Spincity offers sport and relaxation
Spincity offers sport and relaxation
A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The newly opened Spincity recreation center, at e.x.
(Entertainment Xnter) next to Plaza Indonesia, Jl. Thamrin,
Central Jakarta, is a pleasant gathering spot for people who want
to enjoy quality time with family or have fun with friends.
Upon entering Spincity, which is located on the ground floor,
visitors are lulled by easy-listening instrumental music and
cartoons flickering on two large video monitors set a tone of
amusement.
"We intentionally avoid loud music, such as live music, to
create a family nuance. Other centers are probably too crowded
and noisy," Spincity assistant general manager A. Wenas said.
Wenas, who is also an executive of the Indonesian Bowling
Association (PBI), said Spincity, which opened three months ago,
was created by a Singaporean designer to resemble a popular
bowling center in the city-state.
Wenas said Spincity's target market includes the 2,000 PBI
members in the capital, as well as anyone who likes bowling.
The 3,500 square meter venue features a bowling alley, pool
hall, Alison Cafe, The King of Thai Noodle restaurant and the Red
Tomato pizza outlet.
Spincity's visitors can bowl in its 22 lanes, which uses the
latest technology, or relax in one of the eateries to watch
family and friends bowl at Rp 15,000 for students or Rp 29,000
per game.
"Many companies have set up employees bowling leagues and they
play here. We give them lower rates. They also organize meetings
here, since we can arrange their meals from our cafe and
restaurants," he said.
There are several bowling centers across the city, including
Plaza Senayan and Pasaraya Grande in South Jakarta, and at Kelapa
Gading, Pluit and Ancol in North Jakarta.
Bowling was very popular in the 1970s, but interest in the
sport waned until about three years ago, when local celebrities
were often spotted in bowling alleys.
Alison Cafe offers various hot and cold drinks, such as
coffee, cappuccino and juices, and a snack menu, including French
fries, chicken wings, sandwiches, ice cream and various home-
baked breads, including donuts and banana cheese bread.
Those who want a fuller meal for lunch or dinner can try The
King of Thai Noodle with its special dish, pineapple Thai fried
rice, with shredded chicken meat, pineapple and cashews.
Various kinds of pizza, such as Italian and New York-style
pizza, are served up piping hot at Red Tomato next to the King of
Thai.
"Visitors can even order Thai food or a pizza while sitting in
Alison Cafe, if the seats are full in the restaurants," Spincity
executive marketing officer Amanda Gratiana Sukasah said.
Those who do not like bowling can play pool next door at Q-
billiards, which is quiet and calm compared with other pool halls
in the city -- no fights or hassle.
"People feel safe playing here. We cooperate with the security
authorities," Amanda said.
Rudi, a university student who had come with a group of five
friends, said Spincity was different from popular billiard halls
and cafes in South Jakarta, which were always crowded and noisy.
"We really like to play pool here and enjoy a relaxing time
out with friends," said Rudi.