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After a much-needed rest in our hotel, our stomachs were grumbling loudly, demanding something more substantial than the bread we had earlier. So, we decided to hunt for a hearty meal. The verdict? Nasi Padang. A quick Google search pointed us to Restoran Garuda for a late lunch.
Pro tip: When dining at a Nasi Padang restaurant, remember that you only pay for what you eat, even though they serve a variety of dishes. So, don’t be shy about trying everything, but keep track of what you actually consume!
We set off on foot, a nearly hour-long walk that left us ravenous by the time we arrived. We dug in like starving explorers, ending up with a bill of IDR480k (about RM144). It seemed a bit pricey considering we didn’t eat that much, but the experience was worth it.
With our hunger satisfied, we continued our adventure to the Monumen Selamat Datang for some obligatory tourist photos. To get the best view, we headed to the top of the Halte Transjakarta Bundaran HI, a comfortable and safe bus stop—something you won’t find back in Malaysia. To access this spot, you need to purchase a card called “TapCash”, priced at IDR50k (RM15), which also works for the MRT.
After snapping some photos, we couldn’t resist stopping at TOMORO COFFEE, a cozy cafe right there. Indonesian coffee is among the best in the world, and this place did not disappoint. We were amazed by the prices—delicious coffee for as low as IDR9k (RM3). Where else can you find such a deal? As we marveled at the affordable coffee, a friendly local who had just returned from Malaysia struck up a conversation with us. They were kind enough to recommend a place for dinner: Bakso Malang.
After our coffee break, we headed to Plaza Indonesia to browse around. Some of my friends bought shoes, claiming they were cheaper than in Malaysia. I just listened, having recently bought new shoes myself, but it was fun to see them excited about their purchases.
Taking the local’s advice, we set out to find Bakso Malang for dinner. We walked to an area bustling with food carts. The atmosphere was vibrant, with many people grabbing dinner after a long workday. We found a seller named Bakso Malang Abah. This version of bakso was different, featuring bakwan—fried wontons filled with a mixture of ground meat or fish/shrimp and flour.
We were a bit nervous about trying street food, but we decided to embrace the experience. The bakso malang turned out to be decent, with generous portions, and the experience of eating street food in Jakarta was something to remember.
Disclaimer: If you’re picky about food quality, street food might not be your thing. But hey, when in Indonesia, you’ve got to try the local street fare! I took a deep breath and dived into the bakso malang.
By the end of the day, our legs were tired, and we were ready to call it a night. We made a quick stop at Alfamart for some snacks and bottled water before hailing a Grab back to our hotel. Walking was no longer an option for our weary feet.
Stay tuned for more adventures in Jakarta as we continue to explore and experience all the city has to offer!
