Day 2 was filled with fun and excitement for the kids, it was a Sunday and traffic was considerably light. We started with breakfast at Mie Keriting Siantar 19 at the original Muara Karang market outlet. It was a very tasty and satisfying breakfast.
Mie Keriting Siantar 19 - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
After breakfast we went to nearby Bakpau A1 to get some snacks and then to Central Park in Tanjung Duren as my parents-in-law prepared to return to Purwokerto in the evening. Lincoln and my wife had their haircut there while Lindsay and I just waited for them. As Central Park was extremely crowded, we didn't go anywhere else and just waited at the hair salon.
After Lincoln was done, my wife was only halfway so we went to Jakarta Aquarium in Neo Soho which is just next door. As it was a Sunday, admission price was at IDR 250k for adults and IDR 150k for kids. Both Lincoln and Lindsay were really excited and couldn't wait to get in. Once we got in, they started exploring around.
And the kids go wild! - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
As we went further inside, there was this open python showcase where visitors could get a chance to pet the python. I had a go at caressing the docile reptile and I was pleasantly surprised at how calm the python was as my hands ran through its scaly and almost plastic like skin.
That's a real, living & breathing python alright - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
After that slithery encounter we went on to see the other displays of interesting animals.
First time I saw a salamander up close, specifically, an axolotl - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
And there was this sugar glider too - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
Walkway to more interesting displays - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
Aside from the python, salamander & sugar glider there were beetles, millipedes, centipedes, hedgehog and lizards too. From this point on, I was beginning to wonder if this establishment was more of a menagerie instead of an aquarium as the name had suggested.
There was an open aquarium of manta rays too swimming around happily.
Swimming mantas - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
At least I think they're happy as they were constantly smiling just like this guy. 😀
Lincoln and Lindsay were more than game to strike a pose in front of these jolly fishes.
Linc & Lind - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
As we ventured further into the salt water section, the exhibits became more colourful.
Dories and Nemoes - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
A lion fish - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
And... a worm like fish - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
And finally we came to the piranha exhibit to get a good close look at these voracious fresh water predators. This display seems like an intermission before they jellyfish section.
A school of Piranha - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
An intimate look at the deadly fish - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
After we got acquainted with the piranhas well, we were treated to an underwater light symphony in the jellyfish display section.
A beautiful display that disguises their deadliness - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
As we stepped out of the jelly fish section we came upon another fresh water aquarium display and our attention were immediately drawn to the giant garoupa.
That's a very big fish alright... twice bigger than lincoln, possibly my size - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
A diver doing some cleaning or feeding - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
And to cap off the visit, we watched a live performance about kings, princesses and mermaids. It was like a Snow White and the Little Mermaid crossover with Indonesian flavours. It was a straightforward live performance with commendable effects, given the scope of the audience and tight venue.
That's the lovely princess making her introduction to the audience - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
The princess having transformed into a mermaid accompanied by new friends - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
And the king..... - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
You really have to give credit to the performers. They were performing very closely to the audience and any small mistakes would have been immediately noticed. I couldn't help but marvel at how well they have kept a very tight routine in order to produce that impeccable performance.
The whole aquarium itself left me with a mixed impression which is somewhat confusing. I thought they were really trying too hard by displaying other animals that are not necessarily aquatic in nature. The aquarium is almost like a hybrid of SEA Aquarium and the now defunct Underwater World in Sentosa with some other animals that do not fit the theme. But for the average Indonesians, this place is as good as it can possibly gets. I don't think there are any other attractions in Indonesia within a shopping mall that is more comprehensive than the Jakarta Aquarium.
And finally, it was time to return to the hotel. As we entered our room, we were pleasantly surprised that the housekeeping staff by the name of Chris had gamely arranged the children's dolls on the bed.
Courtesy of Chris from Housekeeping Department - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
It was a small gesture that made our return to the hotel so much more enjoyable.
Here's a closing shot for the 2nd part of the trip:
A fiery sunset so different from the previous day - A7RMk2 + Batis 2/25
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