Ancol Theme Park: Jakarta, West Java

It certainly isn’t like Disneyland but the theme park, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, is definitely worth a visit when you go to Jakarta and especially if you are travelling with children. The oldest and largest theme park in Jakarta, the popular recreational park has something for all ages with an extensive range of activities and attractions. There is an entrance fee into the park and of course many of the main attractions have their own entry fee. It truly is an amazing place with an assortment of restaurants and nightclubs, a bowling alley, large aquariums for both fresh and salt water fish, and swimming pools to cool off on a hot day. And, if you are not into swimming then try a round of golf or just stroll around the massive marina.

Really, there is so much to see and do that it is well worth staying in one of the hotels. Here are some of the attractions in Taman Impian Jaya Ancol:

Seaworld: This oceanarium boasts an 80 metre tunnel and on offer for viewing are more than 4,000 fish and sharks from 300 species making it one of the most popular attractions. The complex is open Monday to Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on a Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Amusement Park: This is a 24-hour park comprising of amusement centres, hotels and shops as well as nightclubs. This self-contained village has an oceanarium featuring dolphin and sea lion shows and a four-pool complex with a wave pool and associated slides and opens Sat.-Thurs. from 11am-6pm and on Fri. 1:30am-10pm.

Dream World: This whole place just oozes fun. Think a muted down Disneyland and you have the idea. It is one big and exciting fairground amusement. This one is a definite for the kids and is enjoyed by adults also. It’s open on a Mon. through to Sat from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sun from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Marina Ancol: A specially designed harbour port for all manner of sea vessel, the marina is also the port of departure to Kepulauan Seribu also known as the Thousand Island Resort. For everything concerned with water sports and adventure can be found here for hire and it’s also a great place for windsurfing.

Ancol Beach: Another great water park. The beach is a fun place for families and here you will find numerous swimming pools and water slides. There are some good restaurants here for when the stomach starts rumbling.

Website: www.ancol.com
Photo Credit: indonesia-spots.blogspot.com/