Forget the city’s hustle and bustle for a moment. There are many things to do in Jakarta which don’t include shopping at the malls. City people often feel the need for challenging outdoor activities. With a penchant for excitement and an adrenaline pumping, they will be delighted by the myriad of adventure sports that can be enjoyed within the vicinity of the capital. Here are our picks for outdoor activities around Jakarta.
Scuba Diving in Pulau Seribu
Starting just offshore and stretching away to the north of the city is a string of classic coral atolls known as Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) – though in fact there are less than 200 islands. Each island has a fringing coral reef, a white sandy beach and a green jungle-like centre.
The closest ones are a little over an hour away from Jakarta by speedboat and many of them now have resorts — you can choose from five-star luxury to budget bungalows. The water is clean and clear, the reefs are rich in corals and smaller fish, and there’s are good wrecks to explore. Don’t expect a mind-blowing underwater experience, but when you add together the convenience, the idyllic above-the-water environment and the superb Jakarta-based dive operations that service the islands, you come out with a very good package.
Master Selam
Piccadilly Building 1st Floor Unit C9
Jl. Mampang Raya No. 39
Mampang Prapatan, Jakarta 12790
T: (+62-21) 799 0784
M: (+62) 878 8304 7100
Horse Riding in Depok
Build a lasting bond with gallant four-legged creatures through this sport. Horse riding does not seem like a heavy activity probably due to the fact that most people picture themselves sitting on the horse with elegant clothes and equipment.
But actually one needs specialised techniques and expertise in properly controlling a horse, especially through an obstacles course or when racing at speed. There are many benefits by doing horse riding which covers recreation, posture correction, improved balance and coordination of the body, increased responsibility, patience, discipline, self-confidence and of course, sweating. It’s quite enjoyable because we learn how to take care of the animals. Try to come to the “satellite city’, Depok, not so far from the capital for exercising in Arthayasa Stable which includes stable tour, horseback riding and cross country.
Arthayasa Stables and Country Club
Jl. Bulak Tengki, Kp. Grogol, No. 10
Limo, Depok, West Java 16514
T. (+62-21) 7547 024/025
M. (+62) 811 157 5723
E: mailto:info@arthayasa.com
Riverboarding in Kalibaru River
River surfing, hydrospeed or riverboarding becomes an interesting adventure sport specially in the city because it can be done with simple equipment.
Unlike white water rafting, which uses an inflatable boat and plastic paddles, riverboarding only requires a customized board and body protectors like a helmet and life jacket. Swimming skills and body flexibility are most needed to maneuver the board through rapids and rocks. Most Jakartans go to Kalibaru river in Bogor around 50 kilometers from south of the city. The river is a tributary of the Ciliwung and irrigation channels of Katulampa. The width of the river is about 5 up to 20 meters with rapids difficulties on the grade of three. First timers should be accompanied by a guide and rescue team.
www.kalbaruadventure.com or contact Dudi Cahyadi on +628129108257.
Wall Climbing in Plaza Festival Kuningan
Among the rows of casual restaurants in Plaza Festival or in a complex of GOR Soemantri Brojonegoro, there is a climbing wall built by Indonesia Rock Climbing Federation (FPTI), which is devoted to climbers ranging from national athletes, adventurers and beginners.
It is used daily and currently the only climbing wall opens for public. The wall is equipped with a time trial track to measure the fastest time to reach the top. Most people would think this activity is an extreme thing but there are serious benefits behind this activity, such as improving flexibility, endurance, power, team work and trust. Since many climbers come from various regions of the country, you will meet many fellow climbers and have the opportunity to share knowledge or join the community.
Plaza Festival Kuningan, Kompleks Epicentrum
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. C No. 22, Jakarta 12960
M: (+62) 811 171 533 (Mr. Hendry Camar, Daily Chairman of FPTI of Jakarta)
Jet Skiing in Ancol
Ancol beach has become a favorite place for water sports aficionado. Jet Skiing is exciting but needs high concentration. The essence of this sport is for the rider to be able to maintain balance while attempting different manouvers in the water.
Jet ski enthusiasts who come to Pantai Indah Ancol usually bring their own jet ski and other equipments, but the rental shop is also available for those who do not own one. If splitting the waves over at Ancol beach interests you, then take it further by exploring the beautiful islands of Pulau Seribu via your jet ski.
Indonesia Jetsport and Boating Association (IJBA)
Jl. Pantai Indah, Mercure Hotel
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Jakarta 10002
T: (+62-21) 64703040 (Mr. Syaiful Ihsan),
Paragliding in Puncak
Flying at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level with hands and feet free to move in the air is truly sensational! This experience can only be felt through paragliding, a weekend alternative activity that can be done in the very scenic, Bukit Paralayang, Puncak, which is the home base for paragliders, just two to three hours from the city by car.
There are many paragliding packages that are offered by communities, organizations or travel agents that you can choose from. These includes flying solo or in tandem. Paragliding is weather dependent, which means you can only fly when the winds are blowing from the correct direction. A typical flight can take 10 minutes or so, depending on the wind and air currents.
Indonesia Paragliding Association
Bandara Halim Perdana Kusuma, Ground Floor, Room No. 3-33
T: (+62-21) 8089 9465
F: (+62-21) 8007 250
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is already huge. Races attract thousands of competitors, and every Sunday the centre of Jakarta is closed to let bikers of all ages cruise the streets. The locals are very friendly and will give you plenty of good information, but watch the traffic as it’s unpredictable and sometimes terrifying.
Lido Lakes, a 700 acres recreation site near Sukabumi, about one and a half hour from Jakarta, is a popular ride. The locals drive to the Lido Lakes Resort and set out on a circular route. It starts with an easy six kilometres uphill, runs along about five kilometres of rough track through a very pleasant pine forest, then finishes off with a long downhill route that takes you through a forest, across bamboo river bridges and eventually brings you to the Sukabumi Main Road. For more information, contact:
Explorer Cycling Club (Sunu S), Jl Cempaka V/13, Bintaro,
South Jakarta, 12330. T: +62-21 735 5275.
Panasonic Cycling Club (Chandra), Jl Proklamasi no 51,
Central Jakarta. T: +62-21 390 4348.
Toss Cycling Club (David), Jl Kedoya Raya no 5, West Jakarta.
T: +62-21 580 6168.
