Jakarta

Jakarta is often treated as a transit point, but it rewards travellers who give it time. As the capital of the world's largest archipelago, it gathers the cuisines, crafts and cultures of hundreds of islands, and its restaurants offer an exceptional introduction to Indonesian food.

The city also has a strong hotel scene and a growing contemporary art and design culture.

The drier months, from around May to September, are the most comfortable. The rainy season, from November to March, can bring heavy downpours and flooding. The climate is hot and humid all year.

Traffic is notoriously heavy, so plan journeys carefully. The MRT, the TransJakarta bus network and the LRT cover key corridors, and ride-hailing apps are widely used. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is linked to the city by an airport train, though journey times by road vary greatly with traffic.

Raffles Jakarta is known for its art collection, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski for its history on the city's central roundabout, and Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta for its polished, residential style.

Kaum explores the cooking of Indonesia's indigenous communities, Plataran Menteng serves Indonesian classics in a heritage setting, and Henshin offers Nikkei cuisine high above the city. Look for nasi goreng, soto Betawi and the city's many Padang restaurants.

Kota Tua, the old Dutch colonial quarter around Fatahillah Square, houses the Jakarta History Museum. The National Monument, the National Museum and the Istiqlal Mosque are key landmarks. Museum MACAN is the city's leading museum of modern and contemporary art.

The currency is the Indonesian rupiah. Many nationalities obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa; check current rules before travel. Allow generous time for road journeys, especially during rush hours and rain.