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Jakpost guide to Pantai Indah Kapuk
PIK is much more than just a culinary hub as it offers a plethora of activities, such as a water park, a mangrove forest, co-working space and more.
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Established in 2012, the Tzu Chi Center has become an icon of PIK. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
In the past five years, Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) in North Jakarta has evolved to become a hip culinary district.
However, PIK is much more than just a culinary hub as it offers a plethora of activities, such as a water park, a mangrove forest, co-working space and more.
Getting there
PIK is relatively huge and it is best to visit the area using a private vehicle, taxi or ride-hailing apps, such as Go-Jek, Uber and Grab.
Public transportation is also available. Transjakarta buses go to PIK from Harmoni and stop at the Tzu Chi Center bus shelter.
What to wear
Since PIK hosts a plethora of activities, clothing depends on your plans.
Those planning to go restaurant hopping are recommended to wear casual attire, such as a summer dress for women and a T-shirt and jeans for men.
Adventure seekers that plan to go to the water park or the mangrove forest should wear a T-shirt and shorts as the weather is usually humid and dry.
Read also: Five places for seafood lovers to go in Pantai Indah Kapuk
What to see
Established in 2012, the Tzu Chi Center has become a PIK icon.
Occupying a 10-hectare area, it hosts the Tzu Chi School, DAAI TV Indonesia studio, the Tzu Chi Learning Center and the Jing Si Books & Café.
Although most visitors usually go no farther that the front of the center to take pictures, it actually welcomes people to explore its Jing Si Books & Café and cafeteria. The former is opened daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and offers a collection of books written by Master Cheng Yen, Tzu Chi’s founder, and recycled items. Meanwhile, the cafeteria is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here, guests can enjoy vegetarian dishes at affordable prices.
In addition to the Tzu Chi Center, the mangrove forest has become a popular destination among locals. Here, visitors can explore the dense mangrove vegetation or rent a boat to explore the site by water.
Admission to the mangrove forest costs Rp 25,000 (US$1.87) for adults, Rp 10,000 for children and Rp 250,000 for foreign tourists. An additional Rp 1 million is required for those wanting to take a professional camera into the area.
What to do
PIK is known as a culinary district. However, if a culinary excursion is not your cup of tea, fret not as there are tons of activities to do in the area.
Waterbom Jakarta is among the popular outdoor activities in PIK. The water park has six zones, namely Wave Pool, Twizted Zone, Kiddy Zone, Extreme Zone, Bomblazter and Hairpin Zone. During the peak season between June and July, entrance fees are Rp 200,000 for children and Rp 270,000 for adults.
Those wanting to work away from office can visit CRE8 located at the PIK Avenue shopping center. The virtual office and work space offers various facilities, including co-working spaces, serviced office and meeting room. In addition to work space, guests can also enjoy free-flow beverages, high-speed internet, free printing services and nap rooms.
Health enthusiasts can visit the LifeChanging Pilates & Yoga Studio at the Garden House shop lot. Offering private and group classes, Pilates fees start at Rp 250,000 per session. As for yoga classes, the studio offers iyengar, hot hatha, vinyasa and kids' yoga.
Meanwhile, pet lovers can take their furry friends to the BGM PIK Pet Shop. Situated at Rukan Exclusive Bukit Golf Mediterania Pantai Indah Kapuk, visitors can get necessary items for their pets while sending their four-legged friends for grooming. A swimming pool is also available for dogs.
Read also: Jakpost guide to Kota Tua
What to eat
When it comes to food, PIK has a long list of eateries.
Asian food enthusiasts can drop by Tim Ho Wan, Sushi Hiro and Atek.
As the first Tim Ho Wan outlet in Indonesia, the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant serves dim sum staples, such as hakau (prawn dumpling) and siumai babi udang (pork dumpling with shrimp) and baked bun with barbecue pork, its specialty.
Meanwhile, Sushi Hiro is recognized for its stair-like plates, which makes it Instagram worthy.
Those looking for Chinese barbecue pork can plan a visit to Atek. Although it is not as fancy as the two aforementioned eateries, Atek’s delicious roasted pork will make you smile from ear to ear. On another note, Balinese eatery Naughty Nuri's Warung is also there to satisfy any barbecue pork cravings.
Those who fancy South Korean dishes can drop by Born Ga.
For Indonesian food lovers, PIK also hosts a plethora of eateries. At Gerobak Betawi, foodies can find local fare such as fried gourami, soto (aromatic soup) and more. Meanwhile, The Atjeh Connection Resto and Coffee serves the land’s signature dishes such as ayam tangkap (fried chicken with salad leaves), mie Aceh (thick yellow noodles with curry sauce) and more.
At night, Indonesian food enthusiasts can visit PIK’s fresh market and sample local treats at Nasi Uduk Ibu Jum and Fresh Seafood Aju stalls.
In addition to those restaurants, PIK is also home to Australia-based coffee shop Toby Estate. Located in PIK Avenue shopping mall, coffee enthusiasts can sip Toby Estate’s signature Australian flat white.
What to buy
Although PIK is not considered a shopping district, visitors can still find goods to buy.
La Madame Florist is among Jakarta’s popular flower shops. Based in PIK, visitors can check out the outlet at Ruko Cordoba and order various flowers for loved ones.
Moreover, the newly opened PIK Avenue hosts various shops, such as Muji and sneaker shop Our Daily Dose.
Tips
- Wear comfortable clothing as the weather is dry and humid.
- During public holidays, avoid the mangrove forest and Waterbom Jakarta as they tend to be crowded.
- For several restaurants, make a reservation prior to a visit.
- Since many eateries serve pork-based dishes, Muslims should check any place prior to visiting. (kes)
