Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

This 120-hectare (300-acre) open-air cultural/amusement park, 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) south of Jakarta, is a window on the cultural and environmental complexity of Indonesia. Pavilions built in traditional style exhibit artifacts, customs and lifestyles of the peoples of each of Indonesia's provinces. You could spend half a day in the Riau pavilion alone, and it would take a week to see everything. In fact, Indonesians will proudly tell you that there will be no need to see the rest of Indonesia if you visit the park, which they compare to Disneyland. Constructed after a 1971 visit to Disneyland by Madame Suharto, the sprawling complex is an instant, Albert superficial, introduction to Indonesia. A number of souvenir stalls and Indonesian-style restaurants dot the grounds, and there is a friendly warung complex. On Sundays there are free traditional dance performances, films and cultural shows. A calendar of events can bee picked up at hotels of from any Garuda or VIC office. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, but most of the pavilions close at 4 pm. They close the gates at around 10 pm. To get to Taman Mini, take a bus marked 'Mini Indonesia' from Terminal Kampung Rambutan.

Where To Eat
Jakarta offers a glorious melange of cuisine. Settlers and visitors through the centuries have left a culinary legacy of astounding variety; a delicate blending of Chinese, Arabic, Dutch and native Javanese cooking. Dining experiences range from hearty plantation feasts in recreated colonial splendour to simple, delicious snacks in roadside stalls. All five-star hotels offer top-quality continental or oriental food in their grill rooms. More local flavour is available at the Caf Batavia, a recreated 1930s caf, or the Oasis Restaurant, which serves a modern version of the 20-course rijsttafel banquets beloved by Dutch colonials. Chinese restaurants such as the Nyun Yen and Ratu Bahari serve superb seafood dishes in cavernous dining rooms. For authentic Indonesian food, the Sarinah Food Court consists of two dozen-food stalls serving local cuisine in air-conditioned comfort.

Getting Around In Jakarta

By Air:
Flights between Jakarta and all major towns are frequent, departing at least once a day. However, flights between two provincial destinations can be infrequent or non-existent. All flight services in Java are made by late-model jet or turbo-prop.

By Rail:
Train services are available throughout Java, a more scenic alternative to flying. Fast, comfortable trains run from Jakarta through Yogyakarta to Surabaya and along the northern route through Semarang to Surabaya. Most trains between major destination offer first or executive class service, which includes air-conditioning, airline-style seats and complimentary beverage and meal service. Contact your nearest station for travel details.

By Buses and Other Public Transport:
A dense network of bus routes serves Jakarta. Air-conditioned express buses link all major cities. Several tour operators offer all-inclusive overland excursions to all major tourist destinations in Java. Jakarta’s public transport systems are over-loaded and often uncomfortable. Air-conditioned Patas buses offer an express service with no standing passengers allowed. Otherwise buses are better avoided. The Bajaj is an orange coloured, three-wheeled vehicle, which serves short distance runs within limited areas. Fares are negotiated before the journey.

Car Rental:
Chauffeur-driven rented cars are available in all large towns. Self-driven vehicles are also available, though not recommended, for intricate travel. Established taxi services and car rental companies offer fixed rates for hourly or specific routes. If you choose to drive your self, a valid International Driving License is required. Most International road conventions are observed in Jakarta, although right-of-way tends to go to the larger vehicle and turns are not always signalled. Remember to drive on the left and overtake only on the right. Turning left at a red light is allowed only when indicated. Do not expect other drivers to obey traffic laws or conventions, including traffic lights.

Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and comparatively cheap in Jakarta. Most are air-conditioned. Make sure the driver is willing to use the metre. If not, get out and find another taxi. Blue bird Taxi Company also offers a superior taxi service called Silverbird, and the Golden Bird limousine service.

From The Airport
Most large hotels operate free shuttles from Soekarno – Hatta airport. Buses and Taxis are also available. Bluebird and Silverbird have a Taxi reservation stand inside the international arrival hall. Otherwise take a metre taxi from the stand outside. An airport surcharge, plus toll road fees will be added to the metre fare.

Where To Stay In Jakarta

Jakarta is a modern city with facilities for travelers of every budget and preference. Top-of-the-market Jakarta hotels are managed by the standard international chains including Hilton, Regent and Hyatt, or by regional and local chains such as Sahid, Shangri-La, Hotel Indonesia International and Mandarin Oriental. Mid-market chain such as Ibis and Holiday Inn, and local private hotels like the Kartika Plaza or Hotel Sabang offer good value for money. Large residences converted into European-style mansions, which go by the name of guesthouses in Jakarta, can be a pleasant and much cheaper alternative to standard hotels.

Activities
Taman Mini is full of strange and wonderful experiences for the whole family; playgrounds and museums litter the park, with something for all members of your group. Pick up a brochure from your hotel for the latest and most up-to-date activities!

