MUST-SEE: The Jakarta Fair is a feast for the senses

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the annual Jakarta Fair.

The fair, which is held for a month from June to July, commemorates the anniversary of the capital city.

Thousands of Indonesians flock to this shopping haven where visitors can find anything from cars to furniture all under one roof, without having to deal with the city’s infamous traffic.

There are many ticket options available with entry plus combination deals, starting from 20,000 rupiah to 350,000 rupiah per person. For those above 60 years, the admission price is free.

The fair spans an area of 44 hectares with a concert venue, a multiplex building and several halls.

Over the month, the area is packed with local businesses and international companies selling discounted goods and promotion deals.

If you are worried about not having the time to scan the entire space, there is a mini tram service for 10,000 rupiah that will take you for a tour around the different halls.

Local bands are playing throughout the month and a detailed schedule of everyday performances can be found through the fair’s website. 

Food, rides

The festival is a delight for food enthusiasts with multiple options availabe – from everyday Indonesian food to western snacks. Along with a food court, there are multiple tents scattered around the area selling various bites. 

The fair caters to all ages and is a feast for children especially. Many tents target children with small zip line ropes and dance activities. A new feature in the exhibition is a 3D ghost-themed ride, which is located on the second floor of the building. 

There is a light exhibition that features Indonesian presidents and several aspects of Indonesian culture, in a garden surrounding a pond. Flashy cars and bikes can be rented as well.

The exhibition dates back to 1968 and is an ongoing celebration. The expo is a must if you are around Jakarta this month for a holistic experience of the city and its people.

Although there are multiple parking lots, we would suggest heading to the expo before sunset, if you plan to bring your own car as parking can fill up quickly. There are multiple entry and exit points to the expo, which can get confusing but the main entrance is located near the long ticket stand. – Rappler.com