From Bali to Bogor

Bali and Bogor are two popular destinations in Indonesia that offer visitors unique and distinct experiences. While Bali is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and luxurious resorts, Bogor is famous for its lush greenery, stunning botanical gardens, and cooler climate. Here are some points to keep in mind as you plan your journey from Bali to Bogor and discover the best of both worlds.

There is no direct flight from Bali to Bogor. You need to go from Bali to Jakarta by plane, then by car or train from Jakarta to Bogor. The direct flight from Bali to Jakarta takes 1 hour 35 minutes and this is the fastest way to go from Bali to Jakarta.  Then drive from Jakarta to Bogor, and it takes 1 hour.

For nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, the Bogor region is an absolute must visit, especially since it is far from touristy place.

Bogor is a residential city with a pleasant climate, a holiday resort built by the Dutch, Bogor is located 60 km (37 miles) from Jakarta. It is in no way an obligatory stage except that it has an extraordinary botanical park, one of the most important in the world, not to be missed… And then there is another, even more charming, in the surroundings, in Cibodas. A nice base if you want to avoid Jakarta.

How to go from Bali to Bogor?

There are several ways to travel from Bali to Bogor, including by plane, train, bus, or private car.

1. Take flight from Bali to Jakarta

2. Drive from Jakarta to Bogor

It takes 1 hour to drive from Jakarta to Bogor by car.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Jakarta to Bogor. The journey by car or bus takes about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Or you can take train

Train from Jakarta to Bogor takes 1 hour 40 minutes.

What to do and see in Bogor and surroundings?

If you’re planning a trip from Bali to Bogor, here are some things to keep in mind:

Bogor, a city in West Java, Indonesia, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Its cool climate, lush greenery, and botanical gardens make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Here are some points to help you plan your trip to Bogor and discover its best attractions:

From top to bottom and from left to right: 1) Bogor Palace; 2) Kujang Monument; 3) Raya Mosque; 4) Botanical Gardens. Yogwi21, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Bogor)

A beautiful well maintained garden. Since the departure of the Dutch, there has been no fundamental change in the orientation of the Institute and its agricultural school has managed to preserve its reputation.

It is also still a place of leisure, walks, meditation and the interest of the Indonesian public does not waver: people come in droves on Sundays to picnic with the family, admire the beautiful fruits and get drunk on the fragrant woods. and aromatic essences. This large 87 ha park is home to more than 15,000 species of trees and more than 5,000 varieties of orchids. Remaining faithful to its vocation, Bogor now has no less than 17 botanical research institutes. even if, on closer inspection (from the suspension bridges for example), we regret a certain abundance of rubbish in the river.

Entrance of Bogor Botanical Gardens, 2018. Vysotsky (Wikimedia), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

However, these thousands of different plants and flowers are definitely worth seeing. In particular, the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. However, you have to be very lucky because you cannot predict its flowering or its location. It must be flushed out like mushrooms, except that it measures up to 1 m in diameter and can weigh 10 kg (22 lbs)!

Once of the entrances to Bogor Botanical Garden. 茂木靜夫, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

To the northwest of the park

You can admire the presidential palace (Istana Bogor), which was once (from 1870 to 1942) the summer residence of the governor general of Java, today that of the president of Indonesia. It can be visited by appointment at the tourist office. You have to do it well in advance.

The palace

Bogor Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Bogor West Java Indonesia. Cep Budhi Darma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This palace was the residence of the Dutch Governors General. It now contains the art collections of Sukarno who loved to rest there. Some will tell you that we sometimes see the ghost of the former president walking around in his Rolls!

Memorial to Olivia Mariamne Raffles in the Bogor Botanical Gardens. She was was the spouse of Sir Stamford Raffles, vice governor of Java (1811–1816) from 1805 to 1814 and modern Singapore. A monument was erected to her memory in the botanical garden of Buitenzorg (Bogor). Arabsalam, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bogor Palace seen from the Bogor Botanical Gardens.It adjoins the Bogor Botanical Garden. Previously, it was that of the Governor General of the Dutch East Indies and was called Paleis te Buitenzorg. Michael J. Lowe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

At the northeast corner of the park

The orchid garden (Rumah Anggrek, closed from 4 p.m.) presents a superb collection. Finally, we will not fail to take a look at the beautiful collection of bamboos and cacti.

