Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, the dreamland at the Beach

The planning to develop Dreamland park of Ancol, a nice tourism object in North Jakarta, began when President Soekarno ordered the then governor, Soemarno in the 1960s, to carry out the project of the tourism in that area but it seemed to bog down. In the era of Governor Ali Sakidin, the project headed by Ir. Ciputra, was continued and completed in 1974.

Today, the dreamland park covering an area of 552 hectares is the biggest and the most complete tourism spot as well as the recreation area in Indonesia. Along the beach, we can find recreation areas, restaurants, hotel, and motels. At the west corner of the coast, for those who like to sail and set out to Pulau Seribu, there is Marina where we can find boats for those purposes. Close to the east, we find favorite Dunia Fantasi, Fantasy Worlds, a smaller scale resemblance of Disneyland.

Far in the eastern part, we find a newly developed sea-world and oceanic area. In the southern area, there is an art market where we can find various paintings and handicrafts are exhibited. To those who like to take a rest some food-courts are available in this area. At the eastward of the market, there was a long-abandoned site which was used to be the drive-in cinema.

Oceanic Area

One of the attractions in the park is Ancol Oceanic Area where we can see a spectacular show. It is a sea-water pool containing marine mammals and other sea creatures. There are four main exhibitions performed regularly among other the performance of various water living creatures, sea lions, dolphins and white whales. The area is also used to conserve marine wildlife and dissemination of the knowledge about marine mammals.

The show begins with the action of two beavers walking on top of the circle wheel-like, riding a bike and playing basketball. The following, some bears take action by spinning on the spot, driving cars and performing sports activities. The presence of a large hippopotamus weighted more than one ton demonstrating its capability chewing a large number of vegetables and fruits accompanied by Javanese gamelan music is the last part of the show of the session.

Three sea lions walking into the arena and flying the flag as a sign that the show begins. They perform funny movements in rolling their bodies and showing respect to audiences, demonstrating their capability in solving math problems, walking on the drums and bringing the doll around the pool without dropping it. In the end, you can ask, if you wish, for a kiss and take pictures with them.

The show of dolphins and white whales demonstrating their expertise in jumping, catching fish and balls, interacting with the audience, where the dolphins can kiss any visitors while the while whales spray water around that make the visitors wet.

Fantasy World

As a small copy of Disneyland, there are lots of different interesting attractions with high technology and brave-hearted games. Tornado is just one game to mention. When you are dealing with this game and are in a certain altitude, you will be spun around many times with high speed and it seems you are about to fall down. You can also ride on kora-kora -- a vehicle resembling big boat -- where you will be swung to the position of almost 90 degrees so that the body is almost perpendicular to the ground. Power Surge is also nice to be tested. This is a game that will lift your chair, twisting and turning your body.