Relocating to Jakarta Questions

Hi Lara & Tina--

 I am looking at a move to Jakarta this winter from the US, and am trying to digest housing options. I'd consider quality of life to be my highest priority, and hope to be amid English-speaking expats (am not fluent in any other language). Based on what i can discern from web searches, I've narrowed my search to CBD/Golden Triangle area, and South Jakarta--perhaps Kemang Village--but maybe I am missing something here. I'm 46 YO male and am looking for an upscale residential tower, with lots of activity (dining, socializing, etc) in the immediate/walkable area.  Will have a car and driver to help me deal with commuting. Any insight you can give would be greatly appreciated! ED

 Hi Ed,
I would suggest you to go for Kemang Village apartment or Kemang area. It's expats area and everything walk-about (dining, socializing, etc). We can properly guide you, we'll need to know what your housing budget it. Please email usdirectly with those confidential details at:Waiting to hear from you,

Lara Vaccar-Nemalceff
Senior Orientation Coordinator / Inbound Consultant
Santa Fe Relocation Services IndonesiaEmail: lara.vaccar@santaferelo.co.id

Birthday party

Hi,

I am trying to plan a birthday party for my 6 year old daughter at my residence in Pondok Indah.  Could you please help me with the names of some tried and tested party organizers who basically entertain the kids with games, art, magic show along with a MC?  I was also trying to get some invitation cards to send out to school, but stores like Hero carry very less stock, hard to find same kind of more than 10. Appreciate your help.

Cheers,

Deepa

Hi Deepa,

Happy Birthday to your little one! 

The details for party organizer that I’ve used are:  http://hiphiphoor4y.com/.  Please ask for Lulu.  In addition to Tina’s recommendation, you can also do all of your party invitations with Lulu or even go to some of the local Toys R Us stores.  They can generally get you a boxed set of 20+ or find them at other local Toys R Us stores for you.

For MC I love Windy.  Kids adore him and I’ve known him for years.  He can be reached at 08158705047. 

If you are keen on a specialty themed cake, contact Cindy Limena at Pasadena cakes at 0816803636.  She can copy or sketch up anything.  She’s made me some unbelievable cakes over the years.  http://www.pasadenacake.com/

Enjoy the party.

Lara

Where really good exclusive "Sizzler" restaurant in Jakarta?

I am new relatively in  Jakarta and was wondering if there is any really good exclusive  "Sizzler"  restaurant in CBD or South Jakarta.

We have been looking for one but usually end up in places where a few sizzlers are thrown into the menu ....

Thanks n Take Care

nainpal

Hi and welcome to Jakarta.  I have not seen or heard of a Sizzler in CDB or South Jakarta but do know there is one at Taman Anggrek Mall next to the ice skating rink (next door to Pizza Hut).

Have you tried Outback Steakhouse over on Sudirman next to Ratu Plaza EMall?  That’s great and authentic J

And have you try to have brunch in Jakarta? You can check the complete listing in WhatsNewJakarta.com  here 

Lara & Tina

Where expats prefer to live for The Jakarta Post Travel article

Hi Lara and Tina! I'm Keshie from The Jakarta Post Travel (www.jakpost.travel), a new all-about-traveling-in-Indonesia website from The Jakarta Post. I'm writing an article about where mostly expats live in Jakarta and hopefully you don't mind helping me out :)
 1. There are assumptions that most expats prefer to live in South Jakarta. Do you agree/disagree? Why?
 2. Do you know anyone (or maybe yourself) who live in South Jakarta? Why do you think they (or you) choose to live there instead of other parts of Jakarta? What's the beauty part of it?
 3. What do you love the most about living in Jakarta? And compared with other cities, maybe?
 4. Do you have any favorite places you always come back to hang out, eat or simply spending time in South Jakarta or other parts of Jakarta? Thank you in advance for your help! --
 Best regards, Keshie

