Visit the Bogor Botanical Gardens, a place steeped in history that offers natural beauty, exotic plant collections, and educational and recreational experiences.
Bogor Botanical Gardens, with its long history and rich biodiversity, is a tourist destination that not only attracts nature lovers but also serves as an important research center in Indonesia.
Located in Bogor City, West Java, the garden serves a function that goes beyond just a place of recreation.
As one of the oldest botanical gardens in Southeast Asia, Bogor Botanical Gardens has an interesting history and an extraordinary collection of plants.
In this article, we will review in more depth the history, function, location, and various fun activities that can be done at Bogor Botanical Gardens.
History and Function of Bogor Botanical Gardens
Bogor Botanical Gardens was originally established under the name Islands Plantentuin te Buitenzorg on May 18, 1817, under Dutch rule.
The name Buitenzorg itself refers to the peace created in the place, which is now known as the Bogor Palace. The garden was established by the Dutch colonial government with the main purpose of being a place for botanical research and plant conservation.
Bogor Nature Tourism played a significant role in showcasing the garden’s rich biodiversity. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British governor-general at that time, played an important role in establishing the garden, which later became a center for the development of science in Indonesia.
Currently, the Bogor Botanical Gardens are managed by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI).
The main function of this garden is as a place for ex situ conservation, namely a place to save and preserve various rare plant species by moving plants from their original habitat to this garden.
In 1995, the Bogor Botanical Gardens were recorded as having a collection of more than 4,300 species of plants, including various tropical plants from Indonesia, Asia, America, Africa, and Australia.
This plant collection is grouped based on habitat, family, and origin, creating a very diverse ecosystem.
Location of Bogor Botanical Gardens
Bogor Botanical Gardens is located at Jalan Ir. H. Juanda No. 13, Paledang, Bogor Tengah District, Bogor City, West Java.
Its very strategic location makes it easy for visitors to access this garden, either using private vehicles or public transportation.
Access to this garden is quite easy to reach from the center of Bogor City and from Jakarta, making it one of the main tourist destinations for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about biodiversity.
Bogor Botanical Gardens Entrance Ticket Prices
The entrance ticket price to Bogor Botanical Gardens is quite affordable, although there is a difference in price on weekdays and holidays. On Monday to Friday, visitors must pay a ticket of IDR 16,500 per person, for both local and foreign tourists.
Meanwhile, on weekends or national holidays, the entrance ticket increases to IDR 25,000 per person. The Bogor Botanical Gardens operating hours are 08.00-16.00 WIB on weekdays, while on weekends or national holidays, the garden opens earlier, at 07.00 WIB.
Fun Activities at Bogor Botanical Gardens
Bogor Botanical Gardens is not only a place to walk around enjoying the beauty of nature, but also has many interesting activities that can be done by visitors, whether individuals, couples, or families. Here are some fun activities that you can do while visiting Bogor Botanical Gardens:
1. Witnessing Dutch Historical Heritage
Bogor Botanical Gardens has many interesting historical relics to visit. Since it was built in 1817, this area has had high historical value. One of the historical relics that can be found is the Olivia Monument, dedicated to the wife of Sir Stamford Raffles.
In addition, visitors can also find ancient Dutch tombs, the Zoological Museum, and several historical parks such as Teijsmann Park and Sudjana Kassan Park. Each of these sites holds an interesting story and you can learn more about it with the help of a tour guide.
2. Enjoy the Diverse Plant Collection
Bogor Botanical Gardens has more than 15,000 plant collections consisting of various rare and exotic plant species.
In this garden, you can see various types of plants that you might not find anywhere else. Several thematic gardens in Bogor Botanical Gardens, such as the Mexican Garden, Aquatic Garden, Orchid House, and Medicinal Plant Garden, are the perfect place to get to know more about the diversity of flora in Indonesia and the world.
Each plant is systematically grouped based on its origin, habitat, or type, providing an unforgettable educational experience.
3. Feel the Sensation of the Kahuripan Well
In the middle of a lush garden, there is a well known as Sumur Kahuripan. This well is believed by the local community to have water that can provide eternal youth.
Although it may not be used for ritual purposes, visitors can enjoy the sensation of washing their face with the well water. However, visitors are asked to be careful, especially those with sensitive skin.
4. Traveling by Rental Vehicle
Bogor Botanical Gardens has a very large area, so walking around can be very tiring. For this, you can rent various vehicles such as golf cars, bicycles, or shuttle buses to explore the entire garden area comfortably.
This vehicle rental is quite affordable, with costs ranging from IDR 20,000 to IDR 450,000, depending on the type of vehicle chosen.
5. Take photos at Instagrammable spots
Bogor Botanical Gardens offers various photo spots that are very instagrammable. Some places that can be used as photo backgrounds are the Bogor Palace yard, Lady Raffles Monument, the edge of the lake, the Mexican Garden, and Gunting Lake. These spots offer very beautiful natural views and are suitable for souvenir photos.
6. Picnic in a Spacious Park
If you are looking for a comfortable place to have a picnic, Bogor Botanical Gardens is the right choice.
With a large garden and beautiful scenery, you can enjoy a relaxing time with family or friends. The Botanical Gardens also provide stalls selling snacks, so you don’t have to bother bringing supplies from home.
7. Enjoying Dishes with Natural Views
For those who want to enjoy a meal while enjoying the view of the green garden, you can visit Resto RaaSaa which is located near entrance gate 3.
This restaurant offers a variety of Indonesian food menus and has an outdoor and semi-outdoor concept, so you can eat while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery around.
8. Shop for Botanical Garden Themed Souvenirs
After walking around, you can visit the Olive Store inside the garden area, which sells various souvenirs themed Botanical Gardens.
Here, you can buy unique merchandise such as clothes, bags, mugs, as well as plant seeds and ornamental plants that can be taken home as souvenirs.
Bogor Botanical Gardens is a place rich in history, natural beauty, and biodiversity. With a variety of facilities and activities on offer, this garden is a very suitable place to visit for anyone, whether for educational, recreational, or photography purposes.
As a center for botanical research and a place for plant conservation, the Bogor Botanical Gardens not only offer natural charm but also scientific values that are very important for nature conservation and the development of science.
Bandung Nature Tourism also provides similar experiences for visitors who appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of environmental preservation.
