I am still a kid… at heart, that is. I am fascinated by simple things like cotton candies, rainbows, chocolates, crayons and fireworks. I still watch cartoons and I still go to amusement parks. Yup, amusement parks! Whenever I visit a new country, I usually make it a point to include a visit to the amusement park in my travel itinerary.

So when I found myself in Indonesia, I didn’t stay in my Jakarta hotel long. I immediately headed off to one of their famous tourist spots – TAMAN IMPIAN JAYA ANCOL. It is highly recommended to bring a car or rent a private car that will bring you there. For foreign visitors, there is a taxi line available or you can simply call a taxi company like in order to arrange your trip to and from Ancol.

This amusement park, known as the largest in Jakarta, is located North of Jakarta and is said to be built on reclaimed land. There is an entrance free of Rp 10, 000 (US$ 1) per person and Rp 10, 000 (US$ 1) for each car. This recreation park offers both outdoor and indoor activities.

ANCOL DREAMLAND – Ancol is known as the gateway for trips to the islands – Thousand Islands. You will surely be amazed with the Marina where you will see so many private boats. This Marina will catch your interest as it is a great spot for various marine recreation and sports.

There are fishing gear, water cycles, sail boats, canoes, and jet skis. You can also enjoy the drinks and local snacks that are being sold at the stalls that line the beach. Locals don’t recommend visitors to swim given that some parts of the beach are not that clean anymore but a stroll by the shore or having a picnic there would still be a good idea. Ancol is primarily a great place for recreation for the family. In some occasions, events are also held in this amazing place like firework displays/exhibitions, concerts, and puppet shows.

SEAWORLD – SeaWorld is a giant aquarium. Please don’t be misled to think that Seaworld Indonesia is huge but still I would suggest that you go and visit. You will definitely see a lot of marine animals like sea turtles, fearsome sharks, crabs, and over 4, 000 amazing fish from about 300 species that may be viewed through a tunnel. I also suggest that you time your visit during feeding time as that is also quite an experience. If you are not a fan of crowded places, then it is best to go very early in the morning before the place becomes packed with people mostly school children who are on an educational tour. There is also a theatre that plays various films in English and Bahasa Indonesia that intend to educate. The last time I checked, this attraction is open from Monday to Saturday from 2:00 – 9:00pm and every Sunday from 10:00am – 9:00pm. The admission ticket costs Rp 30, 000 (US$ 3).

OCEANARIUM AND WATER PARK – Watch in amazement as trained dolphins and sea lions perform. Shows are held every day but you would have to check on the schedule to make sure that you get to catch one at your preferred time.

DUNIA FANTASI (FANTASY LAND) - The Dunia Fanstasy is a theme park and is divided into the following sections: Kawasan Jakarta, Kawasan Balada Kera, Kawasan Indonesia, Kawasan Europa, Kawasan Hikayat, Kawasan Amerika, Kawasan Istana Boneka, and Kawasan Asia. Each area was designed to give each visitor a feel of the region through the different features and fascinating architectures. To sum it all up, Dunia Fantasy has great offerings for the family such as exciting rides like the Great Ferris Wheel, the Carousel, Safari Games, Bump Cars, Balloon Race, etc.

PASAR SENI (ART MARKET/CRAFT SHOPS) - This is an art market with sidewalk cafes and galleries where there are art exhibitions mostly of modern Indonesian art and photography. There are a lot of items for sale like Indonesia handicrafts, paintings and souvenirs. There is also an outdoor stage where various bands play live music.

Aside from the facilities mentioned above, you can also enjoy the bowling alley, a 18-hole golf course, a drive-in theatre, swimming pools, a lagoon for fishing and boating, and a number of souvenir shops.

After spending one whole day at the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, you’ll surely bring back great memories of your exciting adventures. Come to think of it, Ancol is definitely a dreamland that you get to enjoy even when you’re wide awake.

Posted in Attractions, Indonesia

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