As we know, Jakarta is defined by its neighborhood slums, mega-shopping malls and torturous traffic. Little attention is paid to its parks.

Despite being congested, a magnet for traffic jams and a case study in urban sprawl, Jakarta still has some green spaces for Jakartans who want to enjoy the comfortable side of the city.

1. Ragunan Zoo
Located in South Jakarta and easily accessible through the Jakarta Outer Ring Road and TransJakarta, Ragunan Zoo is not only a home for animals, but it also has parks laid out in a lush tropical setting which makes this place shady and cool. There are also seats to unwind after surrounds the zoo. Don’t forget to visit The Schmutzer Primate Centre, where you can see various primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans. Perfect for your kids educational trip.

Jl. Harsono No.1, Ragunan, Ps. Minggu, Jakarta Selatan

Tuesday to Sunday: 07.30 – 16.00 WIB

2. Perpustakaan UI (Universitas Indonesia)

Still in South Jakarta, right in the border of Jakarta and Depok, you can feel the cool air and shady trees at the library area. Those you can get at Universitas Indonesia Library. Park at this library is so cozy with cement seats placed under the trees. The view of this park is more beautiful with a lake.

Gedung Crystal of Knowledge Kampus UI, Pd. Cina, Beji, Depok
Monday to Friday: 08.00 – 19.00 WIB, Saturday: 08.00 – 16.00 WIB

3. Taman Suropati
Shifted to the central Jakarta, there is still green space you should proud of, Taman Suropati. There are many shady trees to provide shelter from the scorching sun.

For yoga lovers, you can join with yoga community who exercise routinely every Sunday, on 07.00 a.m. Or for music lovers, you can join into music community which also exercise routinely on Sunday morning at Taman Suropati, like violin community.

Jl. Taman Suropati, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat

4. Museum di Tengah Kebun
The museum is built on a 4.200 m² plot and the building stands in the middle of a vast garden brimming with local plants. The grounds of the museum, on Jl. Kemang Timur, boast fern, suji, pandan, coconut, palm and other local trees. You can not only enjoy the parks, you can also see archeological artifacts from around the world.

Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No.66, Bangka, Jakarta Selatan
Saturday & Sunday: 09.30 – 15.00 WIB

5. Taman Cattleya
Another park in Jakarta for refreshing your mind, Taman Cattleya. This park located no too far from Taman Anggrek Mall, West Jakarta. Taman Cattleya also completed by jogging track. Here, you can experience jogging fun with shady trees, and spacious park area.

Kemanggisan, Palmerah, Jakarta Barat
Everyday: 07.00 – 22.00 WIB