After working for almost 5 months in Jakarta and been in so many kind of public transportations in the big city, I came to some tips which I'd like to share them with you.

If you're a pedestrian, it's necessary for you to watch your every step in the streets in Jakarta.

1. You have to check your belongings; make sure your bags are shut close with no item peeking out cuz this is quite crucial for your safety.
   
2. Don't wear any provocative clothes, make sure that you are dressed politely and quite covered. Then, you can go out from your shelter if you're sure that your appearance is safe enough.
   
3. During the walk, keep your destination in mind and walk straightly toward it, no matter how far or meandered it is; just keep on walking and keep your chin up high and eyes straight forward so you'll seem to focus. People tend to bother those who seem lost.
   
4. Never bother the whistling or teasing they deliver to you. They're just killing time by doing that and it would never cost you anything to just consider them only the passing wind.
   
5. Split your mind in two. Replay music or sing some song in mute and think of something else in the other half. This could avoid you from such hypnotic stuff. It's a good idea to wear your iPod while walking.
   

But sometimes you'll need to take the public transportation so here are some of the tips I collected from my experiences.

When you take bajaj in Jakarta, you have to know the price range so you shouldn't waste time bargaining while you can save some money on this cuz they usually put high prices on newbies. When you take a bajaj, make sure you know your destination and tell them while you're entering the vehicle. You are free to do anything in that small compartment but take a look on the road once in a while to make sure you're in the right way. It's better if you know some shortcuts.


If you're taking bus, either it's Kopaja, Metromini, Patas AC, or other public buses in Jakarta, prepare your money (it's Rp 2,500.-/person now.) You should never wear unrespectful dress cuz it could really provocative to some people. Once again, mind your belongings. And beware of thieves, especially in the longer buses cuz it's more crowded which made them easier to operate on your wallet/cellphone. One simple tips; always get down with your left leg first.

In taxi the rules are simple and easy. Make sure they use the argometer well. It doesn't really matter whether they put 'tarif bawah' (cheaper tariff) or not bcuz the calculating is different depends on the speed or distance they've set (only God and they know it.) It is highly recommended to take the trustable company such as Blue Bird Group, Gamya, and other brands you're familiar with. The new TransCab offers hi-tech taxi service such as television in it and payment roll by the time you reach your destination. This, is one great quality they've innovated but I guess the price follows the services.

One last thing, you must have known this, but try to make some effort to chat with the driver cuz you'll get some advantages here; you could have a chat friend, add up your knowledge on whatever his story is about, and you won't have to worry whether he has bad purpose on you (although it's much safer to take taxis now than it was, and you can guarantee services from several qualified taxi companies.)