Bogor Travel Guide, Indonesia

Not far from the capital, Jakarta, Bogor is one of Indonesia’s thriving and exotic cities. Home to over 3 million people, Bogor is a pleasant city, and a favorite among Indonesia’s elite, many of whom have built villas in the wealthy quarters of the city. However, the typical flavor of Indonesian cities is present in Bogor as well, especially throughout the crowded and colorful city centre. Bogor is nicknamed “Rain City”, and for good reason. Luckily, Bogor’s weather is not very cold, so a bit of drizzle will not stop you from visiting every nook and corner of the city. Bogor is an attraction in itself, but it can also serve as a starting point for the exploration of Jakarta or other nearby cities. This Bogor Travel Guide will help you find the best route to Bogor and accommodation that suits your taste.

Bogor Travel Guide - Transport

Bogor does not have its own international airport, but it is only an hour away from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport. You can catch a flight to and from cities such as Semarang or Denpasar, and more remote destinations, for example Amsterdam, Tokyo, Beijing, Frankfurt or even Sydney. If you are already in Indonesia, the cheapest way to travel is by train, but it is not the most comfortable or the fastest. Trains tend to be extremely crowded, especially in economy class carriages. Buses are even more uncomfortable, and they also take longer to reach their destination. It takes about three hours to travel from Bandung to Bogor by bus. If you can afford it, hire a car and drive to Bogor yourself. However, beware of traffic jams, at rush hours it can take up to three hours to get from Jakarta to Bogor. There is public transport available in Bogor, but getting around the city is much more pleasant on foot, especially along the canals and in the green areas.

Bogor Travel Guide - Accommodation

Happy Valley Hotel is not far from Bogor’s famous Botanical Garden, overlooking a green hill. Rooms are small and cozy, there are modern facilities such as swimming pool, laundry service and a restaurant serving local specialties as well as continental food. Hotel Santika will appeal to those who like modern art. The rooms are decorated in a minimalist style, and they are very spacious and comfortable. The hotel has a restaurant, but by all accounts, you can find better eateries downtown.

Hotel Novotel Bogor is a bit far from the city centre (about 6 kilometers) but it is surrounded by vast green spaces and rolling hills. The hotel has a few very good golf courses, and an excellent Mediterranean restaurant.