Located 60km from Jakarta, this Indonesian city has Southeast Asia's largest botanical gardens. Its universities and the grand Istiqlal Mosque draw visitors and students from across Indonesia.
Bogor sits 60 kilometers south of Jakarta at the foot of Mount Salak and Mount Gede. The city receives daily rain showers, which keep its temperature 3-5 degrees cooler than Jakarta's. You can walk through the 87-hectare Botanical Garden with its giant fig trees and rare orchids, explore the 17th-century Hok Tek Bio temple, browse fresh produce at Pasar Baru market, or take day trips to watch tea picking at Gunung Mas Tea Estate and swim at Nymph Waterfall.
Getting to Bogor
You can reach Bogor from Jakarta by train, which takes about an hour from Jakarta Kota station to Bogor station. The red commuter line runs every 15-30 minutes throughout the day. If you're driving, take the Jagorawi Freeway - the trip typically takes 70 minutes without traffic. Many visitors also come by bus from Jakarta, Bandung, and other major cities.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Bogor receives more rainfall than most cities in West Java, with an average of 1700mm annually and up to 3500mm in some areas. December through February sees the heaviest rainfall. The city sits 290 meters above sea level, resulting in temperatures that stay cooler than Jakarta year-round. Plan morning activities since afternoon rain is common, even during the dry season.
The Botanical Gardens
Walk among more than 6,000 tropical plant species across 87 hectares. The glass house contains rare orchids from across Indonesia, while giant water lilies float in the garden ponds. Look up to spot some of the 42 bird species that live in the canopy. The gardens open daily, with entrance fees of 15,500 IDR on weekdays and 25,500 IDR on weekends.
Presidential Palace Complex
The 28-hectare palace grounds include 1.8 hectares of colonial-era buildings with white-painted walls and tall windows typical of 19th-century Dutch architecture. A group of deer grazes freely in the palace park. While the palace serves as one of the president's residences, you can visit parts of the grounds most of the year with advance permission.
Historical Buildings
The Bogor Cathedral, built in 1750, continues to hold regular Catholic services in its original stone building. At Hok Tek Bio temple, dating to 1672, red pillars and curved roof tiles reflect traditional southern Chinese architectural style. These buildings remain active places of worship.
Local Food Scene
Sample Bogor's signature dishes: asinan (pickled fruits and vegetables in peanut sauce) and tauge goreng (stir-fried bean sprouts with yellow noodles). The city's traditional markets sell fresh produce from surrounding farmland, where farmers grow rice, corn, cassava, and peanuts.
Research and Education
IPB University leads agricultural research in Indonesia, with specialized centers studying tropical fruits, rice varieties, and livestock breeding. The campus spans several locations throughout Bogor, continuing the city's scientific tradition that began with Dutch colonial research institutes.
Getting Around
Local angkot (minibuses) run throughout the city - flag them down anywhere along their routes. Walking works well along the city's rivers and canals, especially in the morning. Grab and local taxi services provide convenient transport for longer trips.
