If you are looking for a place to relax, enjoy, and learn in Jakarta, Lapangan Banteng is a perfect choice. Lapangan Banteng is a historical and recreational park that covers an area of 30 hectares in the heart of the city. The park has a rich history and a modern appeal, as it was once a colonial square and a site of the independence movement, and now it is a green oasis with a stunning fountain, a monumental statue, an outdoor amphitheater, and various sports facilities. Whether you want to admire the architecture, watch the water show, listen to live music, play football, or simply stroll around, Lapangan Banteng has something for everyone.
In this article, you will find out more about the history, attractions, features, location, and tips for visiting Lapangan Banteng. You will also discover some of the nearby landmarks and attractions that you can explore after visiting the park. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why Lapangan Banteng is one of the best parks to visit in Jakarta.
History of Lapangan Banteng
Lapangan Banteng, which means Buffalo Field in Indonesian, has a long and fascinating history. The park was originally built by the Dutch colonial government in 1818 as a military parade ground. It was named Waterlooplein, after the famous battle where Napoleon was defeated. The park was surrounded by important buildings, such as the Governor-General’s palace, the city hall, and the cathedral.
During the Japanese occupation, the park was renamed Lapangan Ikada, which stands for Ikatan Atletik Djakarta, or Jakarta Athletic Association. The park was used as a sports venue and a place for political rallies. On August 19, 1945, two days after the proclamation of Indonesia’s independence, a massive gathering of people took place at the park to celebrate and support the new republic.
After the independence, the park was renamed Lapangan Banteng, as a tribute to the brave and resilient spirit of the Indonesian people, symbolized by the buffalo. The park underwent a major renovation in 2018, as part of the city’s efforts to revitalize and modernize its public spaces. The park now features a new design, a new fountain, a new amphitheater, and new facilities for the visitors.
Attractions and Features of Lapangan Banteng
Lapangan Banteng is not only a historical park, but also a recreational park that offers a variety of attractions and features for the visitors. Some of the main attractions and features of the park are:
The West Irian Liberation Monument: This is a towering statue that stands at the center of the park, depicting a man holding a torch and a flag. The statue was erected in 1963, to commemorate the liberation of West Irian (now Papua) from the Dutch colonial rule. The statue is a symbol of the national unity and sovereignty of Indonesia.
The fountain and the water show: This is a spectacular fountain that surrounds the statue, creating a beautiful contrast between the water and the sky. The fountain has 66 jets that can shoot water up to 40 meters high. The fountain also features a water show, where the water jets are synchronized with colorful lights and music. The water show takes place every night, from 7 pm to 10 pm, and lasts for 15 minutes. The water show is a must-see attraction for the visitors, as it creates a magical and festive atmosphere at the park.
The outdoor amphitheater and the island stage: This is a large and modern amphitheater that can accommodate up to 3,000 people. The amphitheater is located on the north side of the park, facing the statue and the fountain. The amphitheater has an island stage, which is a circular platform that floats on the water. The amphitheater and the island stage are used for various events and performances, such as concerts, festivals, cultural shows, and ceremonies. The amphitheater and the island stage are a great place to enjoy some live entertainment and cultural diversity at the park.
The sports facilities and the children’s playground: This is a collection of facilities and areas that cater to the physical and recreational needs of the visitors. The park has a running track, a football field, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a badminton court, and a skate park. The park also has a children’s playground, which has slides, swings, seesaws, and other fun equipment. The sports facilities and the children’s playground are a great place to have some fun and exercise at the park.
Location and Transportation of Lapangan Banteng
Lapangan Banteng is located in the central area of Jakarta, in the district of Sawah Besar. The park’s address is Jl. Lapangan Banteng Utara, Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar, Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10710. The park’s coordinates are -6.170833, 106.831667. The park is surrounded by some of the most iconic landmarks and attractions of Jakarta, such as:
Istiqlal Mosque:
This is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and the national mosque of Indonesia. The mosque was built in 1978, and can accommodate up to 200,000 worshippers. The mosque has a magnificent architecture, a spacious courtyard, and a towering minaret. The mosque is open to the public, and offers guided tours for visitors.
Hotel Borobudur:
This is a five-star hotel that is considered one of the most luxurious and prestigious hotels in Jakarta. The hotel was opened in 1974, and has 695 rooms and suites, 8 restaurants and bars, a spa, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. The hotel also has a 9.3-hectare garden, which is the largest hotel garden in Jakarta.
Jakarta Cathedral:
This is a Roman Catholic cathedral that is the seat of the Archbishop of Jakarta. The cathedral was built in 1901, and has a neo-Gothic style. The cathedral has three spires, stained glass windows, and a pipe organ. The cathedral is open to the public, and holds regular masses and services.
There are several ways to reach Lapangan Banteng, depending on your preference and budget. Some of the transportation options and directions to the park are:
Bus:
You can take the Transjakarta bus, which is a rapid transit system that operates on dedicated bus lanes. You can take the bus from any of the Transjakarta stations, and get off at the Lapangan Banteng station, which is located right next to the park. The bus fare is 3,500 IDR per trip, and you can pay with an e-money card or cash.
Train:
You can take the commuter train, which is a suburban rail network that connects Jakarta with its surrounding cities. You can take the train from any of the commuter train stations, and get off at the Juanda station, which is located about 1 km from the park. You can walk or take a pedicab from the station to the park. The train fare varies depending on the distance, and you can pay with an e-money card or cash.
Taxi:
You can take a taxi, which is a convenient and comfortable way to travel in Jakarta. You can hail a taxi from the street, or book one online or by phone. You can tell the driver to take you to Lapangan Banteng, or show them the address or the map of the park. The taxi fare depends on the meter, and you can pay with cash or credit card.
Tips and Advice for Visiting Lapangan Banteng
To make the most of your visit to Lapangan Banteng, here are some tips and advice that you should keep in mind:
1. The best time to visit the park is in the evening, when the weather is cooler and the fountain and the water show are more visible and impressive. You can also enjoy the night view of the park and the city, as well as the live performances and events at the amphitheater and the island stage.
2. The things to bring to the park are a camera, a water bottle, a hat, a sunscreen, and a jacket. You can also bring some snacks and drinks, or buy them from the food stalls at the park. You can also bring some sports equipment, such as a ball, a racket, or a skateboard, if you want to use the sports facilities at the park.
3. The safety precautions that you should take at the park are to follow the rules and regulations of the park, such as not littering, not smoking, not vandalizing, and not disturbing the peace. You should also be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye on your belongings and your children. You should also respect the culture and the religion of the people, especially when visiting the nearby mosque and cathedral.
4. The nearby places to eat and stay are plentiful, as the park is located in a central and busy area of Jakarta. You can find a variety of restaurants, cafes, street food, and markets around the park, offering local and international cuisines. You can also find a range of hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments around the park, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Lapangan Banteng is a historical and recreational park in Jakarta that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. The park has a rich history and a modern appeal, as it was once a colonial square and a site of the independence movement, and now it is a green oasis with a stunning fountain, a monumental statue, an outdoor amphitheater, and various sports facilities. Whether you want to admire the architecture, watch the water show, listen to live music, play football, or simply stroll around, Lapangan Banteng has something for everyone.
In this article, you have learned more about the history, attractions, features, location, and tips for visiting Lapangan Banteng. You have also discovered some of the nearby landmarks and attractions that you can explore after visiting the park. By reading this article, you have gained a better understanding of why Lapangan Banteng is one of the best parks to visit in Jakarta.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Lapangan Banteng and experience its beauty and charm for yourself. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading this article, and happy travels!