Home alone? Keeping busy over the holiday<\/p>\n
Susanna Tjokro, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Be careful what you wish for, so the saying goes. For many of us,
\nvying to make headway in traffic jams on most weekdays (and
\nincreasingly on Saturdays these days), a city free of cars and
\nour fellow Jakarta residents is the stuff that dreams are made
\nof.<\/p>\n
But when the post-fasting month Idul Fitri holiday rolls
\naround each year, the initial euphoria of being on our own soon
\ngives way to a desperate sense of the need to keep occupied. Our
\nghost town suddenly becomes a lot like solitary confinement.<\/p>\n
This year is no different, except that the holiday is
\nunusually long, with banks closed for a week and many other
\nplaces of business shutting shop for longer than usual.<\/p>\n
Most bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants are closed from Monday
\nto Wednesday, such as ultra-happening Blowfish, Matabar, Tornado
\nCoffee, Paprika, Empire Grill, Cinnabar and Salsa.<\/p>\n
Yet there still more than a few places catering to those left
\nout of the so-called exodus. Malls, in particular, are the place
\nto be, mainly because of the slim pickings available elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Be warned, however, as going from being home alone to
\nconfronting a screaming, chattering, jostling mass of humanity in
\nthe malls may be too much to handle. Other options include water
\nparks, a day at the movies, Sea World, bookshops, even a ceramic
\npainting studio for those wanting to try their hand at something
\nnew.<\/p>\n
Movie theaters<\/p>\n
* All cinemas that belong to the 21 Cineplex group are open on
\nNov. 24 to Nov. 26, with a few exceptions: Roxy Mas (closed Nov.
\n25-Nov. 26), Arion (closed Nov. 24), Gajah Mada (closed Nov. 25),
\nAtrium (Nov. 25), Pratama Bekasi (Nov. 25-Nov. 26) and Santika
\nBogor (Nov. 24-Nov. 26).<\/p>\n
* MPX Grande Boutique Cinema will be open on Nov. 24, from 2:15
\np.m. to 7:45 p.m. (ticket prices; Gold Rp 60,000, Diamond Rp
\n125,000). (Tel. 726-4679)<\/p>\n
Water Parks<\/p>\n
* Gelanggang Renang Jaya Ancol (Tel. 640-6677)
\nOpen on Nov. 24 to Nov. 26, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m, tickets: Rp 25,000
\nper person.<\/p>\n
* Pondok Indah Water Park, adjacent to Pondok Indah Mall (Tel.
\n750-6750), open Nov. 24 to Nov. 26.<\/p>\n
Sea World<\/p>\n
* Located at Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Sea World is a fascinating
\nmarine complex that applies the \"edutainment\" concept. During the
\nfeeding show, you can see turtles and fish (including sharks) up
\nclose with the trainers.<\/p>\n
Kids will love \"Sahabat Laut\" (friends of the sea) pond, where
\nthey can touch turtles, starfish and ray fish among others.<\/p>\n
Don't miss their Under Water Tunnel, an 80-meter-long acrylic
\ntunnel, with thousands of fish swimming around above your head,
\nit's truly a unique and unforgettable experience.
\nSea World (Ancol) (Tel. 641-0079, 641-0080)
\nNov. 24: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
\nNov. 25: 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
\nNov. 26: 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Dunia Fantasy (Fantasy World)<\/p>\n
Indonesia's answer to Disneyland, this is a great
\nentertainment place for the whole family, with lots of exciting
\nattractions, from Istana Boneka (dolls palace) to roller
\ncoasters.<\/p>\n
Open: Nov. 24 to Nov. 26 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) tickets: Rp
\n50,000 per person. Jl. Lodan, Ancol, North Jakarta (Tel. 640-
\n3247, 647-12000)<\/p>\n
Supermarkets\/Minimarkets<\/p>\n
* All Circle K minimarkets will be open 24 hours as usual Nov.
