Home alone? Keeping busy over the holiday

Home alone? Keeping busy over the holiday

Susanna Tjokro, Contributor, Jakarta

Be careful what you wish for, so the saying goes. For many of us,
vying to make headway in traffic jams on most weekdays (and
increasingly on Saturdays these days), a city free of cars and
our fellow Jakarta residents is the stuff that dreams are made
of.

But when the post-fasting month Idul Fitri holiday rolls
around each year, the initial euphoria of being on our own soon
gives way to a desperate sense of the need to keep occupied. Our
ghost town suddenly becomes a lot like solitary confinement.

This year is no different, except that the holiday is
unusually long, with banks closed for a week and many other
places of business shutting shop for longer than usual.

Most bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants are closed from Monday
to Wednesday, such as ultra-happening Blowfish, Matabar, Tornado
Coffee, Paprika, Empire Grill, Cinnabar and Salsa.

Yet there still more than a few places catering to those left
out of the so-called exodus. Malls, in particular, are the place
to be, mainly because of the slim pickings available elsewhere.

Be warned, however, as going from being home alone to
confronting a screaming, chattering, jostling mass of humanity in
the malls may be too much to handle. Other options include water
parks, a day at the movies, Sea World, bookshops, even a ceramic
painting studio for those wanting to try their hand at something
new.

Movie theaters

* All cinemas that belong to the 21 Cineplex group are open on
Nov. 24 to Nov. 26, with a few exceptions: Roxy Mas (closed Nov.
25-Nov. 26), Arion (closed Nov. 24), Gajah Mada (closed Nov. 25),
Atrium (Nov. 25), Pratama Bekasi (Nov. 25-Nov. 26) and Santika
Bogor (Nov. 24-Nov. 26).

* MPX Grande Boutique Cinema will be open on Nov. 24, from 2:15
p.m. to 7:45 p.m. (ticket prices; Gold Rp 60,000, Diamond Rp
125,000). (Tel. 726-4679)

Water Parks

* Gelanggang Renang Jaya Ancol (Tel. 640-6677)
Open on Nov. 24 to Nov. 26, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m, tickets: Rp 25,000
per person.

* Pondok Indah Water Park, adjacent to Pondok Indah Mall (Tel.
750-6750), open Nov. 24 to Nov. 26.

Sea World

* Located at Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Sea World is a fascinating
marine complex that applies the "edutainment" concept. During the
feeding show, you can see turtles and fish (including sharks) up
close with the trainers.

Kids will love "Sahabat Laut" (friends of the sea) pond, where
they can touch turtles, starfish and ray fish among others.

Don't miss their Under Water Tunnel, an 80-meter-long acrylic
tunnel, with thousands of fish swimming around above your head,
it's truly a unique and unforgettable experience.
Sea World (Ancol) (Tel. 641-0079, 641-0080)
Nov. 24: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Nov. 25: 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Nov. 26: 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Dunia Fantasy (Fantasy World)

Indonesia's answer to Disneyland, this is a great
entertainment place for the whole family, with lots of exciting
attractions, from Istana Boneka (dolls palace) to roller
coasters.

Open: Nov. 24 to Nov. 26 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) tickets: Rp
50,000 per person. Jl. Lodan, Ancol, North Jakarta (Tel. 640-
3247, 647-12000)

Supermarkets/Minimarkets

* All Circle K minimarkets will be open 24 hours as usual Nov.
24-Nov. 26: Bendungan Hilir (Tel. 573-7476), Cilandak (Tel. 765-
6780), Cinere (Tel. 766-2013), Gandaria (Tel. 722-0946), Kelapa
Gading (Tel. 452-9843), Mangga Besar (Tel. 629-7654), Panglima
Polim (Tel. 720-8681), Pejaten (Tel. 781-6964), Pondok Bambu
(Tel. 863-2267), Pondok Gede (Tel. 849-95319), Pondok Labu (Tel.
759-02686), Rawamangun (Tel. 489-0551), Tebet (Tel. 830-1052),
Wijaya (Tel. 720-7395).

