Perfect Views, So-So Food? I Tried Batu's Viral Skydome For You
qponx
2026-03-05
Curious about the viral Skydome in Batu? This rooftop spot offers breathtaking 360-degree mountain views, making it a top choice for sunset photos. While the ambiance is incredible, the food and service can be a gamble. Discover which Chinese dishes are worth ordering, like the Hainanese Chicken Rice, and get essential tips on booking, timing, and navigating the minimum spend. This guide helps you decide if the million-dollar view is worth the price for a trendy hangout.
That Skydome in Batu that's been blowing up my feed lately, the hype is so real it made me curious too. It's on the rooftop of the Kimpton Hotel, and just that location alone sparks the imagination. As soon as the elevator doors open, you're hit with this huge glass dome and a 360-degree mountain view. Honestly, when the evening light streams in, any photo you take looks like a cinematic masterpiece[1]. The vibe is maxed out, no wonder all the influencers from across Indonesia come here to check in.
The view is god-tier, but the food...
Sitting down to look at the menu, it's mainly Chinese food, with a bit of a lounge feel. A few of us went, so we tried several things.
I have to admit, a few dishes were truly Mantap! That Hainanese Chicken Rice[2] was really good. Both the chicken and duck were incredibly tender, the sauce was amazing, and I could eat three bowls of it mixed with the rice! The Cereal Chicken (Ayam Goreng Gandum)[3] is also worth ordering. The aroma of salted egg yolk and curry leaves coats the chicken strips, making them crispy, delicious, and great with drinks.
We originally wanted to try the Hot Pot (Steamboat)[4] that many people recommend, but when we went on a public holiday, it was sold out... Anjay! A reminder to my girls, if you want to eat this, it's best to ask about it when you book.
But to be honest, aside from these highlights, the other dishes were a bit... emmm... The flavors were safe, but for the price, the value for money wasn't that great[5]. It feels like most people come here to Nongkrong and chill, with eating being secondary.
Hold on, let me tell you the downsides
Speaking of price, everyone should be mentally prepared. There's a minimum spend, about 100k-150k Rupiah per person[6], and on top of that, there's a 21% tax and service charge. When you add it all up, it definitely hurts the wallet a bit. Frankly, a large part of what you're paying for with this meal is the view.
The service is also really hard to put into words; it's a total gamble. There are tons of posts online complaining about slow and unprofessional service[7], and I also felt the staff was a bit overwhelmed; it took forever to get their attention. But luckily, I've also seen people who were taken care of very well by specific staff members[8], for example, a girl named Cleo received a ton of praise. So... good luck everyone!
Pro Tips to Avoid Disappointment! Here you go!
Alright, complaints aside, for all you girls who want to take beautiful photos, your big sis's guide is here, so save it now!
Overall, if you ask me whether it's worth going? If you're going specifically for the food, there are plenty of better options in Surabaya. But if you're looking for a place in Batu to enjoy the view, take photos, and hang out with friends, this is definitely a top-tier choice. After all, paying for this million-dollar mountain view once in a while is okay, right? 😉
- Book! Book! Book! Important things must be said three times. You must book 1-2 days in advance[9], especially on weekends and public holidays, or you'll most likely make the trip for nothing.
- Golden Hour: The best time to arrive is around 5 PM. Grab a good spot to watch the gorgeous sunset and the city lights come on. 100% success rate for great photos! If the weather is good, the view is unbeatable.
- Smart Ordering: Before you order, ask what's sold out! The hot pot and Hong Kong-style noodles we wanted were both sold out, which was a real bummer[10]. A note for foreign friends, the menu is mostly in Indonesian, so you can do some homework beforehand or just ask the staff for recommendations.
- Time Awareness: During peak hours, there might be a 2-hour dining limit[11], so don't just focus on taking pictures. Eat and drink up, and don't go over your time!
- Skydome: Kimpton's rooftop glass dome with 360° mountain views. Golden hour light creates cinematic shots. The vibe is immaculate [1].
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: Unbelievably tender chicken and duck. The addictive sauce will have you wanting three bowls of rice [2].
- Cereal Chicken (Ayam Goreng Gandum): Crispy chicken with fragrant salted egg yolk and curry leaves. A perfect beer snack [3].
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