With its tree-lined pathways and picnic-ready grounds, Urban Forest Cipete offers an experience of park life one may expect in the likes of Singapore, Japan, Australia or Europe. With cafés and restaurants intermingled into meandering gardens, this verdurous complex in South Jakarta has become a popular reprieve from the concrete jungle.
Jakarta has long held the reputation as an ‘indoor-centric’ city, with few parks and green spaces to enjoy. Shopping malls were always the go-to weekend activity. Slowly, however, Jakartans have come to embrace the outdoors, in search of spaces that cure that sense of claustrophobia cities can often impose upon its citizens. Whilst public parks remain few and far between, the private industry has answered demands.
Opening at the end 2022, Urban Forest Cipete has been a welcome addition to South Jakarta. The open-air complex welcomes visitors into a generously green oasis, with garden paths, open lawn and shading trees creating quite the sanctuary for outdoor-types. Leisurely strolls — with pets! — through the cool, verdant park, setting up a picnic on the grass or cavorting at the outdoor children’s playground, the estate allows for wholesome activities previously difficult for citizens to enjoy.
The verdant sanctuary is found at No.45 Jalan RS Fatmawati, Cilandak, South Jakarta. Its close proximity to the Cipete Raya MRT station makes it very accessible. It is a breath of fresh air amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, a place for quick getaways to unwind and rejuvenate.
Other than the public park area itself, Urban Forest Cipete presents an impressively curated selection of lifestyle tenants as well. Among its notable tenants is Compass®, the Bandung-founded footwear brand established in 1998 by Kahar Gunawan. The brand’s modular store adds a creative retail dimension to the open-air complex, highlighting local craftsmanship for visitors to discover.
The park also boasts an assortment of eateries that cater to diverse tastes. From traditional Indonesian fare to international cuisines, these options fulfill different palates. You can delight in the flavours of pizzas, savour Japanese izakaya bites, or relish in gelato indulgence, each offering a distinct culinary journey.
Some of the highlights include Solo Pizza that serves impressively authentic sourdough-based pizzas, ultimate comfort pastas, refreshments and cocktails. Mediterranean fare is available at El Profesor Steakhouse by the renowned Chef Andrea Peresthu and delve into their hearty meals, hamburgers, pasta, wagyu steaks to grilled chicken and seafood, there is a delectable option for everyone.
Kohai Izakaya & Sushi Baris a fusion of traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine where you can indulge yourself in the burst of flavours in each sushi or izakaya bite. There is also a selection of sake and cocktails to complement your meals.
Little Talk Bistro is for those who want to hang-out with friends while sipping on their favourite drinks, or maybe pull out a laptop and work surrounded by nature’s embrace. The options of beverages are endless, from americano, cappuccino, caramel macchiato, espresso to affogato and piccolo. There is also a Summer Granola Yoghurt Bowl, Mentaiko Chips, Saladas, Truffle Parmesan Fries And Chili Crab Pasta for those craving for something more fulfilling.
End your journey with a sweet treat at the Rivareno Gelato shop. Selling various desserts from pastries to crepes and waffles, the star remains their gelato selections. The flavours vary according to the season so there is something new for those who return.
Urban Forest Cipete works equally well for a coffee stop, a casual meal, or time spent outdoors— here families and groups can enjoy more room to gather in a greener part of the city. Entrance into the complex is free, pets are also allowed, but no outside food and drinks are permitted. This park is open from 7am to 10pm.
Urban Forest Cipete
Jl. RS. Fatmawati Raya No.45,
Cilandak, Jakarta Selatan
@urbanforest.cipete
