ROAD TRIP Jakarta is hot and humid for most of the year. For some fresh air and a round of golf, retreat to the cooler climate of the mountains. Bogor, about an hour by road, is a favorite weekend destination for Jakartans. It is far less crowded on weekdays. Try the Novotel Coralia, a tasteful resort with an 18-hole golf course.
Payment is by the meter.
Indonesia uses the GSM dual-band standard common to Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. To rent a cell phone, call Adi Computer, 572-3702, or ask your hotel to do so. Virtually all computer shops in Jakarta are in the Mangga Dua area. The Jakarta Post and other dailies also have some listings. Michael Richardson is Asia editor of the International Herald Tribune.