Jakarta, Indonesia

Overview
Jakarta's nickname among expats is the Big Durian, and like its fruit namesake it's a shock at first sight: a sweltering, steaming, heaving mass of some 10 million people packed into a vast urban sprawl, the contrast between the obscene wealth of Indonesia's elite and the appalling poverty of the urban poor is incredible, with tinted-window BMWs turning left at the Gucci shop into muddy lanes full of begging street children and corrugated iron shacks. There are few sights to speak of and most visitors transit as quickly as possible.
Keep in mind that rules and regulations are very rarely enforced in all aspects of life in Jakarta. This is not so much an encouragement for you, but an explanation on why many of its citizens act so haphazardly, particularly on the road.
All that said, while initially a bit overwhelming, if you can withstand the pollution and can afford to indulge in her charms, you can discover what is also one of Asia's most exciting cities. There is plenty to do in Jakarta, from cosmopolitan shopping at Plaza Senayan to one of the hippest nightlife scenes in Southeast Asia.
Bars and Clubs in Jakarta
Jakarta may be the capital of the world's largest Islamic country, but if you're the clubbing type, its nightlife is arguably among the best in Asia. From the upscale X-Lounge to the seediest discos like Stadium, Jakarta caters to all kinds of clubbers, but bring a friend if you decide to brave the seedier joints (though they tend to have the best DJs). Fans of live music, on the other hand, are largely out of luck, at least unless they're into Indonesian pop.
When out and about, note that Jakarta has a fairly high number of prostitutes, known in local parlance as ayam (lit. "chicken"), so much so that much of the female clientele of some respectable bars (operated by five-star hotels, etc) is on the take, and would be happy with a small payment, gift, meal or other token of appreciation for the pleasure of their company.
Jakarta's most (in)famous nightlife district is Blok M in South Jakarta, or more specifically the single lane of Jl. Palatehan 1 just north of the bus terminal, packed with pubs and bars geared squarely towards Western visitors. While lacking the bikini-clad go-go dancers of Patpong, the meat market atmosphere is much the same with poor country girls turned pro. Blok M is now easily accessible as the southern terminus of BRT Line 1. For a more off-the-beaten track experience, head a few blocks south to Jl. Melawai 6 (opposite Plaza Blok M), Jakarta's de-facto Little Japan with lots of Japanese restaurants, bars and (what else?) karaoke joints.
To hang out where Indonesia's young, rich and beautiful do, head to Plaza Indonesia's EX annex, packed full of trendy clubs and bars. Plaza Senayan's Arcadia annex attempts to duplicate the concept, but with more of an emphasis on fine dining.
During the month of Ramadhan, all nightlife ends at midnight and some operations close for the entire month.
Activities in Jakarta
Cinema: Movie theater are a more affordable escape at around Rp25,000 for a plush seat in any of the capital's shopping malls. Beware the heavy hand of the Indonesian censor though. The price of popcorn, drinks are exorbitant. Several cinemas also show Indian, Chinese and Indonesian movies. The largest chain of cinemas in Indonesia is 21 group. Website: 21 Cineplex.
Fitness center: Large hotels provide free fitness centers for guests. Some hotels have sauna, spa, tennis court and jogging track.
Golf: Golf is the number one pastime of the upper classes and, as so many other things here, relatively cheap by Western standards. Green fees can go as low as Rp60,000 on weekdays, although the better courses are twice that, and weekend rates are considerably steeper at Rp300,000 and up.
Bowling: The fee for a game is US$ 2.00 to US$ 3.00. Guest can rent bowling shoes etc. The length of the lanes are 32 feet.
Soccer: Do not watch any soccer match in Jakarta, because the supporters often turn into hooligans/rioters. During and after certain soccer games, foreign tourists should not go near the Senayan sports complex. Source: Wikitravel, licensed under the GFDL