So, the rumors were true. Snow is to be found in this tropical island called Jakarta. Every “winter” season the Pondok Indah Mall decks its halls and prepares to host kids both expat and local in a Winter Wonderland of some sort.

The Winter Wonderland at PIM includes a snow playground, an ice skating rink, several photo shoot areas including a couple with Santa and nice wintery displays. We decided against the ice-skating rink since Evan is too young but my good friend Kaho visited it with her kids recently. So we opted for the snow playground since it basically looked toddler-friendly and the potential for disaster was minimal.

Source PIM Website

Ticket Booth

So we ventured to the bridge between PIM 1 and 2 and there it was. The ticket booth was readily accessible and we were able to pick among the different 30-minute sessions. The ticket was Rp. 65,000 since it was a holiday day. I only bought a ticket for Evan mistakenly since if you want to go in yourself you need one per person. So I stayed outside and just checked on him thru the windows.

The Snow Playground

Please note that Evan has never seen real snow. The one time we came close to anything remotely resembling snow was in Dream World in Bangkok and Evan cried most of the time. My goal this time was for him to at least not cry or run away. As soon as we entered the sitting area where you get your boots Evan had already taken his shoes of and chosen the boots he was going to wear. So I helped him get into his boots and encouraged to go in. Three seconds later my son was gone. He was running around and looking for a toy shovel to help him in his quest to build a snow castle!

Colorful Boots in all sizes

Since we don’t have any winter clothes I just dressed Evan in a nylon suit and that was enough. I just wish I had brought gloves for him since we do have them and at times I felt like he wished he had a pair on. They did sell them on the ticket booth but I didn’t want to buy gloves that I would only use for a bit.

Of course he had t go for the trucks!

Adult Boots

I will recommend you bring gloves with you!

Feels almost like the real thing

Evan had a great time running around. Sliding on the slide and just playing with the snow. The mall has about 5 people in the playground at any given time and they are very helpful helping the kids stand up if they fall and even help them play with the snow. Fresh “snow” is constantly being produced and the playground is very nice and clean.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a taste of winter in this hot equatorial city.

Tips

1. Buy one ticket for every person visiting. I really regretted not getting one for myself and wished I could play with Evan. Although I think he enjoyed his 30 minutes of independence.
2. There is no need to wear heavy winter apparel. It is a bit chilly but pants and a light jacket will do. Gloves are recommended. Do bring a change of clothes since they might get a big wet and need a wardrobe change.
3. The earlier the session the less crowded it will be.
4. Go before January 6 since that’s the last day, until next year.