I went to Dunia Fantasi (Dufan), Ancol the day before an exam.
Yes, I forgot I had an exam.
Yes, I forgot I had an exam.
No, I don’t regret it.
I prefer my panic with rollercoasters and a side of sunburn.
The chaos report
I arrived already underprepared (emotionally, academically, hydrologically).
Jakarta said “here’s 34°C with humidity,” and my mood said “final boss.”
Jakarta said “here’s 34°C with humidity,” and my mood said “final boss.”
My cousin tried to keep me cheerful while I negotiated with a corn-shaped snack like it was therapy.
(It worked. I’m simple.)
#1 Mascot psychology
Dufan’s mascot waved at me like he knew my academic crimes. I waved back like, “we don’t snitch, right?”
#2 Ride order, but make it anxious
- Halilintar: the coaster that shakes your unresolved issues loose like maracas.
- Hysteria: free fall = free therapy. I screamed so elegantly a pigeon left the city.
- Arung Jeram: you either accept being soaked or choose suffering. I chose chaos.
- Istana Boneka: I went “for the AC” and left resurrected by animatronic diplomacy.
#3 Weather vs. me (I lost)
The sun roasted me medium-well. Bad mood activated.
Sorry to my cousin for having to cheer a gremlin in SPF 50.
Sorry to my cousin for having to cheer a gremlin in SPF 50.
But they did make me happy because…
#4 BUBBLES.
They bought me bubbles. My forever weakness.
Yes, I’m an “old child.” No, I will not be taking questions.
#5 Cousin arc & redemption
My cousin tried to wake up from a heat nap; failed adorably.
I found more bubbles; morale restored.
I chose “sitting and blowing bubbles” over “walking on air.”
#6
Mood back online.
Fun achieved.
Photos happened.
#7 Exit through capitalism
Merch everywhere.
I considered adopting a plush I absolutely don’t need.
Growth is resisting. (I failed internally.)
Executive summary (for responsible people I will never be)
- Where: Dunia Fantasi, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Jakarta.
- Start with: Halilintar (coaster), Hysteria (drop), Arung Jeram (you will be soup).
- Cute detour: Istana Boneka (It’s Small World energy + AC. I cried; it was “allergies”).
- Bring: hat, SPF 50, water bottle, wet tissues, tiny towel, cashless pay, and a personality that forgives heat (mine does not).
- Timing: Go early. Jakarta sun has a villain arc.
NOTE: Do not negotiate with the sun. You will lose.
Why go the day before an exam?
Because joy isn’t a reward; it’s fuel. Also because denial is my primary study method.
I came home sun-stunned, sticky, and smiling, then studied like my future depended on caffeine (it did).
Verdict
Dufan is loud, earnest, a little chaotic, and somehow exactly what I needed: motion that shakes the dust off the week. If you see a tiny gremlin grinning at a carousel horse like it just told her a secret, that’s me.
I’m fine. (The exam? Also fine. Mostly. Don’t ask Hysteria.)
Ikkel
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