* All Carrefour supermarkets are open Nov. 24 to Nov. 26.
Nov. 24: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Nov. 25: 1:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Nov. 26: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Contact: Tel. 275-08800 (Carrefour Ratu Plaza).

* Kemchicks, Kemang, South Jakarta (Tel. 7179-0065)

The well-known shopping spot for expatriates and well-heeled
Indonesians, with shelves stocked with a variety of imported
goods.

Open Nov. 24 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.), closed Nov. 25 and Nov. 26.

* Club Store (Tel. 515-3554), Jl. Jend. Sudirman Lot 12, Kawasan
Niaga Terpadu Sudirman. Great variety of imported goods, fruit,
cookies, hard-to-come-by candies, etc.
Nov. 24: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Nov. 25: 12 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Nov. 26: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Travel agency

* Puri Tour, located at the lobby level of Hotel Indonesia in
Central Jakarta, is normally open 24 hours but will be operating
different hours during the holiday, (Tel. 3989-9115).
Nov. 24: closed 10 p.m.
Nov. 25: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Nov. 26: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Pharmacies

These pharmacies are open 24 hours (as usual) Nov. 24 to Nov.
26.

* Apotik Kimia Farma (Tel. 532-1551), Jl. S. Parman Kav. G 12A,
Slipi, west Jakarta.

* Apotik Fatmawati (Tel. 722-8513) Jl. Fatmawati 37, South
Jakarta

* Apotik Jatinegara (Tel. 858-3005) Jl. Matraman 151, East
Jakarta

* Apotik Titi Murni (Tel. 390-9682) Jl. Kramat Raya 128, Central
Jakarta

* Apotik Rini (Tel. 475-3126) Jl. Balai Pustaka II, Rawamangun,
East Jakarta

24-hour Ambulance Service

* Yayasan Bintang Mas, Jl. Teluk Gong Gong Raya 95 - 97 Bandengan
Utara Terusan, North Jakarta, (Tel. 669-1571)

* Yayasan Melati Suci, Jl. Kramat Raya 174, Central Jakarta
(RS Ridwan Meuraksa), (Tel. 390-9133)

Clinics and Hospitals

* Klinik JMC, Jl. Buncit Raya No. 15, South Jakarta, (tel. 798-0888, 798-5177)

* Ongko Mulyo Medical Center, Jl. Pulo Mas Barat VI, East Jakarta,
Emergency number: 471-8080

* Klinik Medi Karya, Jl. Sumagung III PB 1 Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta
(near the burned supermarket Diamond Kecil), (Tel: 452-6559)

* Graha Medika, Jl. Raya Perjuangan, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta (next to RCTI
studio), Emergency number: 530-0889 #3

* MMC, Jl. Rasuna Said Kav. C 21, Kuningan, South Jakarta (next to Pasar
Festival), Emergency number: 520-3435 #1

* Carolus Hospital, Jl. Salemba Raya 41, Central Jakarta, Emergency
number: 391-2394

* Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jl. Diponegoro No. 71, Central Jakarta
(Tel. 314-4756, 390-1192, 330-808, 390-1193)

* Pamulang Medical General Hospital, Jl. Raya Pamulang Blok D-II No. 2
Pamulang Permai, Tangerang (tel. 740-5317)

* Karya Medika General Hospital, Jl. Sultan Hasanudin, Tambun, Bekasi,
(Tel. 880-11293)

Car rental

* Avis (Tel. 314 2900), open 24 hours as usual on all three days.

Car Repair

* Sejati Layanan Terpadu (Tel. 350-4888), Jl. Tanah Abang II,
Nov. 24: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Nov. 25 and 26: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. It
also has a 24-hour gas station.

Internet Cafe

* Sarinah Internet Cafe (no telephone number), Open 24 hours
all three days. 2nd floor of Podium Sarinah Building
(near Hard Rock Cafe)

* Multiplus (Tel: 5696-3033, 626-4516, 626-4517)
Nov. 24: 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Nov. 25: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.,
Nov. 26: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

As You Wish

To tap into your creative energy, step into the As You Wish
ceramic-painting studio for a fun way to spend an afternoon. You
can feel free to come up with some personalized creations for
loved ones or for yourself.

