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Depok: A Hidden Gem on the Outskirts of Jakarta
As a National Geographic journalist, I had the pleasure of exploring the city of Depok, a hidden gem located on the outskirts of Jakarta. Depok boasts a bustling city center surrounded by lush greenery and traditional Indonesian architecture. I spent several days exploring this city, and here’s everything you need to know before visiting.
Scenery and Highlights
Depok has a unique charm that is hard to find in other cities in Indonesia. One of the things I loved most about Depok was the abundance of green spaces. Despite being a city, parks, and green spaces like the Bambu Apus Park gave me a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. I also fell in love with the traditional Sasak Sade village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, the traffic congestion can be a downside to visiting Depok. The city center can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours. But, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the fantastic experiences Depok has to offer.
Points of Interest
Depok is a city that is full of amazing attractions. Here are 20 of the most popular places to visit, along with their addresses and websites, and a top review from Yelp for each:
1. The Grand Mosque of Depok – Jl. Raya Sawangan, Depok City, West Java 16519, Indonesia – Website – Yasmin T. says, “This mosque is very peaceful, the structure is very unique and the gardens are amazing”
2. Depok Fantasi Waterpark- Javenue Margonda, Depok City, West Java, Indonesia – Website – Edfren D. says, “A great place for a family to hang out and enjoy the water.”
3. University of Indonesia – Pondok Cina, Beji, Depok City, West Java, Indonesia – Website – Djokopekik S. says “Amazing campus! Huge hills and large campus.”
4. Depok Beach- Parangtritis Boulevard, Depok City, West Java, Indonesia – Website – Oka P. says, “A great place to spend time with friends and family.”
5. Taman Tebet – Jl. Mandala Utara I No.13, RT.11/RW.7, Tebet Bar., Kec. Tebet, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12810, Indonesia – Website – Rika P. says, “It’s really recommended for people who loves outside activity.”
6. Depok Town Square – Jalan Margonda Raya No.1, Beji, Depok City, West Java, Indonesia – Website – Dita D. says, “A wide mall with great selections.”
7. Situ Cilodong – Jl. Raya Bogor KM.28,5 RT.03/RW.01, Cilodong, Depok City, West Java, Indonesia – Website – Herman A. says, “Amazing lake in the middle of the city.”
8. Lake Quarry – Jl. Raya Parung No.142, Bojong Pondok Terong, Kec. Bojonggede, Bogor, Jawa Barat 16520, Indonesia – Website – Aditya G. says, “A great place to swim and relax.”
9. Lippo Mall Depok – Jalan Margonda Raya No.358, Beji, Depok City, West Java, Indonesia – Website – Luthfy R. says, “Lovely mall with a variety of shops.”
10. Pura Adi Kunti – Jl. Raya Leuwinanggung No.14, Cilodong, Kec. Depok, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 16415, Indonesia – Website – Gusti A. says, “A beautiful temple with great decorations.”
11. Taman Air Mancur Depok – Jl. Margonda Raya, Depok City, West Java, Indonesia – Website – Amaro E. says, “A good place to relax.”
12. Cibubur Bird Conservation- Jl. Raya Cibubur KM.34, Pulang Klp., Cikeas, Bogor, West Java 16820, Indonesia – Website – Andy K. says, “Great place to see birds.”
13. Taman Kenteng – Kidul, Cisalak, Kec. Depok, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 16423, Indonesia – Website – Wendi W. says, “A great place to spend time with family.”
14. Al-Azhar Mosque – Jl. Tanah Baru Raya No.1, RT.08/RW.01, Beji Tim., Kec. Beji, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 16424, Indonesia – Website – Bunga S. says, “Very calming place.”
15. Taman Apel- Jl. Raya Bogor, Petir, Cisalak Pasar, Kec. Depok, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 16416, Indonesia – Website – Halim A. says, “A good environment for picking apples with a mountain landscape around.”
16. Pesantren Al Furqan- Jl. Raya Parung No.56B, Leuwisadeng, Kec. Kt. Gedong, Bogor, West Java 16640, Indonesia – Website – Abdul H. says, “Great Islamic School.”
