Choosing the Right School and Home in Jakarta – Part 2

Living Near Singapore, French, and British Schools – PIK, Cipete & Beyond

Jakarta is a mosaic of cultures, languages, and lifestyles — and no where is that more visible than in its international schools. Each school is more than an academic institution; it’s a heartbeat of community, belonging, and daily rhythm for expat families.

After exploring the South Jakarta cluster in Part 1, we now head north to the coastal sophistication of PIK, circle back south to Lebak Bulus, and meander through the leafy lanes of Cipete — home to the French School — before finishing with the prestigious British School Jakarta in Bintaro.

Whether your family is guided by curriculum, commute, or community, this guide will help you imagine the life waiting around each campus — and how to find your ideal home nearby.

 Singapore Intercultural School (SIS) – A Tale of Two Campuses

Few schools in Jakarta have built as strong a reputation for discipline, academic rigor, and cultural diversity as SIS – Singapore Intercultural School. Blending the Singapore Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, and IB programs, SIS emphasizes inquiry-based learning and strong moral values, with a focus on bilingual communication and global-mindedness.

SIS families in Jakarta can choose between two key campuses: one in the modern coastal enclave of PIK (Pantai Indah Kapuk), and another in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta — each offering a completely different lifestyle experience.

🌅 SIS PIK – Coastal Comfort and Modern Living

Pantai Indah Kapuk, known simply as PIK, is a world apart from the traditional image of Jakarta. Once a stretch of coastal swampland, it’s now a vibrant, master-planned community filled with clean boulevards, waterfront parks, international cafés, and high-end homes.

The School Environment
SIS PIK offers the same high standard of education as its South Jakarta counterpart, but with a newer, more contemporary campus design. The environment feels open, bright, and international — ideal for families who value innovation and a close-knit school community.

Neighborhood Lifestyle
Living in PIK feels a little like being in Singapore or Dubai — wide roads, landscaped greenery, modern infrastructure, and countless dining options. Families often spend weekends cycling along the PIK 2 boulevard, enjoying coffee at % Arabica, or strolling through Golf Island.

Housing Snapshot
PIK’s homes are sleek, modern, and come in gated clusters. Some examples:

• 3–4 bedroom houses in prime clusters like Tokyo Riverside or PIK 2 rent for IDR 35–70 million per month, depending on size and furnishing.
• Apartments in Gold Coast PIK or PIK Avenue Residences range from IDR 15–35 million per month for 2–3 bedroom units with ocean views.
• Luxury waterfront homes can reach USD 5,000–7,000 per month, though many families choose to buy due to strong property development plans in the area.

Commute & Accessibility
PIK is closest to the airport (Soekarno-Hatta is just 20–30 minutes away) and connected to Jakarta via toll roads. However, commuting to South or Central Jakarta can take 60–90 minutes during rush hours.

Noble Asia Insight: Families who enroll in SIS PIK usually design their lifestyle around the neighborhood itself — working remotely, opening small businesses, or prioritizing community convenience over city commuting.

🌳 SIS South Jakarta – Lebak Bulus, Bona Vista Compound

For families who prefer a more central address, SIS South Jakarta offers the same world-class education in the heart of Lebak Bulus — right next to the Bona Vista Apartments, a well-known expat housing compound.

The School Atmosphere
This campus blends the Singapore and Cambridge curriculum in a multicultural, family-friendly setting. It’s known for nurturing teachers, small class sizes, and a welcoming community spirit that encourages parental involvement.

Living in Lebak Bulus
The neighborhood has grown tremendously in recent years. With the MRT Lebak Bulus Station and the Outer Ring Toll Road nearby, access to other parts of Jakarta has improved significantly. Families here enjoy both calm and connectivity.

Nearby Amenities
Within minutes, you’ll find Pondok Indah Mall (PIM 1, 2 & 3), Gandaria City, and international medical facilities like RS Pondok Indah. The area also boasts family-friendly sports clubs and cafés such as One Fifteenth Coffee or Common Grounds.

Housing Options & Rent Range

• Houses in Lebak Bulus, Cilandak, and Pondok Indah range between USD 2,500–4,500 per month (Rp 40–70 million).
• Apartments near the MRT or Bona Vista compound cost around Rp 25–45 million per month, depending on amenities.
• Many homes feature private gardens, pools, and security posts, making them ideal for young children.

For Rent 4 Bedroom House in Lebak Bulus

Noble Asia Insight: Lebak Bulus strikes a sweet spot — you get city access without chaos, modern amenities without losing a sense of neighborhood calm.

