Taman Mini Indonesia Indah – Exploring Indonesia in One Day- Indonesian Tourism

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park was built to be the showcase of Indonesia, in this park visitors will find many Indonesia natural & cultural richness such as unique replication of traditional houses (pavilion) from all around Indonesia, an Indonesia archipelago shaped lake and many other fascinating attraction. The park is an Ideal spot for week-end family outing and also international tourist who did not have enough time to explore Indonesia.

It started with the idea of the late Ibu Tien Soeharto (former Indonesia first lady). The construction of TMII began in 1971 and it was official inaugurated on April 20, 1975.

Since its existence and in the course of time TMII continues to grow and developed in line with the dynamism of the community life of Indonesia. People are the more aware of the great advantages of the existence of TMII, with the mission to be a vehicle for the preservation and development of the culture and a means to strengthen the unity and integrity of the people of Indonesia.

TMII is considered as a vehicle presenting the diversity of the people of Indonesia and the variety of cultural wealth enables the community to gain interesting experience, knowledge and information regarding various aspect of culture, tradition, customs, forms of art as far as the introduction of cultural objects.

The beauty and cultural wealth presented by TMII can easily be observed by the community through the availability of a more complete and interactive means of information. It is expected that through the website the information can be disseminated widely all over the Archipelago and even abroad so that it will facilitate the community to better know about the culture and customs of the people of Indonesia.

Province Pavilions

The bulk of the facilities at TMII is made up of the regional pavilions. With more than twenty five pavilions to walk through, representative of the architecture of each province of Indonesia, the visitor is provided a very unique opportunity to view the breadth and scale of the full range of regional architecture. Each pavilion presents at least three typical examples of the regional style it represents.

Don’t have the time or the fortitude to venture to distant or out-ot-the-way locations? No need. Visit every pavilion and you will come away with a very clear impression of the diversity and richness of Indonesian architectural and living styles. To point out just a view, there is the ‘Bogonjong’ house of the Ranah Minang from West Sumatra, a ‘Lamin’ of the Dayak people from deep in the interior of East Kalimantan, a ‘Tongkongan’ from Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, a traditional Batak ‘Bolon’ house from North Sumatra; a ‘Joglo’ house from Central Java, etc.
Attractions

Istana Anak-anak Indonesia: Indonesia Children Castle, featuring fairy tales painting from Indonesia and all over the world.

Perahu Angsa Arsipel Indonesia: Swan Boat to explore Indonesia archipelago shaped lake.

Taman Among Putro: An amusement park for children fully equipped with games and fun activities.

Taman Ria Atmaja: a 60 Sq m stage in an 4000 Sq m area, well known as Dangdut Terminal (Dangdut: popular unique music genre in Indonesia).

Taman Renang Ambar Tirta: Swimming pool for adult and children, equipped with trainer and lifeguard.

Teater Imax Keong Emas: A shopisticated IMAX technology snail shaped theatre, with several IMAX movies featuring Indonesia natural and cultural richness.

Desa Wisata: When a day is not enough to explore TMII, there is Desa Wisata, a hostel for individual or groups visiting TMII from outside Jakarta to stay overnight.

Transportasi TMII: The means of transportation, get you around the “Archipelago”.

Titihan Samirono/Aeromovel: Another way to get around is the fast train, Aeromovel. This is an example of the fast and efficient train that could provide nowaday mass transportation for Indonesia.

Sky Lift Indonesia (Kereta Gantung): Want a quick and easy geography lesson? Take the Sky Lift for an aerial tour of the park and one of the sights that will stay with you is a scale model of the islands of Indonesian archipelago set in a smalll lake.

Teater Tanah Airku: The “Tanah Airku” Theatre is the first in Indonesia equipped with high technology to an international standard. The physical aspect of the “Tanah Airku” Theatre is a marriage of the typical Indonesian and the international aesthetic. Indonesian ornamentation such as ‘gunungan’ (mountains), elements from Javanese puppet shows, the roof shapes of Sumatra and Sulawesi, with a touch of Kalimantan Dayak style, all is harmoniously blended. Combine this with modern sound and lighting effects and the complete stage equipment of a state­of the-art theatre and you have a dramatic experience long remembered.

Panggung Parkir Utara: The North Parking Stage is a permanent stage for various entertainment activities for the visitors. Situated next to the Pancasila Flame Monument Plaza and belonging to the North Parking area the open stage has been built by the participation of private enterprises that care about the national cultural wealth presented in TMII. The 20 m x 18 m large stage with a triangular roof is the biggest stage in Taman Mini.
Transportation

From Central Jakarta, TMII is about 25 kilometers away. Five kilometers, if you’re in Halim Perdana Kusuma airport (local airport). It is reachable by public transportation, taxi. Rent a car for a more comfortable journey.

