In a way I like airports, I love the hustle and bustle. I like shopping tax-free. I had six hours to spare at Jakarta airport so ample time to explore the place in depth. I’d like to share my findings with you.
If you arrive on an internal flight you will have to collect your luggage and check in again for your intercontinental flight. This way you will have to pay airport tax twice. It can’t be avoided.
Airport Tax for an intercontinental flight 100.000 rupiahs (10 euro)
Airport tax for internal flights leaving from Bali is 20.000 rupiah (2.17 euro) and leaving from any airport on Java 15.000 rupiah (1.63 euro).
Generally speaking all Bali prices are slightly higher than on Java.
Check in for most airlines begins three hours before departure. There is not much to do in the departure hall.
At terminal 2E we had a very good nasi campur, rice accompanied by satay and vegetables in coconut sauce. Don’t miss out on their avocado juice, it is composed of sweetened condensed milk, chocolate sauce, and pureed avocado. Rich and filling, and highly recommended.
Once we had cleared customs we wanted to spend our last rupiahs. This was fairly difficult as most shops want you to pay in US dollars.
Batik Keris (selling souvenirs and batik) accepts rupiahs, but their prices are inflated as are the prices in the snack bars. But this holds good for airports world-wide. All other shops accepts US dollars only. Even though the Batik Keris prices were inflated I bought some lovely souvenirs: Batik sarongs and a wayang puppet.
Jakarta Airport is situated 35 kilometres west of Jakarta. I can recommend two transit hotels Anugrah a budget hotel 5 kilometres from the airport and Quality Hotel Bandara Jakarta in terminal 2E if you want more comfort.
Soekarno Hatta Airport for a detailed description and maps.