17. Jogging Track UI – Jl. Margonda Raya, Pondok Cina, Beji, Depok City, West Java 16424, Indonesia – Website – Kurniawan K. says, “Gorgeous view of the university.”
18. Salsa Bumi Nagara – RT.11/RW.2, Kapuk, Kec. Marga Mulya, Bekasi, Jawa Barat 17630, Indonesia – Website – Ayuk D. says, “A good place for a group of friends who want to have a picnic.”
19. Keong Emas Imagination Park – Jl. Keong Emas, Gedung, Tanahbaru, Depok City, West Java 16422, Indonesia – Website – Linda S. says, “A great amusement park for kids.”
20. GKI Yasmin Church – Jl. LL. Hakim No.82, Tugu, Cimanggis, Kec. Depok, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 16210, Indonesia – Website – Immanuel A. says, “Very calm and peaceful place.”
Hotels and Airbnb
Depok is a city that is perfect for travelers on all budgets. Here are ten of the most popular hotels and ten of the most popular Airbnb listings, along with pricing and ratings:
Top 10 Hotels in Depok:
1. The Margo Hotel – $50/night – 4.3/5 star rating
2. favehotel Margonda – $30/night – 4.1/5 star rating
3. Hotel Santika Depok – $32/night – 4.0/5 star rating
4. Capitol Park Residence – $40/night – 4.1/5 star rating
5. Bumi Wiyata Hotel – $40/night – 4.0/5 star rating
6. Hotel Santika Premiere – $70/night – 4.3/5 star rating
7. The BnBdepok – $15/night – 4.0/5 star rating
8. Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta – $80/night – 4.3/5 star rating
9. Thamrin Residence – $35/night – 4.2/5 star rating
10. City Resort Depok – $35/night – 4.2/5 star rating
Top 10 Airbnb in Depok:
1. Private Studio Apartment Margonda Residence 3 – $19/night – 4.8/5 star rating
2. Red Door Room – $23/night – 4.9/5 star rating
3. Lemon Fresh Room – $23/night – 4.9/5 star rating
4. Aquatic Blue Room – $24/night – 4.8/5 star rating
5. Illusion Blue Room – $24/night – 4.9/5 star rating
6. Salsa Apartment – $20/night – 4.5/5 star rating
7. Cozy and Spacious Room – $22/night – 4.4/5 star rating
8. Modern Studio Apartment in Margonda Residence 5 – $20/night – 4.9/5 star rating
9. Sunray Room – $23/night – 4.9/5 star rating
10. Stylish Studio Apartment in Margonda Residence 2 – $22/night – 4.9/5 star rating
Top 5 Places to Stay
1. The Margo Hotel – Affordable with excellent service and great amenities.
2. Private Studio Apartment Margonda Residence 3 – Best value and excellent access to public transport and nearby landmarks.
3. Red Door Room – Beautifully decorated and affordable.
4. Hotel Santika Premiere – Spacious rooms and great amenities.
5. Modern Studio Apartment in Margonda Residence 5 – Budget-friendly with modern amenities.
Three-Day Trip
If you’re looking to experience Depok, here’s a three-day itinerary that you’re sure to love.
Day One:
• Start the day with a visit to Bambu Apus Park for a peaceful morning stroll.
• Head to University of Indonesia for a campus tour
• Eat lunch at Sabana Garden Kitchen
• Visit Situ Cilodong for a scenic view of the lake
• Watch the sunset at Lake Quarry
• Eat dinner at Richeese Factory Depok
Day Two:
• Go for a morning walk along Jogging Track UI
• Visit Depok Beach for a swim
• Eat lunch at Martabak Losari
• Explore the traditional Sasak Sade village
• Visit Bumi Wiyata Hotel’s Sky Garden Restaurant for dinner
Day Three:
• Visit the Grand Mosque of Depok
• Spend time at Depok Fantasi Waterpark
• Eat lunch at Warung Pedas Parahyangan
• Visit Keong Emas Imagination Park
• Go on a shopping spree at Lippo Mall Depok
Bottom Line
Overall, Depok is a fantastic city for those looking to escape the crowds of Jakarta. Despite the issues with traffic, the lush greenery, beautiful landmarks, and friendly locals make it all worth it. Based on my experience, I would rate Depok an 8 out of 10 stars.
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