home | keeping them busy 

ancol dreamland | bogor botanical gardens | cibodas botanical gardens and mt. gede pangrango | cibubur campground
family park alam sutera | gunung mas tea plantation/factory | hester basoeki guesthouse | idGuides family treks
kebun wisata pasirmukti (agrofarm) | sentul wonderland | ragunan zoo | schmutzer primate centre | taman bunga nusantara
taman mini indonesia indah (TMII) | taman safari | widayanto ceramic

Days Out

Every now and then, it’s really nice to have a day out whether it’s with your family, baby group or as a special birthday treat.

To beat the traffic, leave, at the latest, by 08:00. You will catch the tail end of the morning rush but once you are through that you can be at most places well before 09:00. Remember, though, coming home you must leave your destination at around 14:30 to miss the evening rush hour. Pack snacks and drinks to accommodate any unforseen delays or traffic jams.

Also, take into consideration the day you go; midweek is usually fine and the places you visit won’t be too busy. However, weekends and public holidays can be very crowded.

Ancol Dreamland
A huge amusement, theme park with loads of attractions for the whole family including an international standard cable car. Entry into Ancol park itself is Rp 10,000 for the car and Rp 10,000 per occupant, you then pay for each of the areas you want to visit. Look at the map in the front of the Falk Jakarta Street Atlas for an idea of the layout. Dunia Fantasia, Seaworld and the Oceanarium are all here and have been reviewed:

Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Jl. Lodan Timur No. 7, Jakarta Utara
Tel: 021 6471 1111

Ice World Ancol
Wear long sleeves and trousers and bring hats and gloves (parkas available there). Entrance cost is Rp.50,000.

Tel: 021 6471 3333

Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy World)
This theme park is full of rides and attractions including bumper cars, fairground games, roller coasters and flume rides. For 1-3 year olds there is a merry-go-round and a ride-on boat through a puppet castle. The layout is a little confusing but it is a good follow-on to Sea World to finish off the day.

Tel: 021 640 3248-50

• 11:00-18:00 Sat-Thu
• 13:30-19.30 Fri
• Rp 50,000 Weekdays, Rp 70,000 Weekends

Gelanggang Samudra (Oceanarium)
There are shows in Bahasa Indonesia repeated three times a day at the Oceanarium. The first set of shows is the one to go to before it gets too hot. Each show is at a different venue in the Oceanarium and all the seating areas are shaded.
09.45 Variety Animal Show
10.45 Sea Lion Show
11.30 Dolphin Show
12.00 4-D Show
The children on our outing, two 5 year-olds, a 3 year-old and a 2 year-old loved the shows. We didn’t get to see the dolphin show as the children had had enough by then. The animals all looked very healthy. Watch out for the big surprise in the variety animal show! Apart from the various shows, or if the children can’t sit through a 30 minute performance, there are children’s playgrounds, a marine aquarium, a turtle pool, a fresh-water aquarium and more to look at as well as coin-operated cars and train rides.

Tel: 021 640 6677

• Rp 40,000 entrance fee Mon-Fri, free for under 2s
• Rp 60,000 Sat-Sun

Swimming with Dolphins
Only available on Sundays (must book ahead) at Gelanggang Samudra Ancol. Has some life jackets but best bring your own if you can. A maximum of 3 children in the dolphin pool at a time. The trainer works with the children to encourage them to touch, hold, and feed the dolphins for half an hour. You can watch close by. Showers and changing rooms available.

Tel: 021 647 1111
Contact: Pak Cece Hp: 0813 81539720

• Cost: Rp 500,000 for 3 people
• You must also pay the entrance fees for both Ancol and SeaWorld.

SeaWorld
This modern aquarium makes a worthwhile visit. Inside you will see large tanks with all kinds of sea creatures. The kids will love the touching pool with starfish, anemones, manta rays and small sharks. At 11:00, they hold a feeding show and it is very entertaining watching 6ft. wide manta rays being handfed by the divers. An underwater world experience can be had in the tunnel surrounded by sharks, turtles and other amazing sea life.

Tel: 021 641 0080
Fax: 021 641 0079

• 09:00-18:00 Weekdays
• 09:00-20:00 Weekends

Bogor Botanical Gardens
Take the Jagorawi toll road to the Bogor turn-off (about 45 minutes from Kemang). At the end of that road, you are forced to turn left, then do a U-turn to come back on yourself and that will lead you to the botanical gardens. Go early in the morning when it is still relatively cool. Take a drive around and find a quiet, shady spot to have a picnic and play ball games. There are many interesting plants here and a picturesque lake. The Bogor Botanical Gardens Restaurant is located on the hill (follow signs) overlooking the park. The prices are very reasonable and the restaurant and toilets are clean.

