Jakarta may be a concrete jungle, but the city has no lack of opportunities for its residents to engage with the wonders of nature, especially children and families. NOW! Jakarta has come up with a list of immersive attractions that connect visitors with a range of flora and fauna. From exploring five distinct ecosystems to swimming with baby sharks and stingrays, these destinations offer unforgettable wildlife adventures for curious young minds eager to learn and interact with the natural world.
Habitat Park
If you thought the centre of Jakarta was all glass and steel, Habitat Park in Sudirman Central Business District will make you think again. Not only is the park a green space located in the middle of one of the city’s busiest areas, but it is also a living, breathing ecosystem designed to bring people, animals, and nature together. Boasting biophilic architecture where technology and nature work hand in hand, Habitat Park has been designed to cultivate a sense of harmony through its five core pillars: sustainability, wellness, creative expression, holistic well-being, and immersive education.
With 58 species calling this place home, ranging from exotic birds to small mammals, children can interact with creatures they would otherwise only see in picture books. Unlike traditional zoos, the atmosphere here is more intimate. Visitors can have interactions with iguanas while ordering coffee or admire the sight of a waterfall while sipping their favourite tea. Cat lovers, meanwhile, will feel right at home in the Cat Lounge playing with its furry residents.
There’s also the Botanical Garden designed by renowned Japanese plant curator Kunzo Nishihata that showcases a breathtaking collection of exotic flora complemented by the refined ambience of Café Kori, where guests can savour delicate Japanese desserts. What makes Habitat Park especially engaging is that it regularly ensures a line-up of exciting events for both adults and children, with bespoke activity kits and expert-led workshops.
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53 No. 6 LOT6, Senayan, South Jakarta | @habitatpark_scbd | habitat.id
Aviary Park
Located on the outskirts of Jakarta in the Bintaro area, Aviary Park provides families the chance to interact with animals from five distinct ecosystems, each designed to transport them to a different corner of the world. Their first stop upon entering the park is the Desert Zone, where they will discover the ways animals have adapted to survive the harsh, sun-baked desert landscape. The Savanna Zone is home to pygmy goats, Merino sheep, owls, majestic sea eagles, and parakeets, while the Rainforest Zone is a lush, green oasis echoing with the calls of exotic birds.
The latter also features bird shows that teach visitors about the vital role rainforests play in our planet’s ecosystem.
In the Swamp Zone, they will learn that not all wetlands are murky and uninviting. at Aviary Park, the Swamp zone is a tranquil, enchanting escape where flamingos can be seen wading through waters surrounded by water lilies.
The pulse of Aviary Park is its Lake Zone, which gives families space to unwind and relax on the banks of a gentle lake.
The park also focuses on immersing children in the wonders of conservation as it plays a crucial role in protecting Indonesia’s avian heritage. Visitors can witness these efforts first-hand and even participate in educational workshops designed to inspire the next generation of wildlife protectors.
Jl. Bintaro Creative District No.15, South Tangerang, Banten | @aviaryparkindonesia | aviarypark.com
Scientia Square Park
The options at Scientia Square Park are endless, but its main attraction is the safari adventures. Here, children can meander through the cone-shaped Teepee Barn, where they will encounter alpacas, mini horses, Scottish cows and many more. The charm doesn’t stop there. As they move on, a herd of gentle buffalos, affectionately named the David’s Family, are ready to welcome the young explorers.
To learn more about the mysterious world of nocturnal birds, they can sign up for a close encounter at the Fun With Owl experience. At Rabbit Tales, they have the chance to interact with rabbits while learning about their habits and how to take care of them responsibly.
And who doesn’t love feeding fish? The park’s Koi Feeding experience offers the chance to connect with these majestic fish to create a memorable moment for visitors of all ages.
While the Safari Zone is undeniably the highlight of Scientia Square Park, the adventure does not end there. Young riders can experience their first horse riding lesson at the Mini Riding Club, an activity that offers a taste of the equestrian life, where children can learn about patience and coordination. To complete their visit, Petopia is the perfect place to see cute puppies up close. Then on Turtle Island, the resident Sulcata tortoise Rocky awaits to be taken on a leisurely stroll.