\n24-Nov. 26: Bendungan Hilir (Tel. 573-7476), Cilandak (Tel. 765-
\n6780), Cinere (Tel. 766-2013), Gandaria (Tel. 722-0946), Kelapa
\nGading (Tel. 452-9843), Mangga Besar (Tel. 629-7654), Panglima
\nPolim (Tel. 720-8681), Pejaten (Tel. 781-6964), Pondok Bambu
\n(Tel. 863-2267), Pondok Gede (Tel. 849-95319), Pondok Labu (Tel.
\n759-02686), Rawamangun (Tel. 489-0551), Tebet (Tel. 830-1052),
\nWijaya (Tel. 720-7395).<\/p>\n
* All Carrefour supermarkets are open Nov. 24 to Nov. 26.
\nNov. 24: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
\nNov. 25: 1:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
\nNov. 26: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
\nContact: Tel. 275-08800 (Carrefour Ratu Plaza).<\/p>\n
* Kemchicks, Kemang, South Jakarta (Tel. 7179-0065)<\/p>\n
The well-known shopping spot for expatriates and well-heeled
\nIndonesians, with shelves stocked with a variety of imported
\ngoods.<\/p>\n
Open Nov. 24 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.), closed Nov. 25 and Nov. 26.<\/p>\n
* Club Store (Tel. 515-3554), Jl. Jend. Sudirman Lot 12, Kawasan
\nNiaga Terpadu Sudirman. Great variety of imported goods, fruit,
\ncookies, hard-to-come-by candies, etc.
\nNov. 24: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
\nNov. 25: 12 p.m.- 9 p.m.
\nNov. 26: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.<\/p>\n
Travel agency<\/p>\n
* Puri Tour, located at the lobby level of Hotel Indonesia in
\nCentral Jakarta, is normally open 24 hours but will be operating
\ndifferent hours during the holiday, (Tel. 3989-9115).
\nNov. 24: closed 10 p.m.
\nNov. 25: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
\nNov. 26: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.<\/p>\n
Pharmacies<\/p>\n
These pharmacies are open 24 hours (as usual) Nov. 24 to Nov.
\n26.<\/p>\n
* Apotik Kimia Farma (Tel. 532-1551), Jl. S. Parman Kav. G 12A,
\nSlipi, west Jakarta.<\/p>\n
* Apotik Fatmawati (Tel. 722-8513) Jl. Fatmawati 37, South
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
* Apotik Jatinegara (Tel. 858-3005) Jl. Matraman 151, East
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
* Apotik Titi Murni (Tel. 390-9682) Jl. Kramat Raya 128, Central
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
* Apotik Rini (Tel. 475-3126) Jl. Balai Pustaka II, Rawamangun,
\nEast Jakarta<\/p>\n
24-hour Ambulance Service<\/p>\n
* Yayasan Bintang Mas, Jl. Teluk Gong Gong Raya 95 - 97 Bandengan
\nUtara Terusan, North Jakarta, (Tel. 669-1571)<\/p>\n
* Yayasan Melati Suci, Jl. Kramat Raya 174, Central Jakarta
\n(RS Ridwan Meuraksa), (Tel. 390-9133)<\/p>\n
Clinics and Hospitals<\/p>\n
* Klinik JMC, Jl. Buncit Raya No. 15, South Jakarta, (tel. 798-0888, 798-5177)<\/p>\n
* Ongko Mulyo Medical Center, Jl. Pulo Mas Barat VI, East Jakarta,
\nEmergency number: 471-8080<\/p>\n
* Klinik Medi Karya, Jl. Sumagung III PB 1 Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta
\n(near the burned supermarket Diamond Kecil), (Tel: 452-6559)<\/p>\n
* Graha Medika, Jl. Raya Perjuangan, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta (next to RCTI
\nstudio), Emergency number: 530-0889 #3<\/p>\n
* MMC, Jl. Rasuna Said Kav. C 21, Kuningan, South Jakarta (next to Pasar
\nFestival), Emergency number: 520-3435 #1<\/p>\n
* Carolus Hospital, Jl. Salemba Raya 41, Central Jakarta, Emergency
\nnumber: 391-2394<\/p>\n
* Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jl. Diponegoro No. 71, Central Jakarta
\n(Tel. 314-4756, 390-1192, 330-808, 390-1193)<\/p>\n
* Pamulang Medical General Hospital, Jl. Raya Pamulang Blok D-II No. 2
\nPamulang Permai, Tangerang (tel. 740-5317)<\/p>\n
* Karya Medika General Hospital, Jl. Sultan Hasanudin, Tambun, Bekasi,
\n(Tel. 880-11293)<\/p>\n
Car rental<\/p>\n
* Avis (Tel. 314 2900), open 24 hours as usual on all three days.<\/p>\n
Car Repair<\/p>\n
* Sejati Layanan Terpadu (Tel. 350-4888), Jl. Tanah Abang II,
\nNov. 24: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Nov. 25 and 26: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. It
\nalso has a 24-hour gas station.<\/p>\n
Internet Cafe<\/p>\n
* Sarinah Internet Cafe (no telephone number), Open 24 hours
\nall three days. 2nd floor of Podium Sarinah Building
\n(near Hard Rock Cafe)<\/p>\n
* Multiplus (Tel: 5696-3033, 626-4516, 626-4517)
\nNov. 24: 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Nov. 25: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.,
\nNov. 26: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.<\/p>\n
As You Wish<\/p>\n
To tap into your creative energy, step into the As You Wish
\nceramic-painting studio for a fun way to spend an afternoon. You
\ncan feel free to come up with some personalized creations for
\nloved ones or for yourself.<\/p>\n
In some countries, like Canada and the U.S., besides paying
\nfor the bisque (unpainted pottery), customers have to pay a
\nstudio fee and an additional charge for each hour of painting
\ntime.<\/p>\n
But at As You Wish, customers are spared the studio fee. The
\nstudio stocks a wide range of ready-to-decorate bisques, from
\nvarious cute figurines to big mugs, from Rp 35,000 to Rp
\n1,400,000. Once your piece is finished, the studio will put on a
\nfood-safe glaze, and then fire it in the kiln. The finishing
\nglaze will give your ceramic a glossy texture and add a touch of
\nglamour to your work of art.<\/p>\n
Once the piece is glazed and fired, it will be ovenproof and
\neven microwave safe.<\/p>\n
Your masterpiece will be ready in seven days. In case you're
\nin a hurry, you're welcome to return on another day to finish
\npainting without paying any additional fees.<\/p>\n
Plaza Senayan, Sogo, 5th floor. (Tel. 57900055)
\nNov. 24: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
\nNov. 25: closed
\nNov. 26: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.<\/p>\n
You may also contact As You Wish Kemchicks, call 7179-3284<\/p>\n
Restaurants\/cafes<\/p>\n
* 24-hour McDonald's, Sarinah Building, Jl. Thamrin, Central
\nJakarta (Tel. 390-2793, 390-2794)
\nNov. 24: closes at 3 a.m.
\nNov. 25: opens 7 a.m.
\nNov. 26: business as usual<\/p>\n
* Hard Rock Cafe, Podium 2nd floor Sarinah Building
\nJl. M.H. Thamrin. (Tel. 390-3566)
\nNov. 24: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
\nNov. 25: Closed
\nNov. 26: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.<\/p>\n
* Koi
\nUpmarket restaurant-cum-art gallery with good Asian dishes.
\nJl. Mahakam I No. 2, Jakarta (Tel. 722-2864)
\nNov. 24: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
\nNov. 25: closed
\nNov. 26: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.<\/p>\n
* Hazara<\/p>\n
Great Indian food, although a bit pricey, with upstairs bar
\n(New Age bar) plus pool table. Jl. Wahid Hasyim 112, Central
\nJakarta (Tel. 315-0424).
