Jakarta

Well what can I say. Was an interesting place didn't really go the narrow streets etc. Was quite a dirty place. However if anyone ever heads that way the tours were excellent especially the Kintamani volcano Tour and the Monkey Forest and Temples Tour. Be wary if offered a friendship bracelet or the like as my friend and I were ripped off $280AUD each the first day we were there if you do find yourself in this situation and not knowing the value of their Money all you need to do is say the word police and they back right off. Great weather, really hot. We stayed in Kuta at cheap accommodation but if you go there i would recommend going for something around the 3.5 - 4 star mark as the accommodation we had was only 2.5 star and the sheets were washed daily but they were kinda brown and blood on the walls of our unit. Kuta Beach was lovely but they have a lot of people selling stuff that tend to hound you. lol. The shopping absolutely amazing and very cheap. We were offered drugs by some guys .............no we didn't take them neither of us were into that but however if you are game to purchase off of them do be warned that as soon as you buy it they go to cops and report you then you have the balinese police on your back. Overall was a great place especially the tours, kids ride moped thingees to school and the balinese drive crazy.........yes there were times we thought we weren't goin to make it back to NZ. Was a real eye opener for us. These people work so hard for so little.

your passport needs to have more than 6 months left until the expiary date otherwise they wont let you into the country.however all personell do take bribes.

Jakarta can be a confusing experience when you're there for the first time. It's hot, very crowded, and even more chaotic. As much as I love Jakarta, I can only recommend it to the most adventurous travellers. It's actually not dangerous, contrary to popular belief. But you just have to know the city very well before you can enjoy it. I very much recommend the nightlife in Jakarta. The clubs and the crowd are just amazing there. It's very jamming, and way more liberal and wild than you'd expect!

Get the first train OUT to nearby Bogor (Buitenzorg). Fun little place with extensive, beautiful botanic gardens ... and much better air

Make sure your taxi driver understands your destination before you accept his service. Also women if you intend to tour the Mosque's do not wear shorts or tank tops.

Watch out for all the peddlars, they tell you it's a gift and put it on you then demand money. You have been warned!

For foreigners: please be careful in Jakarta. I recommend you not to take public transportation there because it's too dangerous for foreigners.

Hire a motorbike and go out of the city.. see real life out there.. Hire a riksaw and let him drive you round the city! Go to the waterpalace and the grand palace, to the market..

When travelling to Jakarta, visit historical buildings from dutch colonial in 1940's

Some of Bali's best is not on the beaten path. Avoid kuta beach and try a secluded beach with less people like semenyak. See a ketcheck dance but also see a ceremony with real traditional tira (dance). Be sure to wear a sarong and sash inside the temple, NOT a towel or makeshift sarong. It is very disrespectful. And no pictures inside especially of barongs. The cremations are beautiful and often if you make friends with someone and ask they will know of one and invite you. Locals are the best way to gain information.