Jakarta. Jakarta's famous spots, like Ancol amusement park and beach, Ragunan Zoo, and historic Kota Tua, are buzzing with visitors during the Isra Mi'raj and Chinese New Year long weekend. Tens of thousands are expected to enjoy the festivities and attractions in the city.

Approximately 40,000 visitors flocked to the Ancol area in North Jakarta on the first day of the extended holiday on Thursday. By the end of the long weekend, Ancol aims to host around 300,000 visitors.

"We estimate that Saturday will be the day with the highest visits during this extended holiday," Ariyadi Eko Nugroho, Corporate Communication of Pembangunan Jaya Ancol, said on Thursday. 

Marking the Chinese New Year 2024 festivities, Ancol is organizing the 'Ancol Lunar Fest 2024' scheduled from Feb. 8 to Feb. 11. 2024. Eko highlighted Ancol's tradition of hosting special events to elevate Chinese New Year celebrations. This year, the Ancol Lunar Festival promises diverse attractions, including lion dance performances, traditional dances, and music festivals.

On Thursday afternoon, the Ancol tourist area is bustling with activity, and there are no signs of traffic jams. Many visitors are enjoying the evening at Ancol Beach, gathering with their families.

Aside from Ancol Beach, visitors can also witness special Chinese New Year events and explore other attractions, such as Sea World Aquarium, Atlantis Water Park, and Dunia Fantasi Amusement Park.

Meanwhile, Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta welcomed thousands of tourists from various regions on Thursday (8/2/2024). The zoo has increased its personnel to anticipate the surge in visitors.

"The number of tourist visits during this Isra Mi'raj national holiday has significantly increased compared to regular days and weekends," Wahyudi Bambang, the Public Relations Officer of Ragunanm Zoo.

On regular days, Taman Margasatwa Ragunan usually sees 3,000 to 5,000 visitors; on weekends, the number can reach 10,000 to 20,000. On Thursday, the data showed a spike in visits, reaching nearly 28,000 tourists from various regions.

To handle the surge in visits during this long weekend, Taman Margasatwa Ragunan collaborated with the police to ensure smooth traffic flow around the Ragunan area.

Additionally, Taman Margasatwa Ragunan added lanterns and special decorations to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2024, providing an extra festive atmosphere for visitors.

"This is a special moment for us, just like other religious holidays such as Eid and Christmas," he added.

In another part of Jakarta, the historically rich tourist destination, Kota Tua, is projected to experience an increase in the number of visitors during the long weekend.

Amat Kusaini Al Alexs, the Coordinator of Tour Guides at Kota Tua Jakarta, said on regular days, the average number of visitors to Kota Tua is around 1,500, reaching up to 2,500 on weekends. "Today, it has increased by about 2,000 people from the usual," he said on Thursday.

The potential increase in visitors to Kota Tua Jakarta over the next few days remains uncertain regarding numbers, but Alex expects an average increase of around 150 percent during this long weekend.

Tourists from various places in Jabodetabek and beyond are seen flocking to spend their leisure time in Kota Tua. They engage in various activities, from taking selfies in front of museums to renting vintage bicycles for exploration and enjoying local snacks around the museums.

Moreover, inside the Fatahillah Museum, visitors show enthusiasm for exploring, including getting a closer look at the underground prison that bears witness to the prisoners of the Dutch colonial era.

The oldest temple in Jakarta, Vihara Dharma Bakti in Glodok, West Jakarta, remains quiet as it approaches the Chinese New Year. Ayn. the 45-year-old caretaker of the temple said the atmosphere in the temple, built in 1650, is likely to change on Saturday. "It might get crowded tomorrow or the day after because it's the celebration (Chinese New Year)," said Ayn on Thursday.

At the location, some visitors were engaged in worship in one of the Dhammasalas, places of worship accessible to the general public. Many of them, predominantly seniors, were burning incense for worship.

Outside the Dhammasala, a few people made offerings to ancestors, consisting of various foods, and performed the burning of cardboard boxes containing clothes, money, and other items.