"Mudik" is an inseparable part of the Idul Fitri holiday. As people leave Jakarta for their hometowns, the city is up for grabs for those who choose to stay. The streets are unbelievably empty – a sight that only occurs at this time of year – making it a great time for exploration.

Here are some activities for Jakarta dwellers during the upcoming holiday.

Mall hopping

We know, you can visit malls any time of the year. Even though the midnight sale period will be over by then, the upcoming holiday is still within the Jakarta Great Sale season. Stroll leisurely and take your time as you do not have to fight elbow to elbow with other discount hunters to get the things you want.

Read also: Jakpost guide to Pasar Baru

A visit to the Jakarta Fair

The annual Jakarta Fair, which celebrates the capital city’s anniversary, is set to be held from June 8 to July 16 at Jakarta International Expo (JIE) Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. Besides shopping, visitors can try traditional Betawi dishes or now hard-to-find Indonesian snacks and food at its night market.

A culinary tour of the PIK area

The Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) area may seem like Neverland for Central or South Jakartans. Embark on an unobstructed journey to the north and find yourself drooling over the plethora of hip cafes and restaurants in the area. While you're there, enjoy the greenery inside the mangrove forest park to rejuvenate your tired eyes.

Read also: Jakpost guide to Jl. Sabang

Movie marathons

This Idul Fitri holiday coincides with the summer blockbuster season, meaning there will be a lot of highly anticipated movies playing at the cinema. Be the first to see Kevin Spacey and Ansel Elgor robbing a bank in Baby Driver, the newest Sophia Coppola movie The Beguiled, or Despicable Me 3.

Visiting tourist destinations

For those who have been wanting to visit Kota Tua or Ancol but never have because of the crowd, the holiday presents a brief window of opportunity. Go visit major tourist destinations on the first or second day of Idul Fitri, before the crowds come and suffocate you. Or better yet, escape to a resort in the Thousand Islands area. (kes)