The zoological museum does not seem to have moved since the departure of the Dutch in 1949. The collections are made up of stuffed animals and a gigantic skeleton of a whale that washed up on the Javanese coast.

Orchid house, Bogor Botanical Gardens, Bogor, Indonesia. Sakurai Midori, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Batutulis rock

You can also admire a Hindu Nandi cow statue that is probably 600 years old. Some guides try to make tourists believe that it was discovered in the river that crosses the garden, the Ciliwung and thus confirms the location of the ancient Hindu capital of the Pajajaran kingdom. Others will tell you that it is a good joke and that the statue comes from an Indonesian museum.

Batutulis means “engraved stones”. There are about 800 engravings have been recorded in the area. The best known is Prasati Batutulis, an object of pilgrimage, inscribed by the king of the Pajajaran, Prabu Purana, in honor of his father, Sri Baduga Maharaja Ratu Hajj. Historians hesitate between 2 dates: 1333 or 1533.

Ex President Sukarno, no doubt wanting to benefit from the magic aura of this stone, built his house on the other side and wanted to be buried there. Ex President Suharto preferred to remove the place of burial! Before entering, take off your shoes and pay a small donation.

Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkarta (Hindu temple)

Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkarttya is a beautiful Hindu temple located in the city of Bogor, Indonesia. This temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bogor, and it is considered to be a significant religious site for Hinduism in the region.

The temple is situated on a hillside, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the city. The stunning architecture of the temple features intricate carvings and statues, which are characteristic of Hindu temples. The temple’s design and construction were inspired by the ancient Hindu temples in Bali, and it is considered to be a symbol of Hindu culture and tradition.

Here are some points about Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkarttya in Bogor:

Significance

Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkarttya is a significant Hindu temple located in Bogor, Indonesia. It is considered a symbol of Hindu culture and tradition in the region and is an essential place of worship for the Hindu community.

Architecture

The temple features stunning traditional Hindu architecture, with intricate carvings and statues. The design and construction were inspired by ancient Hindu temples in Bali.

Location

The temple is situated on a hillside, overlooking the city of Bogor, with beautiful views of the surrounding lush greenery.

Atmosphere

Visitors to the temple can expect a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The temple grounds are spacious and well-maintained, with beautiful gardens and pathways that lead to various shrines and prayer halls.

Religious festivals

The temple is often bustling with activity during important Hindu festivals such as Nyepi, Galungan, and Kuningan. Visitors can witness traditional Hindu ceremonies and rituals during these festivals.

Shopping

There are several small shops and stalls selling souvenirs and religious items, making it a great place to shop for unique gifts.

History

The temple’s name, “Parahyangan Agung Jagatkarttya,” comes from the Javanese language and translates to “the great sacred mountain of the universe.” The temple’s history and significance in Hindu culture make it a fascinating destination for those interested in learning about the religion.

Overall, Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkarttya is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing Hindu culture and tradition in Indonesia. With its stunning architecture, serene surroundings, and rich history, this temple is a true gem in the city of Bogor.

Halimun Salak National Park

The interest of this 40 ha park lies mainly in its hot springs, the crater of the Kawa Ratu volcano and a series of steep slopes, dense jungle and deep gorges, often covered in fog, with a forest of meranti (red wood) and rasamala which is used to make pencils. The park is also home to the rare West Javanese gibbon, a subspecies of the ashy gibbon, the Javan lutung (monkey), and no less than 150 species of birds.

Volcanic activity of Kawah Ratu Gunung Salak, Halimun Salak National Park. Toni Wöhrl and Sang Cai, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mount Salak

Go on an adventure on this 6.3-km (4miles) round trip route near Bogor, West Java. This course is generally rated as moderate. It’s a popular place for hiking, camping, and hiking, so you’re likely to come across a lot of people on your excursion. The best time to visit is from March to December. You will need to leave your dog at home as they are not allowed on this trail.

