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Step Into the Upside Down: Exploring the Stranger Things Installation at M Bloc

The moment I stepped into Melting Pop at M Bloc, it felt like I had slipped into another dimension. The lights shifted into an eerie red glow, the air grew noticeably colder, and suddenly—Jakarta didn’t feel like Jakarta anymore.
This was Stranger Things: One Last Adventure in Jakarta, and from the very first second, it pulled me straight into the Upside Down.

Even at the entrance, tension hummed in the air. Flickering lights, sharp ambient sounds, and props crafted with jaw-dropping detail made it easy to forget I was still in M Bloc. Every corner felt alive—almost as if something was watching from behind those dark, crawling roots.

This wasn’t just an installation. It was a full-on immersive Stranger Things adventure. And IDN Times got the chance to explore it from end to end. Ready to dive in?

Welcome to Hawkins — For Real

Netflix went all out for this event, held ahead of the Stranger Things 5 release. Right at the entrance stood a giant structure with bold letters welcoming visitors to Hawkins—the small town we’ve only known through our screens, now suddenly towering over us in real life.

But as you move closer, the mood shifts dramatically.
Black vines creep across walls and floors, swallowing the familiar with a red pulsating glow. It felt like Hawkins had already been consumed by the Upside Down—leaving you hoping nothing would crawl out from those shadows.

Every Prop, Every Detail—Straight Out of the Series

Wandering deeper inside was a thrill. The details were downright meticulous:
Old-school TV sets, vintage radios, a sagging couch infected with dark roots—every item looked like it had been teleported straight from the set.

And then it happened—
I turned a corner and froze.

A massive Demogorgon sprawled across the wall, with skin texture so realistic it felt like it could lunge forward any second. Seeing it up close was equal parts terrifying and mesmerizing.

Arcade Bike: Outrun the Monsters

Just a few steps away, a crowd had formed. Cheers and laughter echoed as visitors lined up for one thing:
Arcade Bike—a virtual game where you race through the Upside Down and dodge monsters.

Curiosity won, and of course, I had to try it.

The moment I gripped the handlebars, everything around me disappeared. It was just me, a giant screen, and a frantic escape through the Upside Down’s twisted world. Every sharp turn spiked my adrenaline, making the experience unbelievably fun—and a little too real.

Easter Egg Hunt: Become a Hawkins Kid for a Day

The adventure didn’t stop there. Visitors were also given a mission:
Find four iconic items from the previous seasons, hidden across the installation.

The clues were cryptic—
A favorite breakfast.
A mind-controlling object.
A sailor’s uniform.
A secret society.

Some were tucked behind props, some blended with the red lighting, and others were hidden in spots that practically forced you to kneel, peek, or twist your head.

Searching for them felt like being part of the Hawkins gang, solving mysteries and scanning every corner for hidden danger. Anyone who completed the mission earned a collectible stamp postcard—a fun little reward that made the effort worth it.

Become a Hawkins Radio Host at the WSQK Photobox

Before leaving, I found one last gem:
A WSQK Radio Station-themed Photobox.

Designed like a classic 80s radio booth—with retro mics, chunky control panels, and studio lights—it captured the cozy chaos of Hawkins’ emergency broadcasts. Inside, you could pose like a frantic radio host sending distress codes across town or simply sit back like a cool DJ from the 80s.

The photos came out stylish and atmospheric, making it the perfect souvenir from this Upside Down adventure.

Last Chance to Visit!

If you’re a Stranger Things fan, this is one experience you absolutely cannot miss.
The installation at Melting Pop, M Bloc is FREE, but only runs until November 30, 2025.

So gather your party, grab your walkie-talkies, and step into the Upside Down—before the gate closes.

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