The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bogor – things to do and more

Welcome to the ultimate travel guide to Bogor, the city of a thousand waterfalls and lush greenery! Bogor is a well-known city in Indonesia, somewhere on a highland of Java, just about an hour away from the bustling metropolis of Jakarta. With its rich history as the former capital of Indonesia during Dutch colonial rule and its status as a popular retreat for Jakarta’s elites, Bogor is a city worth exploring.

Widely known as “Rain City” (Kota Hujan) for its high levels of rainfall, Bogor boasts a cooler climate compared to other Indonesian cities. However, there is much more to Bogor than just its cool weather and frequent rain.

In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey to explore the best things to do in Bogor, from visiting historical landmarks to indulging in local delicacies. Whether you are an adventurous explorer or a laid-back traveler, Bogor has something to offer everyone.

Where is Bogor

Bogor is a city located in West Java, Indonesia. It is situated on a highland, approximately 290 meters above sea level, and is just about an hour or 60 km away from the capital city Jakarta.

Bogor, West Java Map

Why visit Bogor

Bogor is the answer to escaping Jakarta for a day or even as a weekend getaway. Escape the heat and visit Bogor for its cooler climate.

Surrounded by mountains and forests, it offers a scenic trip with picturesque views. Bogor also has a rich cultural and historical heritage, being once the capital of Indonesia during the Dutch Colonial period. The Bogor Botanical gardens and animal safari make it a family-friendly destination. Bogor is also a popular destination for outdoor or adventure activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, and water sports.

Additionally, the city has vibrant street food scenes, traditional markets, and local shops selling unique handicrafts and souvenirs. In short, Bogor offers a mix of natural beauty, history, cultural diversity, and adventure for tourists looking to escape city life.

Best time to visit Bogor

The best time to visit Bogor is from May to September when the weather is mostly dry and sunny. Being known as the Kota Hujan (city of rain), it tends to rain in the evening with overcast clouds threatening most of the time. So if you are here during the rainy season of Indonesia (October to February), try to arrange your outings to start early in the day.

Bogor attractions – what to see

Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Bogor)

Reminiscent of the era of grand gardens of the riches, you will find beautiful flowers, well-tended gardens, fountains, a pond dotted with water lilies, and an orchid garden in a glass house. Stroll around open areas or twisted trails, and even walk across lanes flanked by tall fern trees and colorful flower-filled bushes. The garden spans 87 hectares and boasts over 15,000 collections of trees and plants.

This Bogor Botanical Garden is located in the center of Bogor city and is adjacent to the Bogor Presidential Palace (Istana Bogor) complex. Therefore you can couple the visit to the garden with the palace. In addition, other nearby noteworthy attractions are the Herbarium Bogoriense, the Bogor Zoological Museum, and the Bogor National Library. 

The entrance ticket ranges from IDR 26,500 to IDR 30,000 per person. You can buy the ticket online or offline, but it’s recommended to buy online through their official website at www.kebunraya.id

Visiting the Bogor Botanical Garden is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and admire the diversity of flora and fauna. If you are lucky you may even see the famous Bunga Raksasa (giant flower) in full bloom. So, don’t miss out on this iconic landmark when you’re in Bogor.

Presidential Palace

The Bogor Palace is a historical landmark of Bogor and holds significant events in Indonesia’s pre-and-post-independence era. Today, it serves as the residence of President Joko Widodo, but the public is able to visit organized groups with prior permission from the Secretary of State, also known as the Head of the Presidential Household.

Apart from marveling at the splendor of the palace buildings, you can also enjoy the beauty of the park. The park is famous for the 250 deer grazing its lawn, and visitors are welcome to feed them. There are street vendors selling raw carrots at around IDR 10,000.00. The best part? The entrance to the palace is free of charge.

Things to do in Bogor

Get ready for adventure in Bogor! Enjoy breathtaking scenic spots and a variety of activities – from heart-pumping adventures like paragliding to peaceful escapes like camping. The options are endless in this exciting destination!

Curug Cibaliung

Most tourist destinations in Bogor are surrounded by nature, including the hidden gem of Curug Cibaliung. This hidden waterfall has crystal-clear and cool water and is surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll love the green trees and plants that make the area even more stunning.

This mesmerizing water destination is located at Karang Tengah Village, Sentul, Bogor. Getting there takes a bit more effort than other waterfalls in the area, but it’s worth it. This beautiful place is affordable, with entrance fees, parking, and other costs totaling about IDR 35,000. From the parking area, you will need around 1 hour and a half to reach Curug Cibaliung. 

