Looking for maid & driver

(Lou) Hi, I am moving to Jakarta in July and am looking for a nanny, driver and maid. I will be working as a teacher in the BSD City. Are you able to help me and advise how I go about advertising and looking for people to fill these positions, thanks alot Lou Waldron

(Miree)Dear Lou, You can check WNJ "Staff for hire's page" at here

http://www.whatsnewjakarta.com/web3/event/EventList.php?cboGroup=55

and also you can email to mary.a.wiley@gmail.com Publish Post- she got crack list that she distribute to expats community every week.

Good luck!

Best Regards, Miree

Reasonable Handicraft in Jakarta

(Ibrahim) Hi Miree, can u plz help me finding some reasonable handicraft shops in jakarta? im not at all interested in serinah or pasaraya coz of their crazy prices. I want to buy all kind of indonesian collectables as im leaving indonesia very soon. I hope u can help me the best. thanks in advance. cheers.

(Miree) Hi Ibrahim, best place I know of with the best prices to get all your Indonesian treasures from is Pigura in Blok M. They sell Banka Tin ware which they will engrave for you, Bali Wood Carvings, cloths from all parts of Indonesia, Lombok ware, Batik Wayang Puppets, masks and much more. Address is: Jl. Palatehan 1 / 41 Jakarta Selatan, ph:725-2858 or 722-9643 and are open 09.00 – 18.00hrs Mon - Sat. Happy shopping, Miree.

Tour in Borneo

(Vivi) Hi Miree,

quick question..do you know any good tour company for Borneo trip or good tour company as general ?. a friend of mine from US would like to travel to Indo (this is the 1st time for them to travel to Indo).

(Miree) Hi Vivi, please contact Adventure Indonesia, e-mail: info@adventureindonesia.com, website:www.adventureindonesia.com, address: Wisma 31, 3^rd floor, Jl. Kemang Raya No.31, Kemang.

VIP escort through customs?

(Sally) Hi Miree, my ageing parents are visiting us in Jakarta in May and are a bit apprehensive about getting through the airport. You mentioned at a recent newcomers lunch at ANZA that you can book someone to meet them at the plane and escort them through customs. Can you please let me know how I can arrange this and how much it will cost. Thanks

(Miree) Hi Sally, contact person at the airport for the VIP Airport Assistance is Pak Suratijo and his mobile number is: +628151854254. For the cost you will need to ask him directly, as there may have been a price increase. His English is also limited, so you will need to practice your best Bahasa. Regards.

Jakarta Dining

(Jazz) Good Day , I'm writing from Singapore. Its been a pleasure reading your blog n the website. Would like to ask a question as it is something that always troubles me when i go to Jakarta. My fiancee is from Jakarta and we'll be getting married next year. Whenever we want to go out we have trouble either looking for a quiet place to dine n have time together or looking for an eatery that has got space for couples for example couple rooms where we just dine together. Any suggestions or ideas where a couple could dine in privacy.

(Miree) Dear Jazz, thank you for your email and congratulation for the upcoming wedding!

To find good place to dine you can check WhatsNewJakarta.com Hot Listing http://www.whatsnewjakarta.com/web3/event/EventList.php?cboGroup=54 - this listing will tell you which place are hot in town now and should try when you are visiting Jakarta. Also they have a Romantic Fine Dining For Couple in Jakarta's listing as per below.

Romantic Fine Dining For Couple in Jakarta by WhatsNewJakarta.com

#1.

RIVA French Restaurant $$$$

- the award winning French restaurant and specialties in French cuisine. With an open kitchen concept, the promotion is various each month depending on the season in France. Most of the ingredients are imported to keep authentic of French flavor.

For more detail call at 828 2000

#2.

SCUSA Italian Restaurant $$$

At InterContinental Jakarta MidPlaza

For further information and reservations, please call (021) 251 4188

#3.

Cassis Gourmand $$$

Winning Award French Restaurant. Cassis offers an intimate destination featuring genuine European cuisine that will surely please your taste buds from tempting appetizers to irresistible dessert selections.

Pavillion Apartment

Retail Arcade

Jl. KH. Mas Mansyur Kav. 24

Jakarta 10220

T 62 21 5794 1733

F 62 21 574 2001

Location: Pavillion Apartment, Jl. KH. Mas Mansyur Kav. 24 Jakarta

#4.

LOBO @ Ritz Carlton Lingkar Mega Kuningan $$$$

The Ritz-Carlton, Jakarta Jl. Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav E.1.1 No. 1 Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950.

For reservations call Lobo on +62 21 2551 8881. Tel: +62 21 25518888 // Direct: +62 21 25518870

5#.

Lyon French Restaurant $$$

Simple and chic, our signature French restaurant is a city landmark, offering classic brasserie cuisine prepared using traditional methods and the finest seasonal ingredients. Also home to an unrivaled selection of wines.

Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta

Jalan MH Thamrin, Jakarta

Telephone + 62 (21) 2993 8888

Facsimile + 62 (21) 2993 8889

Email: mojkt-reservation@mohg.com

Website: www.mandarinoriental.com

#6.

Harum Manis $$$

Enjoy fine Indonesian cuisine in an ambience inspired by the passion and romance of a Javanese Ningrat House in Harum Manis.

Pavillion Apartment

Retail Arcade

Jl. KH. Mas Mansyur Kav. 24

Jakarta 10220

T 021 5794 1727

F 021 5794 1728

Location: Pavillion Apartment, Jl. KH. Mas Mansyur Kav. 24 Jakarta

7#.

