Explore The Largest Dreamland in North Jakarta
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol which is also known as Ancol Dreamland stands on an area of 552 hectares. Located in North Jakarta facing the Java Sea. Ancol is currently the largest integrated tourism area in South East Asia.
For Jakarta residents who don't have time to go for a vacation out of town, Ancol seems to be a great place to visit. Ancol offers a variety of tourist attractions with their own excitement level. It also indulges visitors with a wide variety of high-tech rides. This theme park is for all ages, from children to adults.
History
Ancol was a swamp area and the source of the Malaria outbreak in Batavia back then. When Jakarta began to develop in early 1960, a proposal emerged that the area should be turned into an industrial area. President Soekarno as the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, however, rejected the proposal. Instead, in 1966 he appointed the Governor of DKI Jaya at that time, dr. Soemarno Sosroatmodjo, as the executor of the Ancol project. Then in 1967, the construction project of Ancol proceeded under the leadership of Governor Ali Sadikin.
Since then, the entertainment complex was named Taman Impian Jaya Ancol or Ancol Dreamland. The first facility was the Bina Ria Ancol beach, best known for its drive-in theatre especially during the 1970s. A golf course, swimming pool, oceanarium, Putri Duyung cottage, Hotel Horison, and the first casino in Jakarta then followed. The Dunia Fantasi theme park was built in 1984.
If you find yourself interested in visiting Ancol, well, here is a list of spots worth spending time on.
1. Dunia Fantasi (Dufan)
Dunia Fantasi or also known as Dufan is a theme park located in the Ancol Dreamland area. Dufan opened for the public on August 29, 1985. Dufan has not lost its charm despite age. In fact, Dufan is the must-visit destination when going to Ancol Dreamland. You never go to Ancol if you don't visit Dufan. It opens daily from 10 am to 4 pm with 130,000 IDR for the entry ticket.
Although only 9 hectares out of a total of hundreds of hectares of Ancol area itself, Dufan has a variety of rides with high technology. From various educational facilities to adrenaline-challenging rides, Dufan offers an unforgettable experience when visiting this theme park. Dufan is represented by a mascot in the form of a proboscis monkey, which used to live in the area that is now the location of Dufan. It is also an effort to preserve the animal.
This theme park consists of several areas with their own themes and characteristics of each area. This area's division intends to arouse visitors' imagination to feel the sensation of walking in Jakarta, Europe, America, Indonesia, Asia, Greek Fantasy, Hikayat Fantasy, Puppet Palace, Indoor Dufan, and Cartoon World areas. Dufan also equips with many thrilling rides such as Turangga-rangga, Alap-alap, Tornado, Kicir-kicir, Hysteria, Halilintar, Pontang-panting, Arung Jeram, Niagara, Poci-poci, Ontang-anting, Istana Boneka, Bianglala, Kora-kora, Gajah Bledug, and many more. It will be such an amazing experience to take your family or friends there.
2. Sea World
Sea World Ancol is a marine aquarium suited in North Jakarta. Sea World Ancol owns the first underwater aquarium in Indonesia. Visitors can view the beautiful and amazing underwater world. You will step into a large aquarium with a variety of marine biota that lives in it.
You will be charged 115,000 IDR for a regular ticket to enter Sea World. But there is also an annual ticket which will certainly be much cheaper than the regular ticket. Sea World operates daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
Sea World consists of 1 main tank, 1 shark tank, several other tanks, and the white crocodile exhibit. The main tank of the Sea World Ancol is the biggest aquarium in Southeast Asia. Here, at least 7,300 freshwater biotas in 28 displays in the form of a large aquarium and 4 opened pools. You can also feel the excitement of interacting with marine biota in the touch pool. The Feeding Show will also be an amazing attraction for the visitors.
3. Allianz Ecopark
Allianz Ecopark is one of the recreational facilities in the Ancol Dreamland area. It is an outdoor adventure park featuring archery, ziplines, paintball, boating & other activities. The area is approximately 34 hectares. This ecopark combines the concepts of educational tourism and a green lifestyle.
