Depok travel guide
Depok Tourism | Depok Guide
You're Going to Love Depok
Depok is a charming Indonesian destination. Blending attractive colonial architecture and great food, Depok is within easy reach of the stunning mountains of western Java and the sheer energy of the capital, Jakarta.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Depok
1. It's a Great Base to Explore Western Java
Also known as Sunda, western Java is on Depok's doorstep. See idyllic beaches like Pangandaran and take day trips to lovely cities like Cianjur and Bogor.
2. Plenty of Historical Sights
Depok was founded in the late 17th century and was a key part of Dutch Batavia (now Jakarta). Wander around and take in sights like the Immanuel Church and the President Huis.
3. You Can Easily Reach Central Jakarta
Fast trains take 30 minutes to reach Jakarta, and it's just as quick to drive, so it's easy to reach key attractions like Merdeka Square and the National Museum.
4. Experience Traditional Betawi Dancing
A few miles away from Depok, Setu Babakan is the best place to enjoy Betawi culture, including its mesmerizing mask dances.
5. It's a Retail Paradise
Depok is one of Jakarta's shopping hubs, largely thanks to Margo City, a massive mall that manages to mix international and domestic brands while providing an excellent place to dine.
What to do in Depok
1. Make A Splash When The Heat Gets Too Much
With its architecture that resembles an exotic palace and colorful branding, you could be forgiven for thinking you've stumbled upon an Indonesian branch of Disney World when you approach Depok Fantasi Park. This local institution is a massive water park, making it an essential place to visit if you've been sightseeing in the Javan sunshine. There are slides, pools, and zip-lines for all ages and ability levels, as well as on-site refreshments - so you can cool off in style whenever the need arises.
2. Depok's Dazzling Dome
The "Golden Dome Mosque" is surely Depok's most dazzling building. Situated on the edge of Raya Street near the center of town, the mosque was completed in 2006, and it's a whopper, with the capacity to accommodate 20,000 worshippers at any one time. It features five domes, all covered with gold, and features luxury interior furnishings like Italian chandeliers and Turkish marble. No expense was spared in creating the city's premier place of worship, and it's a sight to behold, whether you're a devout Muslim or not.
3. A Unique Agricultural Attraction
A real hands-on attraction, D'kandang Amazing Farm lives up to its name, offering visitors a chance to get close to a range of traditional farm animals. Attractions include a working dairy where kids can learn how milk is made (and have a go themselves), as well as greenhouses where youngsters are taught how to nurture and transplant fragile flowers. There are fishing packages, the chance to ride quad bikes, as well as demanding obstacle courses - and the chance to get outside and in tune with Java's scenery.
4. A Quirky Tribute To Kite-Making Craft
One of the Depok area's quirkier attractions, this underrated gem is easy to miss in among the water parks and zoos of the region. However, the "Kite Museum" is definitely worth a few hours of your time. It's home to over 600 examples of kite making craft - a major pastime in Indonesian culture. Kites on display range from the impossibly small (2 centimeters wide) to behemoths measuring 26 x 9 meters, and all of them are beautifully made from paper and local woods. Highlights include "musical" kites from Kalimantan, which sing as they fly due to the way they are formed.
5. Discover The Riches Of The Rainforest
Occupying 140 acres in the northern part of Depok, Ragunan dates back to 1864, and is a great introduction to Indonesia's rainforest riches. Specializing in introducing visitors to endangered species, it's home to a huge community of colorful birds, along with tapirs, Sumatran tigers, and crocodiles. Alongside the main zoo, be sure to pay a visit to the Schmutzer Primate Center, which houses a charismatic group of orangutans and gorillas, and check out the children's zoo as well, which features informative exhibits and some charming rides.
1. Make A Splash When The Heat Gets Too Much
With its architecture that resembles an exotic palace and colorful branding, you could be forgiven for thinking you've stumbled upon an Indonesian branch of Disney World when you approach Depok Fantasi Park. This local institution is a massive water park, making it an essential place to visit if you've been sightseeing in the Javan sunshine. There are slides, pools, and zip-lines for all ages and ability levels, as well as on-site refreshments - so you can cool off in style whenever the need arises.
