Indonesian food is “one of the most vibrant and colourful cuisines in the world, full of intense flavour,” as noted by the Australian Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) in one of its food articles. The archipelago’s claim to culinary fame probably resulted from its cultural and historical influences—from the Middle East, India, China, and all the way to Europe. 

Located along Leonard Street in Victoria Park, Dapur Van Java specialises in authentic Indonesian cuisine, using fresh ingredients to whip up time-honoured recipes. Its menu features a blend of classic Indonesian favourites and unique signature dishes that cater to both familiar and adventurous palates. With a diverse selection of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, this halal-certified establishment ensures an inclusive dining experience for all.

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The Museum of Perth offers an engaging look at the city’s social, cultural, political, and architectural history through permanent and temporary displays. Key exhibits include the restoration of the historical building Moana Chambers.

Elizabeth Quay, a waterfront entertainment and dining precinct next to the Swan River, offers an array of fun things to do in Perth at night. You can take a romantic sunset cruise on a Venetian gondola, stroll along the 1.5-kilometre boardwalk to take in its spectacular views, or explore the public art along the Quay. Travelling with kids? Hop over to the BHP Billiton Water Park to have some splashing good fun amidst the water choreography and colourful light display. 

At the Quay, you’ll find the famed Bell Tower—a glass spire specially built to house the centuries-old bells that once rang from Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church, the parish church of Buckingham Palace in London. The bells were gifted to the University of Western Australia, the City of Perth, and the people of Western Australia to mark Australia’s bicentenary in 1988. Hear the ancient bells chime every Thursday and Sunday from 12pm to 1pm. If you are up for it, you can even have a go at chiming the bells for a fee.

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Tantalising palates with its homestyle Indonesian dishes since 2001, Manise Café is just an eight-minute drive from Pan Pacific Perth and is certified halal by the Western Australia Halal Authority. While you are here, tuck into one of their best-selling items, Nasi Goreng—a fragrant fried rice dish that’s considered Indonesia’s national dish.

Have pockets of time for sightseeing? Stroll to the Perth Mosque and the Nostalgia Box nearby.

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The Perth Mosque, located just down the road from Manise Café, is the oldest Islamic place of worship in Perth. The mosque was built between 1905 and 1906 by the Afghan community in collaboration with Indian hawkers and merchants. Look for the beautiful ceiling in the main prayer room that imitates the design of a nomadic Afghan rug. As a Muslim traveller, you can visit the mosque to say your prayers during the prayer call times (adhan).

The Nostalgia Box, Australia’s only video game console museum, offers game-loving visitors a literal blast from the past. Featuring over 100 gaming consoles from the 1970s to the 2000s, the museum lets you play retro games such as Pong, Space Invaders, Super Mario Bros, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Crash Bandicoot.

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Savour authentic Malaysian street food at Satay on Charcoal, where their specialty dish is, well, satay. Small chunks of chicken and beef are marinated, placed on bamboo skewers, and patiently cooked over a charcoal grill. The result is a heavenly, smoky meat dish that delights the palate. Dip it in a special peanut sauce, and savour it with cucumbers, onions and rice cakes. 

An 11-minute drive on State Route 2 across the Swan River, this Muslim-owned restaurant also serves other Malaysian street food and guarantees that their food and drinks are halal according to Islamic principles. 

If you have half a day to explore, drop by Perth Zoo, located just seven minutes’ walk away from Satay on Charcoal. 

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The Perth Zoo is home to countless species of animals, from local favourites such as koalas, quokkas, and kangaroos to Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, and sun bears.