Stand on Jl. Pemuda in Old Depok and you can trace the city's beginnings in a single street: colonial-era homes, a church whose bell was cast in 1675, and a community descended from the families freed in Cornelis Chastelein's will. This is the quieter, older face of a city better known as a commuter belt south of Jakarta.
Depok suits travellers who are already in Greater Jakarta and want a half-day or full-day detour rather than a long-stay destination. It rewards an interest in colonial history, religious architecture and campus life, and it works well combined with the shopping and theme-park side of the city.
1. Old Depok
Old Depok is the area south of the modern city that is considered the foundation of Depok, established by Cornelis Chastelein as a native Christian congregation named DEPOC. It is inhabited by the descendants of Christianised former slave families who inherited his land after his death in 1714, known today as Belanda Depok because of their ability to speak Dutch.
Come here for the old colonial-era homes and other buildings, which give the area its distinct character. It pairs naturally with the church on the same street, so plan to see both in one walk.
2. GPIB Immanuel
GPIB Immanuel on Jl. Pemuda No.70 is an old church dating back to the year Cornelis died, and its church bell was built in 1675. It is the single oldest surviving detail you can see in the city.
Visit as part of your walk through Old Depok rather than as a standalone trip. Note the contact details if you need to check access in advance: +62 21 752285, fax +62 21 7721033, gpibimmanueldepok@yahoo.com.
3. Golden Dome Mosque
Officially known as the Dian Al-Mahri Mosque, this mosque was built by Hj. Dian Djuriah Maimun Al Rashid, a businesswoman from Banten, and opened in 2006. It has five domes, one main dome and four small domes, representing the five pillars of Islam.
The entire dome is coated with gold two to three millimetres thick and decorated with crystal mosaics, which is the mosque's most distinctive feature. Dress and behave as you would at any active place of worship.
4. University of Indonesia Campus
Cycling, walking and jogging at the University of Indonesia Campus are common recreational activities during weekends in Depok. It is the city's best-known green space for casual exercise.
Go at the weekend, when the campus fills with locals doing the same. On Sundays there is a market just outside the campus where you can buy cheap things, from food to CDs and from clothes to utensils, so combine the two.
5. Trans Studio Cibubur Theme Park
Trans Studio Cibubur Theme Park on Jl. Alternatif Cibubur-Jonggol (Transyogi), Harjamukti, Kec. Cimanggis, Kota Depok, has 14 rides, including Zombie Wars, a haunted house that faces laser games, a former Boomerang Coaster from Knott's Berry Farm, and two indoor roller coasters.
The complex also includes a shopping mall and a hotel, so you can build a full day around it without leaving the site. It is the obvious choice if you are travelling with children or want a wet-weather option.
6. Sawangan Golf Hotel & Resort
The golf course at Sawangan Golf Hotel & Resort opened in 1973 and is an 18-hole, par 72 course. It is part of a large resort and has good views of a lake.
This is the pick for a slower day, and the lake views are the reason to linger after your round. Book ahead if you want to play rather than just use the resort.
7. Alun Alun Depok
Alun Alun Depok, also known as Depok Square, is equipped with sports facilities including a basketball court, futsal, skateboard, wall climbing, BMX arena, children's playground, fish pond and fountain.
It works as an easy late-afternoon stop, especially with children, since the playground and the various courts cover different ages and energy levels. Combine it with a nearby mall or market for dinner.
8. Godongijo Conservation and Education Park
Godongijo Conservation and Education Park is located in Depok and provides children and teachers alike the ability to get up close and personal with nature. It is aimed squarely at younger visitors and school groups.
Allow a relaxed half-day here rather than squeezing it between other stops. It is a sensible alternative to the theme park if you want something calmer.
9. Depok Fantasi Waterpark
Depok Fantasi Waterpark is one of the city's children's amusement parks. It is a straightforward option for families looking to fill a hot afternoon.
Bring a change of clothes and treat it as a half-day rather than a quick stop. Pair it with Alun Alun Depok if you want to keep the day close by.
10. Taman Pemuda Pratama
Taman Pemuda Pratama is another of Depok's children's amusement parks, listed alongside the waterpark and Pondok Zidane.
It suits families who want a shorter, lower-key outing than a full theme park. Check locally before setting out, as small parks like this can change their arrangements.
11. Pondok Zidane
Like Taman Pemuda Pratama, it is best treated as a flexible filler for a family day rather than a headline attraction.
12. Depok's shopping centres
Depok has a growing eclectic collection of malls and traditional markets. Notable shopping centres include Depok Town Square, commonly referred to as DeTos, Margo City, Pesona Square, Depok Town Center, City Plaza Depok, Cinere Mall, Cinere Bellevue Mall, Cimanggis Square, Trans Studio Mall Cibubur and The Park Sawangan shopping mall. Older malls and other notable centres include D'mall Depok, Ciplaz Depok, SixtyOne Building and ITC Depok.
Use these for air-conditioned breaks between outdoor sights, and for the wide presence of local restaurants and international chains. Trans Studio Mall Cibubur is the obvious pairing with the theme park next door.
13. Depok's traditional markets
The traditional markets include Pasar Depok Baru, Pasar Depok Lama (short: Pasar Lama), Pasar Kemiri, Pasar PAL, Pasar Agung, Pasar Musi, Pasar Cisalak and Pasar Majapahit. Pasar Kemiri was originally expanded to facilitate the move of Pasar Lama traders.
Go in the morning for the fullest stalls and the most everyday atmosphere. These are working markets rather than visitor attractions, so come with patience and small change.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start in Old Depok, walking the colonial-era streets and visiting GPIB Immanuel on Jl. Pemuda No.70. Follow it with a traditional market such as Pasar Depok Baru or Pasar Depok Lama for breakfast and a look at daily life.
Afternoon: Move on to the Golden Dome Mosque, then spend the rest of the afternoon at the University of Indonesia Campus, walking or cycling. If your visit falls on a Sunday, time it so you also catch the market just outside the campus.
Evening: Finish at Alun Alun Depok for the fountain and playground as the light drops, then eat at one of the shopping centres, such as Depok Town Square or Margo City.
When is the best time of year to visit Depok?
Depok has a tropical rainforest climate with a wet season usually between May and September and a dry season usually between October and April. Plan outdoor sights such as Old Depok and the campus for the drier months if you can.
What can I do in Depok on a weekend?
Cycling, walking and jogging at the University of Indonesia Campus are common recreational activities during weekends. On Sundays there is also a market just outside the campus selling food, CDs, clothes and utensils.
Is Depok a good place to visit with children?
Yes. The city has several children's amusement parks, including Depok Fantasi Waterpark, Taman Pemuda Pratama and Pondok Zidane, as well as Godongijo Conservation and Education Park and the playground and sports facilities at Alun Alun Depok.
What language is spoken in Depok?
Betawi language is the regional language most widely used in Depok, in the Betawi Ora dialect locally known as bahasa Depok. Because of the large number of immigrants from across Indonesia, the lingua franca is Indonesian.
Decide which of these fits your days, check the practical details for the ones you choose, and start building your Depok itinerary.