 Lycée Français de Jakarta (LFJ) – French Elegance in Cipete

If you’re looking for a slice of Europe in South Jakarta, the Lycée Français de Jakarta (LFJ) delivers it beautifully. Tucked into the charming neighbourhood of Cipete, the French International School offers a full French National Curriculum, under the guidance of the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad).

The School & Community

LFJ educates students from maternelle (preschool) to lycée (high school), with French as the main language of instruction but with strong English and Indonesian programs. The community is vibrant and multicultural — a blend of French, Belgian, Swiss, Indonesian, and other expat families who appreciate European pedagogy and global mobility.

Cultural events like La Fête de la Musique, Francophonie Week, and French culinary fairs are highlights of the school year — giving the whole family a taste of Paris in Jakarta.

Life Around Cipete

Cipete is where South Jakarta’s European heart beats. Tree-lined streets, independent coffee houses, yoga studios, and small artisan stores give it a cozy village feel. Expats often describe it as “the perfect balance of local authenticity and international comfort.”

Popular Spots: Komunal 88, Levain Bakery, Anomali Coffee, and Tuku Café are all within walking distance.

Housing & Lifestyle

• Family houses in Cipete Selatan or Cipete Raya rent from USD 2,500–4,000 per month (Rp 40–65 million).
• Townhouses or villas on smaller lots can start from Rp 25–30 million per month.
• Apartments in Kemang Village or Antasari Place are nearby for Rp 20–40 million per month.

For Rent 3 Bedroom House In Cipete

Commute
The Fatmawati MRT Station is a major advantage, connecting Cipete to business districts like SCBD and Thamrin in 20–30 minutes.

Noble Asia Insight: Cipete attracts families who crave walkability, culture, and connection. It’s not just about housing — it’s about community.

British School Jakarta (BSJ) – A Touch of England in Bintaro

The School

Established in 1974, the British School Jakarta (BSJ) is one of Indonesia’s most prestigious international schools. Following the National Curriculum of England and IB Diploma, BSJ emphasizes holistic development through academics, sports, and the arts.

The school’s lush 18-hectare campus in Bintaro, South Tangerang, feels more like a countryside estate than a school — with manicured gardens, Olympic pools, cricket fields, and modern classrooms.

The Community

BSJ has over 1,000 students from 50+ nationalities, with a strong British and European presence. Its alumni attend top universities globally, and its faculty is a mix of experienced British educators and international staff.

Housing Around Bintaro

Bintaro is often described as “South Jakarta without the chaos.” It’s clean, green, and family-friendly, with great infrastructure and toll access.

Popular neighborhoods for BSJ families:

• Discovery Serenity, Emerald Residence, Graha Raya, and Bintaro Jaya sectors 7–9.
• BSD City (about 20 minutes away) is another option with larger homes and international supermarkets.

Housing Costs:

• Houses range from Rp 20–40 million per month, depending on size and proximity to toll roads.
• Premium cluster homes (modern architecture, gated, clubhouses) can reach Rp 50 million/month.

For Rent 4 Bedroom House in Kebayoran Baru

Commute:
Driving to SCBD or central Jakarta takes 45–60 minutes via toll road. Many parents who work from home find Bintaro’s peaceful environment ideal.

Noble Asia Insight: BSJ families love the blend of British tradition and Indonesian hospitality. It’s a complete community — the kind where your child’s soccer coach might also be your neighbour.

🏡 Comparing the Neighborhoods

🌿 The Noble Asia Perspective: Finding Balance

For expat families, choosing between these schools is often about lifestyle as much as academics.

• SIS PIK offers cutting-edge urban living by the sea.
• SIS South Jakarta provides convenience, connectivity, and access to Jakarta’s social core.
• LFJ Cipete is cultural, creative, and effortlessly European.
• BSJ Bintaro delivers prestige and serenity for families who prefer space and greenery.

Each area has its own rhythm — the morning coffee run, the friendly security guard at your gate, the weekend farmers’ market or school fair.

And that’s the beauty of Jakarta: no matter which school you choose, you’ll find a neighbourhood that feels like home.

Relocating to a new country is both thrilling and daunting. But in Jakarta, families quickly discover that the city has a warm heart beneath its busy surface. Schools here aren’t just places of learning — they’re the foundation of friendships, communities, and lasting memories.

Whether your mornings start with an MRT ride in Lebak Bulus, a bike along PIK’s seafront, or a baguette at a Cipete bakery, life as an expat parent in Jakarta is full of color and connection.

At Noble Asia, we understand that finding the right home near the right school is about more than logistics — it’s about building a life that feels right. Our team works closely with families to match their educational priorities with the perfect neighborhood, property, and lifestyle.

Because at Noble Asia — we don’t just relocate families; we help them belong.