Mount Salak seen from Rainbow Hills, Bogor, Indonesia. Hiroshi Sanjuro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Terms and Procedures for Climbing Mount Salak

Climbing Quota

The number of climbers climbing Mount Salak is determined by a quota system, namely 200 people/day covering the Cidahu Route, the Cimalati Route and the Pasir Reungit Route.

Hiking Registration

Registration for Mount Salak Climbing is carried out with an online system, with the following conditions:

• Online bookings apply to prospective climbers, both local and foreign through government’s website.
• Online bookings are made by filling out a form that can be accessed on the “Mount Halimun Salak National Park” website: http://bookingpendakiantnghs.menlhk.go.id/kawasan/page/general by following the online booking registration flow, namely: Selecting the desired date and hiking trail, if the quota is still sufficient then the hiking trail and date can be accessed.
• Filling in personal data on prospective local and foreign climbers including name, address, date of birth, identity card (KTP/SIM/KITAS/Passport), telephone number, and email.
• Ordering and paying PNBP by transferring Other Receipt Account Numbers.
• Please note when you buy the ticket: WNI: “Warga Negara Indonesia,” which translates to Indonesian citizen. WNA stands for “Warga Negara Asing,” which translates to foreign citizen.

After making the payment

• After making a payment, you will be given a booking code in the form of a QR Code.
• Online booking registration is opened 1 (one) month before the date of the climb and no later than 1 (one) day before if the quota is still available.
• The climb is carried out in groups with a minimum number of 4 (four) people and a maximum of 10 (ten) people led by 1 (one) person who is responsible for the completeness of the administration and safety of its members.
• The QR Code is proof of registration when entering the hiking trail.
• Climbing registration through online booking cannot be canceled.

Volcanic activity of Gunung Salak Kawah Ratu (right) seen from ascent to summit Salak 1. Mount Halimun Salak National Park is a 400 km² (154 miles²) conservation area. Toni Wöhrl and Sang Cai, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to climb mount Salak?

There are 3 ways to climb mount Salak, as follows:

Cimelati

Address: Pasawahan, Kec. Cicurug, Sukabumi Regency, West Java 43359.

The Kutajaya or Cimelati route is the shortest and fastest hiking trail to the top of Mount Salak, but along the way it will be difficult to find water sources, so clean water must be prepared from below. To get to Kutajaya from Bogor, we take a car to Sukabumi and get off at Cicurug or Cimelati.

Cicurug is a sub-district town that is included in the Sukabumi district, all climbing equipment must be prepared here. From the Cicurug market, which also doubles as a terminal, we can charter a car to Kutajaya for around Rp. 70,000.- or take an ojeg for around Rp. 15,000.- Public transportation is only available in the morning, and even then in very limited quantities.

Cidahu

Address: Kp Panagan, Cidahu Village, Cidahu District, Sukabumi Regency, West Java 43359

Mount Salak via Cidahu, Sukabumi. To climb via the Cidahu route, climbers have an estimated travel time of 7-8 hours. The journey to the top of Salak, starting from the Cidahu Registration Post (PTNW Kawah Ratu Resort) Mount Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS).

Pasir Reungit (Reungite Sand)

Address: Jl. mt. Bunder, Mt. Picung, Kec. Pamijahan, Bogor Regency, West Java 16810

The hiking trail for Mount Salak via Pasir Reungit is the longest path that needs to be traversed. Because to get to the top of Salak I, climbers have to walk around Kawah Ratu. The Pasir Reungit route has a panorama that is no less beautiful than the Cidahu route. On this route, there are two small craters, namely the Monkey Crater and the Dog Crater. During the rainy season like this, the two craters turn into natural springs that climbers can use.

Photo credit: Arabsalam (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Photo description: View of the Istana Bogor (Bogor Palace).

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