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