Food, fun and fabulous festivities! The Big Durian is as industrious as it is cosmopolitan and Jakarta has become a Malaysian favourite for a multitude of reasons.
If you ever find yourself in the nation’s colourful capital, whether to shop or golf, don’t let the traffic or smog stop you from bringing the kids! Here are some suggestions:
Plaza Indonesia
Families will love Plaza Indonesia which has an entire floor for kids. Explore exclusive retail outlets with everything from designer furniture like Arbor and Troy Kids, international labels like Le Petit Bateau and even a baby jewellery shop!
Anchor-tenant Miniapolis is an indoor playground that spans an entire level, catering to kids of different ages and interests. There are train rides, carousels, a double-storey tree house, an electronic climbing wall, an arts-and crafts space and toddler play area. The space is also equipped with kids’ toilets, nursing rooms and changing stations.
Indoor Playgrounds
Most major malls will house a franchise of the many indoor playgrounds available. From giant slides, flying foxes, game consoles and bumper cars to dancing showers, water tunnels and ball pools; you’ll have a hard time getting the kids to want to leave!
Here’s a list of our favourites: Chipmunks Playland and Café, Lollipops Playland, Giggle the Fun Factory, Playparq and Kidzania.
Kota Tua
Revel in pre-colonial Jakarta at Kota Tua where the Dutch and British ruled Indonesia for 450 years. Bordered by a canal and old refurbished buildings, it features the Jakarta History Museum sited at the former City Hall of Batavia among other museums displaying puppets, fine art and ceramic, maritime and their national bank. The museums may not be so exciting for the kids, but they will definitely love the main square which is always vibrant with fire eaters, colourful bikes, souvenir stalls, buskers, living statues and more. After that, make a stop at the trusted neighbourhood watering hole, iconic Café Batavia for traditional desserts and drinks amidst the swanky, old European charm.
If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, head out into the morning sun to Bundaran HI where the very heart of Jakarta is closed to cars for what has become a well-loved Jakarta tradition. Thousands flock to the big boulevard to walk, run, cycle or skate while enjoying the festival-like atmosphere what with the hundreds of food carts, street artists, music and dance and the occasional public event. See a different side of the traffic-riddled city through this big party!
Ancol
Travel up north to Ancol Dreamland, an expansive theme park that will keep the kids busy all day. Toddlers may be too small to enjoy the roller coasters and high-adrenaline rides of the main amusement park but will love splashing about in the massive water park next door. Skip the crowded aquarium for the oceanarium, a dolphin conservatory and therapy clinic with hourly dolphin and sea lion shows.
If you’re looking for something low-key and outdoorsy, plan a picnic at Ecopark and roam around with the goats, deer, geese and ducks; take a boat ride on the lake; or simply let the kids run, jump and roll around the peaceful green. Stay for dinner at their seafood restaurant and watch the sunset while the kids dig about in the sand of the 500m private beach to end the perfect day. You’ll need to pay once to enter the Dreamland but individual parks have separate entrance fees (although the Ecopark and beach are free).
Travel Out
If you have a full day to spare, travel out of the city to enjoy Jakarta’s neighbouring attractions. Taman Safari Indonesia in Puncak, a zoological garden a few hours out of the city is a must-visit. Purchase vegetables before entering so you can feed the animals as you traverse its artificial hills and rivers to see the wildlife roam freely while you drive by. They also offer other attractions like an aquarium, an amusement park, a water park and a haunted house. Go on a weekday, early, as the roads are one way at different hours along the peak.
Up north, on the Bay of Jakarta sits Pulau Seribu or Thousand Islands with hundreds of virtually uninhabited atolls that are pristine and perfect for diving, snorkelling and fishing. Most islands are an hour or two away from the Ancol Marina by ferry or speedboat but the ones further like Pulau Macan are highly recommended compared to the more populated Pulau Tidung or Pulau Bidadari.
For other day trips, consider the Bogor Botanical Gardens or Ekologika Organic Farm for a fun-filled day of fresh air and running space.
Some travel tips:
- Don’t schedule more than 2 activities a day – take it slow and do one thing at a time. Jakarta traffic is unpredictable so be prepared to spend a lot of time on the road and provide between an hour to two as contingency between schedules.
- The best way to get around is by taxi. The Bluebird and Express services are easy to come by, inexpensive, safe and reliable.
- Stick to bottled water and avoid street food. The kids contracting a bug while on the road will be nothing short of a nightmare.
- Skip the stroller. Roads aren’t pram friendly and most malls let you borrow them for free!
- Check out The Honeycombers Jakarta, for an exhaustive and up-to-date list family-friendly activities happening around town.
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Khairun is a mum to two kids and owner of Recovr Resources Sdn Bhd, a growing social enterprise in the recycling and equal employment industry. She and her family are currently living in Jakarta.
Image Credits: 1hal.com, Kidzania, Lollipops Playland, Playparq, indonesian-guide.com, jalansantaiboy.blogspot.com, travelinsider.qantas.com.au & Wikipedia.