Depok is a city in West Java, Indonesia, that may not be on the radar of many travelers. However, this city has a lot to offer, from its rich history and culture to its natural and man-made attractions. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural immersion, or a fun-filled adventure, Depok has something for everyone. In this article, we will guide you through the best time to visit, how to reach, what to see and do, and where to stay and eat in Depok.
By the end of this article, you will be convinced that Depok is a hidden gem in West Java that deserves your attention.
Why Visit Depok?
Depok is a city that has a lot of diversity, affordability, accessibility, and authenticity. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Depok:
Diversity: Depok is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities. You can witness the harmony and tolerance of the people of Depok, who respect and celebrate each other’s differences. You can also enjoy the variety of cuisines, arts, and festivals that reflect the diversity of Depok.
Affordability: Depok is a city that is friendly to your budget. You can find cheap and comfortable accommodation, delicious and affordable food, and low-cost transportation in Depok. You can also enjoy many free or inexpensive attractions and activities in Depok, such as visiting the beaches, mosques, cultural villages, water parks, and malls.
Accessibility: Depok is a city that is easy to reach and explore. You can find many modes of transport to get to Depok from different locations, such as train, bus, car, taxi, and motorcycle. You can also find many options to get around Depok, such as public transport, online ride-hailing services, or bicycle rentals.
Authenticity: Depok is a city that has a unique and genuine charm. You can experience the local life and culture of Depok, such as visiting the starfruit orchards, universities, markets, and neighborhoods. You can also interact with the friendly and hospitable people of Depok, who will welcome you with open arms and smiles.
How to Reach Depok?
Depok is a city that is located about 40 kilometers south of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. You can easily reach Depok from different locations, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, and Yogyakarta. Here are some of the modes of transport that you can use to get to Depok:
Train:
The train is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Depok from Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, and Yogyakarta. You can take the commuter line, intercity train, or airport train to Depok. The train fare ranges from 5,000 to 100,000 IDR (0.35 to 7 USD), depending on the distance and type of train. The train station in Depok is located in the city center, near the Margo City Mall.
Bus:
The bus is another option to reach Depok from Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, and Yogyakarta. You can take the public bus, shuttle bus, or long-distance bus to Depok. The bus fare ranges from 10,000 to 150,000 IDR (0.7 to 10.5 USD), depending on the distance and type of bus. The bus terminal in Depok is located in the south of the city, near the Depok Fantasi Waterpark.
Car:
The car is a flexible and comfortable way to reach Depok from Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, and Yogyakarta. You can drive your own car, rent a car, or hire a car with a driver to Depok. The car fare ranges from 200,000 to 1,000,000 IDR (14 to 70 USD), depending on the distance and type of car. The car can take you to any destination in Depok, but you may encounter traffic jams and toll fees along the way.
Taxi:
The taxi is a convenient and reliable way to reach Depok from Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, and Yogyakarta. You can take the conventional taxi, online taxi, or airport taxi to Depok. The taxi fare ranges from 300,000 to 1,500,000 IDR (21 to 105 USD), depending on the distance and type of taxi. The taxi can take you to any destination in Depok, but you may have to pay extra for the meter, toll, and parking fees.
Motorcycle:
The motorcycle is a fun and adventurous way to reach Depok from Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, and Yogyakarta. You can ride your own motorcycle, rent a motorcycle, or hire a motorcycle taxi to Depok. The motorcycle fare ranges from 50,000 to 500,000 IDR (3.5 to 35 USD), depending on the distance and type of motorcycle. The motorcycle can take you to any destination in Depok, but you may have to deal with the weather, road conditions, and safety issues.
Here are some tips and suggestions on how to save money, avoid traffic, and find the best deals on transport to Depok:
Book in advance: If you want to save money and secure your seat, you should book your train, bus, car, or taxi in advance. You can use online platforms, such as Traveloka, Tiket.com, or Grab, to compare and book your transport to Depok. You can also find discounts and promotions on these platforms, especially during low seasons or weekdays.
Travel off-peak: If you want to avoid traffic and enjoy a smooth journey, you should travel off-peak to Depok. You should avoid traveling during rush hours, weekends, holidays, or festivals, as these are the times when the roads and public transport are crowded and congested. You should travel during early morning, late night, or midday, as these are the times when the roads and public transport are less busy and faster.
Travel light: If you want to find the best deals and have more flexibility, you should travel light to Depok. You should pack only the essentials and avoid bringing bulky or heavy luggage, as these may incur extra fees or limit your options. You should also use a backpack or a carry-on bag, as these are easier to carry and store.
What to See and Do in Depok?
Depok is a city that has a variety of attractions and activities for travelers. You can enjoy the natural and man-made wonders of Depok, such as its beaches, mosques, cultural villages, water parks, and malls. Here are some of the things that you can see and do in Depok:
Depok Beach
Depok Beach is one of the most popular attractions in Depok. It is a black sand beach that stretches for about 2 kilometers along the Indian Ocean. You can enjoy the scenic views of the sea, the sky, and the mountains from the beach. You can also enjoy various activities, such as surfing, fishing, camping, and picnicking at the beach. Depok Beach is also famous for its seafood market, where you can buy fresh and cheap seafood from the local fishermen and have it cooked on the spot.
Location: Jalan Pantai Depok, Depok, Bantul, Yogyakarta
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entrance fee: Free
Contact details: +62 274 367222
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the sunset is more beautiful.
How to get there: You can take a train, bus, car, taxi, or motorcycle to Depok Beach. The beach is about 30 minutes from the city center and 45 minutes from the airport.