\nNov. 24: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
\nNov. 25: closed
\nNov. 26: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
* Front Row<\/p>\n
Sports fans love this place, as they can dine while watching
\ninternational sports programs on the TV wall.
\nTaman Ria Complex, Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta (Tel. 574-
\n7661, 574-7231)
\nNov. 24 to Nov. 26: 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
* Starbucks
\nFor those who need a caffeine fix.
\nPlaza Senayan (other stores open different hours)
\nNov. 24: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
\nNov. 25: closed
\nNov. 26: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
\nPlaza Indonesia
\nNov. 24: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
\nNov. 25: 10 a.m.- 11 p.m.
\nNov. 26: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.<\/p>\n
* Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
\nPlaza Senayan
\nNov. 24: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
\nNov. 25: closed
\nNov. 26: 12 p.m.-10 p.m.<\/p>\n
Bookstores<\/p>\n
* Kinokuniya (please see Sogo section).<\/p>\n
* Aksara, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 8B
\n(Tel. 719-9288)
\nNov. 24: 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.
\nNov. 25: closed
\nNov. 26: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.<\/p>\n
* Times, Plaza Senayan (inside Metro)
\nNov. 24: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
\nNov. 25: closed
\nNov. 26: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.<\/p>\n
* QB World Books, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 17, South Jakarta
\n(Tel. 718-0818)
\nNov. 24: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
\nNov. 25: closed
\nNov. 26: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
* Metro
\nMetro Pondok Indah, Metro Senayan, Metro Taman Anggrek
\nNov. 24: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
\nNov. 25: Closed
\nNov. 26: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.<\/p>\n
* Sogo and Kinokuniya Book Store
\nNov. 24: 10 a.m. - 7 or 8 p.m.
\nNov. 25: Closed
\nNov. 26: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.<\/p>\n
Malls<\/p>\n
Most malls are open, but it will be up to individual tenants
\nif they decide to actually open for business.<\/p>\n
* Plaza Senayan<\/p>\n
Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 24 to Nov. 26, but please
\nnote that many shops are closed on Nov. 25 (such as Nine West,
\nChristian Dior, Hugo Boss and Morgan, among others). Kinokuniya,
\nTimes bookstore, Sogo, Metro and Hero supermarket are open. (Tel.
\n572-5555)<\/p>\n
Some eateries:<\/p>\n
Lawry's the Prime Rib, open Nov. 24-Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 10
\np.m.<\/p>\n
Kirin Seafood, open all three days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.<\/p>\n
Spaghetti House: Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 10 pm, Nov. 25, 12 p.m.
\nto 10 a.m, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.<\/p>\n
* Pondok Indah Mall
\nOpen from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all three days, but many tenants
\nwill close early on Nov. 25. (Tel. 750-6750)<\/p>\n
On Monday at 4:30 p.m., visitors can see a special musical
\nperformance of Rampak Bedug and at 6 p.m. there will be a Tabuh
\nBedug special show.<\/p>\n
Plenty of restaurants and cafes are open, such as Dermaga Food
\nCourt, Pizza Hut, Sizzler, Hannamasa and others.<\/p>\n
* Taman Anggrek Mall<\/p>\n
The largest mall in Jakarta, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on
\nthe three days but, like other malls, with many tenants closing
\nearly on Tuesday (Tel. 563-9300, 564-3777)<\/p>\n
Nov. 24: Islamic music from Nasyid Shoutul Fataa (3 p.m. to
