Not far from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, set beneath a beautiful (though slightly menacing) volcano is the city of Bogor. West Java’s city of Bogor is home to 3 million people but still manages to have a pleasant relaxed vibe. Here are some of the best ways to experience the beauty of Bogor Indonesia.
Take a Hike
Let’s face it, one of the main reasons people head to Bogor is to escape the busy streets and smog of Jakarta. While Bogor still has a few traffic jams of its own, it is also home to some incredible hikes. Whether you are experienced trekker or just want to get a bit of fresh air, there are hikes for just about everyone. One of our favorites is Gunung Batu. This path lies somewhere between a light mountain climb or a heavy hike. It in is perfect for someone interested in mountain climbing but with the peril and gear of scouring massive rock faces, though you still want to make sure you have the proper gear and guides no matter where you go. Those who reach the top of Gunung Batu will be rewarded with spectacular lush mountain views. Going for a hike is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Bogor Indonesia.
Make Friends
Like many big cities, residents of Jakarta can be a bit stand offish. That is yet another reason nearby Bogor is a great change of pace. The people of Bogor are notoriously friendly. While finding English speakers here is not as easy as some other Indonesian cities, the hospitality of the locals will be clear regardless of language difficulties. So be sure to wear a smile and try to go to cafes and restaurants where you don’t see too many tourists and chances are you will end up making some great new Bogor friends!
Take the Train
While there are plenty of buses from Jakarta, if you truly want to experience the beauty of Bogor why not start with your journey there? The train to Bogor is one of the fastest and most interesting ways to get there. With near constant commuter departures from Jakarta you can avoid traffic and experience the history of this rail line, which is nearly 150 year old! By visiting Bogor via train you will also see far more beautiful scenery than you would stuck in a car. So while your hotel will often pressure you into taking their car service, if you want a change of pace we recommend the train. Once you arrive in Bogor you can take a taxi or even a horse cart to your hotel. We recommend the Hotel Santika Bogor which also offers easy online booking.
So if you are looking to make some new friends and refresh your senses with some fresh air, Bogor is the place to do it. I hope our tips on how to experience the beauty of Bogo Indonesia will inspire you to explore this lovely city which is close enough to be a suburb of Jakarta but can feel like a whole other planet away.