Kebon Raya, Jl. Juanda 11 , Bogor
Tel: (0251) 322 220

• Entrance fee: Rp 3,500 per adult, Rp 5,000 per car

Cibodas Botanical Gardens and Mt. Gede Pangrango National Park
Turn off the main Puncak road to the right at the sign for Cimacan. Drive for about 15 minutes up this road until it ends. This will take 2+ hours from Kemang, depending on the traffic. To the left is the botanical gardens, a good place for children to run around and a lot cooler (though wetter!) than Jakarta. The gardens were established in 1830. For the national park, turn right before the gate to the gardens, along a road between the fence and the golf course, for about 500 meters. Cross a small bridge and start climbing steeply. Soon you will come to some park buildings. You need to pay for a permit at the office here to hike through one of Indonesia’s oldest natural reserves. Cibeureum waterfall is a 2-hour round trip through rich tropical rainforest. The path continues to the summit. This walk would only be suitable for older kids wearing walking shoes. However, there is a very good guide book, usually available at the office, called ‘Cibodas to Cibeureum’, which points out and explains aspects of the flora and fauna at various markers.

Jl. Raya Cibodas, Off Jalan Raya, Puncak, Cimacan

• There is a small entrance fee for each person and the car for the botanical gardens and a larger fee for the trek through the national park.

Cibubur Campground
Take the Jagorawi toll road from Jakarta and exit at Cibubur (about 35 minutes). Turn left and you are at the gates to the camping ground. This is a great place to practise bike riding or to run around on the quiet roads and trails. Take a drive around and choose a spot to stop. There is an arboretum in the southeast corner and many footpaths through the woods to explore.

Buperta, Cibubur

• There is a small entrance fee for a car and each person

Family Park Alam Sutera
Wonderful kids' playground offering fun cars, cho-choo trains, putt-putt golf and games, paintball, outward bound area, as well as a pool, a food court, and a birthday party pavilion.

Perumahan Alam Sutera, Jl. Raya Serpong-Tangerang
Tel: 5312 2525
Email: familypark@alam-sutera.com
www.alam-sutera.com

Gunung Mas Tea Plantation and Factory
Children can wander through the tea plantation, watch the pickers at work and later observe the process of drying and packing in the factory.

Perkebunan , Gunung Mas, Jl. Raya Puncak, Kotak Pos 6, Cisarua 16750
Tel: (0251) 252 501
Fax: (0251) 254 803

• 06:30-19:00 Daily
• There is a small entrance fee of Rp 5,000 and an extra fee of Rp 50,000 for an English-speaking guide

Hester Basoeki Guesthouse
Despite its title, this place offers much more than just accommodation. The helpful and knowledgeable staff lead visitors on a 60-90 minute kampung walk through paddy fields and bamboo forests while showing children the local flora and fauna. Traditional arts and crafts demonstrations and classes can be arranged as can “taking a bath with water buffalo”! Traditional lunches and dinners are offered as part of a package, and use of the pool comes with no extra charge. A day package including kampung tour and leisurely lunch for three adults and one child came to approximately Rp 400,000. A good way of learning how the other 90% live. HB Guesthouse is about 30 minutes north of Bogor. If possible have the map faxed to you as it is somewhat out of the way. Avoid visiting on public holidays as there is a very popular public swimming pool next door and the noise ruins the tranquil atmosphere.

Cinangneng Village, Jl. Babakan Kemang, Rt 01/02 Cihideung Udik, Kec. Ciampea
Tel: 765 7217 / 766 2573
Email: gkjkt@cbn.net.id

Bogor
Tel: (0251) 621 895
Fax: (0251) 621 897

idGuides Family Walks & Treks
A guided walk or trek in the quiet, beautiful and relatively remote hills to the east behind Sentul, only one hour 15 minutes drive from Jakarta. Depending on the family, there are many different walks / treks of varying length and degree of difficulty to choose from, all along footpaths long used by farmers to go to their padi fields or hillside coffee gardens. Along many of the routes, there are several safe and clean river sections for kids to play, supervised and if conditions allow.
idGuides also offer a birthday party package.

idGuides Family Trek Adventure & Expedition Skills Camp

idGuides Training Centre & Operations
Jl Kemang V, 4H (Puri Bukit Kemang) Bangka, Jakarta Selatan 12730

