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Jakarta Aquarium offers marine life experience
Fun activity: Visitors take a closer look at the marine life housed at the Jakarta Aquarium in Neo SOHO Mall, West Jakarta
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un activity: Visitors take a closer look at the marine life housed at the Jakarta Aquarium in Neo SOHO Mall, West Jakarta. Opened in December 2016, the aquarium was established by the operator of Taman Safari Indonesia in cooperation with Malaysian aquarium operator Aquaria KLCC. The aquarium houses more than 600 live marine and terrestrial specimens and 100 preserved specimens. (JP/Andi Muh. Ibnuaqil)
Alef, a 27-year-old mother, wanted to teach her three-year-old son Azkan about marine life.
After reading a book to him about life under the sea, Alef decided to take little Azkan to the Jakarta Aquarium to allow the toddler to see marine creatures with his own eyes.
“I read a book to him about marine life and Azkan showed great interest. So, I decided to bring him here so he could learn more about marine life,” Alef told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
It was her first visit and, overall, she was impressed.
“My son enjoyed his time here, although I wish some of the panels were more accessible and user-friendly for toddlers. There should be some voice over recordings to explain about the animals so children can learn more here,” she said.
The Jakarta Aquarium, located inside Neo SOHO Mall in Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta, has become a popular site for Jakartans who want to see various marine and terrestrial animals without leaving the city.
The aquarium, which opened in December 2016, is an ex-situ conservation site set up by Taman Safari Indonesia in cooperation with Malaysian aquarium operator Aquaria KLCC.
It houses more than 600 live marine and terrestrial specimens and 100 preserved specimens across 12 zones.
Adults also find the aquarium interesting and entertaining.
Abel, a 21-year-old engineering student at the University of Indonesia, said he was curious about the aquarium.
“I think SeaWorld [in Ancol, North Jakarta] is bigger than Jakarta Aquarium but the interior of this aquarium is better,” he said.
“However, some fish tanks do not have explanations of what species are inside, so I think it would be better if there was more information,” he said.
Abel said that for him the entrance fee was a bit expensive but was worth it.
Tini, 57, said she visited Jakarta Aquarium with her son and daughter-in-law. “The aquarium is pretty good. I’m impressed by how they keep the fish alive so far from the sea,” she said.
To engage with its visitors, the Jakarta Aquarium has also launched the Aqua Camp program for children to spend the night at the aquarium, learn about animal conservation and have a peek behind the curtain at the aquarium’s operations.
“This is our newest program for children and has a unique theme, which is camping surrounded by fish,” Jakarta Aquarium marketing manager, Dada Sabra Sathilla, told reporters.
Priced at Rp 770,000 (US$55.44) per child, the program is mainly targeted at children aged 8 to 12 years old, while children under 8 must be supervised by a guardian.
Dada said each session of the camp would include 25 to 50 participants. The aquarium will hold the camp twice every month with the first session on May 4.
“Please sign up through our call center [1-500-212] or via our email [info@jakarta-aquarium.com] or Instagram account [@jakartaaquarium]. In the future, we will add more interesting programs as well,” Dada said.
On weekdays, the regular admission fee is Rp 150,000 for adults and Rp 95,000 for children, while on weekends the admission fee is Rp 175,000 for adults and Rp 135,000 for children. Premium packages are also available. (ami)
