Once you have settled into the regular activities of your new life in Jakarta, you will begin to think about how to enjoy your leisure time in your new home. There are a good number of recreation and sports activities available in Jakarta that will appeal to various members of the family.
Many expatriate homes have their own swimming pool and housing complexes and apartments often have a pool and other facilities, such as fitness centers and tennis courts. Sometimes it’s nice to go out for a change of atmosphere and to socialize, and the ideal place is one of the family-oriented sports clubs.
The American Embassy Commissary Recreation Association (AECRA), usually called just the American Club, has historically been very popular and centrally located in Kebayoran Baru. Membership access and eligibility can change, so it is advisable to verify current availability and membership requirements. The facilities traditionally included an open-air restaurant and air-conditioned bar and restaurant, family recreation room, children’s playroom, a well equipped fitness center, large swimming pool and small pool and play area for young children, as well as basketball and tennis courts. AECRA has offered a wide variety of classes and activities and monthly celebrations of special events.
Private business clubs offer social and business entertaining facilities and activities.
Sports Clubs and Fitness Activities in Jakarta
For sports enthusiasts there are numerous expatriate community sports clubs where members get together to indulge in their favorite pastime. In addition to traditional sports, Jakarta has seen a growth in boutique fitness studios, yoga centers, and padel tennis facilities, particularly in South Jakarta, reflecting the evolving lifestyle of the expatriate community.
For those interested in horse riding, there are several equestrian facilities in and around Jakarta, including clubs in the South Jakarta and BSD and Serpong areas that offer riding lessons, stable visits, and weekend activities for children and adults.
Over 40 golf courses located in and around Jakarta are open daily from sunrise to sunset, and with very reasonable charges, making Jakarta a golfer’s paradise in Indonesia.
Family-Friendly Activities and Water Parks
For family fun outings here are a few suggestions:
Go-carting options in Jakarta change frequently and are often located in major malls or entertainment centers. It is advisable to check current locations online before planning your visit. Paintball at Splash Paintball. Patriot Paintball Sport at Alam Sutra housing complex in Serpong. Ice skating at Skyrink in Taman Anggrek Mall.
There are several water parks where children can enjoy swimming in various kinds of pools with water slides and other attractions. One is Lippo Cikarang in Bekasi, where you can spend a day at WaterBoom Lippo Cikarang, a beautifully landscaped water park. Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta also features the popular Atlantis Water Adventures with a large swimming pool, slides, wave pool, and children’s pool.
For more fun activities, try Waterbom Pantai Indah Kapuk, which is widely regarded as one of the best water parks in Jakarta, offering a wide range of modern slides and family-friendly facilities.
The Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) area has also developed into a popular lifestyle destination where families can dine along the waterfront while children enjoy playing in sandy beach-style areas, making it an easy and relaxed weekend outing.
Scuba diving is not a sport for younger children certainly, but older kids may enjoy the challenge. Before you and your offspring venture out into the sea, it is advisable to practice with a proper instructor. A number of dive schools offer scuba classes in Jakarta. If you need a refresher course or are a beginner you can learn the basics in swimming pools in Jakarta prior to going out in open waters across the Indonesian archipelago.
Cultural Attractions and Museums in Jakarta
To learn a little more about the cultures and ethnic groups across the Indonesian archipelago, you might consider a visit to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or the “Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park”. It is advisable to go on a weekday as Sundays in particular can be extremely crowded.
Within Taman Mini, some of the more popular attractions that visitors may wish to prioritize include the Indonesia Museum (Museum Indonesia), showcasing traditional costumes and cultural artifacts, the Komodo Museum featuring exhibits on Indonesia’s unique wildlife, the Bird Park (Taman Burung), a large walk-through aviary, the cable car (gondola) offering views across the park, and the various provincial pavilions representing traditional architecture from across Indonesia.
The park features full size replicas of traditional houses from all the provinces of the Indonesian archipelago with displays of clothing, arts and handicrafts inside each house, numerous museums with different themes, bird aviary, orchid garden, a man-made lake with the islands of Indonesia, as well as a monorail and cable cars. The park was established in 1975 so some of the exhibitions are in need of upgrading, while others are newer and are quite interesting.
At Taman Ismail Marzuki in Central Jakarta there is a planetarium with shows twice daily. A presentation in English can be arranged in advance.
The Indonesia Heritage Society can also be contacted to arrange guided tours of major cultural sites such as Museum Gajah (National Museum), often available in a variety of languages. These tours are popular and should be booked in advance.
The Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta, not far from popular expatriate residential areas, is home to over 250 species from Indonesia and throughout the world and is set in over 135 hectares of parklands. This is a relatively green and shady place where you can enjoy walking or cycling and a picnic lunch. Once again it’s best to avoid Sundays and public holidays as it is very crowded. Some areas of the zoo are in need of upgrading, however there are some privately sponsored exhibitions that are very nice.
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol or Ancol Dreamland is a huge oceanfront recreational facility in North Jakarta featuring the water park mentioned above, a marina for boating, a golf course, as well as a variety of theme parks and attractions including Dunia Fantasi, Sea World Ancol, and Ocean Dream Samudra.
Entertainment, Cinemas and Performing Arts
Many shopping centers and malls have food courts, restaurants, and indoor recreation facilities such as rides and arcade games, as well as multiplex cinemas. Many of the latest movies are screened in Jakarta not too long after their international release, with English audio and Indonesian subtitles.
Most quality cinemas now operate under the Cinema XXI brand, and movie schedules and bookings are typically handled online through apps such as TIX ID or other ticketing platforms.
Premiere service theaters can be found at most XXI theatres located in popular malls in Jakarta. These theatres have their own ticketing areas and exclusive lounges where moviegoers can relax while waiting for the movie to start. Snacks and refreshments can be served inside the theatre, and seating is designed for comfort with reclining chairs.
CGV Cinemas continues to operate in several major malls across Jakarta and offers a wider selection of international films, including Asian and independent titles. Locations and offerings change periodically and are best checked online.
There are also many excellent art galleries and museums in Jakarta. Cultural performances are held regularly at Taman Ismail Marzuki and Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the city’s premier fine arts centers. They host local and international performances, including ballet, theatre, symphony orchestras, choirs, chamber music, and traditional Indonesian puppetry or Wayang Orang.
Ciputra Artpreneur Theater, located in Lotte Shopping Avenue, is a 2,000 seat theatre that often hosts international dance and theatre companies. Schedules of upcoming performances and events can be found on their website.
While their activities are mostly geared for adults, the Indonesia Heritage Society is a great organization to join if you want to learn about the incredibly diverse and fascinating Indonesian culture and arts.
Exploring Kota Tua and Historical Jakarta
It can also be very enjoyable to spend your leisure time exploring some of the older parts of the city. One of the most convenient ways to reach Kota Tua today is via the TransJakarta Busway system, which stops very close to the main attractions.
One of the most interesting places to visit is Sunda Kelapa Harbour with its fleet of traditional phinisi sailing boats, the old Dutch lookout tower, and the Maritime Museum in a former Dutch East Indies company warehouse.
Be sure to visit Pasar Ikan and nearby Fatahillah Square where you can tour the Jakarta History Museum or nearby Wayang Museum, or enjoy a meal at the famous Café Batavia Restaurant. While visiting Fatahillah Square, a stop at the Tugu Kota Hotel is highly recommended, offering a unique dining experience in a beautifully restored colonial setting.
Also in the Kota area, a visit to the Bank Indonesia Museum is well worthwhile, providing an engaging look at Indonesia’s financial history in a well-curated and air-conditioned environment.
For those spending time in South Jakarta, a visit to the newly developed park area in the Blok M and Barito area offers a pleasant green space for walking, relaxing, and enjoying a more local neighborhood atmosphere.
There certainly is some kind of recreation for everyone in Jakarta.
Frequently Asked Questions about Recreation in Jakarta
What are the best family activities in Jakarta?
Jakarta offers a wide range of family-friendly activities including water parks such as Waterbom PIK, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Ragunan Zoo, Ancol Dreamland, and various indoor play and entertainment centers in major shopping malls.
Is Jakarta suitable for outdoor activities?
While Jakarta is a busy urban environment, there are still opportunities for outdoor recreation including golf, cycling during Car Free Day, visits to parks, and day trips to nearby areas such as Puncak or the Thousand Islands.
Are there sports clubs for expatriates in Jakarta?
Yes, there are a number of sports and social clubs catering to expatriates, as well as private fitness centers, yoga studios, and community-based sports groups.
What can expats do on weekends in Jakarta?
Popular weekend activities include visiting malls, dining in lifestyle areas such as PIK, exploring cultural sites in Kota Tua, enjoying parks, or taking short trips outside the city.
Are there cultural activities available in Jakarta?
Yes, Jakarta offers museums, art galleries, theatre performances, and guided cultural tours through organizations such as the Indonesia Heritage Society.
