Secret Parks and Teeing Off: 3 Hidden Jakarta Gems

Fawn over fabrics, get in a golf game or simply stroll around one of the city’s secret parks. These three hidden gems in Jakarta will keep you enthralled for at least an hour.

Mayestik Market

It would be easier to list what you can’t find at this popular covered market, although some of the most pleasing eye candy can be seen at the many outlets selling rows and rows of bright fabrics, ribbons, batiks and homeware.

Whatever takes your fancy, be prepared to bargain like a local and double-check on your agreed prices. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure and sample some of the fantastic food or grab some local delicacies to take home.

Address: Jalan Tebah, Gunung Village, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta

Gelora Bung Karno Stadium

Get out and enjoy open space at Jakarta’s national stadium complex. The site hosts big-name events like the ASEAN University Games and professional football matches but also provides everyday opportunities to watch the locals at play or even get in on a game yourself.

Baseball, basketball and softball are all popular and there’s swimming and golfing too.

Address: Jalan Pintu Satu Senayan, Kota Jakarta Pusat

Taman Ayodya (Ayodya Park)

Take some peaceful time out at this hidden oasis, not far from Jakarta’s Central Business District.

The well-maintained park is small and green, with majestic ferns sprouting around a large man-made lake complete with fountains. Because it’s mostly overlooked by the masses, you can expect to encounter just a handful of locals and even fewer foreigners on an early morning stroll.

A few food stalls are dotted around to keep hunger at bay.

Address: Jalan Mahakam, Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

All these spots are within a 15-minute cab ride of the Sheraton Grand Jakarta Gandaria City Hotel.