TOP 10 FAMILY HOTSPOTS
DUNIA FANTASI / FANTASI WORLD
Jakarta
Known locally as Dufan, this is Indonesia’s answer to Disneyland – except here, the mascot is not a mouse, but a bekantan, a native primate of Kalimantan. Try adrenaline-pumping rides like Arung Jeram white water rafting, the Halilintar roller coaster, or the elevated merry-go-round Ontang Anting. Or for kitch element, sit back and watch a parade of Indonesian and international culture by 600 animatronic dolls as you ride a boat through the Istana Boneka
JAYA ANCOL DREAMLAND
Jakarta
In the 1970s, this 552-hectare entertainment complex housed a drive-in cinema and casino, both now closed. Now it’s country’s only true one-stop entertainment park, including cafes, restaurants, beach resorts, amusement parks, concert areas and golf course. Its biggest drawcards include Dunia Fantasi. Atlantis Water Adventure and Seaworld. Or find soe affordable artworks and handicrafts at its legendary Pasar Seni, hang out by the beach, or order some of the best seafood dishes in town at one of its restaurants.
TAMAN SAFARI / SAFARI PARK
Bogor, West Java
Perched on the highland of Cisarua, this popular park is home to dozens of animal and plant species, including komodo dragons, bison and elephants. View the animals up close from a car or tour bus, then enjoy a theatre and acrobatic show. Ride the elephants or camels, get spooked inside the ghost house, then take the unique night safari after dusk. Try safari Trek Through the jungle on 3km or 8km trails to view elephants, camels, birds
WATERBOM PARK AND SPA
Bali
This 3.8-hectare park in Kuta is a perfect all-day family venue. From adrenaline-fueled rides where you twist, bounce, spin, plunge and free-fall before splashing into the pool, to leisurely tube drifting, the options are abundant. The park boasts Australian-trained lifeguards, while its salt-chlorination techniques are easy on the environment and your skin. For something more laid-back, try a message or pedicure at the spa – or even an airbrush tattoo. Then feast on Western and Indonesian food at the food court, before you sip a cocktail at the Splash Bar.
TREETOPS ADVENTURE PARK
Bali
If the family craves challenge, this is for you. Located in Bedugul Botanical Gardens in Candikuning, Treetops offers adventures across various agility and experience levels, from as young as four years old. Travel from one tree to another on suspended bridges and spider nets, or via the Tarzan jumps and flying foxes, ranging from two-to 20-meters high. Adventures last 1.5 or 2.5 hours depending on the circuit – and throughout the adventure you remain safely attached to a life-line support, as patrol guides assist from above and below.
CIPUTRA WATERPARK
Surabaya
Built on five hectares, the biggest water park in Indonesia the tale of Sinbad The Sailor, hero of the Arabian Night tales, and combines it with world class technology. Don’t miss Sinbad’s castle, explored via shaky bridges – ducking the 3,000-kutre bucket that splash down from above. Chase the waves at the 1,800sq/m streaming pool at Syracuse beach, while looking out for the nearby “whale”; then drift down the 450-meter Siren River, passing artificial rapids, buildings and boat replicas. Finish with a high-speed slide from the 15-meter Roc Tower into the pool.
THE BALI BIRD PARK
Bali
Located at South Bali’s Batubulan, this park is home to 1,000 birds of 250 different species, over 2,0000 tropical plants and numerous butterflies. The two-hectare park is divided into regions depicting the natural habitats, plant life and artifacts from Indonesia, South America and South Africa. Stroll giant walk-through aviaries on pathways and bridge; join the bird-feeding activities, or watch the flight shows featuring eagles, owls and macaws. Enjoy photo-ops as parrots, cockatoos, or hornbills perch on your shoulder, then chat to the show’s noisiest stars.
KIDZANIA
Jakarta
No parents can resist an activity that educates as well as entertains. Kidzania is a kid-sized replica of a real city, featuring streets, buildings, retail areas and traffic (through no jams). Offered for kids literally play grown-up roles, from pilot, journalist, doctor and construction worker. Each job earns them “kidzo” currency to buy goods and services, including a theater, hir treatments, or department store shopping. Parents can come along, watch movies in the Parent’s Lounge Area, or shop within the Pacific Place shopping mall.
KEBUN RAYA BOGOR / BOGOR BOTANICAL GARDEN
Bogor, West Java
Opened in 1817, this history-rich garden south of Jakarta adjoins the city’s presidential palace, once the residence of the Dutch colonial Governor General. The 87-hectare garden is one the largest tropical reserves in the world, exhibiting nearly 20,0000 distinct species of plants from Indonesia and abroad. Stroll or ride a bike through its lawns and avenues, where well-kept trees give refuge to over 50 different varieties of birds and bats. Dine at the Kafe De-Daunan, the play a game of soccer, Frisbee or badminton with your kids.
PANTAI CERMIN WATER THEME PARK
Medan, North Sumatra
This seaside water park is North Sumatra’s latest: an exciting spot just outside of Medan. A side from the water slide and relaxing pool, it offers jet skis, kayaks, banana boats and speedboats for those who opt for the sea instead of the pool. There’s also a fishing boat for those intent on landing the big catch. If water is not your thing, there’s a mini zoo, a bird park and a pet shop. Enjoy fresh seafood at a nearby restaurant, or spend a night at the adjoining beachfront resort.
