As the academic year draws to a close, so does our time remaining with the departing dragons. During this period, many of us at JIS find ourselves reflecting on the good moments and perhaps, even the challenging ones. Overlooking sites beyond Pondok Indah is one of the most common mistakes we expats make. Caught up in the cycle of post-school traffic and the same familiar places we visit, we often miss out on a completely different and exciting side of Jakarta.
Below is a curated list of places, ordered from farthest to closest from JIS, that will give you a taste of what it truly feels like to be a Jakarta Insider.
Dunia Fantasi
Farthest away, but by far the most unique, Dufan, Dunia Fantasi, is a one-of-a-kind theme park. It features a wide range of child-friendly, water, and thrill rides. Although established during the 1980s, the fairground still reflects modern safety standards while retaining its old-time charm and nostalgic atmosphere.
Unlike other amusement parks, each ride at Dufan tells its own cultural story, with some even featuring characters from Indonesian myths. The park is divided into sections that feel like themed worlds, each with its own unique features.
Yet, because of its originality, the park tends to get crowded throughout the day. The best days to visit Dufan are weekends, when it stays open later. Arriving at 4:30 PM gives visitors optimal temperatures, fewer crowds, and late-night light spectacles.
The rides are scattered across the park, and while all are certainly worth a visit, the most electrifying is Halilintar. It begins with a slow-uphill climb, followed by a rush of consecutive quick turns and loops. While Halilintar is often named the most exhilarating ride, no matter which attraction you choose, an evening with friends at Dufan is the perfect way to make lasting memories of Jakarta.
Blok M
Nothing brings happiness like retail therapy, and Blok M is any shopping lover’s paradise. Located inside the Kebayoran Baru district, Blok M is a retro-style mall that combines modern-day street culture with budget-friendly shopping and international street food.
What started as a simple housing area in the mid-20th century has now evolved into one of the hottest teenage hangout spots in Jakarta, known for its second-hand shopping scene. The global selection of items available in thrift areas is what truly makes it stand out. Unlike similar shopping locations, the items sold here are brought into Jakarta from all around the world, giving buyers a wider array of styles, sizes, and fits to choose from.
Ideally, the best time to enter the area is around 10:00 AM, as it allows sufficient time for shopping with friends and an enjoyable lunch without having to worry about the dangers that can sometimes arise during the night. Along with the time, the day that shoppers choose to visit the mall can also affect their experience. Weekday visits bring a calm, less crowded shopping experience for you and your friends to enjoy. However, exploring Blok M on a weekend gives customers the exact bustling vibe that the location is known for.
No matter the day, the endless thrift opportunities remain remarkable. While there are three main areas for second-hand shopping across the plaza, the best is, by far, the basement of Blok M Square. It is a mini-thrift market with many small-scale brands that stock pre-loved clothes, shoes, bags, CDs, and more. It may require some digging, but each rack of clothing is brimming with treasures waiting to be discovered.
Urban Forest
If you are short on time after school, Urban Forest is the perfect choice. Just ten minutes from school near Fatmawati, this modern, eco-friendly park remains a hidden gem worth exploring. Interlaced with green spaces, eateries, photobooths, and pet-friendly areas, it offers a refreshing escape from the city. While it is popular for its beautiful scenery and Instagram-worthy spots, what truly sets Urban Forest apart is its dining scene.
Semasa Dulu is a standout restaurant located right in the center of the park. This restaurant combines modern architecture with authentic Indonesian flavors. Their rawon—a robust, earthy black soup originating from the region of East Java—and ayam rakau, a herbaceous chicken dish known for its distinct, bright yellow color, are exceptional dishes to consider. The quality of these delights and the traditional blend of flavors found at Semasa Dulu offer an experience rarely matched outside of Indonesia.
Whilst there is comfort in spending another afternoon at Pondok Indah Mall, there are many destinations awaiting a visit within Jakarta. Looking back on our time at JIS, we will remember that, while we may no longer call this city our home, the memories we made here will always hold a special place within us.