\n4:30 p.m.), Rampag Bedug Progressive (5 p.m. to 7 p.m).<\/p>\n
Nov. 25: Suara Firdaus choir (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.), Bedug (drum)
\nAttraction (6 p.m to 6:30 p.m.), Azzam Nasyid Group (7 p.m. to 8
\np.m.)<\/p>\n
Nov. 26: Nasyid \"Quodes\" (2 p.m. to 4 p.m).<\/p>\n
Don't miss their Ramadhan bazaar, where you can buy Acehnese
\nsouvenirs, Teratao silver, special cakes, books and watches,
\namong other things.<\/p>\n
Plenty of restaurants are open, such as Ajisen Ramen
\nRestaurant, Kiyadon Restaurant, McDonald's, Gloria Jeans Cafe,
\nSamudra Seafood, Sapo Oriental, etc.<\/p>\n
* Cilandak Town Square<\/p>\n
Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the three days (tel. 7592 0222).<\/p>\n
Many restaurants will still be serving, such as: Thai Express,
\nVictoria Cafe, Tori-q, Cafe Solo, Over Rice, Gloria Jeans Cafe,
\namong others.<\/p>\n
* Plaza Indonesia<\/p>\n
Open on Nov. 24 and Nov. 26 (10 a.m. - 10 p.m.) but closed on
\nNov. 25. (Tel. 310-7272)<\/p>\n
Plenty of nibbles available, including at its food courts: Red
\nPepper and Spice Garden. Kinokuniya bookstore and Sogo are open
\nas well.<\/p>\n
Hotels<\/p>\n
* Gran Melia Jakarta,
\nJl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. X-0
\nKuningan, South Jakarta, Tel. 526-8080
\nwww.granmelia-jakarta.com<\/p>\n
Has an Idul Fitri buffet lunch, both on Tuesday and Wednesday,
\nat its Cafe Gran Via, with all the treats of opor lontong (stewed
\nchicken in coconut milk with rice cake), mixed satay and Padang
\nsatay.<\/p>\n
The hotel will also prepare special Idul Fitri hampers.<\/p>\n
* Hotel Gran Mahakam
\nJl. Mahakam I No. 6, Blok M
\nSouth Jakarta Tel: 720 99 66
\nhttp:\/\/www.granmahakam.com<\/p>\n
Special Idul Fitri buffet on Tuesday and Wednesday, with
\ndifferent shaped rice cakes. Local and international cuisine, Rp
\n156,000 ++\/per person (so you had better eat up).<\/p>\n
There is also a special Ramadhan package, including welcome
\ndate selection\/drink and predawn meal\/buffet breakfast for two
\nuntil Nov. 30 (Rp 648,000++).<\/p>\n
* InterContinental MidPlaza,
\nJl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 10-11, Jakarta (Tel. 251-0888)<\/p>\n
Indonesian specialties buffet (Rp 90,000++ per person), with
\nthe added attraction of the chance to win two roundtrip tickets
\nJakarta-Dubai-Jakarta, including accommodation at the
\nInterContinental Dubai.<\/p>\n
* The Regent
\nJl. H.R Rasuna Said, South Jakarta (Tel. 252-3456)
\nhttp:\/\/www.fourseasons.com<\/p>\n
For those needing gifts at the eleventh hour, it has Idul
\nFitri hampers, including traditional nastar cookies, homemade
\npapaya orange jam, chocolate marble cake, etc. for Rp 595,000.
\nAlternately, make you own from the bakery selection.<\/p>\n
* JW Marriot Hotel
\nJl. Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav E1.2 No. 1&2
\nMega Kuningan, South Jakarta
\n(Tel. 5798 8888)<\/p>\n
Offers both deluxe (Rp 380,000) and superior hampers (Rp
\n680,000), or the opportunity to design your own.<\/p>\n
Special Middle Eastern buffet available on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26
\n(Rp 108,000 ++).<\/p>\n
Emergency numbers<\/p>\n
Police hot line 112<\/p>\n
Jakarta Police 523-4333<\/p>\n
West Jakarta Precinct 548-2317<\/p>\n
North Jakarta Precinct 491-055<\/p>\n
Central Jakarta Precinct 390-9922<\/p>\n
South Jakarta Precinct 720-6013\/11<\/p>\n
East Jakarta Precinct 819-1478<\/p>\n
Ambulance 118<\/p>\n
Electricity 123<\/p>\n
Fire Brigade 113<\/p>\n
Telephone Repair 147<\/p>\n
Water Repair 579-98444\/579-86555<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/home-alone-keeping-busy-over-the-holiday-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }