SEAcret Spots & Pasalubong: My Indonesian Adventure Unpacked

My first stop in Indonesia was Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. HAMKA (FKIP) in Jakarta. From the outside, the building looked classic, painted in green and white. But inside? It was a surprise! The classrooms were modern, with updated technology perfect for teaching and learning. The environment was peaceful, with free wifi everywhere and lots of resources for students. I loved how clean and organized everything was—especially the dorms, thanks to the hardworking non-teaching staff. The parking was orderly, and everyone we met was so friendly and approachable.

Next, we visited the National Museum in Jakarta. This place is full of stories about how Indonesian culture began. You can really feel how much they love and preserve their history. We also went into a 3D art museum inside—so much fun! The artifacts were amazing, and everything was very clean.

Then, we saw the National Monument (MONAS). The architecture and design of this tower are stunning! There’s even a museum underneath it. The area around MONAS is also great for buying oleh-oleh (souvenirs or pasalubong). Let’s just say we enjoyed spending our Rupiah there—a little too much!

Another stop was the UHAMKA Boarding School in Jongol. The ride there was an adventure—the road was remote and felt deep in the province. But the view was incredible! Jonggol is an elevated area in the mountains, and it reminded me of Baguio in the Philippines. It was cold, especially at night. The place was so quiet and serene, and you could see the city lights from afar. It was peaceful and beautiful.

Our last highlight was Taman Mini. This place is HUGE! We only had half a day there, and I really regret that—you need a full day to explore it properly. Taman Mini showcases the diverse cultures of Indonesia all in one park. We visited different areas representing each region and even rode a cable car with my friends! It was tiring but worth it for the museums and beautiful views. Sadly, the Komodo museum was tutup (closed) that day, so I didn’t get to see the Komodo dragon—something I really wanted to experience in Indonesia.

Overall, my travels in Indonesia were full of beauty, culture, and fun surprises.