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Non-mall weekend spots to visit in Jakarta
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Aside from high-end malls, Jakarta has many interesting spots for you to spend a memorable weekend. (Shutterstock/-)
I
s going to a shopping mall part of your weekend routine? Jakarta has other attractions that you can explore with your friends and family if you are tired of window-shopping in a closed air-conditioned space.
Taman Menteng
Taman Menteng (Menteng Park) is a strategic open space in Central Jakarta that has become a popular place for locals to exercise or have a small picnic in the afternoon. It is also home to three green houses, which are often used as exhibition venues and a children’s playground. It is free to explore.
Where: Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto, Menteng, Central Jakarta
Contact: +62 822 9384 1731
Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Mangrove Forest
Part of Pantai Indah Kapuk in North Jakarta, the forest is a great place to have a short adventure within the capital city's hustle and bustle. You can explore the site using boats or simply stroll through the wooden pathways. Have your smartphone or camera ready as it has many Instagrammable spots such as the villas and house tents. The entrance fee for foreigners starts at Rp 200,000 (US$15). There will be additional charge for those bringing DSLR or professional-type of cameras. The price for chartering the boats starts from Rp 100,000.
Where: Taman Wisata Alam Angke Kapuk, Kapuk Muara, Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta
Contact: +6221 2903 3077
Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Pasar Baru
Pasar Baru is a great place to have a culinary adventure. Said to be the oldest shopping center in Jakarta, it is home to a variety of restaurants that serve dishes from different cultures, including Indonesian, Indian and Chinese foods. Don't miss out savoring one of the most legendary ice cream parlors in Jakarta, Tropik, while you are there, as well as visiting the famous Gang Kelinci located not too far from the main street. No entrance fee.
Where: Jl. Pasar Baru No. 69, Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta
Contact: +6221 310 6675
Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
(Read also: Explore these 5 spots in Pasar Baru, Jakarta’s ‘Little India’)
Chinatown
Glodok and its neighborhood are popularly known as Jakarta’s largest Chinatown. Park your car and walk to an area called Petak Sembilan, which is a haven for mouthwatering Chinese foods and snacks. Besides bakmie (noodles), one of the dishes that you should try in Glodok is the famous Gado-gado Direksi. Also, you can pay a visit to one of the temples there, the Toa Se Bio. Drop by Pasar Asemka to shop for secondhand books or comics.
Where: Glodok area, North Jakarta
(Read also: The best gado-gado eateries in Jakarta)
Car Free Day
Every Sunday, Jakarta's adjoining main thoroughfares of Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin are closed to vehicles (except Transjakarta buses). Jakartans happily enjoy this car-free day zone by riding bikes or simply hanging out with friends and family. Many street food vendors are also around, so expect to grab delicious snacks while you are there. (kes)
Where: Jl. Sudirman – Jl. MH Thamrin
When: 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Sundays)
