Despite an installation delay that drew quite many complaints from netizens, it still serves as an interesting destination to visit.

Those planning to come and enjoy the realm of Studio Ghibli universe may want to consider these tips below:

Purchase the ticket beforehand

Instead of buying tickets on the spot, it is recommended to purchase them online via the official website of World of Ghibli Jakarta or their partners. According to Willawati, CEO of Kaninga Pictures, the on-the-spot ticketing area would be closed down if the venue is overcrowded with people.

Come early

A long line in front of the Totoro installation. (JP/Devina Heriyanto)

Although the exhibition officially starts at 10 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., it is suggested to come as early as possible, especially for those who seek to take pictures or wander around the exhibition area undisturbed. 

Expect long queues to take pictures at the studio’s popular mascots and installations such as Totoro and Nekobus.  

Visitors can step into the replica of 'Kusakabe Family House' from 'My Neighbor Totoro'. (JP/Devina Heriyanto)

This photo-taking regulation is very different with the one applied at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Japan. Willawati, CEO of Kaninga Pictures, said that at first the Studio Ghibli team wanted to implement similar rule in Jakarta. “I told them [that] Indonesians love taking photos, so [I suggested them] to apply a different concept," she told The Jakarta Post.

Spare the time to explore 

The breads displayed at the Gütiokipänjä Bakery from 'Kiki’s Delivery Service'. (JP/Devina Heriyanto)

The installations are so detailed that it is recommended to explore each one of them closely. The 8.5-meter replica of Howl’s Moving Castle, for instance, has a small entrance door at the back. The breads from the Kiki’s Delivery Service's Gütiokipänjä Bakery replica are actually made from real breads. If you're lucky, you may also have the opportunity to meet one of the Spirited Away's characters, Kaonashi (No Face), around the Yubaba’s Bath House installation.

Read also: What to expect at the Ghibli exhibition in Jakarta

Ask the attendants

Two female visitors take pictures with Kaonashi with the help of one of the exhibition's attendants. (JP/Devina Heriyanto)

Not a Ghibli fan? Worry not as you can always ask one of the attendants to tell you the stories behind the installations, such as what materials they are made of and which movies they are from. They can also help you take pictures as memento of your visit.

Opt for comfy shoes

Wear comfy shoes as you will walk from one installation to another and the place does not provide any seating area. One visitor from Jakarta, Arietha, who came to the exhibition with her 5-month child, suggested the event committee to provide nursery room or seats for visitors who bring their children along. 

Merchandise shopping

Some of the original merchandises available at the exhibition. (JP/Devina Heriyanto)

After exiting the exhibition area, visitors can expect to find a stall selling Studio Ghibli’s original merchandises, such as dolls, pins, key-chains, towels, umbrellas and file holders with the average prices of Rp 100,000 (US$7). But one visitor from Jakarta, Kukuh, said the merchandises are not varied enough, "Most of them [are taken] from [My Neighbor] Totoro." (kes)