Things To Do
in Bekasi
Bekasi is a bustling city located on the eastern border of Jakarta, within the Java Island of Indonesia, known for its rapid industrial growth and urban development. It serves as a significant residential and commercial hub, blending modern shopping centers, housing complexes, and manufacturing plants.
Despite its urban sprawl, Bekasi retains cultural charm through traditional markets, local culinary delights, and nearby natural attractions, making it a vibrant mix of the old and new.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the Al-Mustaqiem Mosque, known for its stunning design. Enjoy a peaceful moment and take some photos of the impressive architecture.
Head to the Summarecon Mall for lunch and shopping. Browse through various shops and grab a bite at one of the many restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
Wrap up your day at the Bekasi City Park. Relax with a stroll, enjoy the greenery, and perhaps catch a local performance if available.
Visit Trans Snow World, where you can experience an indoor snow park and enjoy winter activities. It's a unique experience that will be refreshing.
Afterward, transition to Waterboom Lippo Cikarang for some water fun. Spend the afternoon on thrilling slides or relaxing in the lazy river.
Conclude your adventure with dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant. Savor delicious dishes while reflecting on your fun-filled day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strategic location near Jakarta, providing easy access to the capital city's economic opportunities.
- Affordable cost of living compared to Jakarta, making it an attractive option for families and individuals.
- Growing infrastructure and development projects, improving transportation and local amenities.
- Diverse cultural heritage and community, offering a variety of local cuisines and traditions.
- Traffic congestion can be significant, especially during rush hour, leading to longer commute times.
- Air pollution and environmental issues, partly due to industrial activities and urbanization.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities like Jakarta.
- Flooding can be a concern during the rainy season, affecting some residential areas.
Best Activities in Bekasi
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the natural beauty and trek the trails at Gunung Geulis for a refreshing outdoor experience.
Enjoy a day in nature and observe different species of crocodiles in their natural habitat at Taman Buaya Bekasi.
Engage in various water activities like boating, jet skiing, and fishing at Jatiluhur Reservoir for an adventurous day out.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bekasi with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bekasi
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular shopping and dining destination with a scenic view of the city.
A large commercial and entertainment complex offering great photo opportunities and city views.
An upscale mall with a rooftop garden providing stunning views of the city.
Food in Bekasi
Bekasi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular street food dish consisting of tofu, rice cake, bean sprouts, and peanut sauce. It can be found at street food vendors throughout Bekasi, with a particularly renowned spot at Pasar Baru Bekasi.
Must-Try!
A fragrant turmeric-based soup with rice, shredded chicken, herbs, and lime. One of the best places to savor this dish is Warung Soto Kuning Bang Ali, a local favorite for authentic flavors.
A comforting bowl of noodles with chicken slices, meatballs, and a savory broth. For the best Mie Ayam Bakso experience, visit Mie Ayam Bakso Bang Kumis, where you'll find locals queuing up for a fulfilling bowl.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bekasi better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant night market offering an array of street food delights, from grilled skewers to assorted sweet treats. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local delicacies like Martabak and Kerak Telor.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bekasi, it is customary to greet others with a smile as a sign of respect and friendliness. This simple gesture of warmth is appreciated in social interactions.
Respect for elders is an important cultural norm in Bekasi. It is polite to use formal language and show deference to older individuals in both speech and actions.
As a predominantly Muslim city, it is important to be mindful of Islamic customs and traditions in Bekasi. This includes dressing modestly and being aware of prayer times.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bekasi with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bekasi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Bekasi, Indonesia. It is not expected at restaurants, hotels, or for most services.
Cash is the predominant form of payment in Bekasi, although credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in larger establishments. It is advisable to carry enough cash for small purchases and in case certain places do not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bekasi.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Bekasi as the weather is warm and pleasant. Expect lower humidity and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Expect higher humidity and frequent rainfall during this season, with occasional heavy downpours. It's still possible to visit Bekasi during this time, but outdoor activities may be limited due to the weather.
Bekasi at Night
Hiking in Bekasi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 130 km from Bekasi, this national park features lush forests, diverse wildlife, and challenging hiking trails leading to the summit of Gunung Ciremai.
Approximately 80 km from Bekasi, this national park offers stunning views, rich biodiversity, and well-maintained hiking routes to both Gunung Gede and Gunung Pangrango.
Located about 50 km from Bekasi, Kampung Damar offers various trekking paths through beautiful landscapes and local villages.
Just 60 km from Bekasi, it provides scenic views and easy hiking trails suitable for beginners and families.
Situated around 70 km from Bekasi, Gunung Salak offers several trails with stunning views and lush vegetation, popular among both novice and experienced hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bekasi through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Bekasi by plane.
Located in Cengkareng, about 30 km west of Bekasi, it is the largest and busiest airport in Indonesia.
Situated approximately 20 km from Bekasi, it primarily serves domestic flights and some international flights.
Located in Aceh, while not in the immediate vicinity of Bekasi, it is one of the major international airports in Indonesia.
Situated in Bali, it serves as a major international gateway to Indonesia, though it is further away from Bekasi.
Located in Surabaya, it is another major international airport in Indonesia, but also not very close to Bekasi.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Bekasi, known for their rich culture and traditions.
A significant ethnic group in West Java, prominent in Bekasi, noted for their unique customs and language.
A minority group in Bekasi, often involved in trade and business, contributing to the local economy.
An ethnic group from North Sumatra, they have settled in Bekasi and added to the cultural diversity.
Known for their matrilineal society, this group has a presence in Bekasi, engaging in various professions.
Though primarily from Bali, some Balinese have migrated to Bekasi, enriching the cultural landscape.
The Soul of Bekasi
Discover the essence of Bekasi through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Bekasi, with numerous local clubs and a strong community following.
Badminton is widely played in Bekasi, both recreationally and competitively, with many local tournaments.
Basketball enjoys a growing popularity in Bekasi, especially among the youth, with many courts and teams.
Volleyball is popular in schools and local communities, often played in parks and recreational areas.
Various forms of martial arts, including Pencak Silat, are practiced widely in Bekasi, promoting both sport and cultural heritage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bekasi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Bekasi predominantly features meat-based dishes, many eateries offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives, such as Tofu Satay, Sayur Lodeh, and Gado-Gado. Additionally, several restaurants are accommodating and willing to customize meals to suit dietary preferences.
Locating specifically gluten-free options might pose a challenge, as Indonesian cuisine heavily uses soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients. However, fresh fruits, vegetables, and rice-based dishes can be viable gluten-free choices. It's advisable to communicate dietary restrictions clearly when dining out to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Bekasi with these cultural adventures.
