Getting to Java Jazz Festival 2010

As advertised by Indonesia TV channels, as well as Euronews TV across Europe and TV cables, Java Jazz is getting bigger this year.

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Java Jazz Festival is an annual event in Jakarta to attract and satisfy jazz lovers with so many International Artists in the line up. This year in 2010, sponsored by Axis GSM, we'll have Eric Benet, Babyface, Jason Mraz, and also previous years performer such as Chaka Kan. One of the highlight is The Manhattan Transfer and John Legend. Local jazz artists will also satisfy local flavour, from veterans like Barry Likumahuwa and Bubi Chen to younger generations like Ecoutez. Check daily schedule on their official website for artist line-up and those special performances.

This year, Java Jazz Festival venue is moved to Jakarta International Expo at Kemayoran. From 5-7 March 2010, we'll have biggest names in Jazz world come and play at Jakarta with a special theme: tribute to Michael Jackson.

Entrance ticket is referred as daily pass since you can hop on and off any playing stages at any time during a day, priced IDR 300,000 (\~USD 33) per day, or IDR 800,000 for 3-day pass. Online purchase will be cheaper, only IDR 220,000. For special performance like The Manhattan Transfer, you need to buy additional special show ticket, ranging from IDR 220,000 to 1,500,000 for John Legend's best seat. Tickets are sold at several ticket boxes across Jakarta, but if you are foreigner, ticket purchase can be done using money transfer or online credit card payment (see official website here).

Where to stay

As it is moved to JIExpo at Kemayoran, staying at Semanggi The Sultan Hotel like previous years will not be the best spot. The nearest hotel to venue is Sheraton Media Hotel at Jalan Gunung Sahari. It is a bit old but still offer luxury.

Your best bet and also great location should be Novotel Mangga Dua (Agoda link or Accor official website). It is located in Mangga Dua Square, shopping and dining should not be a problem. The other one is 4-star Le Grandeur Hotel at Mangga Dua shopping complex. Both hotel offers affordable luxury from around USD 50-80. Java Jazz venue is 5-10 minutes taxi drive from Mangga Dua.

More hotel selections to book, refer to Hotel Reservation in Jakarta

Transportation

One of the drawback of holding event at Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran is its location and access. Although it is still categorized as city center at North Jakarta, as an ex-airfield, only few public transportation passes this large complex. The only reliable solution is by taking taxi or private car to the area. While going to Kemayoran is easy since you can hail any taxis near your location, getting back to home or hotel was a bit problem. Taxi queue is long but supply is rare, but I don't know if there will be improvement for this.