Jakarta Aquarium: A local’s guide to this incredible attraction
Jakarta’s prominence as a global financial hub has grown exponentially in recent years. The city of 11 million is home to banking giants such as Bank Rakyat Indonesia, Bank Central Asia and Bank Mandiri.
However, amongst the hustle and bustle you’ll find some of Indonesia’s best tourist attractions. Top of the list for anyone looking to take some time out (alone or with the family) is the Jakarta Aquarium.
Asia Markets‘ Jakarta-based correspondent, Axell Ebenhaezer, provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know ahead of a visit.
Jakarta Aquarium is located right in the heart of the Indonesian capital, in Neo Soho Mall. Covering 2 floors, it is one of the biggest marine recreational centers in Indonesia.
Jakarta Aquarium has been one of the most visited destinations for both locals and foreigners alike since first opening its gates in 2017 and is one of the best and largest aquariums in the world.
Boasting over 600 species of fauna and other unique attractions found nowhere else in Indonesia, it is of little wonder why this place is so popular.
Why visit the Jakarta Aquarium?
Don’t let the name “aquarium” fool you. Jakarta Aquarium displays a wide variety of both aquatic and non – aquatic animals. The place is divided into the following nine zones, showcasing animals from different unique ecosystems:
- Diving Deep
- Islands of Indonesia
- Rainforests of Indonesia
- Nursery of the Sea
- Swirls and Jewels
- Touch and Find
- Rivers of Indonesia
- Jellyfish Magic
- Southern Sea
But looking at the animals is not the only thing you can do, as there are several special exhibits where you pet and feed animals such as a macaw and meerkats.
There are also several animal shows at Jakarta Aquarium to both entertain and educate guests. One of the most popular shows is the Otter Show, where the otters jump through hoops and shoot basketballs in exchange for fish.
Another extremely popular show is the Pearl of the South Sea. Here, the performers will put on a mermaid tail and dive into the aquarium, dancing together with sharks and other fishes to tell a story.
There is also a touch pool where visitors can get up close with animals such as octopuses and starfishes. You can also go on the 5D simulator where you can immerse yourself in an underwater 5D experience for an extra 50,000 Rupiah.
Other additional attractions include diving, aqua trekking, and dining with penguins.
Overall, Jakarta Aquarium offers a multitude of attractions that will guarantee you and your family a whole day of fun!
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How to buy tickets?
There are a few ways in which you can buy a ticket.
An obvious way would be buying one at the entrance. Upon arrival at Jakarta Aquarium, you will see a line for the ticketing booth. You can see all the ticket prices and other details on the screens above the booth. When paying for the tickets, you can use cash, debit cards, or credit cards (Visa and Mastercard should work).
Another option would be to purchase a ticket online via Jakarta Aquarium’s official website. You can also buy tickets online via other third party websites, such as Tiket.com or Traveloka.
It will be a good idea to check these third party websites as they occasionally offer discounts and other additional perks.
When visiting on a weekend, it is advisable to buy a ticket online beforehand as the lines at the ticket booth are extremely long.
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices differ according to the day of visit and the type of ticket you want.
Just like most tourist places, tickets for visits on weekends and public holidays are considerably more expensive compared to weekday tickets. There are also two types of tickets: Regular Pass and Premium Pass.
The Regular Pass includes only one entry to Jakarta Aquarium. This means that once you exit, you can’t enter again. With the Premium Pass, you can enter and leave the area an indefinite number of times within four hours after the first entry. The Premium Pass also entitles you to one ride on the 5D Simulator.
Ticket price list for Jakarta Aquarium (as of October 2021):
| Types of Tickets | Price in Indonesian Rupiah |
| Weekday Tickets | |
| Regular Adult Pass | 150,000 |
| Regular Kids Pass | 115,000 |
| Premium Adult Pass | 200,000 |
| Premium Kids Pass | 150,000 |
| Weekend Tickets | |
| Regular Adult Pass | 175,000 |
| Regular Kids Pass | 150,000 |
| Premium Adult Pass | 225,000 |
| Premium Kids Pass | 175,000 |
How to get there?
The best way to get there would be by Trans Jakarta Bus. To reach Neo Soho Mall, you would need to get on the number 9 Bus (the dark green line on the Trans Jakarta Bus Route Map). Get off at S.Parman Podomoro City station, which is right across the street from Neo Soho. You can also drive or order Grab (similar to Uber) if you don’t want the hassle of reading the complicated route map.
Once you have entered Neo Soho, immediately make your way to the LG (lower ground) Floor and head North Wing. If you’re unsure you could always ask a security guard, who will be happy to show you the way.
Nearby accommodation
The area around the Aquarium is a great place to stay when visiting Jakarta, as it is filled with hotels, shopping malls, and great restaurants.
One of the best places to stay at would be the 5-star Pullman Hotel, which is just a five minute walk from the Aquarium. It is located in Central Park Mall, which is the shopping mall adjoining Neo Soho. The prices may be a bit steep, but if the reviews are anything to go by then it is worthwhile.
If you are looking for something more budget friendly, a good choice would be the Grand Tropic Suites Hotel. A 4-star hotel. It’s only a five minute car ride from the Aquarium.
Other Jakarta attractions near the Aquarium
There are a lot of interesting attractions that you can visit after seeing the Aquarium.
Firstly, there are a few museums in the area you can choose from. I highly recommend the National Museum of Indonesia which is located just a 15 minute car ride away from Neo Soho. It paints a great picture of Indonesia’s history from the earliest civilizations to the modern era.
Another place you could visit is Pasar Tanah Abang. First built in 1735, this gigantic market offers a wide variety of goods such as clothing, electronics, jewelry, local snacks, and much more. If you’re looking for a place to buy cheap souvenirs then this is the place to go.
Other things to keep in mind
Opening hours
The Jakarta Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Sunday, with the last entry being at 8 p.m.
Facilities
The Jakarta Aquarium has wheelchair access, WiFi, and lockers (a locker will cost you 10,000 Rupiah).
Contact
You can contact the Aquarium via the following:
Phone Number: (021) 2789 – 3435
WhatsApp: 0813 – 8553 – 6565
Email: info@jakarta-aquarium.com