2. Depok's Dazzling Dome
The "Golden Dome Mosque" is surely Depok's most dazzling building. Situated on the edge of Raya Street near the center of town, the mosque was completed in 2006, and it's a whopper, with the capacity to accommodate 20,000 worshippers at any one time. It features five domes, all covered with gold, and features luxury interior furnishings like Italian chandeliers and Turkish marble. No expense was spared in creating the city's premier place of worship, and it's a sight to behold, whether you're a devout Muslim or not.
3. A Unique Agricultural Attraction
A real hands-on attraction, D'kandang Amazing Farm lives up to its name, offering visitors a chance to get close to a range of traditional farm animals. Attractions include a working dairy where kids can learn how milk is made (and have a go themselves), as well as greenhouses where youngsters are taught how to nurture and transplant fragile flowers. There are fishing packages, the chance to ride quad bikes, as well as demanding obstacle courses - and the chance to get outside and in tune with Java's scenery.
4. A Quirky Tribute To Kite-Making Craft
One of the Depok area's quirkier attractions, this underrated gem is easy to miss in among the water parks and zoos of the region. However, the "Kite Museum" is definitely worth a few hours of your time. It's home to over 600 examples of kite making craft - a major pastime in Indonesian culture. Kites on display range from the impossibly small (2 centimeters wide) to behemoths measuring 26 x 9 meters, and all of them are beautifully made from paper and local woods. Highlights include "musical" kites from Kalimantan, which sing as they fly due to the way they are formed.
5. Discover The Riches Of The Rainforest
Occupying 140 acres in the northern part of Depok, Ragunan dates back to 1864, and is a great introduction to Indonesia's rainforest riches. Specializing in introducing visitors to endangered species, it's home to a huge community of colorful birds, along with tapirs, Sumatran tigers, and crocodiles. Alongside the main zoo, be sure to pay a visit to the Schmutzer Primate Center, which houses a charismatic group of orangutans and gorillas, and check out the children's zoo as well, which features informative exhibits and some charming rides.
Where to Eat in Depok
If you like spicy food and interesting seafood dishes, Depok is the place to be. Jl Margonda Raya is home to most of the best restaurants, including Hospitalis, Warung Tekko, and Japanese options like Sakura. In general, meals will come to about Rp30-40,000.
When to visit Depok
The best time to visit is probably between May and September, when the temperature will hover around 85 degrees and rainfall is rare.
How to Get to Depok
Plane
The closest airport is Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta, which is around 30 miles to the north. From there, take the DAMRI bus to Pasar Minggu (Rp20,000) then take the Debora bus to Depok. Taxis cost around Rp120,000.
Train
Trains run every hour from Jakarta to Depok; the trip takes between 30-120 minutes and costs around Rp17,000.
Car
From Jakarta, take the Jalan Lenteng Agung straight into Depok.
Bus
Debora buses run from Jakarta into central Depok.
Airports near Depok
Airlines serving Depok
Where to stay in Depok
Universitas Indonesia - located in the north of Depok, Universitas Indonesia is Jakarta's biggest college, and the area around it is a lively place to drink and socialize.
Popular Neighborhoods in Depok
Pancoran Mas - the home of Depok's main station, the area also features some excellent restaurants, like Hospitalis and Khasanti 16 Resto & Food Court.
Cimanggis - located east of central Depok, Cimanggis is a laid-back place with family attractions like the Wiladatika Recreation Park and no shortage of places to eat.
Where to stay in popular areas of Depok
How to Get Around Depok
Public Transportation
Angkot minibuses travel between Depok's neighborhoods and charge Rp2,000 for every journey.
Taxi
Expect to pay around Rp6,500 for the meter drop, followed by Rp6,000 per mile after that.
Car
Car rental options in Depok include Fadhilah and Woro Woro, and you should find deals for Rp35,000 or less.
The Cost of Living in Depok
Shopping Streets
Margo City is Depok's largest and most popular mall, and it's really the city's entertainment hub, but there are other options like Dmall and Depok Town Square, too.
Groceries and Other
Local supermarkets include Alfamart and Carrefour; expect to pay around Rp20,000 for 12 eggs.