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Six things to do for a weekend in Jakarta
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The National Monument (Monas) in the evening of Dec. 31, 2017. (Antara/Wahyu Putro A)
J
akarta has its own brand of charm that attracts tourists and locals alike. From culinary and cultural destinations to historical sites, the capital has something for everyone.
Here’s a list of what you can do for a weekend in the city, as compiled by kompas.com:
Morning exercise at Suropati Park
If Car Free Day (CFD) along Jl. Thamrin and Jl. Sudirman is too crowded for your exercising needs, you can opt to go to several city parks, such as Suropati Park. Located in Menteng, Central Jakarta, it is actually part of a residential area and is surrounded by large trees, making it a great place to do some jogging or yoga. If you are hungry, food vendors usually offer breakfast dishes around the park.
Lunch at the first Japanese restaurant in Indonesia
Located on Jl. Cikini IV in Central Jakarta and opened in 1969, Kukigawa restaurant is known as the first Japanese restaurant in the country. It also has a calm atmosphere that will help you escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The restaurant opens from Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Search for secondhand books and vinyl records
Take your time as you search for secondhand books and vinyl records at Blok M Square, South Jakarta. Go directly to the basement floor of the department store and you will be transported into the past as you spot cassettes on sale, smell the scent of old books and hear the sound of a gramophone playing music.
Read also: Jakpost guide to Kota Tua
Climb up to the peak of Monas
There is nothing better than enjoying the view of the city from up above. Afternoons are a good time to take a walk at the National Monument (Monas) and go to the peak of the landmark.
Dinner like the old days
Rijsttafel (rice table), a dining concept created by the Dutch during the colonial era, is an indulgence made up of various Indonesian meat and vegetable side dishes to accompany rice. All the dishes are laid out on the table for the diners to feast on. Tugu Kunstkring Paleis in Menteng, Central Jakarta, is one of Jakarta’s few restaurants that still preserves the tradition. It is recommended to make your reservation in advance if you want to enjoy a rijsttafel dinner here.
Watch 'wayang orang' in Senen
If you are into shadow puppet or rare art performances, you may want to watch wayang orang (human puppet show). Head to Senen, Central Jakarta, to see Wayang Orang Bharata, the only wayang orang troupe in the capital. The performers act, dance, recite dialogues and sing in the Javanese language, but Indonesian subtitles are projected above the stage. The show usually begins at 8 p.m. and the audience is allowed to order food from nearby street vendors while watching the show. (wir/mut)
