Bekasi travel guide
Bekasi Tourism | Bekasi Guide
You're Going to Love Bekasi
Laid-back and jam-packed with great places to eat, Bekasi is the best place to base yourself if you want to blend an exploration of Jakarta with access to the Javanese countryside, and it's also a fabulous place to shop for bargains.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bekasi
1. Bargain Shopping
Most Indonesians come to Bekasi to shop, and with good reason. The town is full of malls like Mega Bekasi, while the stalls of Pasar Proyek are a great place to find footwear and accessories.
2. Jakarta is within Easy Reach
Indonesia's capital is one of the world's great cities. See the stunning Istiqlal Mosque, the National Museum, as well as wild amusement parks like Dunia Fantasi.
3. Dine on Mouth-Watering Indonesian Cuisine
Thanks to standouts like Bandar Djakarta Bekasi and Mujigae, Bekasi is an excellent place to try dishes like Kari Ayam, Nasi Uduk, or beef curries.
4. Family Attractions in the Tropical Heat
Bekasi caters brilliantly to families, with water parks like Transera and Go! Wet providing welcome respite from the heat.
5. Bogor Is Right on Bekasi's Doorstep
You can also get to the beautiful colonial city of Bogor in under an hour. With a stunning botanical garden, fascinating gong factories, and puppetry workshops, it's well worth visiting.
What to do in Bekasi
1. Be A Part Of Historical Action
Commonly known as Museum Joang 45, the Gedung Joang 45 is located on Menteng Raya 31, next to Bekasi. It is currently run by the Department of Tourism of Jakarta Province. In 1974, the museum was officially inaugurated by the then President, Muhammad Soeharto, right after its renovation. The museum houses valuable historical artifacts that give visitors an insight into the struggle for independence. The most notable objects are the official vehicles of Indonesia's first president and vice president, known as the REP 1 and REP 2 respectively.
2. Discover Wild Serenity
Located in Cikaran, the Crocodile Park is a breeding complex designed specifically for crocodiles. It is otherwise known as TBIJ, which means Taman Buaya Indonesia Jaya. There are about 500 crocodiles in the entire park, making it one of the leading breeding complexes in the country, and indeed the world. Aside from breeding crocodiles, the Taman Buaya Indonesia Jaya also has recreational facilities. There is a children's playground, a relaxation spot, and live stage performances. This is the perfect place to learn a thing or two about crocodiles and take it easy afterwards.
3. Dive Into Pure Fun
At the end of a busy day's sightseeing, the Waterboom Lippo Cikarang is the best place to unwind. Friends and families from far and wide gather at this fun-filled water park with pools, slides, lazy river, games, play areas and spa facilities. Particularly popular are the adrenaline rides such as the Turtle Corridor, Hilly Forest, Swimming Pool, Eco Friendly and many others. It's open every day of the week.
4. Awaken Your Senses
This nature park is astonishingly beautiful. The still, clear waters are perfect for canoeing. Glide through the tranquil ambiance as you admire the picture-perfect scenery of the mangrove trees. As the cooling breeze ruffles your hair, the melodious calls of a bewildering variety of bird life will sound all around you. Explore the wonders of this free attraction and feel at one with nature.
5. Become One With Nature
The Muara Beting Beach is, without a doubt, one of Indonesia's most beautiful beaches. Few people are aware of the fact that the city of Bekasi is blessed with a beach, let alone one that is surrounded by mangrove trees. Enjoy the fresh sea air and a refreshing swim. Facilities include restaurants, changing rooms, boat rentals and a parking area.
1. Be A Part Of Historical Action
Commonly known as Museum Joang 45, the Gedung Joang 45 is located on Menteng Raya 31, next to Bekasi. It is currently run by the Department of Tourism of Jakarta Province. In 1974, the museum was officially inaugurated by the then President, Muhammad Soeharto, right after its renovation. The museum houses valuable historical artifacts that give visitors an insight into the struggle for independence. The most notable objects are the official vehicles of Indonesia's first president and vice president, known as the REP 1 and REP 2 respectively.
