Jakarta is full of interesting places to visit and things to do. There are various ways to explore this beautiful city, namely mini-bus guided tours or self guided tours. Places you just cannot miss include:

Taman Mini:This beautiful theme park greatly showcases the varied Indonesian artistic and cultural traditions. All the 27 provinces of Indonesia have a pavilion here from where the travelers can buy the traditional handicrafts and foods from that place. This 100-hectare complex is home to a bird`s park, an aquarium, botanical gardens, a Komodo Dragon museum, an aerial tramway and an IMAX theatre.

The National Monument `Monas`:The towering obelisk built during Soekarno`s administration is topped with a golden frame and acts as a great reference point in this bustling metropolis. This 132-metre monument has an observation desk at the top that offers mesmerizing view of Jakarta.

The Ancol Recreational Area:A truly delightful place, the Ancol Recreational Area features an eighteen-hole golf course, a marina, an oceanarium, a water park an outdoor market (Pasar Seni) and the Dunia Fantasia amusement park. A superb place to spend an exciting day away from the city`s hustle and bustle.

The Ragunan Zoo:Located in South Jakarta, the Ragunan Zoo is a very pleasant place that houses endangered species from all over the country. From the Sumatran tiger and Komodo dragon to orangutan and the cendrawasih bird, varied species of animals and birds can be found here in their natural habitat.

Jakarta is a favorite holiday spot for many globe trotting travelers. The accommodations in Jakarta are rated by the industry in two ways, Jasmine system and the star system. Jasmine rated hotels are for the budget conscious travelers whereas the star rated ones are for the business class.

Golden Triangle:Much sought after by the business travelers, the Golden Triangle is the commercial center of the city. Amongst the luxury hotels, the best ones include the Grand Hyatt and the Mandarin Oriental. Hotel Indonesia is another of the renowned star rated property in Jakarta. A long list of international chain hotels can be found in this area, such as the Le Meridien, Gran Melia, Regent, President Nikko, Jakarta Hilton and Sari Pan Pacific.

Downtown:The downtown area in Jakarta is a hub for those looking for inexpensive accommodation options. Gran Mahakam and the Ambhara are amongst the most stylish options in the area. Those vacationing with the family would find the Kristal Hotel to be an ideal place to stay in. The serviced apartments at Kristal cater to travelers looking to stay for a longer term.

Beachfront:Luxurious bungalows and cottages along side the beach are creating waves in Jakarta. With a traditional interior and world class amenities, the Pondok Putri Duyung Cottage is an ideal choice for even the most discerning of tourists. Horison, also called the `Honeymooner`s Hotel` is the favorite romantic getaway for the couples. Ancol Travelodge, designed like a ship, welcomes families to its shores.

A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry is required by all nationals intending to visit Indonesia.

Nationals of Britain, Australia, Canada, US and other EU nations are eligible to apply for a 30-day visa on arrival, which is extendable only once for 30 more days.

May to September is considered to be the best time to visit Jakarta. It is comparatively a dry season with less chances of being flooded. Avoid major holiday periods like Ramadan, Christmas and the graduation period from mid June to mid July. It is during these times that the prices of airlines and hotels are expected to skyrocket.

Due to its location near the equator, Jakarta stays hot and humid throughout the year. Travelers should be ready to be bear rainfall anytime, even though the heavy monsoon falls between October and May. The driest season in Jakarta begins in July and ends in September when it rains only on a few days. There is not much temperature variation in Jakarta with the annual average temperatures ranging around 25-34 degree Celsius. The humidity remains pretty high all through the year (70-90%).

Currency:The official currency of Indonesia is Indonesian Rupiah. ATMs and money changers at the airport can be used to exchange foreign currency. ATMs are easily available in Jakarta and travelers checks are widely accepted.

Language:The official language of the country is Bahasa Indonesia and English is the most commonly used foreign language. However, foreign travelers from France, Germany, Japan, US, UK and Spain need not worry as convention hotels are likely to have language translators on board.