Exploring Indonesia in 2025: Top Destinations and Travel Experiences

This is my first time visiting Indonesia, specifically Jakarta.

To my surprise, the main roads in Jakarta are impressively wide, adorned with numerous overpasses, giving it a familiar, almost domestic feel. For a moment, I even wondered if it was Chinese infrastructure. However, the contrast is stark when you venture into the smaller, more chaotic streets. Standing by the roadside, the aroma of roasted chicken wafts through the air, and the small shops lining the streets evoke a nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of the 80s and 90s back home.

The Central Business District (CBD) of Jakarta is a sight to behold, with its towering skyscrapers and expansive shopping malls, creating a striking juxtaposition with the winding, narrow lanes and tin-roofed houses.

My trip to Indonesia was primarily for attending an exhibition and meeting clients, lasting for a week. However, the most memorable aspect was the culinary challenge. I simply couldn’t get used to the local cuisine, finding it difficult to satisfy my palate. In Cantonese, we say “nothing tastes good” [disappointed].

By the time I returned, I had lost 4-5 pounds, dropping to 88 pounds—a weight I hadn’t seen in years [laugh-cry]. The Indonesian fried rice paled in comparison to what I’m used to at home. Most meals consisted of fried or grilled meat skewers. While the seafood was cheap and fresh, it was often too salty and spicy for my taste.

After just a couple of meals, I found it hard to continue. One day, I discovered a Haidilao restaurant and took a taxi there, despite the high cost [laugh-cry].

The highlight of my dining experience was a visit to Tugu Kunstkring Paleis, a beautifully restored restaurant from the Dutch colonial era, courtesy of a former boss stationed in Jakarta. The ambiance and dishes were truly unique and delightful. For the rest of my stay, I was in a constant state of hunger but lacking the appetite to eat, and after a week of this, I was more than ready to return home.

In terms of safety, I felt quite secure. I relied on Grab for transportation, which was both convenient and affordable. However, without a business reason, I don’t think I would choose to visit this place again [laugh-cry].