What to bring: You should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, towel, water, snacks, and cash. You should also bring a surfboard, fishing rod, tent, or picnic mat if you want to enjoy the activities at the beach.
What to expect: You should expect a lively and crowded atmosphere at the beach, especially during weekends and holidays. You should also expect a strong and rough wave at the beach.
Dian Al-Mahri Mosque
Dian Al-Mahri Mosque is one of the most stunning attractions in Depok. It is a mosque that has a golden dome and six minarets that shine brightly in the sun. You can admire the architecture and design of the mosque, which is inspired by the Middle Eastern and Indonesian styles. You can also learn about the history and significance of the mosque, which is built by a wealthy businesswoman named Dian Juriah Maimun Al-Rasyid. The mosque is open to the public and welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds.
Location: Jalan Raya Meruyung, Limo, Depok, West Java
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm (daily)
Entrance fee: Free
Contact details: +62 21 7547020
Best time to visit: Morning or afternoon, when the weather is clear and the golden dome is more visible.
How to get there: You can take a train, bus, car, taxi, or motorcycle to Dian Al-Mahri Mosque. The mosque is about 15 minutes from the city center and 30 minutes from the airport.
What to bring: You should bring a camera, water, snacks, and cash. You should also bring a scarf, hat, or cap to cover your head and a modest clothing to cover your body if you want to enter the mosque.
What to expect: You should expect a peaceful and serene atmosphere at the mosque, especially during the prayer times. You should also expect a friendly and helpful staff who will guide you and answer your questions.
Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village
Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village is one of the most interesting attractions in Depok. It is a cultural village that preserves and showcases the Betawi culture, which is the native culture of Jakarta and its surroundings. You can explore the village and see the traditional houses, costumes, instruments, and crafts of the Betawi people. You can also enjoy the cultural performances, such as the lenong (comedy theater), ondel-ondel (giant puppets), and tanjidor (brass band). You can also taste the local cuisine, such as the kerak telor (egg omelet), soto betawi (beef soup), and bir pletok (herbal drink).
Location: Jalan Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, Depok, West Java
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), closed on Monday
Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR (0.35 USD) per person, 10,000 IDR (0.7 USD) per car, 5,000 IDR (0.35 USD) per motorcycle
Contact details: +62 21 7864075
Best time to visit: Weekend or holiday, when the cultural performances are more frequent and lively.
How to get there: You can take a train, bus, car, taxi, or motorcycle to Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village. The village is about 20 minutes from the city center and 40 minutes from the airport.
What to bring: You should bring a camera, water, snacks, and cash. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
What to expect: You should expect a fun and educational experience at the village, where you can learn and appreciate the Betawi culture. You should also expect a crowded and noisy environment at the village, especially during the peak hours and seasons.
Depok Fantasi Waterpark
Depok Fantasi Waterpark is one of the most fun attractions in Depok. It is a water park that has a variety of slides, pools, and games for all ages and preferences. You can enjoy the thrill and excitement of the water park, such as the tornado slide, the wave pool, and the bumper boat. You can also relax and unwind at the water park, such as the lazy river, the jacuzzi, and the massage pool. You can also find other facilities and amenities at the water park, such as the food court, the souvenir shop, and the locker room.
Location: Jalan Raya Bogor KM 37, Depok, West Java
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday), 8 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Entrance fee: 50,000 IDR (3.5 USD) per person, 25,000 IDR (1.75 USD) per car, 10,000 IDR (0.7 USD) per motorcycle
Contact details: +62 21 87913333
Best time to visit: Morning or afternoon, when the weather is warm and sunny.
How to get there: You can take a train, bus, car, taxi, or motorcycle to Depok Fantasi Waterpark. The water park is about 25 minutes from the city center and 40 minutes from the airport.
What to bring: You should bring a swimsuit, towel, water, snacks, and cash. You should also bring a sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and flip-flops to protect yourself from the sun and the water.
What to expect: You should expect a fun and lively atmosphere at the water park, especially during weekends and holidays. You should also expect a long queue and a crowded space at the water park, especially during the peak hours and seasons.
Margo City Mall
Margo City Mall is one of the most modern attractions in Depok. It is a mall that has a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options for all tastes and budgets. You can enjoy the shopping and dining at the mall, such as the fashion outlets, the electronics stores, and the food court. You can also enjoy the entertainment at the mall, such as the cinema, the karaoke, and the arcade. You can also find other services and facilities at the mall, such as the supermarket, the bank, and the ATM.
Location: Jalan Margonda Raya No. 358, Depok, West Java
Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm (daily)
Entrance fee: Free
Contact details: +62 21 78870888
Best time to visit: Evening or night, when the mall is more lively and colorful.
How to get there: You can take a train, bus, car, taxi, or motorcycle to Margo City Mall. The mall is about 10 minutes from the city center and 30 minutes from the airport.
What to bring: You should bring a camera, water, snacks, and cash. You should also bring a shopping bag, a credit card, and a voucher if you want to shop and dine at the mall.
What to expect: You should expect a modern and trendy atmosphere at the mall, especially during weekends and holidays. You should also expect a wide range of choices and prices at the mall, especially during the sales and promotions.
Depok is a city in West Java, Indonesia, that is a hidden gem for travelers. It is a city that has a lot of diversity, affordability, accessibility, and authenticity. You can easily reach Depok from different locations, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, Yogyakarta, and even Bali. You can also enjoy a variety of attractions and activities in Depok, such as its beaches, mosques, cultural villages, water parks, and malls.
You can also find the best places to stay and eat in Depok, such as its hotels, restaurants, and street food stalls. Depok is a city that will surprise and delight you with its unique and genuine charm.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Depok today and discover this hidden gem in West Java.
