It’s not a typical late afternoon in Ramadan if you don't hang out as you wait for sunset to break the fast. Usually, it's more fun to spend time while waiting for the Maghrib drum with friends, partner, or maybe you want to have some time. In Jakarta, there are a number of recommended places for those of you who want to have fun.

Hutan Kota GBK

For those who want to wait for the time to break the fast in the middle of a green open space, you can visit Hutan Kota located in Gelora Bung Karno sports complex. To be able to enter here, you will not be charged. You just need to scan the PeduliLindungi QR code. You can bring a mat to be able to picnic here while enjoying the plants and forest scenery in the middle of the city. Also, it might be a good idea to use protective fluids from mosquitoes. 

The best time to visit is between 15.00 and 17.00 WIB. However, this area operates until 18.00 WIB. Not far from here, you can visit the nearest mall such as FX Sudirman, Senayan City, or Plaza Senayan and pray or salat at Al-Bina Mosque located in the GBK area. To be able to come here, you can take public transportation such as Transjakarta Bus and can get off at the GBK stop, or also the MRT, which later gets off at Istora Mandiri station.

Thamrin 10

The next place you can visit is Thamrin 10 Food and Creative Park. Here, you can wait for the time to break the fast and choose some food, because there are various food outlets available. There are approximately 50 food tenants and you can pay cashless with a QRIS scan or use a Jakcard. 

This area is open from Monday to Sunday, from 11.00 to 21.00 WIB. There is a unique fact, previously this place was a parking lot that was converted by the Jakarta’s Government into a culinary place. In addition to culinary places, the facilities are also complete with Wi-Fi network, Musala, many trash cans, and disability-friendly toilets. Well, to get to this area, you can use public transportation, such as Transjakarta buses, then get off at Sarinah or MRT, and then get off at Bundaran HI Station (after that continue with other transportation). For KRL users, you can also come here, later you can get off at Sudirman Station or Tanah Abang.

Sarinah

Another choice of places that you can visit is the first mall in Indonesia, yup it’s none other than Sarinah. In 2022, this mall reopened after going through revitalization since 2020. Here, you can visit various food outlets, shopping, historical tours, or take pictures because there are many interesting spots here. In addition, you can enjoy the Sarinah platform while accompanied by musical performances in the afternoon. It's really interesting, right? 

[Read more about The New Sarinah Face, here] 

This mall operates from 10:00 to 22:00 WIB. To be able to come here, you can take public transportation such as Transjakarta buses, later you can get off at sarinah stop, yes!

Cikini Raya Street

In addition, you can also enjoy the beautiful afternoon in the Cikini Raya area. Along the sidewalks on this street, there are many things that you can enjoy, from the Cikini Post Office, a variety of café options with the characteristics of Jakarta old town (one of which is Bakoel Coffee), and also the Taman Ismail Marzuki area. Well, for those of you who like to spend time on foot while enjoying the thick nuances of history, you can really come here. For those of you who want to take public transportation, you can take the KRL commuter line or Transjakarta bus corridor 6H (Senen-Lebak Bulus). 

[Read more articles about enjoying an afternoon in Cikini, here]

Benhil Market

For those of you who want to have fun by hunting takjil (ifar snacks), you can really stop by the Bendungan Hilir Market or Benhil. This takjil market has been established since 1985. Here, you can enjoy various dishes ranging from drinks, traditional snacks, dimsum, serabi, pempek, and others. The price is also relatively affordable, which is guaranteed to make you drool! Well for the location of this takjil selling location is not far from Benhil market. 

Previously, this market had been closed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So, for those who miss the same legendary market snacks, you can directly come to this place. To get to this place, you can ride Transjakarta or MRT, which goes down at Bendungan Hilir Stop. After that, you can continue with other transportation such as online motorcycle taxis or walking. 

Jakarta Old Town

Back again with a recommendation of historical places, you can also come to the Kota Tua (Old City( area of Jakarta to wait for Iftar by taking some photos, visiting museums, cycling, or just want to sit back and relax in the afternoon here. To enter this area, you need to maintain health protocols, by washing your hands and checking body temperature. In addition, you can enjoy fresher air because this area is designated as a low-emission area. So, this is another perfect ngabuburit place for you. If you want to come here, you can use KRL transportation, then get off at Jakarta Kota Station or Transjakarta bus, and then get off at the Kota shelter. You can continue on foot to enter this area.

Istiqlal Mosque

Finally, your ngabuburit is more complete and exciting, as well as getting closer to God when visiting the Istiqlal Mosque. You can wait for the time to break by praying or deepening religious knowledge. In addition, you can also enjoy a free iftar meal at the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. 

To be able to come to this place, you can take KRL, then get off at Juanda Station and can walk here or take Transjakarta corridor 6H (Senen-Lebak Bulus) or 7F (Kampung Rambutan-Harmoni), 2 (Pulo Gadung-Harmoni), then get off at Gambir 1 Stop. 

That's the seven recommended places for you to have fun while waiting for iftar in Jakarta. There are culinary places, historical tours, and religious tourism. However, don't forget to also adhere to the health protocols (washing hands, using masks, maintaining distance, staying away from crowds, avoiding eating together, and reducing mobility). These protocols will help you to avoid Covid-19 transmission during ‘ngabuburit’!