Buys

To welcome in the Chinese New Year, Taman Anggrek Mall in West Jakarta has made itself over as a big floating market, inspired by olden day China.

So, of course, as a floating market, it features a big Chinese junk.

Surrounding the big "boat" are dozens of smaller boats offering Chinese products ranging from steamed buns and sticky rice cakes to Chinese tea and traditional souvenirs.

Festive events include a barongsai (dragon dance), Chinese traditional orchestra and classical Chinese opera.

In honor of Valentine's Day, which is sharing its date with Chinese New Year this year, there will be a 3-meter chocolate fountain, so grab a treat for dipping.

outings

Romance doesn't have to involve fancy dinners and expensive gifts - just ask the scores of couples who steal a moment and a kiss in the middle of Setu Babakan.

The lake is one of the major attractions of the Betawi Cultural Village, an interesting cultural site located in Srengseng Sawah, South Jakarta, near Depok.

Hiring a pedalo (Rp 7,000) and having a picnic (bring your own or buy refreshments from stalls) can make for a fun day out of the city for families and friends.

It's also a great site for sweethearts to consider this Valentine's Day (or any day for that matter), paddling out onto the serene waters to enjoy the sunset together.

views

Angki Purbandono is the kind of artist/photographer who can conveniently straddle pop and high art. Example: The cover of indie band Efek Rumah Kaca's sophomore album Kamar Gelap (Dark Room) features a photo taken by Purbandono, but some of his "freestyle" and experimental works have traveled to galleries across Europe and Asia. His current exhibition "Two Folders from Fukuoka" marks his return to "serious" art, in which he has made the most of his scannography technique, merging photography, collage, recordings and the use of scanners.

Two Folders from Fukuoka

Until Feb. 18
Vivi Yip art room 2,
Annexe Marketing
Gallery Ciputra World,
Jl. Prof. Satrio Kav.11
Casablanca,
South Jakarta
Open daily 12-7 p.m.
+62 21 529 05706
viviyipartroom.com

Eats

Despite Bali's perennial popularity among Jakartans of all walks of life, only a small number of Balinese restaurants cater to Jakarta's frugal foodies - which could well explain why the island's cuisine hasn't really caught on in the capital. Marengo aims to fill the void, serving traditional Balinese food - such as minced chicken satay, duck in spicy green sauce or roasted prawns - at prices that won't break the bank.

Marengo

TIS Square
Jl. Letjen. M.T. Haryono 9
Tebet, South Jakarta
Open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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