Looking for a low-budget green adventure while staying around the Simatupang area? You're in luck! South Jakarta is home to several local museums and eco-parks that are perfect for those who want to explore the city's natural beauty without breaking the bank.
Check out these 4 recommendations of local museums and eco-park in South Jakarta!
1. Taman Margasatwa Ragunan (Ragunan Zoo)
Taman Margasatwa Ragunan, also known as Ragunan Zoo, is Indonesia's largest and oldest zoo, founded in 1864 during Dutch colonial era. It covers 140 hectares in Jakarta's southern region and includes the Schmutzer Primate Research Center. The zoo is situated in the southern region of Jakarta about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from the Simatupang area.
Ragunan Zoo is a conservation park with eco-friendly initiatives, rich biodiversity, and over 3,600 animals from more than 270 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can enjoy animal exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs. The park's green spaces offer lush greenery, walking trails, and picnic areas for a peaceful retreat in nature.
The Ragunan Zoo is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with operational hours from 7 AM to 5 PM. The admission fee for adults is Rp 4.000 and for children is Rp 3.000. Only Jakcard DKI Bank is accepted as a payment method. Visitors can also visit the Schmutzer Primate Center for an additional fee of Rp 6.000 per person on weekdays and Rp 7.500 per person on weekends. To avoid waiting in line, tickets can be purchased online through the Taman Margasatwa Ragunan app.
For public transportation users, Taman Margasatwa Ragunan can be easily accessed by taking the KRL and getting off at Tanjung Barat KRL station or by taking the TransJakarta and getting off at Ragunan bus stop.
2. Taman Literasi Martha Christina Tiahahu
Taman Literasi Martha Christina Tiahahu is a 9,170 square meter park located on Sisingamangaraja Street, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. It offers several facilities, including a healing garden, an amphitheater, discussion rooms, gallery spaces, study areas, and a children's play area. Visitors can access more than 300 book collections through the "Titik Baca" barcode scan feature, which is directly connected to the Jakarta Provincial Library.
Other features of the park include galleries, plaza gardens, forest walks, lotus pond literacy pavilions, and viewing terraces. Supporting facilities such as reading rooms, libraries, offices, coffee shops, prayer rooms, and bookstores are also available. The park is located in a transit and transportation mode transfer location and can be accessed through the Integrasi Centrale Stichting Wederopbouw (CSW) stop, Blok M terminal, and Jakarta MRT station. Easily accessible via MRT from Lebak Bulus MRT Station, the park was inaugurated on September 18, 2022, and is open to the public every day from 07:00 to 22:00 WIB for free.
3. The Urban Forest Cipete
The Urban Forest Cipete is a newly opened hangout spot located in Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia. It is known for its lush greenery and numerous trees. The establishment was inaugurated in October 2022 and is situated on Jalan RS Fatmawati Raya No. 45, Cilandak Barat, approximately 4 kilometers from the Simatupang area.
The Urban Forest Cipete is easily accessible by private or public transportation, such as the MRT, and is only a three-minute walk from the Cipete Raya MRT station. The place offers a variety of facilities and tenants, including cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is a popular destination for people who want to relax and enjoy nature in the middle of the city. The Urban Forest Cipete is also accessible for free and pet friendly! It operates daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM WIB.
4. Museum di Tengah Kebun
Museum di Tengah Kebun is a public museum located in Kemang, South Jakarta, only 8 kilometers from the Simatupang area. It was constructed by Sjahrial Djalil in the midst of a 3,500 m2 garden. The museum comprises 12 rooms that house a total of 2,414 collections from various countries and eras. These collections were obtained by the owner through auctions held in Europe, America, Hong Kong, and Australia. The primary objective of the museum is to revive Indonesian cultural heritage located outside the country.
Visitors are required to change their shoes to flip-flops provided by the museum and store all their belongings, except for phones, in lockers before entering. Taking photos is strictly prohibited inside the museum, but visitors can take pictures outside.
The entrance fee is free, but visitors must make a reservation beforehand on their Instagram @MuseumDiTengahKebun. The museum is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, while maintenance work is carried out on weekdays.
That’s all for the great low-budget green destinations located in South Jakarta near Simatupang area. Hopefully, you can embark on a journey of natural beauty, cultural enrichment, and rejuvenation.
Whether you're a nature lover seeking tranquility or a history enthusiast eager to uncover the local heritage, these attractions offer a refreshing escape from the urban environment. So, if you find yourself in the Simatupang area, don't miss the opportunity to discover these hidden gems and immerse yourself in the serene and captivating world of eco-parks and museums!
Enjoy your exploration without rush by staying at Swiss-Belinn Simatupang, with easy access to various recommended green oasis and complete facilities.