In some countries, like Canada and the U.S., besides paying
for the bisque (unpainted pottery), customers have to pay a
studio fee and an additional charge for each hour of painting
time.

But at As You Wish, customers are spared the studio fee. The
studio stocks a wide range of ready-to-decorate bisques, from
various cute figurines to big mugs, from Rp 35,000 to Rp
1,400,000. Once your piece is finished, the studio will put on a
food-safe glaze, and then fire it in the kiln. The finishing
glaze will give your ceramic a glossy texture and add a touch of
glamour to your work of art.

Once the piece is glazed and fired, it will be ovenproof and
even microwave safe.

Your masterpiece will be ready in seven days. In case you're
in a hurry, you're welcome to return on another day to finish
painting without paying any additional fees.

Plaza Senayan, Sogo, 5th floor. (Tel. 57900055)
Nov. 24: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nov. 25: closed
Nov. 26: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

You may also contact As You Wish Kemchicks, call 7179-3284

Restaurants/cafes

* 24-hour McDonald's, Sarinah Building, Jl. Thamrin, Central
Jakarta (Tel. 390-2793, 390-2794)
Nov. 24: closes at 3 a.m.
Nov. 25: opens 7 a.m.
Nov. 26: business as usual

* Hard Rock Cafe, Podium 2nd floor Sarinah Building
Jl. M.H. Thamrin. (Tel. 390-3566)
Nov. 24: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Nov. 25: Closed
Nov. 26: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

* Koi
Upmarket restaurant-cum-art gallery with good Asian dishes.
Jl. Mahakam I No. 2, Jakarta (Tel. 722-2864)
Nov. 24: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Nov. 25: closed
Nov. 26: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

* Hazara

Great Indian food, although a bit pricey, with upstairs bar
(New Age bar) plus pool table. Jl. Wahid Hasyim 112, Central
Jakarta (Tel. 315-0424).
Nov. 24: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Nov. 25: closed
Nov. 26: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

* Front Row

Sports fans love this place, as they can dine while watching
international sports programs on the TV wall.
Taman Ria Complex, Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta (Tel. 574-
7661, 574-7231)
Nov. 24 to Nov. 26: 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

* Starbucks
For those who need a caffeine fix.
Plaza Senayan (other stores open different hours)
Nov. 24: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Nov. 25: closed
Nov. 26: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Plaza Indonesia
Nov. 24: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Nov. 25: 10 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Nov. 26: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.

* Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Plaza Senayan
Nov. 24: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Nov. 25: closed
Nov. 26: 12 p.m.-10 p.m.

Bookstores

* Kinokuniya (please see Sogo section).

* Aksara, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 8B
(Tel. 719-9288)
Nov. 24: 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Nov. 25: closed
Nov. 26: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

* Times, Plaza Senayan (inside Metro)
Nov. 24: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Nov. 25: closed
Nov. 26: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

* QB World Books, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 17, South Jakarta
(Tel. 718-0818)
Nov. 24: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Nov. 25: closed
Nov. 26: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

* Metro
Metro Pondok Indah, Metro Senayan, Metro Taman Anggrek
Nov. 24: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Nov. 25: Closed
Nov. 26: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

* Sogo and Kinokuniya Book Store
Nov. 24: 10 a.m. - 7 or 8 p.m.
Nov. 25: Closed
Nov. 26: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Malls

Most malls are open, but it will be up to individual tenants
if they decide to actually open for business.

* Plaza Senayan

Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 24 to Nov. 26, but please
note that many shops are closed on Nov. 25 (such as Nine West,
Christian Dior, Hugo Boss and Morgan, among others). Kinokuniya,
Times bookstore, Sogo, Metro and Hero supermarket are open. (Tel.
572-5555)

Some eateries:

Lawry's the Prime Rib, open Nov. 24-Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 10
p.m.

Kirin Seafood, open all three days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Spaghetti House: Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 10 pm, Nov. 25, 12 p.m.
to 10 a.m, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

* Pondok Indah Mall
Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all three days, but many tenants
will close early on Nov. 25. (Tel. 750-6750)

On Monday at 4:30 p.m., visitors can see a special musical
performance of Rampak Bedug and at 6 p.m. there will be a Tabuh
Bedug special show.

