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Weekly 5: In search of nature in the concrete jungle
Muara Angke: (JP/Jerry Adiguna)Although only 9 percent of Jakarta can be categorized as open, green space, there are still areas in the city that are potential ecotourism destinations
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Muara Angke: (JP/Jerry Adiguna)" border="0" height="500" width="338">Muara Angke: (JP/Jerry Adiguna)Although only 9 percent of Jakarta can be categorized as open, green space, there are still areas in the city that are potential ecotourism destinations. Here are five of them:
Muara Angke mangrove forest
Located on the coast in North Jakarta, Muara Angke Conservation Forest is a natural habitat of birds, monkeys, fishes, alligators and other reptiles, including 17 protected species.
The 25-hectare mangrove forest has been a conservation area since 1939. It has canoeing, seeding and mangrove planting facilities, can be a place for team building activities and has a campsite. Unfortunately, the place is threatened by waste from the Kali Angke River.
Lakes and reservoirs
Jakarta has at least 76 lakes and reservoirs but most of them are heavily polluted or occupied by squatters.
One lake worth visiting is Setu Babakan in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.
Although the setu (small lake) has yet to become the cityâs main tourist attraction, it is a favorite place for locals to enjoy a cool breeze and the clear sight of the sky.
The lake is part of the 18-hectare Betawi cultural village where visitors can satisfy their palate for Betawi cuisine while taking a break from the water attractions available, such as fishing, canoeing and paddle boats.
The city administration is re-greening other reservoirs, such as the one in Pluit, North Jakarta, and Ria-Rio in East Jakarta.
The revitalization project is expected to be completed by 2015.
Muara Angke: (JP/Jerry Adiguna) Although only 9 percent of Jakarta can be categorized as open, green space, there are still areas in the city that are potential ecotourism destinations. Here are five of them:
Muara Angke mangrove forest
Located on the coast in North Jakarta, Muara Angke Conservation Forest is a natural habitat of birds, monkeys, fishes, alligators and other reptiles, including 17 protected species.
The 25-hectare mangrove forest has been a conservation area since 1939. It has canoeing, seeding and mangrove planting facilities, can be a place for team building activities and has a campsite. Unfortunately, the place is threatened by waste from the Kali Angke River.
Lakes and reservoirs
Jakarta has at least 76 lakes and reservoirs but most of them are heavily polluted or occupied by squatters.
One lake worth visiting is Setu Babakan in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.
Although the setu (small lake) has yet to become the city's main tourist attraction, it is a favorite place for locals to enjoy a cool breeze and the clear sight of the sky.
The lake is part of the 18-hectare Betawi cultural village where visitors can satisfy their palate for Betawi cuisine while taking a break from the water attractions available, such as fishing, canoeing and paddle boats.
The city administration is re-greening other reservoirs, such as the one in Pluit, North Jakarta, and Ria-Rio in East Jakarta.
The revitalization project is expected to be completed by 2015.
City forests
Man-made forests are a perfect getaway from busy urban life. Kemayoran, Srengseng and the University of Indonesia's (UI) city forests are examples.
Although only 6.3 hectares in size, Kemayoran city forest in Central Jakarta is a sanctuary for 1,700 types of trees and 87 species of birds. Located in the hot and crowded Jl. H Benyamin Sueb, the forest is a result of the Indonesia Planting Movement, initiated by the Forestry Ministry in 2006.
Srengseng forest in West Jakarta is a 15.3 hectare forest built in 1993 during the term of former governor R Suprapto. The forest has various plants and a lake that is used to reserve water.
Unlike Kemayoran and Srengseng, UI's forest is located on the outskirts of the city, between Depok in West Java and South Jakarta.
Local residents usually visit the forest to jog, bicycle, stroll around or fish in its lake. However, garbage has started to pile up in the forest, and especially in the lake.
Cibubur campground
Cibubur campground, located near the Jagorawi toll road in East Jakarta, is actually a rubber plantation.
The plantation became the venue of a national scout jamboree in 1973 and the place has been a campground ever since.
The 210 hectare plantation is well-equipped with facilities like paintball games, camping equipment and home stays.
Pulau Seribu
Pulau Seribu, or Thousand Islands, is a regency of Jakarta and is dozens of small islands scattered off Jakarta Bay.
Visitors can take a speedboat from Ancol Marina in North Jakarta and reach the islands in 30 minutes.
These islands offer different experiences and facilities for visitors.
Pulau Onrust, or Restless Island, has a strong historical background as the Dutch trading company (VOC) used the island as its naval port. ' JP
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