Situated opposite to the Jakarta Bay, this massive recreational complex was initially opened in 1966 and provides a wide array of entertainment and attractions. Included in the complex are the Dunia Fantasi (Fantasyland) theme park, waterparks, beaches, oceanarium and art market. Many tourists find that a visit to Ancol dreamland a real highlight of their holiday in Jakarta.
Dunia Fantasi
Dunia Fantasi is a great place for kids with lots of exciting rides and attractions. The rides vary 
from a loop roller coaster and other gut-turning rides to the more subtle ones providing moderate thrill appropriate for children. Enthusiasts will love Halilintar (roller coaster), which twists, turns, and dives visitors up in the air through a 360-degree rotation. The Bianglala (ferris wheel) offers a spectacular view of the city from above 200 m height for the more daring among you. Tamer rides such as spinning tea cups and carousels are more suitable for younger children. The monkey theater, Rama-Sinta theater and other themed recreational facilities provide additional attractions for kids.
Atlantis Water Adventure
Atlantis Water Adventure is a waterpark themed on the mythological underwater world of Atlantis. Its facilities include a wave pool, continuous flowing river pool, rainbow ball pool, several slides, and two children’s pools, foodcourt, volleyball court and event center.
Gelanggang Samudera
Gelanggang Samudra is an exhibition arena for marine animals. The exhibitions show some attractions of dolphins, sea lions, walrus and white whales as well as a show by several kinds of wild animals. Here, you’ll see the familiar sea lion’s handstand trick and balancing a ball on its nose, dolphins stealing fish on cue and performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and many other stunts.
Beaches & Marina
There are two main beaches within the complex, the Carnival and Festival beach, each of which has its own set of attractions. Although not recommended for swimming, the beaches are still a great place for a picnic, with clean golden sands dotted with coconut trees and some sumptuous harbor front views.
There is also a marina where hundreds of cruises and motorboats lay anchor every day. Ancol Marina is a good spot for marine recreation and sports with lots of facilities, including water cycles, canoes, sailing boats, and fishing gear. It’s also the main departing point to various destinations at Pulau Seribu.
Seaworld Indonesia
Seaworld Indonesia was opened in 1996 as the largest oceanarium in South East Asia. Seaworld is home to over 350 species of aquatic wildlife from around the world, with more than 8,000 specimens on display. Children and adults alike will enjoy the opportunity to observe and interact with aquatic animals closeup at the Seaworld. The oceanarium is divided into two sections, fresh water and salt water. In the fresh water section, you can find South American fish, primitive cartilaginous fish, piranha, the electric eel, crocodiles, giant robber crabs as well as various tropical fresh water fish. The salt water section contains jelly fish, sea turtles, thornbacks, coral reef, coral fish, sharks, stingrays and many other marine creatures. An underwater tunnel allows visitors to take a great view of the fish and their artificial habitat.
Pasar Seni (Art Market)
Pasar Seni has dozens of souvenir shops offering various traditional and contemporary Indonesian artworks and handicrafts, an outdoor stage performing live music and a number of sidewalk cafes serving good foods and drinks.
Restaurants and Cafes
See: Ancol Beachside Restaurants and Cafes
Additional Resources:
- Indonesia (Lonely Planet Travel Guides) pp. 102- 121 by Justine Vaisutis
- Wikipedia on Ancol
