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Weekly 5: Places Instagrammers go to in Jakarta
JP/Arief SuhardimaInstagram has garnered a spotlight not only as a portal to exhibit daily life, but also to share information on places worth a visit
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JP/Arief Suhardima
Instagram has garnered a spotlight not only as a portal to exhibit daily life, but also to share information on places worth a visit. For the sake of hundreds or even thousands of likes, many people put their greatest efforts into getting the best shots to upload. However, photo hunters in the capital do not have to go overseas or out of town to get lovely pictures as Jakarta offers a vast range of gorgeous spots that deserves love. Here are five of them:
Train stations
Most commuters in the capital might view train stations as just their usual travel hub from both the workplace and from home.
However, in the eyes of photo hunters, stations are gems that provide shots of dynamic crowds during busy hours, as well as serenely idle trains amid lonely hours, with the touch of ancient or modern interiors.
Eighteen-year-old Fahmi Zainal, for example, was once willing to travel from his house in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, to take a self-featured picture in Palmerah train station, West Jakarta, after the station had finished with renovations last year.
“The station’s ceiling is futuristic. When you go there in the late evening, I guarantee you will get nice shots with only a few people passing by. I suggest you stand between the line of ticket machines, which are located under that beautiful ceiling,” said Fahmi, adding that his photo garnered around 237 likes after he uploaded it to his Instagram account.
Aside from Palmerah station, the most visited stations for photo hunting are Jakarta Kota station in West Jakarta and Tanjung Priok station in North Jakarta, both of which offer oldie interiors.
Thousand Islands
Thousand Islands has the most ideal spots for photography enthusiasts who are also ocean lovers, according to 26-year-old Pringgo Trikusumo.
Pringgo, who is into photography and adventure, recommends Semak Daun island as it offers one of the most “Instagrammable views.” “Although it is one of the farthest islands, it gives you nice underwater views that you have to capture. Maybe because it is far, only a
few people are willing to go to the island.
Thus, the fish are still varied, the corals still well-conserved,” said Pringgo, whose Instagram feeds are mostly enlivened with adventurous photo shots.
However, he suggests, one must be equipped with underwater or water-resistant cameras to take great undersea photos.
Nevertheless, the island’s white sands, thick trees and blue waters also offer beauty regardless of the angle, said Pringgo.
Well-decorated eateries
Jakarta is one of the country’s hubs for the best eateries; from cafes to bars to restaurants.
Due to rising demands, eateries are mushrooming in the capital, offering mouth-watering food and beverages at varied prices.
In the social media era, these eateries are even racing to decorate their establishments — or food — with the hope to lure none other than Instagram addicts who are also foodies.
More than just order from menus, these particular visitors also take pictures of their food and beverages before uploading them to Instagram, which efficiently promotes these eateries onto social media.
Interpreter Regita Permana Putri, 24, has a long list of Instagrammable eateries, but her favorite is Giyanti Coffee Roastery on Jl. Surabaya, Menteng, Central Jakarta.
“I have been there only three times but it has been my favorite,” Regita told The Jakarta Post. “The place is cozy for hanging out, working or even staring at my laptop doing fun things.”
Featuring log chairs and tables in its wood-themed interior, Giyanti Coffee Roastery allows Instagram users to take selfies using the hashtag #workingmode, #coffeetime, #bestcoffee or #cozyplaceintown.
Museums and galleries
People often flock to museums and galleries not only for their deep-meaning exhibitions, but also for their unique interiors.
Many visit in small groups with cameras, selfie sticks and even tripods.
To decorate their Instagram feeds, most users in the capital make their way to Kota Tua, where various museums offer Dutch-colonial views with its ancient windows and exhibitions.
Meanwhile, artsy photo hunters usually go to galleries, one of which is Dia.Lo.Gue in Kemang, South Jakarta. This gallery is often featured on Instagram because of its unique stairs, as well as its second-floor wall that is full of vintage advertisements.
Roads and tunnels
If you found the previous places not attractive enough, roads or tunnels in the capital might suit you as they are not only beautiful, but also challenging to capture.
Some Instagrammable roads and tunnels are located at Sudirman Central Business District, better known as SCBD, South Jakarta.
With varying shapes of tall buildings lining the well-maintained roads, SCBD provides photo hunters with modern and futuristic views that are best captured in the afternoon or evening.
Photographer Abdillah Hasyim, 31, has some tips on how to capture quality photos in the business district.
“SCBD has more than just square-shaped buildings. Therefore, I suggest you look around the area and find unusual-shaped buildings to shoot. You can also shoot reflections of lamps or clouds on their glass windows,” said Dillah. “If you dare, you can have some nice photo shoots in its tunnel in the evening. The lights make your pictures eminent. However, some people say the tunnel is spooky.”
