In Jakarta, there are two such attractions that we visited Sea World and Galanggang Samudra . Both are located in the Ancol Dreamland complex. It's a mere 30-minute cab ride from Central Jakarta. Cab fare is approximately 60,000 Rupiah (P325) per way.
First stop was Sea World, Indonesia. Entrance fee is 60,000 Rupiah. Pretty affordable really. Sea World is a huge oceanarium that exhibits sea animals found in Indonesia and other parts of the world (the brochure says over 5,000 species, but who's counting?). You can enjoy the deep-sea view while strolling through an acrylic tunnel.
The fascinating creatures live in some 500 million liters of seawater and are fed three times a day. The aquarium is the largest salt-water aquarium in Asia. The aquarium houses the mother of all sting-rays. It's bigger than a king-sized mattress! The barb on the sting-ray was removed to prevent it from accidentally stabbing its handlers. (um, Steve Irwin accident) Most of the fish in the aquarium are hand-fed by their handlers.Other aquariums hold sharks, piranhas, sea horses, some exotic fishes from the amazon that look like supersized arowanas (some were like 20 feet long) and a host of other sea creatures each one unique and interesting.
A favorite for the kids (and for us too) is the Touch Pool. Kids can touch and feed the sea turtles and black tip sharks (small ones). Eric and I couldn't resist touching them.
Another crowd favorite is the Dugong. Dugongs are aquatic herbivores and feed on the sea grasses. Dugongs are hunted throughout Asia for meat, which has been likened to beef. They are also hunted for oil, hides for leather, and for their bones and teeth, which are made into ivory artifacts. The Chinese prize Dugong products for medicinal purposes. Dugongs are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of the U.S.A. Do not buy products made from Dugong. To quote a WWF ad, "If the buying stops, the killing can too". How true.
Right across Sea World is Gelanggang Samudra park. Eric and I got curious about this place and the kids seem to be flocking to this place right after exiting Sea World. So we decided to shell out 50,000 Rupiah each and explore. Man, we are so glad we chanced upon this place since it wasn't listed on the "places to see" list in our map nor was it in any website. The place boasts of a 4d theater, Sea Lion show, Dolphin show and a variety animal show (otters, bears and hippo). You and your kids will have a fun time here like we did. Just be prepared to rough it out with the food. There are no air-conditioned restaurants and only food kiosks are available. The food is cheap enough and delicious too. Food for two costs around 30,000 Rupiah (P163). They give huge servings and they only serve Indonesian food. You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks inside the park. If you don't want to look and feel like a sweltering pig, be sure to bring bottled water, small towel, an umbrella or a hat. It is an open area with very few sheltered areas and the sun was fierce that day. The attractions are spaced quite far from each other so there will be quite a bit of a walk. An involuntary exercise on my part and en excruciating feat for my hubby.
Should you decide to visit these places, I suggest to do it on your own. A packaged tour will set you back US$35 each without meals. It's really easy, just hop onto a cab and pay the minimal entrance fees. Cabs are queued outside the park, you will not have a hard time getting back to your hotel.
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