2. Discover Wild Serenity
Located in Cikaran, the Crocodile Park is a breeding complex designed specifically for crocodiles. It is otherwise known as TBIJ, which means Taman Buaya Indonesia Jaya. There are about 500 crocodiles in the entire park, making it one of the leading breeding complexes in the country, and indeed the world. Aside from breeding crocodiles, the Taman Buaya Indonesia Jaya also has recreational facilities. There is a children's playground, a relaxation spot, and live stage performances. This is the perfect place to learn a thing or two about crocodiles and take it easy afterwards.
3. Dive Into Pure Fun
At the end of a busy day's sightseeing, the Waterboom Lippo Cikarang is the best place to unwind. Friends and families from far and wide gather at this fun-filled water park with pools, slides, lazy river, games, play areas and spa facilities. Particularly popular are the adrenaline rides such as the Turtle Corridor, Hilly Forest, Swimming Pool, Eco Friendly and many others. It's open every day of the week.
4. Awaken Your Senses
This nature park is astonishingly beautiful. The still, clear waters are perfect for canoeing. Glide through the tranquil ambiance as you admire the picture-perfect scenery of the mangrove trees. As the cooling breeze ruffles your hair, the melodious calls of a bewildering variety of bird life will sound all around you. Explore the wonders of this free attraction and feel at one with nature.
5. Become One With Nature
The Muara Beting Beach is, without a doubt, one of Indonesia's most beautiful beaches. Few people are aware of the fact that the city of Bekasi is blessed with a beach, let alone one that is surrounded by mangrove trees. Enjoy the fresh sea air and a refreshing swim. Facilities include restaurants, changing rooms, boat rentals and a parking area.
Where to Eat in Bekasi
Dining out is cheap and enjoyable in Bekasi, where highlights include the Indonesian specialties at Bandar Djakarta Bekasi, fabulous meat feasts at Double U Steak, and Japanese eateries like Matsuriya. Meals should come to around Rp35-50,000.
When to visit Bekasi
The best time to visit Bekasi is probably Indonesia's dry season, which lasts between May and September. Whenever you go, expect temperatures above 80 degrees.
How to Get to Bekasi
Plane
Jakarta International Airport (CGK) is the nearest entry point. From there, you can catch a bus to Bekasi for Rp30,000, which takes 90 minutes.
Train
Bekasi is around 45 minutes from Jakarta by train from Gambir Station. Of the two stations in Bekasi, Stasiun Bekasi is slightly closer to the major hotels.
Car
Those driving to Bekasi from Jakarta need to take Highway 1, while Highway 2 runs from Bogor.
Bus
Air-conditioned buses run from Jakarta to Stasiun Bekasi Timur and cost around Rp6,000, so are a very cost-effective way to get into town.
Airports near Bekasi
Airlines serving Bekasi
Where to stay in Bekasi
City Center - the center of town is built around the Bekasi River and features five or six huge malls, including Living Plaza and the Giant Ekstra Hypermall.
Popular Neighborhoods in Bekasi
Jatisampurna - the southernmost part of Bekasi fades into the Javanese hills, and features family attractions like Kranggan Waterpark.
Pondok Melati - for something different, try Pondok Melati, a collection of paddy farming villages on the fringe of modern Jakarta.
Where to stay in popular areas of Bekasi
Most booked hotels in Bekasi
How to Get Around Bekasi
Public Transportation
Buses and trains run into central Jakarta. To get around Bekasi itself, you can use becaks (tricycles), which cost around Rp5,000 for most short hops.
Taxi
Expect taxis to cost around Rp7,000 for the meter drop, followed by Rp6,000 per mile, and try to arrange a price before you leave.
Car
Car rental options include Faris Rental and Blue Bird Group. Rates should be around Rp90,000 per day.
The Cost of Living in Bekasi
Shopping Streets
Central Bekasi is one of Jakarta's shopping hubs. Don't miss huge complexes like the Metropolitan Mall, Summarecon Mal Bekasi, and Grand Galaxy Park Mall, all of which double up as entertainment venues, as much as retail centers.
Groceries and Other
Local supermarkets include Lotte Mart and Giant Extra. Prices will be relatively low. Expect to pay around Rp60,000 for a gallon of milk.