February 14, 2025
JAKARTA – Many of the best things in life are better experienced with a loved one or a friend. But when that isn’t possible, have you ever considered just doing things on your own?
“If you have the power to eat alone in a restaurant or sit alone in the cinema, then you can do anything in your life,” goes the widely shared quote supposedly said by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Going out alone may feel awkward or intimidating to some, but there’s an empowering sense of freedom that comes from embracing new experiences on your own. You can enjoy activities at your own pace and truly appreciate your peaceful time to yourself.
Here are five types of solo dates that I’ve gone on with myself when I want to enjoy some immersive me-time.
1. From books to big screens
Your output is only as good as your input, so what better way is there to spend your solo time than to immerse yourself in a good book or get drawn into a compelling movie?
Enjoying media is inherently personal. Have you ever watched an IMAX movie alone on a random Wednesday night? Trust me, it’s a transcendent experience (this is how I did my Dune: Part Two rewatch). Just you and the story in front of you, pure tranquility.
For cinephiles, you probably have your go-to theaters, but why not shake things up and check out a local film festival? Jakarta hosts several each year, including Jakarta Film Week, Jakarta International Film Festival and Jakarta Independent Film Festival, great places to discover hidden gems and indie films you won’t find in mainstream theaters.
If reading is more your style, Jakarta has a few cozy libraries and public spaces worth visiting. Taman Ismail Marzuki has a massive public library with a relaxing atmosphere and a vast book selection.
In South Jakarta, you’ll find Foreword Library, a charming spot nestled in the trendy Cilandak area. And if you’re interested in Japanese literature, the Japan Foundation Library near Senayan MRT station offers an extensive collection, for free.
2. Theme parks and beyond
I love roller coasters, but waiting in line is a pain. Luckily, solo riders usually get express entry to rides to fill out empty seats.
Ever considered going solo to an amusement park like Dunia Fantasi or Taman Mini? Now might be the time, you can skip the wait and maximize the fun.
If high-adrenaline rides aren’t your thing, you can opt for something more laid-back. Try visiting a zoo, like Taman Margasatwa Ragunan, or an aquarium, like BXSea, where you can take your time exploring the exhibits at your own pace.
3. Walk, wander, wonder
I indulge in solo explorations across Jakarta from time to time, visiting niche thrift stores in Blok M or enjoying the vibrant food scene of SCBD, walking from one place to another in close proximity to MRT stations.
Despite the solitude, you don’t really feel alone. You slow down enough to appreciate the city, notice little details you’d normally miss, and interact with locals in a way you wouldn’t if you were with a group.
If you prefer being on the move rather than staying still, then walking tours might be right up your alley. Jakarta is vast and chances are you haven’t seen everything that the city has to offer. Walking tours help fix this and offer a unique experience that teaches you about history.
Communities like Jakarta Good Guide or Walk Indies help people explore the nooks and crannies of Jakarta. If you’re interested in learning neat new things about the city, give walking tours a go.
4. Hands-on happiness
If you’re the type who enjoys using your hands to create something, why not give craft workshops a shot?
Places like Kina Art Studio offer a variety of fun classes that flex your creativity. Whether it be pottery, kintsugi (‘golden repair art’ or repairing broken pottery), ceramic painting or tufting, these workshops are a productive use of your time. And you get to go home with a cute little souvenir that you made yourself.
I’ve dabbled in a bit of kintsugi through these types of workshops, and there’s something deeply gratifying about creating work with your bare hands. Maybe we have a primal need to create.
Other venues for this type of crafty solo date include Bartega Studio, Ganara Art Space, Tanakita Ceramics or Naami Scents Academy.
5. Fairs, conventions and all things fun
We all have hobbies, and more often than not, those interests have exhibitions or conventions dedicated to them.
Love cars? Check out the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show or Indonesia International Motor Show. Into fashion? There’s Jakarta Sneaker Day, Jakarta Clothing Expo, and Brightspot Market. A comic book fan? Don’t miss the Jakarta Toys and Comics Fair.
For every niche interest, there’s an event, where going solo is not only acceptable, I’d even argue it’s more fun.
I’ve spent an ungodly amount of time by myself perusing the offerings at the Big Bad Wolf Book Fair. You get to revel in your interests among like-minded people, and you can spend as much time as you want without any worries.
It’s not very often that two people share the same level of passion for a certain hobby, sometimes even sharing a hobby might not be on the cards. So going to a celebratory event, like a convention for your hobby, is surprisingly perfect as a solo endeavor.
Aqraa Sagir is a writer for The Jakarta Post’s Creative Desk. He’s chronically online in the hope it would be a useful asset for the job.