Laura Khairunnisa
Google
We’ve visited Jakarta Aquarium Safari several times (about once or twice a year) and it has become our go-to spot in the city to entertain our kids. The attraction is fully indoor inside Neo Soho Mall, which makes it a reliable choice no matter the weather, and it’s stroller-friendly with elevators connecting the two levels. Our children love it because beyond the aquarium displays, there are so many activities throughout the day — animal feedings, penguin shows, mermaid shows, sea lion feedings, and even a penguin parade that’s especially cute and worth waiting for if the timing allows. The activities are spread across different areas every hour, so it helps to wait at least 15 minutes before the scheduled show to get a good spot, as it does get crowded.
We usually buy tickets in advance through Tiket.com since it’s often cheaper with promotions and faster at entry thanks to the special line for online bookings; buying onsite usually means long queues. Weekdays are the best time to visit because the crowd is manageable and you can enjoy more shows, while weekends are often too crowded to fully appreciate the experience.
The visit typically lasts one to two hours, and there’s even a restaurant on site — Pingoo — where you can dine next to the penguin habitat. The food itself is very average and on the pricey side (around IDR 100–150k per person), but dining there gives you the option to feed the penguins and have your photo taken. Do note that photos, whether from feeding activities or restaurant sessions, come with extra charges, which can make the day more expensive than expected. Inside the aquarium there are also snack stalls selling popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream, but outside food is not allowed. Facilities include bathrooms that are functional though not spotless, and staff stationed around the touch-animal zones to maintain safety.
Overall, Jakarta Aquarium Safari offers good value for the ticket price itself, with plenty of animal shows and feeding opportunities to keep kids engaged. The hidden costs come mainly from photos and add-on activities, but if you manage expectations, it’s a fun and memorable outing. Our kids especially loved the penguin feeding and the photo spot tunnel in the lower level, which changes monthly with creative decorations. It’s best for families with children aged three and up, though toddlers can still enjoy parts of it. We’ll definitely return, but we always aim for weekday mornings to get the best experience with fewer crowds.
