Indonesia’s massive capital city, Jakarta is located on the northwest coast of the island of Java. The city is a hot pot of melting culture with Java, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and Europeans living in the city. Once a major city during the Dutch colonization, the current “Kota Tua” or old town is home to Dutch colonial buildings, Glodak, Jakarta’s Chinatown and Sunda Kelapa, an old port where traditional wooden schooners dock.

Best time to fly from Iloilo to Jakarta

Being a tropical country, Jakarta receives rain throughout the year. Visiting Jakarta during the dry season, which is from May to September would be the best time for outdoor sightseeing. Even though it is the dry season, do be prepared for occasional rainfall as it is almost impossible to avoid rain in Jakarta. October to March is when rainfall in Jakarta gets heavier and often causes flooding and sometimes bring traffic to a halt in the city.

Main airports available in Iloilo and Jakarta

Iloilo International Airport (ILO) – The Iloilo International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the Philippines and is located 24 kilometres northwest of Iloilo City. The airport which takes only a 20 to 30-minute drive to reach is also one of the most beautiful airports in the Philippines. The three most common transportation used to get to Iloilo airport are taxi, shuttle van and jeep. The taxi is the most convenient and one whole taxi will cost around PHP350 to PHP400 each way. The shuttle van is a much cheaper alternative, which only costs PHP50 to reach the SM City Iloilo Mall. If you are looking to really save money and don't mind a long detour, the Jeep will only cost PHP16 to get to town.

Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) – The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport or abbreviated as SHIA is the main airport serving the Jakarta Metropolitan and the Java island. SHIA is located approximately 20 kilometres northwest of central Jakarta. In 2017, getting to and from the SHIA has become much easier with the Jakarta Airport train which leaves the airport to Sudirman Baru station in central Jakarta will only take 50 minutes. A one-way ride on the Jakarta Airport train will cost only PHP 260 and is the most comfortable and convenient way to get to the airport. There is also a bus that ferries travellers to and from the airport, but bus rides will take up to almost 2 hours. The bus ticket will cost approximately PHP 146 one way. The SHIA is equipped with modern facilities including baggage storage, duty-free shops, restaurants, baby changing rooms and also prayer rooms.

Climate pattern in Iloilo and Jakarta

Both Iloilo and Jakarta share the same tropical climate, with hot and sunny days and rain throughout the year. The average temperature in Jakarta and Iloilo are almost the same as Iloilo's average temperature at 27.1 degrees Celsius and Jakarta's average temperature at 27.6 degrees Celsius. Iloilo receives slightly more rain than Jakarta, which is at 2083 mm per year and Jakarta with only 1855 mm rain per year.

Highlights attractions in Jakarta

• The National Monument – The National Monument or Monas is a 132-meter high structure which was built to pay homage to Indonesia's struggle in achieving its independence. Many just enjoy the structure from the bottom, but you can actually make your way up to the top and get a stunning view of the city. The best time to climb up would be during sunset and at night when the structure comes to life with beautiful colours.
• Taman Mini Indonesia Park– Indonesia is undoubtedly a huge country that even not many its people have not visited all of the cities in the country. A visit to Taman Mini Indonesia will give you an overview of the history and culture of the country. The park itself is a rather large complex so do set aside a day to finish up the whole park.
• Jakarta Chinatown – Jakarta is home to many different races and amongst one of the larger races are the Chinese. The Chinese immigrants established their roots in Jakarta since their migration in the 17^th century and opened up Jakarta’s Chinatown, or locally known as Glodak. Take a trip here before the Chinese New Year celebrations and you’ll feel as if you are in China.