Office mobile: 0857 1447 3853
Tel: 021 718 2816

Email: info.idguides@gmail.com
www.idguides.org

Kebun Wisata Pasirmukti (Agrofarm)
This is an interactive nature reserve and farm. You can plant rice, fish, pick your own fruit and camp. You can go alone or with a group. Fishing rod rental costs Rp.5,000-Rp.15,000. Fish are extra if you want to keep and eat them. For groups of a minimum of 20m they offer an educational package costing Rp 45,000/60,000 per head. They also have on-site cottages that sleep up to 5 adults each. Prices start from Rp. 850,000 doubles, includung breakfast. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Jakarta – take the Jagorawi Toll road exit at Cibinong-Citeureup. This is also the site of Combat Battle Fields .

Jl. Raya Tajur Pasirmukti km 4 , Citeureup-Bogor
Tel: 021 8794 3864/65
Jakarta Office - Jl. S. Iskandar Muda 2A Arteri Pondok Indah
Tel: 021 739 8808

Email: pasirmukti@cbn.net.id
Email: kebun@pasirmukti.co.id
www.pasirmukti.co.id

• 08:00-18:00 Daily
• Recommended visiting groups make a reservation.

Outbound Kids, Sentul Wonderland
50 minutes from Jakarta, this is a mini-sized outward bound facility for children. The outward bound playground consists of a series of challenges on rope/wood constructed equipment, with each station getting a little harder (and higher!), culminating in an exciting flying fox ride. On entry, all children are fitted with a safety harness, helmet and gloves. At each stage they are accompanied by the center’s staff who are safety conscious and reasonably well trained (though not much English spoken). The higher challenges are closely supervised and the children are well clipped in to the safety ropes and supports. Our very short four year old was able to complete the course (with lots of encouragement) and was very proud of herself. Check yourself that the helmet fits and take a camera! Saturdays are quieter than Sundays. Bring lots of water as the area does not have a lot of shade and gets hot. There is a camping ground at the centre and it is possible to arrange guided walks (with the kids carried by porters if you like) to nearby waterfalls and valleys. To get to Outbound Kids take the Bukit Sentul exit off Jagorawi Toll and follow signs for Taman Budaya.

Taman Budaya, Bukit Sentul
Tel: 021 879 61579/80
HP: 0812 110 3453 (Bahrul Anuar)
Email: cdd@bukitsentul.co.id
www.bukitsentul.co.id

• 09:00–17:00 Sat-Sun
• Weekdays subject to arrangement and minimum booking 30 people.
• Strongly recommend booking even at weekends as facilities may be booked out by groups. Need to speak Bahasa Indonesian.
• Rp 35,000 per child, Rp 5,000 per adult

Ragunan Zoo
The zoo is home to more than 250 species from Indonesia and around the world spread over 135 hectares of beautiful, shady gardens. A great location for a picnic as well as a chance to walk or cycle around. Other facilities include a children’s zoo and the chance to meet orphaned orang-utans. There is also a fantastic primates enclosure which is reviewed below under the Schmutzer Primate Center. Separate entrance fee applies. Make sure you get a map at the entrance because it is a big place. The best time to get there is early morning, as the afternoons can get very hot and make sure to pack sunblock, mossie creams and hats.

Jl. Harsono R.M. 1, Pasar Minggu
Tel: 021 780 5280 / 789 0615
Email: indozoo indo.net.id

• 08:00-17:00 Daily
• Adult Rp 4,300, child Rp 3,300, car parking Rp 5,500

The Schmutzer Primate Centre
The Schmutzer Primate Centre is a great experience both for children and adults.The primate collection includes gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, leaf monkeys, and macaques. Many of the Indonesian species have come from confiscation programs in Indonesia. Entering the Primate entrance you will be asked to leave your bags and any food or drinks you may have with you. The orangutan enclosure is set outdoors surrounded by glass windows located around the perimeter. The Orangutans are very friendly and inquisitive; they will often come to the window to look at humans with great amusement. Feeding times for the primates are at 9:00, 12:00 & 15:00 in the enclosures and 16.30 in the gorilla house. Other facilities include a theater (films at 10.00, 11.00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15.00 on weekends and holidays), library, playground, and an adventure trail with canopy bridge.