By public transportation:

- Metro Mini T. 45 (Pulogadung-PT.II TMII)
- Angkot KWK S. 15 A (Ragunan – PT. II TMII)
- Angkot KWK T. 01 (Cililitan – Bambu Apus)
- Angkot KWK T. 02 (Cililitan – Cipayung)
- Angkot KWK T. 05 (Cililitan – Setu)
- Angkot KWK P. 15 (Cililitan – Cilangkap)
- Angkot KWK K. 40 (Bekasi-Kmp. Rambutan)
- Angkot KWK S. 19 (Depok – Pinang Ranti)
- Bus Gandeng PPD BT. 03 (Grogol – TMII)

Where to Stay

1. Inns and hotels in and around Jakarta
2. Graha Wisata Remaja. Ideal for teenagers and those with limited budget. It is within walking distance to small restaurants, cable car station, pool, and several museums. Have overtired legs? The terminal for transportation is nearby. The shuttle cars there will transport you to other attraction within the park that you desire.
3. Padepokan Pencak Silat. This accomodation equipped with meeting rooms.
4. Desa Wisata. Mainly for young people in groups. This place sometimes hosts several meetings, events, and seminars. You can rent the cottages for more privacy. Food abd beverages is available to order. An open theater is also available.

Moving Around

On foot, shuttle cars, Sky Lif and Aeromovel.

Dining Guide

1. Try Restoran Caping Gunung. Its natural lighting (no light bulbs, light is provided with roof made of clear materials) and tasty food will provide a unique dining experience.
2. Pasar Tiban (Tiban Market). Food sellers inhabit this small complex consisting of many buildings.
3. You can eat at small restaurants scattered around this area.

Souvenir Tips

TMII sells many small trinkets that will enable you to remember your experience here. Various shirts, hats, postcards are widely available.

Travel Tips

1. TMII is quite huge, consisting of more than 100 hectares of land. If you don’t have much time, join a tour. That way, you’ll save money and time. (You’ll get a discount if you travel in a group)
2. If you want to explore this site fully, it is best if you spend the night within this area.

Other Things to See or Do

1. Take a trip on the cable car. You’ll be able to see TMII from the top a delightful experience.
2. Watch Indonesia movies at Theater Imax Keong Emas.
3. Visit several museums in this area.
4. Visit the parks orchid garden and bird park.

Dining Experience in Metropolitan City

Jakarta to Indonesia is like New York to United States of America’a city that never sleeps. Many Indonesians go all the way from their remote hometowns to work in Jakarta, supplying the capital of Indonesia with unique contrasts of culture and palates. Jakarta has so many to offer if you know where to look.

Getting There
Since Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, this megalopolis is only one, two (or several) trips away by plane, from many big cities in the world. From Sukarno-Hatta airport, formerly known as Cengkareng, you’re free to see the sights of Jakarta.

Where to Stay
Tight budget. Look for inns that rent their rooms with nomical fees. For those who prefer luxuries, choose five-starred hotels or apartments (for rent).

Moving Around
The most comfortable way is by renting a car. You can find taxi quite easily, though, and if you’re feeling adventurous why not try riding public transportation such as buses and busways. Make sure you know your destination (and most importantly, which bus to take, so you won’t be lost).

Dining Guide
From street vendors to chic and elegant restaurants, Jakarta has everything. If seafood is your choice, then Muara Karang is your ideal place. Located in southern Jakarta, this is the perfect site to buy fresh seafood products. Don’t worry if you can’t cook, some restaurants in Muara Karang will cook the raw materials you have chosen. Or, to save time, just visit the restaurant and choose your favourite cuisine from the menu.

Perhaps one of Jakarta’s specialities is called kerak telor. It is made of eggs and other ingredients. Mostly sold by street vendors, this treat has gained popularity so now you can get your portion in some food courts and traditional restaurants. Gado-

gado, ketoprak offer delicious taste and they’re quite filling, too. Usually they are eaten with steamed rice or lontong a dish made of rice stuffed into banana leaves shaped into a tube, then boiled until it’s ready to eat. Gado-gado contains beancurd sauce and various boiled vegetables in it, such as potatoes, lettuces, cabbages, and so on. A sauce made of grounded peanuts and other herbs is then added. Ketoprak uses a similar sauce, but it mainly consists of beansprouts, fried beancurd, and boiled bihun angel hair-like noodle. Ketoprak & gado-gado are available in street vendors and most traditional restaurants.

Sate (meat on skewers) is tasty. Covered with peanut sauce and other ingredients, sate ayam (the main ingredient’s chicken), sate sapi (beef) , sate kambing (mutton) are widely sought by many people. You can find sate in most traditional restaurants. You can also try sate sold by street vendors.

Want to combine shopping and dining experience. Try the malls. All shopping centers in Jakarta have their own food courts and restaurants. Food courts tend to be noisy and crowded, so if you prefer privacy, choose restaurants/cafes, instead.

Restaurants located in starred hotels are generally quite pricey but good in taste and service. Ideal for those who value quality.

Cafes like Starbucks and Tea Leaf are favorites for both locals and tourist to interact. Try various types of Indonesian coffee, to freshen up your day.