SHY French Restaurant $$$$$

at Papilion level 4

Jl. Kemang Raya no. 45AA

Reservation: +6221 7199244

8#.

Grand Hyatt $$$$

* C's-The newest dining room in the hotel is C's Steak and Seafood Restaurant.

* Sumire-Sumire is a traditional Japanese country house restaurant.

* Burgundy-Jakarta's most exclusive cocktail bar with high end snacks.

Grand Hyatt Jakarta

Jalan M H Thamrin Kav 28-30, Jakarta 10350, Indonesia

Telephone +62 21 390 1234

Facsimile +62 21 310 7300

Website: www.jakarta.grand.hyatt.com

9#.

Moya Tapas $$

Pavillion Apartment

Retail Arcade

Jl. KH. Mas Mansyur Kav. 24

Jakarta 10220

T 021 5794 1733

F 021 574 2001

Location: Pavillion Apartment, Jl. KH. Mas Mansyur Kav. 24 Jakarta

#10.

LARA DJONGGRANG & LA BIHZAD BAR $$$

Jl. Teuku Cik Di Tiro 4 Jakarta Pusat . Indonesia

Tel: +62 21 315 3252, 316 0288

Fax: +62 21 316 0488

laradjonggrang@tuguhotels.com

#11

SAMARRA $$

Jl. Kebon Sirih Raya 77-79, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia

Tel: +62 21 3918690, 3920384

Fax: +62 21 3918675

samarra@tuguhotels.com

#12

WARONG SHANGHAI BLUE 1920 $$

Jl. Kebon Sirih Raya 77-79, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia

Tel: +62 21 3918690, 3920384

Fax: +62 21 3918675

shanghai-blue@tuguhotels.com

#13.

VIN+ ARCADIA $$

- With more than 300 wine brands from all over the GLOBE and delicious Spanish food...

For Reservation and Delivery call: 021 5790 1477

Location: Plaza Senayan Arcadia, Jalan New Delhi No. 9 - Pintu Satu Senayan

#14.

Birdcage Gastro Boutique Parlour $$

Focusing on European comfort food such as seafood pastas, pizzas and grill steaks, accompanied by a wide range of wine selection from our store cellar and full bar facilities. Have nice ambiance - perfect for casual catch up with friends. Price very reasonable. gastro boutique parlour (wine delivery)

Phone: (021) 7392430 / Fax. (021) 7237685

Location: Jl. Wijaya 9 No. 23 Kebayoran Baru Jakarta 12160

Seeking for a Cook & Maid

(Madhu) Dear Miree, Warm Greetings!!

We are putting up in jakarta and searching for 1 female cook and 1 house maid full timers since few months but unable to find suitable ones. Just went thru your site... So thought of seeking help from you. Or maybe you can guide us as to which agency shall we contact. Kindly let me know if there are... what are their expected payscales and any other specific criteria form their side. Will appreciate your prompt response. Many thanks for the same.

Dear Madhu,

(Miree) Please check WhatsNewJakarta.com - for the staffs for hire listing's page http://www.whatsnewjakarta.com/web3/event/EventList.php?cboGroup=55

You can also send an email to them at info@whatsnewjakarta(dot)com for free listing.

Good luck!

Bike parts in South Jakarta

(Sally) Hi Miree, Do you know anywhere is South Jakarta that sells inner tubes for kids bikes/prams. I've look in the yellowpages.co.id but only found 4 stores all a long way away. Thanks in advance.

(Miree) Hi Sally, the only one that I know and would recommend is RODA LINK, Jl. Jend Sudirman kav. 52-53, Gedung Arta Graha SCBD. They are situated behind the Millenia fashion out-let and their phone number is 021 5289 7011. Regards.

Department stores/info general in Surabaya

(George) Hi Miree, I would like to know what are some department websites for clothing fashion and jewelery stores in surabaya indonesia. Also if possible their phone numbers and addresses aswell.I would like to know where to go shopping when i get there. Oh.. Also how much on the average does a vehicle cost there from small 4 door to minivan front wheel drive...whats the price range...even for pickup truck and cars in general.

(Miree) Hi George, the information I cover on ‘Ask Miree’ is Jakarta based, but I do have a soft copy guide on Surabaya that should be able to assist you with most of your questions below. Once again because of the amount of information you are wanting, I will send it direct to your e-mail address. Regards, Miree.

Gem Stones

(Adnan) Dear Miree, I am looking to buy gem stones jewellery. Do you any place that sells them in Jakarta? Thanks and regards

(Miree) Hi Adnan, are you looking to buy just the gems or ready made jewelry with gem stones? If you are looking for just stones I would suggest you go to Pasar Rawabening on JL Raya Bekasi, Jakarta Timur. For ready made jewelry with gem stones take a wander through Plaza Melawai in Blok M, there are many stalls there that have ready made gem stone jewelry in white & yellow gold and have trays of stones you can ask to see to have made up if you are not supplying your own. Both these places are favorites of mine, enjoy, Miree.

Coffee Luwat

(Luwat Hunter) Dear Miree, Sorry to disturb you again. It's just that you seem to know everything and it would be really silly of me not to approach you. Several friends of mine told me that Indonesia is famous for coffee luwat. I saw some at the Sogo Food Hall but I am not sure if they are good AND authentic. Any tips on where I can find the best coffee luwat? Much appreciated.

Dear Luwat Hunter, I haven’t tried it myself as can’t get past where it comes from. There are several shops that sell coffee blends with Copi Luwat, but the good stuff at premium prices can be purchased at the Copi Luwat Shop in the basement of Pacifc Place opposite Kem chicks. Regards, Miree.