Attractions
Teatre Imax Keong Emas (Golden Snail Theatre) Located in the Taman Mini is the Imax theatre which present "Beautiful Indonesia" on a gigantic screen using the latest Imax system. Open from 11.00 hrs - 17.00 hrs.

Keong Emas Flower Garden
Located behind the Keong Emas Theatre, this beautiful garden is said to be inspired by the usual garden facilities, it has a library and its own nursery.

Pancasila Flame Monument
At the entrance gate stands the Pancasila Flame Monument, 45 meters high. It symbolizes the five principle of the Indonesian State philosophy.

Pendopo Agung Sasana Utomo
Not far from the monument is a grand pavilion in the shape of a Javanese hall, called the Pendopo Agung Sasana Utomo. At the back of this pavillion is a hall for art performances, named Sasono Langen Budoyo.

The Main Gate
The Main Gate into the park is shaped like a typical Javanese split gate, and bears a chronogram indicating the year of the park's opening.

Main Hall
The main hall is located behind the Pancasila Monument, and is shaped like a grand Javanese pavilion, known as joglo. It is receiving visiting foreign dignitaries. The four main pillars in the center of the hall called Soko Guru symbolize the four according to the ancient Javanese concept: earth, water, fire and air. Th pillars and panels in this hall are richly embellished with relief's, carved in teakwood, depicting scenes from the epics Ramayana, Parikesit and Pandawa Lima. Behind the main hall, is the Langen Budoyo Hall, which is used for the staging of art performances and for receptions. The gallery behind it, called pringgitan, can seat 1,000 guests. The Museum of Indonesia Located near the Pancasila monument, it is a three-storey building, the structure and ornamental details of which symbolize the relationship between God and man, between men and fellow men, and between man and the environment, based on the doctrine of Tri Hita Karana. The museum is built in Balinese style. On the first floor, a variety of Indonesia traditional costume is exhibited. On the second floor are samples of the arts and crafts from all the provinces of Indonesia. There is also a stage for lather puppet shows. On the third floor stands a huge tree of life symbol, made of copper.

3-D Cinema Building
There is a movie theatre playing three dimensional films. Open daily from 13 to 16 p.m. On Sunday and holidays, it is open from 10.00 - 17 p.m.

Ambar Tirta Swimming Park
Located near the movie house, the park's swimming pool complex includes a stage for shows and a playground for children.

The Skylift
The skylift terminal is near the Museum of Indonesia. From the coaches one can see a model of the Indonesian Archipelago, its islands and straits, in the pool below. The whole park, in fact, is visible in a bird's eye view.

House of Worship
Near the shops and the Jakarta, Lampung, West Java pavilions is a complex of houses of worship of various religions. There is a mosque, a Protestant and a Roman Catholic church, Buddhist and a Hindu Balinese temple, and also a meditation hall and a model of the Borobudur shrine. They are located also to each other, to symbolize religious harmony.

Mini Railway Station
Near the skylift terminal is a mini railway station, with mini trains to take visitors on a ride through the park for a modest fee.

Atmaja Recreation Park
The Atmaja Recreation Park is Taman Mini's former jogging arena. A malay orchestra performs there on Sunday mornings at around 11 am.

The Orchid Garden
Located in the eastern part of the park. The orchid garden contains species from all over Indonesia and other countries.

The Bird Park
The Bird Park is located near the Irian Jaya and Central Sulawesi pavilion. Various rare species can be found living under the huge dome, including Cendrawasih Birds of Paradise from Irian Jaya.

The Komodo Museum
So called because the building assembles a giant Komodo lizard, the rare prehistoric reptile found only on the island of Komodo and a few other islands in East Nusa Tenggara. Inside are preserved specimens of rare Indonesian animals.

The Cactus Garden
Located next to the Philatelic Museum. Various kinds of cactus garden, contains stamps from both Indonesia and abroad. Also shown is the process of making stamps. A statue of Hanoman, the monkey god from the epic Ramayana, embodies the first postman.

Children's Palace
The Children's Palace is located next to the Irian Jaya and East Timor pavilions, not far from the waterfall and pond, Sendang Sejodo. This medieval castle is the center of children's activities, from playing to learning and sports.

The Asmat Museum
Samples of the famed Asmat and Dani statues and carvings can be seen in this museum.

Culture & Tourist Information Center
A helpful staff is always on standby in this center to help visitors obtain information on various aspects of life in Indonesia. A library is also available.

Among Putra Park
This is a playground for children with all sorts of facilities for play and entertainment.

The ABRI Military Museum
This Museum is located in front of the Bali pavilion, in the eastern part of the park, and exhibits displays related to the role and history of the Indonesia armed forces (ABRI). Access is gained by crossing an artificial lake, but it is also possible to walk through a yardside.

The Tourist Village
The Tourist Village, or cottages, is located behind the philatelic Museum and the Komodo Museum. There are 11 cottages available.

The Living Apothecary
This is a garden of medicinal plants. The making of traditional Indonesian herbal medicines is demonstrated in a pavilion