Jl. Scientia Boulevard, Tangerang, Banten | @scientiasquare.park | scientiasquarepark.com
Jagat Satwa Nusantara at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah has long been celebrated for its immersive cultural exhibits, but this iconic destination has evolved into a premier wildlife experience where children can interact with some of Indonesia’s most remarkable creatures. Jagwat Satwa Nusantara is an ambitious collection of animal zones designed to bring the wildlife of the archipelago to Jakarta’s city dwellers. Each area is designed to mimic the natural habitats of its residents, providing an educational journey into the animal kingdom.
The safari activities here are the undisputed highlight. The Bird Park has around 216 species fluttering freely in their sprawling aviary, letting visitors interact with cockatoos and pirate birds. They can also hop on the Oma Hada skywalk and stroll through an elevated pathway inspired by the Nias tribe’s traditional houses. The Raptor Free Flight Experience is a must-try, because there is nothing more exhilarating than watching an eagle swoop from a height of 60 metres, landing gracefully on an outstretched arm.
And of course, no wildlife encounter in Indonesia would be complete without paying homage to its most legendary resident, the Komodo dragon. The Komodo Museum & Reptile Park houses an impressive collection of these prehistoric giants, along with crocodiles, iguanas, and slithering pythons. For the bravest spirits, the Plaza Padar offers supervised interactions with these scaled wonders, where children (and parents, if they dare) can handle a python under expert guidance.
Jl. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Cipayung, East Jakarta | @jagatsatwa.tmii | jagatsatwanusantara.id
Jakarta Aquarium and Safari
Tucked inside Neo Soho Mall, Jakarta Aquarium and Safari (JAQS) is a 1-hectare playground of discovery filled with both land and sea creatures. The venue is separated into two zones, with visitors starting their journey being greeted by various non-marine mammals upon entering. At Otter Feeding time, a guaranteed educational experience, JAQS guides share fascinating details about the lives of these semiaquatic creatures as they playfully squabble over fish.
Not far from these otters, the must-see Binturong — also known as the bearcat — emits a faint smell like popcorn in the air.
The aquarium, meanwhile, features an impressive line-up of marine wonders ranging from colourful jelly fish to predatory piranhas. JAQS also offers the ultimate adventure with its Aquatrekking experience, which lets visitors step into the main tank. Donned in a wetsuit and a special seatrek helmet, children (aged 13 and up) and parents can walk among sharks, stingrays, and even the resident green sea turtle, Shelly. It’s as close as you’ll get to diving without scuba certification!
Neo Soho Mall, Podomoro City, West Jakarta | @jakartaaquarium | jakartaaquariumsafari.com
Taman Safari Indonesia Bogor
As one of the stand out premier-wildlife destinations in the country, Taman Safari Bogor offers visitors an immersive and educational experience with some of the world’s most fascinating animals. Functioning as an expansive conservation park, this zoo allows guests to observe wildlife in a habitat that resembles their natural environment. Among its diverse residents, Taman Safari has welcomed a rare and mesmerising addition—the Golden Tiger. This remarkable feline with its distinctive golden stripes coat, is a rare variant of the Bengal tiger.
The Golden Tiger’s fur is a genetic mutation known as the “wideband gene,” exudes a fainter stripes and a strikingly bright coat, making it stand out from its more commonly seen orange-and-black relatives. First documented in 2017 in India, Golden Tigers are rarely found in the wild, with fewer than 30 known to exist in captivity worldwide. Taman Safari Bogor is now home to one of these extraordinary tigers—Jupiter, a five-year-old male weighing approximately 130 kg.
Though he cannot be directly interacted with, visitors can observe Jupiter up close through the Behind The Scenes programme, which offers an exclusive glimpse into his daily life and surely will mesmerise the curious young minds. It is also important to note that as an endangered animal, the Golden Tiger faces severe threats from habitat destruction and illegal hunting. Conservation efforts are critical for this species. A visit to this park will give the children an exciting rare opportunity to witness the Golden Tiger and a meaningful conservation experience—one that highlights the balance between wildlife and human responsibility.
Jl. Kapten Harun Kabir No.724, Cibeureum, Cisarua, Bogor, West Java | @taman_safari | bogor.tamansafari.com
