Things To Do
in Depok
Depok is a bustling city on the southern edge of the Greater Jakarta metropolitan area, known for its mix of residential neighborhoods, university life, and growing commercial corridors. It houses a large student population centred around Universitas Indonesia, which gives parts of the city a lively, youthful atmosphere. Depok blends urban development with pockets of green space, traditional markets and family-run eateries serving Sundanese and Betawi-influenced cuisine.
While convenient to Jakarta and Bogor, visitors should expect traffic during peak hours and a practical, down-to-earth local vibe rather than touristy attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Depok Town Square, where you can enjoy a traditional Indonesian breakfast at a local warung. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the adjacent parks to appreciate the lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Don't forget to capture some photos of the iconic Depok Monument that stands proudly in the square.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby University of Indonesia campus, which features stunning architecture and serene gardens. Take a guided tour or explore the campus on your own, soaking in the academic atmosphere. Stop by the university's museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
As the sun sets, head to the vibrant culinary scene at Jalan Margonda Raya, where you can sample local street food delicacies. Choose from a variety of stalls offering everything from satay to fried tofu, all bursting with flavor. Enjoy your meal at an outdoor café, soaking in the lively ambiance of the city.
Start your day by visiting the beautiful Vihara Dharma Bhakti temple, known for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. Participate in a morning meditation session, allowing yourself to connect with the local spiritual practices. Afterward, enjoy some light refreshments available at the temple’s small café.
In the afternoon, make your way to the nearby Cibubur Junction to explore the local handicrafts and souvenirs. Engage with local artisans and learn about traditional craftsmanship, while also picking up unique items to take home. Savor a traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant, featuring local specialties such as Nasi Goreng and Gado-Gado.
As evening approaches, immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a Balinese dance performance at a cultural center. Marvel at the colorful costumes and rhythmic movements, which tell stories of ancient folklore. After the show, enjoy a late dinner at a local restaurant, where you can reflect on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $1.50-4 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3.50 |
| 🚇One-way KRL commuter train | $0.20-0.90 |
| 🚕Short Grab/Gojek ride | $1-5 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Jakarta and Bogor — convenient base for exploring West Java and the capital.
- Lively student and café scene around Universitas Indonesia with affordable food and entertainment.
- Easy access to commuter rail (KRL) and ride-hailing for local travel.
- Strong local food culture with many inexpensive options.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours can make travel slow.
- Limited traditional tourist attractions within the city compared with Jakarta or Bogor.
- Air quality and noise can be issues in some urban zones.
- Flooding risk in low-lying areas during heavy rains.
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Permisi" - Excuse me / May I get by?
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much does this cost?
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
- "Di mana toilet?" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Depok
Visit one of these nice places.
Shady tree-lined avenues, iconic campus architecture and small lakes make this a prime location for environmental portraiture and wide-angle campus shots (respect campus rules).
A lively boulevard with neon signs, street vendors and student crowds—good for candid street photography and night scenes.
Markets offer colorful produce, spice stalls, and dynamic human-interest scenes; early mornings provide the best light and activity.
Within driving distance, pine groves and misty mornings create atmospheric landscape opportunities for sunrise and nature photography.
Small parks and public squares are good for capturing everyday life—children playing, vendors and local gatherings.
Food in Depok
Depok Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Sundanese-style plate of steamed rice served with fried chicken or fish, fresh raw vegetables (lalapan) and spicy sambal — easy to find at roadside warungs and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
Indonesian meatball soup sold at carts and small shops across Depok; try it with noodles, tofu and a squeeze of lime at popular stalls near campuses and markets.
A fragrant, comforting broth-based soup with meat, herbs and sometimes coconut milk (for Soto Betawi) — widely available for lunch or late-night meals.
Chicken noodle bowls served by many street vendors and simple eateries around Margonda and commuter stations — cheap and filling.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional market where you can find fresh produce, local snacks (kue basah), grilled fish stalls and small food kiosks; ideal for morning visits to see local life.
Margonda is the city’s main artery and lined with food carts, bakso stalls, and cafés popular with students — great for sampling street eats and late-night bites.
A busy market zone with numerous warungs serving homestyle meals and snacks; authentic, budget-friendly and vibrant.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly in public, especially at religious sites and conservative neighborhoods; short sleeves are fine in most urban areas but avoid very revealing clothing.
A friendly handshake is common among men; a light nod or placing a hand over the chest is appropriate for more formal or conservative greetings. Use polite language and avoid raising your voice.
Respect prayer times and avoid entering mosques during services unless invited; during Ramadan, be discreet about eating in public in conservative areas during fasting hours.
Remove shoes when entering someone’s home and some traditional establishments; follow host cues.
Safety
Tipping in Depok
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Indonesia; small tips (5–10% or rounding up) are appreciated in restaurants and for helpful service. For taxis and drivers, rounding up is common; for tour guides and porters, modest tips are customary for good service.
Cash in Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is widely used for small purchases and street food. Credit cards are accepted at malls, hotels and many restaurants, but not at most warungs and markets. Mobile payment/QR codes and ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab) are popular for transport and deliveries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect sunnier days, lower humidity and clearer skies—good conditions for outdoor activities and photography, but bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Frequent heavy afternoon and evening rains are common, with occasional flooding in low-lying areas and slower travel times—carry a light raincoat and plan indoor alternatives.
Weather can be unpredictable with alternating sunny and rainy days; pollen and humidity can rise, so check forecasts before hiking or planning day trips.
Depok at Night
Hiking in Depok
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular pine-forest area near Bogor offering short hikes, picnic spots and scenic natural scenery — ideal for half-day trips from Depok.
A more challenging multi-day trekking destination within West Java for experienced hikers; accessible by car from Depok with a longer travel time and required permits.
Larger conservation area with rainforest trails, waterfalls and biodiversity — suitable for organized hikes and nature tours rather than spontaneous outings.
Airports
How to reach Depok by plane.
Jakarta's main international airport, approximately 45–70 minutes to Depok by car depending on traffic; accessible via taxi, private transfer or combination of airport train and KRL commuter lines.
A smaller airport serving some domestic flights and private aircraft, closer to Depok in South-East Jakarta; reachable by taxi or ride-hailing in around 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of Depok's population is students attending Universitas Indonesia and other institutions, contributing to a youthful, energetic atmosphere in certain neighborhoods.
Indigenous Sundanese and migrant Javanese communities form much of the local cultural and linguistic background, influencing food, customs and community life.
Many residents commute to Jakarta for work; Depok also hosts family-oriented residential neighborhoods with local markets, schools and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally — local pitches, futsal centers and street games are common; matches draw enthusiastic fans.
A national favorite across Indonesia, with many indoor courts and clubs for recreational and competitive play.
Small-sided indoor football is hugely popular among students and young adults, with many rented courts across the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Depok.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in the form of vegetable dishes, tempeh, tofu and vegetable stir-fries; ask for no fish sauce or shrimp paste when ordering to ensure dishes are fully vegetarian.
Vegan choices exist but require care—request no egg, dairy or fish products and favor dishes with tempeh, tofu, vegetables and rice; many modern cafés offer vegan snacks.
Most restaurants in Depok serve halal food due to the predominantly Muslim population; look for halal certificates in mid-range and larger establishments if you need confirmation.
Gluten-free options are limited in traditional street food; rice-based dishes are usually safe, but check noodle dishes and sauces for wheat-containing ingredients.