Living in Jakarta: Complete Expat Guide
Jakarta remains Indonesia’s economic, commercial and diplomatic centre — and one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities for expatriates. Despite the Indonesian government’s ongoing process of relocating the national capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan, Jakarta is, and will continue to be, the undisputed heart of business and expat life in Indonesia. This guide covers […]
Living in Pondok Indah, Jakarta
Often described as the Beverly Hills of Jakarta — a comparison that is part compliment and part gentle ribbing — Pondok Indah is one of the city’s most established and well-planned residential areas. Conceived in the 1970s and developed steadily since, it offers wide tree-lined streets, well-maintained infrastructure, gated communities and a suburban orderliness that […]
Living in Senopati & Dharmawangsa, Jakarta
The Kebayoran Baru district, running south of Senayan along the western side of Jl. Sudirman, encompasses a cluster of neighbourhoods that have become increasingly central to Jakarta’s expat geography — and which deserve more attention than they have traditionally received. Senopati has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade and is now one of […]
Living in Kuningan, Jakarta
Kuningan occupies a stretch of South-Central Jakarta on both sides of Jl. Rasuna Said, and for decades it has been one of the most popular addresses among expats who want to live close to Jakarta’s business and diplomatic core. Well-planned, well-connected and home to some of the city’s most prestigious offices, hotels and residential towers, […]
Living in Permata Hijau & Simprug, Jakarta
Conveniently located roughly ten minutes west of the southernmost end of Jl. Sudirman, Permata Hijau and Simprug offer a combination of qualities that is quietly hard to beat: well-planned streets, genuinely green surroundings, good infrastructure and convenient access to both the CBD and the international school corridor. These neighbourhoods don’t often top the list when […]
Living in SCBD, Jakarta
The SCBD — Sudirman Central Business District — is Jakarta’s most concentrated hub of multinational corporate offices, five-star hotels and luxury serviced residences. Living here is an experience unlike anywhere else in the city: intensely urban, supremely convenient for those whose offices are nearby, and genuinely modern in a way that contrasts sharply with the […]
Living in Menteng, Jakarta
Menteng is where Jakarta’s history lives. Set in Central Jakarta just east of the main Jl. Thamrin/Sudirman thoroughfare, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious neighbourhoods in the city — a place of stately Dutch colonial-era mansions, tree-lined boulevards, embassies, and a quiet gravity that newer developments simply cannot replicate. For the right […]
Living in Seminyak & Kerobokan, Bali
Seminyak and its inland neighbour Kerobokan occupy a stretch of Bali’s west coast that has long been synonymous with sophisticated expat living. Less frenetic than Kuta, more polished than Canggu, and more beach-accessible than Ubud, this corridor hits a sweet spot for expats who want world-class restaurants, high-end spas, boutique fashion, and easy beach access […]
Living in Kuta & Denpasar, Bali
Kuta and Denpasar form the commercial and logistical heart of Bali. They may lack the aesthetic glamour of Seminyak or the cultural cachet of Ubud, but they offer something that the trendier areas cannot: convenience, affordability, and a genuinely Indonesian urban life. For expats who prioritise proximity to government offices, hospitals, schools and the airport […]
Expat Living in Medan, North Sumatra
Medan is the largest city in North Sumatra, and the third largest city in the country with a population of approximately 2.45 million (2023). Medan sits at the heart of North Sumatra’s expat community, with a well-established international school, reliable private hospitals, and a lively dining and social scene shaped by the city’s remarkable ethnic […]
Expat Living in Surabaya
Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and has long been one of the country’s most important trading ports. Located on the northeastern coast of Java, the city serves as the commercial gateway to eastern Indonesia and has historically played a key role in shipping, manufacturing, and regional trade. Today Surabaya remains […]
Batam Area Guide
Overview of Expat Life in Batam Batam remains a unique destination within Indonesia. Located just 20 km south of Singapore, the island continues to function as a free trade zone and industrial hub, with strong economic ties to Singapore. As of 2026, the expat population is estimated at 1,500–2,500 residents, significantly higher than earlier figures […]