Paralayang Bukit Gantole Puncak

If you love extreme sports, this spot is definitely for you. Bukit Gantole Puncak is located in Paragliding Hill, Puncak. Doing selfies while you are on the air? It’s possible here. For a fee, you can experience a 10-minute paragliding flight from Puncak Bogor. Local visitors can expect to pay IDR 350,000 per flight, while foreign tourists can expect to pay IDR 400,000. The entrance ticket to the location is IDR 13,000.

For those who are not certified in paragliding, you can choose to have the tandem flight with a certified pilot for safety purposes. Aside from paragliding, you can also relax and enjoy the views of the city of Bogor from a height and take beautiful pictures. 

Bukit Alesano (Alesano Hill)

If you prefer a classic camping experience, head to Alesano Hill for the ultimate experience in Bogor. Also known as Bukit Bintang (Star Hill), Alesano Hill offers scenic views resembling a starry night with a camping experience atop a hill.

You can also witness sunrise and the view of Mount Salak-Gede Pangrango as seen from the top of Alesano, especially mesmerizing in the early morning. To enter this area, you will only need to pay IDR 10,000 per person.

Several shops rent tents and other camping equipment, making it easier to camp in the area. Today, the place has been quite well-managed with fairly complete facilities like mushola (small mosque for Muslims to pray), toilet, and food stalls. 

Taman Wisata Gunung Pancar (Mount Pancar)

Within the same village as Curug Cibaliung, there is Mount Pancar. It is only a quick 35-minute drive from Bogor city. This mountain offers an exciting adventure for nature lovers.

Enjoy the scenery by bringing a mountain bike. The road is bumpy, so it’s best to go during the dry season from April to September. This budget-friendly adventure entrance ticket is only IDR 5,000 on weekdays and IDR 10,000 on weekends!

Leuwi Lieuk

Leuwi Lieuk is the next recommended natural tourist destination in Bogor for those who love adventures and challenges. This waterfall is located in the Sentul area, Bogor. 

To reach Curug Leuwi Lieuk you will need to swim from Leuwi Cepet and trek for about 5 minutes. Sounds impractical? Do not worry, your effort will be well rewarded once you arrive. Surrounded by cliffs, this hidden waterfall boasts clear greenish water and varying depths, with the deepest reaching 4 meters near the cliffs

You can swim and jump from the cliffs here, float, or simply enjoy nature. It offers a pleasing view for photography enthusiasts. The entrance ticket starts from IDR 10,000 per person (excluding buoy rental price).

Highland Park Resort

Located at Curug Nangka, Taman Sari, the Highland Park Resort will enchant you with the sensation of staying with a view of Mount Salak as a backdrop.

This place offers glamping, a new concept of camping in the star hotel style which is currently on the rise in Indonesia. Prices start from IDR 1,500,000 per night.

Best hotels in Bogor

There are various places to stay here in Bogor as it is a popular place for getaways and traveling for the locals as well. You may find from budget to mid-range and to high-end hostels, guesthouses, and hotels here. Popular hotels here are in the mid-range with good value such as Santika Hotel or Hotel Salak the Heritage *.

Best luxury hotels in Bogor (from 100USD per night)

Vimala Hills Villa & Resort
Escape to luxury at Vimala Hills Villa & Resort in Bogor. This 5-star hotel features elegant villas and suites, each with a private pool and stunning views. Enjoy a variety of dining options, including a rooftop bar. With easy access to nearby attractions like Taman Safari Indonesia and Taman Wisata Matahari amusement park, Vimala Hills Villa & Resort is the perfect destination for a luxurious vacation. Ideal for families or larger groups, the spacious villas and suites offer ample living space, multiple bedrooms, and a private pool. The resort also offers family-friendly activities like a children’s playground, a kids’ club, and a game room.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Best mid-range hotels in Bogor (50-100 USD per night)

Pullman Ciawi Vimala Hills Resort Spa & Convention
Escape to the luxurious Pullman Ciawi Vimala Hills, a 5-star villa hotel nestled in the lush mountains of Bogor, Indonesia. Enjoy breathtaking views and easy access to nearby attractions such as the Batutulis train station and Taman Wisata Matahari amusement park. Indulge in the convenience of our amenities, including a sparkling swimming pool, a 24-hour front desk, secure parking, and WiFi, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as it is unforgettable.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Swiss-Bellin Bogor
Discover the comfort and value of Swiss-Belinn Bogor, a highly rated 3-star hotel located in the Baranangsiang area of Bogor. The spacious and impeccably clean rooms provide the perfect retreat after a day of exploring the city. Enjoy top-notch facilities at an affordable price, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and delicious on-site dining options. Conveniently located just 3 km from the Bogor Botanical Garden and Palace, Swiss-Belinn Bogor is an ideal base for your visit to the city.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

