TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Taking a time out with the family at home or on the road
(Courtesy of Waterbom Jakarta)Come rain or shine (it seems like more rain right now), the school holidays are upon us
Change Size
(Courtesy of Waterbom Jakarta) (Courtesy of Waterbom Jakarta)
(Courtesy of Waterbom Jakarta)
Come rain or shine (it seems like more rain right now), the school holidays are upon us. It's the ideal time to get away from it all, whether here in Jakarta or in other major cities nationwide. Here are some of the attractions to be enjoyed in the next few weeks.
Jakarta
Those folks who opt to leave Jakarta's grind and grime during the holiday season may be surprised to hear that the capital offers many interesting places to visit for the whole family.
The capital is a waterfront city, with Ancol the ultimate destination for beachgoers. Besides the Carnival and Festival beach, Ancol is also home to hotels, restaurants, convention facilities, golf courses and several theme parks, such as Dunia Fantasi amusement park and Atlantis Water Adventure water park.
If you want to take it easy, then a stroll is in order at Pasar Seni Ancol (Ancol Art Market), with its range of handicrafts and artworks on sale. Or hum along to the jazz performances on Friday nights.
A visit to the Old Town, one of the most historic areas of Jakarta, is a window into the capital's heritage, said to date back to the 12th century. After visiting the sites and the museums in the area, have the kids partake of a taste of that old-time colonial atmosphere at classy Café Batavia.
If you haven't before, you should go to the top of the 132-meter-high National Monument. The long queues are a real test of patience, but the stunning view is worth the effort.
And you can always head to a local mall near you for the cooling air conditioning, to catch a movie or let the young ones enjoy a kid's recreation spot.
Bandung
The Dutch colonists were drawn to the cooler climate of this mountain town. Its European-style cafés, restaurants and hotels led to it being dubbed the 'Paris of Java'.
Several old-time eateries, including Sumber Hidangan and Sidodadi bakeries, are still in business, but today's Bandung is a modern, thriving and trendy city. There are the famous distros, to snap up the works of local creative talents, factory outlets and thriving café and music scenes.
The Braga area, a favorite during olden days but which suffered a dip in fortunes in recent years, is springing back to life with new restaurants and cafes. Get a sketch of yourself done by a local artist, with the backdrop of the city's distinctive art deco buildings.
The city wears its history on every corner, especially along Jl. Asia Afrika, named in honor of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference of recently independent nations. Take your photo on the street and step into the museum hosting artifacts of the event.
Head out of the city for the fresh air of the plantations in Lembang, an easy 30-minute drive. Stop by a local warung sidewalk cafe for a freshly made tea or one of the more modern restaurants for more substantial fare.
Yogyakarta
This quaint city is a favorite with those seeking a calmer pace of life. The sedate Yogyakarta palace is an ideal place to start the city exploration in revealing the area's traditions and heritage.
Not to be missed is famed Malioboro street, celebrated as a shopping paradise. Batik buffs should head to the mecca of all batik products Beringharjo market. Be sure to barter for the goods you want. If your price-haggling skills leave something to be desired, then a better bet is Mirota Batik souvenir shop.
Yogyakarta is also a gateway to visit two monumental temples of the area, the recently restored Prambanan and Borobudur in nearby Magelang.
Surabaya
Known as the 'city of heroes' due to the major battle that took place on Nov. 10, 1945, Surabaya has developed into a burgeoning business city which also has rich cultural diversity.
For good food and fun times, try Kembang Jepun street, the center of Dutch trade during colonial times. It was renamed Kembang Jepun (Japanese flower) during the Japanese occupation in World War II. Today it is the city's center of entertainment and eateries.
Surabaya also boasts excellent modern shopping centers and the Sampoerna Museum with a regular program of exhibitions and activities. There are also many ongoing events to celebrate the city's 720th anniversary; you can also head out to the cooler mountain resort towns of Malang and Batu in the province.
Bali
When it comes to Bali, it has become clichéd to say that there is something for everyone. But it's oh-so true. There are the one-of-a-kind beaches, varied cultural events of music and dance performances, as well as more physically testing activities of hiking and diving. Families can also make a day trip to one of the many theme parks or recreational sites.
The island, of course, also has top-class hotels and, today, retail outlets galore. If you prefer something quieter during the crowded school holidays, head to artsy Ubud for its oasis of calm.