If you want to try Indonesian food, bear in mind that Padangese food tends to be spicy.

Sundanese tends to be bland yet tasty, ideal for most people. Javanese food tends to be sweet. Ask locals for more information.

Some restaurants that you might like to frequent:

AMERICAN HAMBURGER KEBAYORAN BARU
Jalan Melawai IV no. 17, Blok M
ANGUS HOUSE RESTAURANT
Chase Plaza Tower, 25th Floor, Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav. 21

BOB SHASHLIK RESTAURANT
Jalan Kemang Raya 14

CAFE DE PARIS
Jalan Kemang Raya 90

BEBEK BENGIL
Dharmawangsa Square, Jalan Dharmawangsa VI/IX

TGI FRIDAY
The Ascott Jakarta, Taman Ria Senayan, Jalan Gerbang Pemuda, Senayan

JAVA BLEU
Jalan Fatmawati 15 Blok E 31

SATE KHAS SENAYAN
Jalan Cokroaminoto 78

Bakmi GM
Delivery Hotline:
+62 21 56 55 007

The Duck King
Daily Opening Hour 10.00-22.00
STC Senayan Lt. VII Mezzanine
Jl. Asia Afrika Pintu IX
Gelora Bung Karno Jakarta Pusat 10270
Tel. +62 21 579 32032/33
Fax. +62 21 579 32031

LA BRASSERIE
Le Meridien Hotel, Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav. 18-20

OISHII
Jalan Kemang Raya 24A

wwwok!
Jalan Kemang Raya 9 JK

DAPUR SUNDA

Kawasan Hanggar Teras Pancoran, Jalan Gatot Subroto Kavling 72

WARUNG DAUN
Masakan Sunda
Pusat : Jl. Wolter Monginsidi No. 41 Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta, 12180
Tel. +62 21 727861138, Fax. : +62 21 72786137
Cabang : Jl. Pakubuwono VI No. 10 Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12120
Tel. +62 21 7395454, Fax. : +62 21 7259955
Email : warung_daun(AT)yahoo.com (AT dibaca @)

Rumah Makan Gudeg Bu Tjitro
Jalan Veteran I No. 23 Monas
Jakarta Pusat
Tel. +62 21 3456727

Waroeng Chamoe-Chamoe
Ikan Bakar Manado
Jl. Panglima Polim IX No. 53
Jakarta 12160
Tel. +62 21 720 8294; +62 21 726 7094
Fax. +62 21 727 91805
Gedung Millenia Lantai 2
Sudirman Central Business District
Jl. Jend. Sudirman
Jakarta Selatan 12190
Tel. +62 21 5152905; +62 21 515 2906

PAPRIKA
Jalan Wahid Hasyim 55A

SAMUDRA SHARKS FIN
Hotel Mulia, Jalan Asia Afrika

Ulam
Balinese & Sea Food Restaurant
Kemang Jakarta
Reservation: +62 21 780 5572 & +62 21 781 4984

Bebek Bali

Resto-Cafe-Gallery
Komp. Taman Ria Senayan
Jl. Gerbang Pemuda
Jakarta 10270
Tel. +62 21 574 7667/69/70
Fax. +62 21 574 7229

Souvenir Tips

• Visit Sarinah Building in Blok M or Pasar Seni (Art Market) in Ancol. This way, you can buy souvenirs from various parts of Indonesia. The prices might be a bit expensive, but it’s much cheaper compared to buying them in their original place! (If you travel to Bali to buy a wooden carving, for instance, it will cost you more money than buying the same carving in Jakarta!)
• Why not books? There are many books about Indonesia in English. You can buy them in local book stores such as Gramedia or QB.
• Original pieces of paintings, sculptures, and so on. Get them on Pasar Seni Ancol. If you’re lucky, you can even meet the artists.

Other Things to See or Do

• Shop till you drop! There are many boutique and classy stores selling sophisticated and exclusive items in Jakarta. Malls like Mangga Dua, for instance, might even persuade you to buy new sets of underwears to party gowns!
• Visit DUNIA FANTASI (Fantasy World) in Ancol. This place offers entertainment for kids and adults. Try the rollercoaster for a breathtaking experience. Ride ferris wheel to marvel at magnificent view of Jakarta.
• Visit SEAWORLD, also in Ancol, where you can observe gigantic fish from Amazon, piranhas, and watch the numerous fish eat!
• Go to Taman Mini (Indonesian Miniature Park) to see miniatures of many things including Indonesia’s traditional houses.

Travel Tips

• Should you decide to travel by taxi, make sure that the taxi use the argometer. If possible, opt for Blue Bird taxis. They’re known for their reliability.
• Bring lightweight clothes unless you plan to stay indoor most of the time. Jakarta is quite hot.
• Learn a few necessary phrases in Indonesian. Not all Indonesians can speak English well.
• Check your bill before you leave, to avoid any mistakes. Tipping is not common if you buy food from street vendors or most fastfood restaurants. It is polite to leave a tip in classy restaurants, though.?