Jl. Harsono R.M. 1, Pasar Minggu
Tel: 021 7884 7105
www.primata.or.id

• 09:00-16:00 Mon-Fri
• 09:00-17:30 Sat-Sun

Taman Bunga Nusantara
The 23-hectare park is primarily a collection of flowering plants from around the globe arranged in specialty gardens. Take a ride on a guided Indonesian tram tour through the park. For the non-horticulturist child there is a one-hectare maze to run around in. There is also an area called Alam Imajinasi which features children’s attractions such as mini race cars, bumper boats, a miniature train ride, and pony rides. The park is definitely worth a visit but the journey time would be shortened significantly if you were staying overnight in the Puncak area (about 40 mins from Taman Safari). The park is located beyond the Puncak Pass. After reaching Ciloto Bridge continue for 200m and turn left at the signpost for Taman Bunga Nusantara. Travel a further 9km watching out for the signposts and enjoying the beautiful roadside garden centres.

Jl. Mariwati Km.7 , Desa Kawung Luwuk, Kec. Sukaresmi, Cipanas, Puncak
Tel: (0263) 581 613 / 681 618

• Entrance ticket Rp 15,000
• 08:00-17:00 Daily
• Located about 60 km south of Jakarta. Allow 2-2.5 hours travel time.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)
Taman Mini is a vast cultural centre dedicated to Indonesia’s strengths. Here, Indonesia’s ethnic cultures, biological diversity and technology are presented to the public through small cultural centres and museums. This is a nice place to bring your family, if only for a few short hours as it can get very hot. A car and driver are highly recommended. I would also recommend bringing your own drinks and food, although you can buy food there. Below are some of the attractions found within.

Off Jagowari Toll, Jl. Raya Taman mini I, Jakarta Timur
Tel: 021 840 9214 / 840 9270
Fax: 021 840 0709
Email : tmii@jakweb.com
www.tamanmini.com

Taman Akuarium Air Tawar (Aquarium)
A nice fresh water aquarium that is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The fish are from all over Indonesia as well as the rest of the world. The tanks are beautifully displayed at child’s eye level and a touch pool and mini museum are offered.

Museum Serangga and Taman Kupu (Insectarium)
This is a small museum which really captures the diversity of insects found in Indonesia. Most of the insects are mounted in eye-catching displays with some live insect displays found through out. Connected to the museum is a lovely butterfly garden, however, I have been twice and once there were no butterflies there.
Taman Akuarium Air Tawar (Fresh water aquarium) and Museum Serangga and Taman Kupu (Insect Museum) are located right next to each other.
• Cost: Rp 10,000 for entrance to both
• Children 3 years and under enter for free

Museum Transportasi (Transportation Museum)
Though this museum has seen better days, it is still really fascinating to walk around and see the different modes of transportation found in Indonesia past and present. We avoided walking around the grounds, which contain a collection of old steam trains, airplanes and boats, instead concentrating on the museum located in the upper part of the pod-like structures. This museum was a big hit with my 6-year-old son as he enjoys looking at models (of which there were plenty). Some captions are written in English. Not stroller friendly.
• Cost: Rp 3,000, children under 3 years free

Istana Anak-Anak Indonesia (Children’s Palace)
This is an area dedicated to children’s enjoyment. The large Disney-like castle offers children an opportunity to explore, with displays on children’s games, toys and wayang puppets. Also offered is a miniature train (extra fee) and playground. This is a good place to stop and eat a picnic lunch while the children play. However, some of the equipment is in the hot sun and some a little dated. A swimming pool is also located in this area and your children can swim there for a small fee, though the pool may not meet western standards of cleanliness.
• Cost: Rp 4,000

Snow Bay Waterpark - NEW LISTING Oct 2011
Opened in 2011, this is a small but fun water park, so called due to the artificial snow covered rocks and life-sized polar bear statues. The Snow Bay Beach Pool features waves every hour, lasting for about 15 minutes; 2 children’s pools; the Flush Bowl (great fun) and assorted slides including a speedy spin slide and a tube coaster. For more details

Taman Burung (Bird Park)
The bird park provides a home for the rare and beautiful birds from the Indonesian archipelago.There are two walk-in aviaries set in well-maintained park land. One of the aviaries houses birds from the islands east of the Wallace Line and the other, birds from the western islands. Some of the birds are free-flying whilst others are in large cages with Indonesian and English descriptions. There is a separate enclosure for the Cassowaries. Children of all ages will enjoy a trip to the park. It is shady with some seating areas so it is possible to bring a picnic. The children will also like feeding the voracious Koi near the small snack shop by the lake.
• Cost: Rp 7,000 per person.
• Small snack shop selling water, drinks, snacks, ice cream and fish food for Koi. Pushchair access

Reptile Museum
The giant komodo dragon that welcomes visitors to this museum is a visual draw for children. If your child is truly into snakes and reptiles they will enjoy this. However, the museum is rundown and I would not consider it a must see.
• Cost: Rp 5,000 per person.

