KEEPING THEM BUSY

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park (literally translated) is a culture-based recreational area located in 150-hectare area in East Jakarta. Opened in 1975, the park is a synopsis of Indonesia’s ethnic cultures, biological diversity and technology presented through replica of traditional houses (26 pavilions representing 26 provinces at that time) and museums.  Each traditional house displays the history, arts and crafts and traditions of each of the provinces. Apart from that, there is large area for family recreation, flora and fauna parks, Keong Emas Imax cinema, a theater called the Theater of My Homeland (Teater Tanah Airku), and accommodation facilities. Teater Tanah Airku is the first theater in Indonesia equipped with state-of-the art technology. It is a blend between the typical Indonesian and international aesthetics, i.e. Indonesian ornaments include the elements from Javanese puppet shows, the roof shapes of Sumatra and Sulawesi, with a touch of Kalimantan Dayak style, all harmoniously arranged.

To further express Indonesia’s tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the different religions in the archipelago, stand in a row the different houses of worship that are still actively used, i.e. mosque, Catholic church, Protestant church, Hindu temple, and Buddhist temple.

There is a big lake in the middle of the park with islands in the shapes of the original Indonesian archipelago. From the cable car that passes over the lake, you can see clearly the entire map of Indonesia in the lake. Other interesting attractions in the park include Istana Anak-Anak (Children’s Castle) featuring fairy tales from various parts of Indonesia as well as other tales known universally, an amusement park for kids, swan boats to explore the archipelago on the lake, and a water recreation park (Snowy Bay). There are also museums dedicated to rare animals in the Komodo museum, the Asmat museum, a sports museum, and a museum displaying gifts received by the former President Soeharto during his thirty years leadership. For nature lovers, there are the orchid gardens, cacti, herbs, and flower gardens, and bird park.

You may also sample Indonesian dishes at the Tiban Market (Pasar Tiban) where food vendors sell a variety of meals among the many stalls. Restaurant Caping Gunung will provide a unique dining experience in its natural lighting (no light bulbs, light is provided with roof made of clear materials). Other than this, there are many small restaurants scattered around Taman Mini.

The Park has as chief mission the preservation and development of the various Indonesian cultures as a media to strengthen the nation’s unity and integrity and to instill these values especially in the young generation. Thus, for visitors who have little time to explore the Indonesian islands, Taman Mini is a good introduction to what this country has to offer in diversity and culture as stated in the national motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or Unity in Diversity.

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If you’re looking for a fun activity for yourself or kids when you’re down at Pelabuhan Ratu, then how about surfing lessons? Great for kids or adults. They offer Surf Lessons, Intensive Surf Lessons, All Included Surf Camps, and a Surf Shop.

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A one-stop play extravaganza. There is glow-in-the-dark mini golf, a huge jungle gym, a ball-shooter arena and a toddler area. For parties, Wowzonia is equipped with 2 themed party rooms for either boys (race cars) or girls (princess castle) or you can even book both rooms and open up the entire area for as many as 50 children. They even have some healthier food options.

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