carriage attached in front of it (or on its side if you are in Medan). Several years back, becaks are banned from the city, and they now have become home to various kinds of fish up north by the Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands). Oh, the romance of sitting together in a becak with your loved one, maybe with a slight drizzle, is no doubt part of the memory of lots of the thirty-something people of Jakarta. What is left now is a variant of becak called Bajaj, a Vespa (think of it as a fat-bottomed motorcycle, if you don't know what a Vespa is) derivative with an attached carriage. Their obnoxious bright orange color, and distinctive, ear piercing rattle, will accompany you along your ride in the constantly vibrating vehicle.
Bajaj
This three wheel vehicle is pretty noisy and uncomfortable, actually. But if you wanna save your money and escape from the crazy traffic jam, then this transportation is a good choice. The drivers are usually people who have a big nerve to pass cars and cut distance through narrow streets. But same like becak, this vehicle is not allow to pass the main streets in Jakarta...
Latest: Busway Transjakarta
The transportation is still recently build along Jakarta. It has its own way and the bus are all clean, complete with AC and electronic notice (sound and display). The stops are all strategic, especially in malls, main government Banks, Monas, or city mark like Bundaran HI. It's pretty convinient, especially if you are living near its tracks. Well, if you wanna know how to ride in one, simply just go to the crossing bridge in front of main malls, like Plaza Indonesia, Taman Anggrek, Carefour, Gajah Mada Mall, or Monas. Then go to the counter, buy the one way ticket (distance doesn't matter) and wait at the "terminal". Transjakarta is operated from 7 am until 10 pm.
PS. Still looking for Reformed churches, and rent-a-car. If you do know, leave me a note. Thx.
4 comments:
Why do I get the feeling that this isn't your English and writing style?
ya-haa, u've got it right! I got the article from the internet and copy paste it, just to make it appeared on my blog (so I can read it again anytime) ^___^ But the last 3 transportations were written by me.
hehe...then maybe u should give some credits to the writer coolz, just to avoid misunderstanding of plagiarism :)
thanks for the notice, vei ^0^ Unfortunatelly, I'd forgotten the web address where I took the list :"> I kinda edit and summarize some sentences, but...yeah, I guess in some ways we can call it plagiarism:p Big thanks to the unknown author (please do email me if you feel that this is your writing, and I'll add a credit and link to your site).
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