IMAX Theatre
The IMAX theater has a great show on Indonesia. The film runs for half an hour in a very comfortable air-conditioned theater. Most of the films are in English with Indonesian subtitles. Call beforehand for show times and titles.

Cultural Centers
The cultural centres that line the middle of Taman Mini capture the vast diversity of Indonesian culture through stunning displays of regional architecture. I would either pick one or two to visit and then move on to a more child friendly activity. Alternatively, if you would like more information about Taman Mini, you can organise a guide from the Administration Office. For a negotiable fee, the guide will ride with you in your car and explain the way of life for each cultural centre and point out areas of interest. The tour lasts about an hour.

• Entrance fee: Rp 10,000 (car), adult Rp. 9,000, child Rp. 9,000
• Tues-Sun 08:00 until 17:00 though most exhibits don’t open until 09:00
• Closed Mon
• Cash Only

Inline skating and skateboarding at Taman Mini - NEW September 2011
Located behind the IMAX theatre in the Taman Mini Indonesia complex, this a great place for kids to learn and practice their skills. The inline skating location is run by Dunia Inline Skate (D.I.S.). You can rent skates, helmets and safety equipment here; have a trial lesson or sign up for a course.

Our 8 yr old son had a great time in his trial lesson. The friendly on-site instructor eased him into some moves, slowly gaining confidence and then set up a slalom course, which proved to be a hit. Children also learn how to stop and fall correctly. The smooth 100m track is banked at the corners, but beginners can easily go round at the lower edge. There is plenty of seating in the shade for parents and a skate shop should you feel like investing in your own gear. Bring plenty of drinks. D.I.S holds regular events such as race days and competitions.

Taman Mini Indonesia. Komplex Keong Emas.
Drive into Taman Mini and park near the IMAX theatre.
Tel: 021 90257282

• Trial (40-50 minutes) Rp 50,000 including rentals
• Entrance fee Rp15,000
• Course fee Rp 300,000 for 4 sessions, to be taken within 2 months

• 10.00-18.00 Tuesday-Saturday
• 06.00-18.00 Sunday
• Monday closed

www.duniainlineskate.com

Green Park Skateboarding. - NEW September 2011
Just two minutes walk from the inline track, a great skateboarding location for your children in the shade.
They only have very limited rentals for small children, so bring your own equipment.

• Entrance fee is only Rp 15,000 for the DAY!
• 08.00-23.00 (floodlit)

Skateboarding lessons with Tony Sruntul and Friends by prior appointment and only on Saturdays and Sundays.
Maximum 3 people, 2hour session, 4 sessions to be taken in one month; 600,000 Rps per person.
Tony 0811-380276
Ozi 0815 10037119

Taman Safari Indonesia - read an article about a day out at Taman Safari here.
Located about 75km south of Jakarta; turn off the main Puncak road to the right at the large sign. This is a drive-through animal park, with lots of animals wandering about and poking their nose into your car window, including zebras, monkeys, giraffes, llamas, elephants and hippos. Then there is an African safari section, where you’ll see lions, tigers and other large animals. It takes about 45 minutes to drive through, and at the end there’s a petting zoo, with an opportunity to have your photo taken with a baby animal such as a tiger cub or you can go for a camel ride. The night safari here is very good.

Jl. Raya Puncak 601, Cisarua-Bogor 16750
Tel: (0251) 825 0000
Tel: 021 765 4744 Jakarta
E-mail: safari@tamansafari.com
www.tamansafari.com

• 09:00-17:00 daily
• Rp 75,000 (over 6 years old), Rp 60,000 (under 5 years old), Rp 15,000 for the car

Widayanto Ceramic House
F. Widayanto is a ceramic artist and you can visit his clay studio and Javanese house set in pleasant gardens as an easy trip at the weekend. It is about a 45-minute drive from Kemang. Your child can have a go at pressing some clay into various moulds to create things like turtles, lizards, and flowers. Rp 50,000 for a session including clay, glaze, and firing (ready in 2 weeks). Bring a hat and mosquito repellent with you so that children can explore the garden. There is also a small shop selling some of Widayanto’s ceramics. Refreshments and Indonesian lunch available although you could bring a picnic.

Jl. Curug Agung No. 1, Tanah Baru, Beji, Depok, 15428

• 10:00–16:00 Sat & Sun
• Weekdays by appointment or group tours
• Rp50,000 for pottery session

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