ASTON Bogor Hotel & Resort
Stay in style and convenience at ASTON Bogor Hotel & Resort, a top-rated 4-star hotel just 5 minutes from downtown Bogor. Located within the secure Bogor Nirwana Residence complex, the hotel offers easy access to fun activities like the Jungle Water Park, Orchard Walk, 4D Cinema, and Jungle Mall. Ideal for both families and business travelers, ASTON Bogor Hotel & Resort also features excellent meeting and banquet facilities, making it perfect for conferences and events.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Best budget hotel in Bogor (below 50 USD per night)

IbisStyles Bogor Pajajaran 
Stay in the heart of Bogor at the stylish and unique three-star hotel, Ibis Styles Bogor Pajajaran. The hotel design is inspired by the concept of “Dancing In The Rain”, offering a stunning blend of nature and cityscape. Conveniently close to the Bogor Botanical Garden, dining options, a convention center, offices, and top tourist attractions, it’s the ideal base for your stay in Bogor.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

Hostel in Bogor (from 5 USD per night)

Cendana Mulia Hostel Bogor
Looking for a budget-friendly stay in Bogor? Look no further than Cendana Mulia Hostel Bogor. With rates starting at less than USD 15 per night, this 3-star hostel offers comfortable and clean accommodations, complete with air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast. Located near popular restaurants and batik shops, you can enjoy the best of Bogor without breaking the bank.
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *

What to eat in Bogor

Eat the local specialties which are pickles (asinan) and grilled bean sprouts (tauge goreng). Other famous Indonesian foods to eat are also available here such as Soto, Sate, Nasi Padang, Nasi Timbel, Gado-gado, and Timbel.

Here are a few popular restaurant choices in Bogor:

• Sari Kuring Restaurant: Serves Indonesian cuisine, especially Bogor’s specialties.
• Sari Ater Hot Spring Resort: Offers a selection of Indonesian and international dishes while overlooking the hot springs.
• Bumi Sari Agro Tourist Park: A large food court with a variety of local and international food stalls.
• Warung Makan Tari: Offers a traditional Indonesian menu with a focus on West Java cuisine.
• Patemon Warung Makan: A local warung that serves delicious traditional Indonesian dishes at a reasonable price.
• Cimory Restaurant: Decent food overlooking the hills for a relaxing meal. Don’t forget to try their yogurt drink here made from fresh milk from the farm.

How to get there

First of all, you need to fly into Jakarta, the nearest airport to Bogor, then make your way there via these transports:

By car
The easiest way to get here and also to go to nearby places, you can rent a car with a driver if you are in a group and can afford to spare. It will take about a 1-2 hour drive to get there depending on traffic. Try to avoid peak hours in the morning (6 am-10 am) and (4 pm-7 pm) evening.

By train
You can take the local commuter train from almost any station to get to Bogor.

By bus
You can catch a bus at either Lebak Bulus, Kampung Rambutan, or Kali deres bus terminal to Bogor and it will take about 1-2 hours depending on traffic. There are two types of buses which is Executive (with air conditioning) and Economy.

By angkot
This is the favorite method of the locals, being the cheapest and also better in twisting around the jams, these minibusses will take you there at the maximum price of 1000 Rp. First, you need to catch an angkot from Kampung Rambutan (bus station) and ask to take it to Cisalak. At Cisalak you would need to switch and find another angkot to take you all the way to Bogor.

How to get around

You may walk around this town and on pedestrian-friendly paths such as along rivers.

Else for fast access, flag down angkot (minibus) and use it to cover the area. Bear in mind the traffic is also heavy here. Just pay 2,000 Rp when you hop off where you wanted. Just take note of your belongings when squeezing into the angkot.

Where to go nearby

Taman Safari
Well worth bringing the family here, especially a delight for kids. It ranges from a ride through the safari where animal dwells in free range, a baby zoo for a more intimate view and take pictures if you like, a bird park hosting many wild birds, and even some zoo-like enclosed animals. The animals here are well taken care of and the place is well maintained.

Puncak
Go up even higher to the highlands to view the tea plantations and enjoy the cool breeze.

Travel Tips

Bring a raincoat or an umbrella as Bogor is called the city of rain for a reason.

Travel Tips:

1. Book the best accommodations – Booking.com* or Agoda.com *

2. Find the cheapest flight options that suit you – Omio.com * or 12Go.asia *

3. Rent a car in advance and make your trip more convenient – Rentalcars *

4. Make the most of the time that you have! Exciting excursions, professional guides, and more – Klook *