Jakarta

My accommodation in Manado was quite a dive despite the Christmas tree at the reception, but given that I had to be at the airport at 4:30 AM the next morning and it was only a 10-minute walk to the accommodation, I gladly accepted that in this case. When I arrived at the airport with German punctuality at around 4 AM the next morning, I already saw the lines forming at the check-in counter. Fortunately, I didn’t have to join the queue thanks to online check-in.

Four hours later, I landed in Jakarta and thought it was a good idea to take the subway to Renata’s. Four different trains, one Grab, and three hours later, I realized that I would just take a Grab to the airport tomorrow.

By the way, Renata is from the Czech Republic, but has been living and working in Jakarta for two years for a Czech start-up. Besides the insider tip for Pulisan and the contact from Stefen, she also offered me accommodation during my stopover in Jakarta. Renata’s company pays for the accommodation, which is located in a fenced-in area guarded by security personnel. Originally, this area was mainly intended for diplomatic staff. Due to the terrible traffic situation in Jakarta, especially during peak hours, these staff have since moved closer to their consulates, leaving many houses empty on the site.

Otherwise, it’s a really nice and well-maintained complex with football, basketball, and tennis courts, two swimming pools, as well as its own supermarket and restaurant. And since Renata had to work and I arrived too late for sightseeing in Jakarta, I could just relax a bit :)