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Bekasi: A Place of Serene Beauty and Bustling Activity
As a National Geography journalist, I had the opportunity to explore Bekasi, a city located in West Java province, Indonesia. The city is situated on the eastern border of Jakarta, and is a rapidly growing business and industrial center, with a tremendous amount of population growth over the past few decades. The city’s diverse culture, unique historical landmarks, and natural landscapes make it an interesting place to visit. In this article, I will describe the enchanting scenery and sights that Bekasi has to offer, my likes and dislikes, and list the top places of interest and accommodations that anyone planning a trip to Bekasi should consider.
The beauty of Bekasi lies in its charming architecture, lush greenery, and its rich cultural heritage. On one hand, the city has modern skyscrapers, buzzing malls, and shopping centers like Summarecon Mall, Megamall Bekasi, and Grand Metropolitan. On the other hand, it maintains an old-world charm with grand mosques, ancient temples, and traditional markets. Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, is a must-visit destination for tourists. It is situated at the heart of the city and is a remarkable architectural masterpiece. The Cathedral of Bekasi is another picturesque landmark that tourists must visit. It is situated in the heart of the city and is known for its intricate masonry work and impressive stained-glass windows.
What I like most about Bekasi is its natural beauty. Despite being a bustling city, it has some remarkable natural landscapes that are breathtaking. One such destination is the Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park. The park is situated at the southwestern corner of Bekasi, and it’s home to some of Indonesia’s most scenic waterfalls and hiking trails. Visitors can engage in activities such as camping, bird watching, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Another enchanting place is Lubuk Tumpang, a clean, clear lagoon that is surrounded by lush tropical forests. The lagoon is perfect for swimming, fishing, and relaxing.
However, what I dislike about the city is its heavy traffic. Due to a lack of adequate public transportation, Bekasi’s roads can be congested during peak hours. Moreover, the city’s limited sidewalks, tall buildings, sound pollution, and crowded streets can be overwhelming for some tourists.
To make the most of your journey in Bekasi, let me recommend the top twenty attractions you should add to your itinerary, with their addresses and websites, as well as top Yelp reviews:
1. Istiqlal Mosque – Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Bekasi Timur, Bekasi City – https://www.istiqlalmasjid.or.id/ – “This is an awe-inspiring mosque, a must-visit when visiting Bekasi.” – Yelp Review.
2. Taman Kota Bekasi – Jalan Bintara Raya, Bekasi – http://bit.ly/tamankotabekasi – “This is a beautiful park in the center of Bekasi that is perfect for a family day out.” – Yelp Review.
3. Grand Metropolitan Mall Bekasi – Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani, North Bekasi -https://www.grandmetropolitan.co.id/ – “This mall is huge and has a ton of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.” – Yelp Review.
4. Summarecon Mall Bekasi – Jl. Boulevard Ahmad Yani – https://www.summareconbekasi.com/ – “This mall is enormous and offers a great shopping experience.” – Yelp Review.
5. Lagoon Avenue Mall – Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro Kav. 18, Bekasi – https://www.lagoonavenue.com/ – “Lagoon Avenue has a fantastic selection of stores and restaurants.” – Yelp Review.
6. Hermina Hospital Bekasi – Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani No.134, Jatiraden – https://www.herminahospitals.com/klinik-hermina-bekasi/ – “The hospital is clean and has excellent medical staff.” – Yelp Review.
7. Bekasi Cultural Park – Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani, Bekasi Selatan – http://bit.ly/tamanbudayabekasi – “This park offers a variety of cultural experiences for visitors.” – Yelp Review.
8. Bekasi City Landmark Tower – Jl. Ahmad Yani, Bekasi Selatan – http://bit.ly/bekasitower – “The tower offers an excellent view of the city and is a photographer’s paradise.” – Yelp Review.
9. Bekasi Cyber Park – Jl. Pulogadung No.2-D, Bekasi Selatan -https://www.bekasicyberpark.com/ – “A great mall that offers plenty of food and shopping options.” – Yelp Review.
10. Sungai Kali Bekasi – Bekasi Timur, Bekasi City – http://bit.ly/kalibekasi – “This is a picturesque river that offers a serene environment.” – Yelp Review.
11. Grand Wisata Bekasi Theme Park – Jl. KH. Noer Ali, Cibarusah – https://www.grandwisata-bekasi.com/ – “This theme park is ideal for families and offers a ton of entertainment options.” – Yelp Review.
12. Galaxy Mall Bekasi – Jl. Raya Perjuangan No.15, Bekasi Selatan -https://www.galaxy-bekasi.com/ – “A giant mall with a great selection of shops.” – Yelp Review.
13. Riverside Golf Club – Jl. Cimandala No.26, Bekasi Timur – http://www.riverside-golf.com/ – “This is a great golf course with a fantastic clubhouse and facilities.” – Yelp Review.
14. Bekasi Square – Jl. Ahmad Yani, Bekasi Selatan – https://www.bekasisquare.com/ – “This mall has a great selection of stores and is perfect for a day trip.” – Yelp Review.