Plenty of restaurants and cafes are open, such as Dermaga Food
Court, Pizza Hut, Sizzler, Hannamasa and others.

* Taman Anggrek Mall

The largest mall in Jakarta, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on
the three days but, like other malls, with many tenants closing
early on Tuesday (Tel. 563-9300, 564-3777)

Nov. 24: Islamic music from Nasyid Shoutul Fataa (3 p.m. to
4:30 p.m.), Rampag Bedug Progressive (5 p.m. to 7 p.m).

Nov. 25: Suara Firdaus choir (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.), Bedug (drum)
Attraction (6 p.m to 6:30 p.m.), Azzam Nasyid Group (7 p.m. to 8
p.m.)

Nov. 26: Nasyid "Quodes" (2 p.m. to 4 p.m).

Don't miss their Ramadhan bazaar, where you can buy Acehnese
souvenirs, Teratao silver, special cakes, books and watches,
among other things.

Plenty of restaurants are open, such as Ajisen Ramen
Restaurant, Kiyadon Restaurant, McDonald's, Gloria Jeans Cafe,
Samudra Seafood, Sapo Oriental, etc.

* Cilandak Town Square

Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the three days (tel. 7592 0222).

Many restaurants will still be serving, such as: Thai Express,
Victoria Cafe, Tori-q, Cafe Solo, Over Rice, Gloria Jeans Cafe,
among others.

* Plaza Indonesia

Open on Nov. 24 and Nov. 26 (10 a.m. - 10 p.m.) but closed on
Nov. 25. (Tel. 310-7272)

Plenty of nibbles available, including at its food courts: Red
Pepper and Spice Garden. Kinokuniya bookstore and Sogo are open
as well.

Hotels

* Gran Melia Jakarta,
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. X-0
Kuningan, South Jakarta, Tel. 526-8080
www.granmelia-jakarta.com

Has an Idul Fitri buffet lunch, both on Tuesday and Wednesday,
at its Cafe Gran Via, with all the treats of opor lontong (stewed
chicken in coconut milk with rice cake), mixed satay and Padang
satay.

The hotel will also prepare special Idul Fitri hampers.

* Hotel Gran Mahakam
Jl. Mahakam I No. 6, Blok M
South Jakarta Tel: 720 99 66
http://www.granmahakam.com

Special Idul Fitri buffet on Tuesday and Wednesday, with
different shaped rice cakes. Local and international cuisine, Rp
156,000 ++/per person (so you had better eat up).

There is also a special Ramadhan package, including welcome
date selection/drink and predawn meal/buffet breakfast for two
until Nov. 30 (Rp 648,000++).

* InterContinental MidPlaza,
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 10-11, Jakarta (Tel. 251-0888)

Indonesian specialties buffet (Rp 90,000++ per person), with
the added attraction of the chance to win two roundtrip tickets
Jakarta-Dubai-Jakarta, including accommodation at the
InterContinental Dubai.

* The Regent
Jl. H.R Rasuna Said, South Jakarta (Tel. 252-3456)
http://www.fourseasons.com

For those needing gifts at the eleventh hour, it has Idul
Fitri hampers, including traditional nastar cookies, homemade
papaya orange jam, chocolate marble cake, etc. for Rp 595,000.
Alternately, make you own from the bakery selection.

* JW Marriot Hotel
Jl. Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav E1.2 No. 1&2
Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta
(Tel. 5798 8888)

Offers both deluxe (Rp 380,000) and superior hampers (Rp
680,000), or the opportunity to design your own.

Special Middle Eastern buffet available on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26
(Rp 108,000 ++).

Emergency numbers

Police hot line 112

Jakarta Police 523-4333

West Jakarta Precinct 548-2317

North Jakarta Precinct 491-055

Central Jakarta Precinct 390-9922

South Jakarta Precinct 720-6013/11

East Jakarta Precinct 819-1478

Ambulance 118

Electricity 123

Fire Brigade 113

Telephone Repair 147

Water Repair 579-98444/579-86555