The beautiful and comfortable environment can treat the hustle and bustle of living in the city. This area operates every day from 7 am to 5 pm. There is also a river to explore using boats. Allianz Ecopark has 4 different themes: Eco Nature, Eco Art, Eco Care, and Eco Energy.
Eco Nature provides various educational tours that focus on the types of plants and animals.
Eco Art allows you to experience an unforgettable moment with various types of performances and art exhibitions.
Eco Care is the right place if you want to bring your family to the numerous educational tourism programs they provide.
Eco Energy lets you learn more about energy use as well as renewable energy.
As one of the beaches in Jakarta, Ancol Beach City becomes the most fun place to go for a vacation. Carrying the concept of Everyday Outdoor Entertainment, Ancol Beach City is a lifestyle mall that offers a variety of unique experiences and is different from other malls. With an area of about 7,000 square meters and a white sandy beach, Ancol Beach City is the only mall that provides various rides and activities on the beach for visitors.
Visitors only need to spend a minimum of 50,000 IDR at Ancol Beach City tenants to play Airhead Viper, Ancol Mall Cruise, Banana Boat, Donut Boat, Jetski, and Rock Climbing. Every Friday and Saturday night there will be music entertainment from beautiful DJs. In addition, Ancol Beach City offers beach karaoke for visitors every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. They also provide places for you to have gatherings or events.
5. Ocean Dream Samudra
In 1974, Governor Ali Sadikin inaugurated an edutainment theme park, the Ocean Dream Samudra. The nuance of nature conservation provides knowledge on various animals. You can also find the largest oceanarium unit consisting of marine and freshwater fish aquariums. There is a park that is a habitat for various types of birds. Visitors can also watch animal shows such as dolphins, sea lions, and other animals.
It opens daily from 10 am to 4 pm. You will need to spend 115,000 IDR on the entry ticket. It's gonna be a great place for you and your family to visit. Ocean Dream Samudra offers an aquatic-themed park featuring an underwater theatre, fish tanks & performing sea-animal shows.
6. Pasar Seni - Ancol (Art Market)
Not only can you see the artwork but you can also buy it to take home. Visitors can purchase souvenirs such as paintings, photos, sculptures, handicrafts, and so on. You can also have the picture of yourself be painted by the local painters there. At least there are 110 souvenir stalls that you must stop by to hunt for anti-mainstream souvenirs.
Pasar Seni opens daily from 7 am to 5 pm and it's free. Besides seeing various works of art from artists, here they also serve you with many artistic activities from artists of diverse genres. With those activities, visitors can interact through training, exhibitions, film screenings, and discussions. On weekends, Pasar Seni presents many kinds of traditional performances such as wayang, contemporary dances based on traditions, and more. This place is the right choice if you want to spend your vacation relaxing and chilling.
7. Atlantis Water Adventure
Do you like to play in the water or feel the sensation of being rolled by the waves like on a real beach? Atlantis Water Adventure is going to be the right choice for you to visit if you like to play in the water. You will feel an unforgettable experience like no other water park. It opens daily from 7 am to 5 pm with 170,000 IDR for the entry ticket.
Occupying over 5 hectares of land, this water park is themed on the mythological underwater world of Atlantis. There are 8 main pools namely: Poseidon, Antila, Plaza Atlas, Aquarius, Octopus, Atlantean, and Kiddy Pool. Interesting names, right? Then there are also other water rides such as Crazy Slide, Dragon Race, Rainbow Splash, Skybox, and Water Outbound.
There are many other recreational spots inside the Ancol Dreamland area but those above are our selection. From trying on adrenaline-challenging rides at Dufan to getting wet in Atlantis Water Adventure, you will be pampered to a whole new level of excitement. You will also acquire knowledge on underwater creatures with many attractions at Sea World and Ocean Dream Samudra. After walking all day, you can chill and relax in an Art Market (Pasar Seni). Buy art souvenirs or just enjoy the art performances from local artists. Also don't forget to go on shopping in a waterfront mall, Ancol Beach City. A complete package for your vacation.