Dunia Fantasi Jakarta: Theme Park Therapy Before an Exam (What Could Go Wrong?)

11:21 PM

I went to Dunia Fantasi (Dufan), Ancol the day before 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.”

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.

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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