15. Bekasi Trade Center – Jl. Kh. Noer Ali – https://bekasitrade.com/ – “A mall that provides a wide range of entertainment and shopping facilities.” – Yelp Review.
16. Columbus Waterpark – Jl. Montana Blok M, Bekasi Selatan -https://www.columbuswaterpark.com/ – “An excellent water park for all ages, especially kids.” – Yelp Review.
17. Plaza Pondok Gede – Jl. Raya Jakarta- Bogor, Bekasi Timur – http://bit.ly/plazapondokgede – “A cozy mall with some great restaurants and stores.” – Yelp Review.
18. Bekasi Junction – Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani, Bekasi Timur – https://www.bekasijunction.com/ – “This is a fantastic mall with great entertainment and shopping options.” – Yelp Review.
19. Mineral Water Tourism – Jl. Raya Jatirasa, Bekasi Selatan – http://bit.ly/mineralwatertourism – “This is a great place to detoxify and enjoy the hot spring.” – Yelp Review.
20. Movieland XXI – Jl. Raya Perjuangan No.15, Bekasi Selatan -http://bit.ly/movielandbekasi – “This cinema provides a great movie experience with cosy seats.” – Yelp Review.
When visiting Bekasi, finding comfortable accommodations is important. In this regard, I recommend hotels and Airbnb rentals. Here are the top hotels in Bekasi with their ratings, reviews, and price (in USD):
Top 10 Hotels:
1. The Grove Suite – 9.0 /10 (399 reviews) – $47 – https://thegrovesuitehotel.co.id/
2. Swiss-Belinn Cibitung – 8.5 /10 (505 reviews) – $28 – http://cibitung.swiss-belinn.com/
3. Royal Panghegar Hotel – 7.9/10 (697 reviews) – $44 – http://www.panghegar.com/
4. Aston Imperial Bekasi Hotel & Conference Center – 8.5/10 (448 reviews) – $56 – https://www.astonhotelsinternational.com/en/hotel/view/53/aston-imperial-bekasi-hotel-conference-center
5. Harris Hotel & Conventions Bekasi – 8.2/10 (719 reviews) – $36 – https://bekasi.harrishotels.com/
6. Meotel Puriresto – 8.3/10 (301 reviews) – $22 – https://www.meotelhotel.com/
7. Amaroossa Grande Bekasi Hotel – 8.6/10 (370 reviews) – $49 – https://amaroossagrandebekasi.com/
8. JS Luwansa Hotel & Convention Center – 8/10 (558 reviews) – $59 – http://jshotel.com/
9. Hotel Santika Premiere Kota Harapan Indah – 8.3/10 (241 reviews) – $45 – https://www.santika.com/
10. Horison Ultima Bekasi – 7.9/10 (251 reviews) – $37 – http://www.horisonultimabekasi.com/
Top 10 Airbnb Rentals:
1. A room at Beverly Tower – 5.0/5.0 (9 reviews) – $20/night – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/35749058
2. Lovely Room at Grand Dhika City Bekasi – 5.0/5.0 (12 reviews) – $16/night – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/35857024
3. Cosy private room near malls and museums – 4.90/5.0 (20 reviews) – $16/night – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/26710223
4. Cozy Room at Bekasi Bukit Golf Mediteran – 4.63/5.0 (30 reviews) – $21/night – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18693616
5. Beautiful Apartment at Grand Dhika City Bekasi – 4.83/5.0 (23 reviews) – $30/night – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/30231764
6. Deluxe Room in Puri Mansion – 5.0/5.0 (11 reviews) – $24/night – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23465935
7. Private Room at Giant Apartment Bekasi – 4.63/5.0 (30 reviews) – $16/night – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19381736
8. Private Room at Beverly Tower – 4.83/5.0 (18 reviews) – $17/night – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/35312867
9. Comfortable Room at Aston Bellezza – 5.0/5.0 (5 reviews) – $34/night – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/31688713
10. Room at J Residence Bekasi – 4.70/5.0 (10 reviews) – $29/night – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/30341935
Now that we have seen the best attractions, hotels, and Airbnb rentals in Bekasi, let me suggest a 3-day itinerary that will give you a glimpse of what the city has to offer.
Day 1:
– Visit the Istiqlal Mosque, and take a guided tour of the mosque.
– Wander around Taman Kota Bekasi, and have lunch at a restaurant of choice.
– Spend an hour or two shopping at Summarecon Mall Bekasi or Grand Metropolitan Mall Bekasi.
Day 2:
– Marvel at the Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park’s natural beauty and trek through the waterfalls and hiking trails.
– Visit the Cathedral of Bekasi, take a stroll through the garden, and learn about the history of the Cathedral.
Day 3:
– Take a dip at Lubuk Tumpang lagoon or have a picnic lunch.
– End the day with a nice dinner at a restaurant or a movie at Movieland XXI.
Overall, Bekasi is a city of hidden beauty and remarkable experiences that glitter when uncovered. It is a city with a perfect blend of old and new, combining its rich cultural heritage with modern sophistication. From its green forests and historic landmarks to its endless shopping and entertainment options, Bekasi is a city that is worth visiting during any Indonesian trip. I would give Bekasi an eight out of ten stars.
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