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Jakarta Post

Taman Mini turns 36

Mini archipelago: Visitors can catch the cable car to get a bird’s eye view of Taman Mini Indonesia

Joo Hyung-lee (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Tue, April 19, 2011

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Taman Mini turns 36

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span class="inline inline-left">Mini archipelago: Visitors can catch the cable car to get a bird’s eye view of Taman Mini Indonesia. JP/PJ LeoThe ambitious brainchild of former first lady Tien Soeharto, the gargantuan Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is celebrating its 36th anniversary this month.

An immense park spread across roughly 250 acres of carefully sculpted terrain in East Jakarta, TMII was first officially opened to the public by former president Soeharto. It has, without doubt, grown to become one of the most popular and loved tourist destinations of the country.

One of the most well-known and prominent parts of TMII that should be mentioned is the miniature model of the Indonesian Archipelago, which sits impressively on a massive lake at the center of the park.

Indeed, TMII conspicuously sets itself apart from most recreational parks not just through its size, but also through its theme — the park in its entirety is a formidable recreation of virtually all aspects of Indonesian life, in all its richness and diversity.

The archipelago, the entirety of which can be leisurely viewed from a cable car spanning two-thirds of the park’s entire length, is surrounded by a few dozen pavilions showcasing unique aspects of local life from various Indonesian provinces.

Thematically grouped into six large areas representing Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua, each pavilion has a real-size model of each province’s traditional houses, along with aspects of local environment and culture.

The TMII is a must-see, as it is one of few places that provide both cultural enlightenment and entertainment at once. The park also houses 15 different museums, several gardens, an IMAX theater, a waterpark, and a couple of zoos among its extensive collection of attractions. A fully grown Komodo dragon nicknamed Bima currently resides in the reptile park near the eastern gate, which you can pet and take pictures with for Rp 5,000.

If this trek should leave you tired and rather exhausted, snacks are to be found available throughout the trek around the park. But for a hearty meal visit the Puri Caping Gunung Restaurant, right in front of the West Tenggara Pavilion, and directly overlooking the central lake — it’s quite easy to spot, as it resembles a farmer’s hat.

Slipping in a meal during the visit seems quite necessary if you would like to see the entire place, as we’ve only barely grazed half the park in its entirety. Eight more themed parks, a science exhibition center, art and handicraft market, and many more still await your visit.

Indeed, walking the whole trip could be a rather challenging task — for those who would like a more relaxed or prolonged tour, hotels are to be found on park grounds, as well as numerous trains, boats, and a monorail that will take you around and throughout the place. Cars, taxis, buses and even bicycles are allowed inside as well.

All in all, the having a tour through the park is a great way to experience the entire country without leaving Jakarta, especially if you are here on business and have only a day or two available. Be warned though, as the park is truly quite extensive — don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes and some water.

All this is great value for a modest price under US$3 (which may slightly vary) — TMII is definitely worth a second or a third visit as more attractions, events and performances are added each year. And as if this still isn’t enough, the park has announced a $30 million plan for building a 2 hectare Discovery World themed park, to be in operation by 2012.

For more details, contact 021-8409214 or visit www.tamanmini.com

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