If you happen to be in the area, here are some places you should check out.

How to get there

Expect to face traffic jams in this area, especially during rush hours.

If you want to visit food establishments, offices or hotels along the main street, Jl. Tomang Raya, it is recommended to use Transjakarta buses by getting off at Tomang Mandala bus stop. But if you are seeking to explore the area behind Jl. Tomang Raya, you can use the blue bajaj (three-wheeled taxi) as the streets there are narrower.

What to wear

Casual outfits. Shorts and t-shirts are advised.

Where to eat

For many, no visit to Tomang is complete without tasting the super spicy noodle abang-adek sold at Warmindo Abang-Adek. The restaurant has two outlets on Jl. Mandala Utara, both located not too far from each other.

Two dishes at Warmindo Abang-Adek in Tomang: boiled chicken curry noodle with egg (right) and fried noodle with beef cornet. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

Note that the food sold at this eatery is famous for its extreme spiciness. A noddle dish with a sedang (medium) level of spiciness, for instance, means it will be cooked using 10 chilies, while the mampus version will have 100 chilies in it. However, the restaurant also provides non-spicy options for those who can't handle the heat.

With prices starting from Rp 15,000 (US$1), the noodle dishes are available in various flavors, from kari ayam (chicken curry) to ayam special (special chicken). Patrons can also add various toppings to their noodles, such as egg, beef cornet and cheese. 

The interior of Guten Morgen - Coffee Lab & Shop in Tomang. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

Those who want to enjoy a fancy lunch or coffee break can go to Guten Morgen - Coffee Lab and Shop, not too far from Abang-Adek. Decorated with dried and fresh flowers, it offers unique beverages like Kaffee Cubes, which is filled with fresh cut flowers, and the Salted Caramel Latte with prices start from Rp 48,000. As for food, a top choice is the Chashu Donburi, which consists of pork belly slices with nori (dried seaweed), sunny side up egg and Guten Morgen Salad.

This Instagrammable café also contains a florist called Mimsy Botanical Flower, which is located at the back of the café.

Read also: Jakpost guide to Jl. Tanjung Duren Barat

Jl. Tomang Raya is also home to a Chinese restaurant named Central – Restaurant and Function Hall, which offers Chinese cuisine and spaces for special occasions like weddings and family lunches.

Where to shop

Those who want to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables and snacks should consider visiting the two-story Rumah Buah in Tomang Raya.

Fruit sold at Rumah Buah in Tomang, West Jakarta. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

The area hosts catering services as well, such as Chez Ingrid and Ny. Hendrawan.

Chez Ingrid often participates in wedding exhibitions in Jakarta. Established in 1989, it also has a bakery at its outlet on Jl. Mandala Utara that offers various types of breads and cakes.

What to do

Visitors looking to take a refreshing break can stop by the park Taman Cattleya, which can be reached from Jl. Letjen S. Parman. Those who travel by Transjakarta bus can simply walk to the park after getting off at RS Harapan Kita bus stop.

The front gate of Taman Cattleya. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

Open until 10 p.m., the well-maintained park is usually packed during weekends as it has a jogging track, fitness facility and a small lake where people fish. 

The city-owned Tarakan Hospital (RSUD Tarakan) is located not too far from the bridge on Jl. Tomang Raya. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

Tips

• Bring some small notes, around Rp 5,000, to pay parking attendants.
• Many establishments in the area behind Jl. Tomang Raya do not have sufficient parking space and sidewalks.
• Rush hour in the afternoon usually begins after 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• In case of emergency, the area is home to city-owned Tarakan Hospital in Cideng, which is not too far from the bridge on Jl. Tomang Raya. The entrance gate is located on Jl. Kyai Caringin. (kes)