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Wait for 'iftar' at these places in Jakarta
Time flies while you wait for iftar in these places.
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A view of Jakarta city. While malls provide various entertainments for you until 'iftar', Jakarta offers a plethora of good things (and places) for those who wait. (Shutterstock/File)
Waiting for iftar can be tricky, especially for those who are used to hanging out in coffee shops, bars and fancy restaurants.
While malls provide various entertainments for you until iftar, Jakarta offers a plethora of good things (and places) for those who wait.
Kota Tua
Go museum hopping in the old town if you haven't already. There are three museums located in Fatahillah Square alone: the Jakarta History Museum (Museum Sejarah Jakarta), the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics (Museum Seni Rupa dan Keramik) and the Puppet Museum (Museum Wayang). If those are not enough, walk to Bank Mandiri Museum and Bank Indonesia Museum that are located opposite the Jakarta Kota train station.
If you're feeling adventurous, join a guided bicycle tour that will take you to iconic places around the area.
Read also: Jakpost guide to Kota Tua
Art:1 New Museum
The Indonesian contemporary art scene is so vibrant and diverse that it might be confusing for the general public. Go to the Art:1 New Museum, which houses modern and contemporary exhibitions in its private museum and gallery. Initially named Mon Decor Gallery, Art:1 has been in business since 1983, making it one of the pioneers in the Indonesian gallery business.
Art:1 opens every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including during public holidays. The admission fees for the gallery and museum are Rp 150,000 (US$12) for the general public and tourists and Rp 100,000 for students.
Kineforum
If established cinemas are too mainstream for you, Kineforum might be what you are looking for. Operating under the Jakarta Arts Council, the little cinema screens independent, lesser-known and old movies. Getting there might be a little tricky since it is located on the back end of the Taman Ismail Marzuki complex in Cikini, ironically tucked behind a commercial cinema. Check the screening schedule on Kineforum's website.
You do not need to make a reservation, just come early in person since Kineforum only gives one ticket for one person. To watch, you are obliged to make a Rp 20,000 donation, unless stated otherwise.
Read also: Jakpost guide to Jl. Cikini Raya
Mangrove forest in Pantai Indah Kapuk
Greenery is Pantone's color of the year for a reason. Replace the dull city scenery with lush, tranquil scenery in the Pantai Indah Kapuk area in North Jakarta. Explore the dense mangrove vegetation that sprawls for almost 100 hectares, one of the largest in Java. You can rent a boat to explore the forest by water or plant a mangrove sapling for an additional fee.
To get there, you can take a Transjakarta bus heading to Pantai Indah Kapuk from Harmoni bus station, stop in front of the Tzu Chi school area and walk toward the entrance, which is located behind the school. The admission fees are Rp 25,000 for adults, Rp 10,000 for kids and Rp 250,000 for foreign tourists. You have to pay more than Rp 1,000,000 to bring a professional camera within the forest park.
Escape room
What is a better way to escape from the city than trying an escape room? While its popularity peaked in 2016, escape rooms are still sought after by many. Choked with riddles and puzzles, escape rooms are a treat for brainiacs. There are several scenarios provided by each operator, from murder and bank heist to vampires. Do your research before playing to maximize the chance of success.
Prices may vary, but mostly start from Rp 100,000 upward. The most popular ones are Xcape Indonesia in Pantai Indah Kapuk, Escape Hunt Jakarta in Kemang, Pandora Experience in Puri Indah, Kelapa Gading, and Alam Sutra. (kes)