FROM LARA - Hi Keshie, Of course we do not mind. J
 1. I agree. Everything in South Jakarta is near. With the traffic issues here, it’s much easier to get around if living in South Jakarta. There are a lot of family activities, now a new / larger mall, cinemas, playgrounds, restaurants. It’s a family community. Women’s associations are nearby (most), mom & tots groups, schools, etc.
 2. I live in Kemang and have for 12+ years. Love it here. Everything is centrally located. Our grocery stores are close. For those that have pets, great location too. Vets nearby. Can walk in Kemang Dalam. It’s full of wonderful things to do. JICC is nearby also which is of interest to most expatriates.
 3. I love the people, their smiles, the warm hearts and the expats here. Everyone is kind and supportive and especially to our newcomers.
 4. Personally, I prefer to hang out with my teman and to go to do things with my children. The cinemas are great, unbelievable dining here (Spanky’s, JF Bistro, Koi, Shy). Never a dull moment in these parts. I also personally like to get away to Bali to the quieter areas such as Nusa Dua or Jogya or anywhere away from the traffic. Thousand Islands are always great. My favorite is Tiger Islands. We recently chartered the island for a weekend with friends. Eco friendly resort and stunning. For the less glamorous locations one can go to Pelabuhan Ratu but beware of the waves. J I hope this helps, Keshie. Let us know if you need more details. Thanks a lot. Lara

FROM TINA -  Hi keshie, To answer your questions:
It's not an assumption that expat prefers to live in South Jakarta, it's true. why? probably because despite the traffic it's a very convinient place to live as it's accessible to all shopping malls, restos and clubs. in connection with your second question both Lara and I lives in south Jakarta, Kemang area. I cannot imagine living anywhere else in Indonesia but in this area. why because most of our friends are here. in a city that is busy and as traffic as Jakarta it's hard to have friends if they're 1 hour away, in my opinion. the traffic and the time you spent in your car to see a friend is jut too stressful. Whereas in Kemang/cipete area we are about 5 to 15 min away from everyone. all our favorite restos and clubs, bars, shops are here. I guess I can say that most expatriates feel at home here because they can see that everyone is here too. for expatriates like us who lives away from our families, our friends that we meet here becomes our second families..that's why we stay close together. what do I love about Jakarta? it's vibrant, unpredictable, always full of surprises and of course the friendly and accommodating locals. my favorite places are all in the Kemang area. koi, FJ Bistro, Toscana rooftop and my friends houses are my favorite places to eat and to hang out. :) hope I was able to help you with your inquiries. kind regards, Tina

Where to meet expats community in Jakarta?

Hi Lara & Kelly, I would like to ask about the expatriate hang out place in Jakarta. Especialy for the young people. I need your help and thanks. Regards, Soraya

 Dear Soraya, Please check www.whatsnewjakarta.com for upcoming networking events at here http://www.whatsnewjakarta.com/web3/event/EventList.php?cboGroup=12 Suggest you to join www.internations.org too for expats community. Cheers, Tina & Lara

Salsa in Jakarta

Dear Kelly and Lara Hello! Many thanks for all the earlier posts answered, and they have been extremely helpful. Can you please advise on place where my husband and I can learn dancing - Salsa/Ballroom in South Jakarta. Most of the places I saw were meant for teens or very young crowd. Any place for older couples you advise? thanks again best regards Sanjkta

 Dear Sanjkta, We answered the similar question before, please find the answer here - http://askexpatsjakarta.blogspot.com/2011/11/dance-class-studio-in-jakarta.html Cheers!

Lion dance for Chinese New Year

Hi, I was wondering if you had any contacts of Dance Companies that would do a Lion Dance show or similar for upcoming Chinese New Year Celebrations for an International School (we will be celebrating the Friday before CNY). I know it is a little last minute! Thanks Wayne

 The answer:

Hi, good day. I tried to call some of my contacts one of them lives in China town regarding lion dancer unfortunately they can only give me "Barongsai", I tried googling it but all numbers are not working. I was told that if you go to Jalan pancoran near LTC glodok west jakarta. There will be a lot of offices there that you can book it. Also try googling key word toko pancoran taman sari jakarta. Maybe you can find something there that I cannot find.Sorry I cAnt be much of a help. Goodluck! Tina

 Am very sorry to report that all of the contacts I know that could assist here are already booked. L Lara