The modern world is laden with myths and prophecies, and their role in the game is not to be underestimated. That might explain the rapid development of Kelapa Gading District. From being a relatively untouched swamp area, it is now a ‘super-district’ complete with luxurious facilities to fulfill every single need of its residents.

According to old Chinese beliefs, The Kelapa Gading district is said to be located in the ‘Dragon’s Head’. Many business entrepreneurs in Indonesia are of Chinese origin so they will co-relate its location with the belief that dragons are symbols of wealth. This also makes the area highly attractive to the property developers. The fact that this is an area extremely vulnerable to floods makes it even more enticing, for there is a Chinese belief that such areas equal prosperity and success for its dwellers.

Naturally, the Kelapa Gading sports a giant trade center and, unabashedly, quite a few shopping centers. The list of shopping options starts with the main Kelapa Gading Mall, known for its fabulous fashion collections. The Kelapa Gading Mall Shopping section is divided into even more sections such as ‘the catwalk’ for upscale boutiques, the ‘fashion hub’ for youth trends, and there’s even a special bridal section! After filling up your shopping bags, head to the La Piazza which leans more towards an entertainment-and-dining center for a movie or a treat.

If gobbling up a whole plate of steak – plus the desserts – makes you feel a little guilty, pay a visit to the The Kelapa Gading Sports Mall with its striking sporting facilities and equipments. The giant Artha Gading Mall is yet another option if the three previous choices do not particularly satisfy you.

Generally speaking, you can find almost anything in the exclusive shopping centers in Kelapa Gading, if you have the stamina to go through all of them in a day, that is.

The Kelapa Gading district is also sports and education-friendly. A number of sport facilities adorn the district, all with superb qualities. The most superior of all is the Kelapa Gading Sport Mall with its high quality basketball court. In fact, each housing complex in the district is bouncing with its very own basketball court. Meanwhile, the football enthusiasts can get a kick out of the indoor football field (futsal), located in AXC which is an automobile and sports center.

Due to its believed commercial value mentioned earlier, apartments are springing up like wild mushrooms in this district. The list of names includes The Paladian Park, The Summit, and The Kelapa Gading Square. They, along with others, will provide more than enough options for those looking for their next pad. But temporary accommodation is a fanciful dream as there is no hotel found here.

The living condition in the Kelapa Gading area itself can safely be described as orderly and upscale for the Indonesian standards. Orderly? In Jakarta ? Did I hear that right? Yes, in fact the Kelapa Gading district is probably one of the most decently-planned areas in Jakarta where cluster houses and peaceful housing complexes are equipped with modern security systems and everyday facilities such as hospitals and banks. International schools such as The Taiwan School and the North Jakarta International School (NJIS) help to choke up points for the already-popular area.

The Kelapa Gading district is simply a heaven for food. Not mentioning all the available food courts inside the malls, there is also the Gading Batavia Food Promenade in the Bukit Raya road with its old-china town looks and its highly-varied choice of food. Nearby the Batavia , an array of eateries in the Gading Bulevar road are also available for additional options. But the fun doesn’t stop there. There is still the Gading food city next to Kelapa Gading Mall. This fun, open-aired eating ground is a nice alternative from eating in the usual harshyly-litted and air-conditioned mall food courts.

A number of karaoke bars liven up the Kelapa gading Nightlife. Strange, but it seems that Karaoke is the sole option for night time entertainment in the district, aside from the odd cafes that are open till late. This is probably due to the fact that the Kelapa Gading mainly caters to businessmen and their families. Some of the well-know Karaoke places are the Happy Puppy in the Boulevard Raya Road and the Vista Family Karaoke in the Boulevard Barat Road.

Frankly, if you’re in Kelapa Gading, there is not much reason for you to go out of the district at all. Challenge yourself to climb up the Dragon’s Head, and from up there all is pretty clear.