One-day trip to Bogor: Temples, Waterfalls and More!
Bogor, a lovely province situated at the last train station from Jakarta. It is one of the many destinations where Jakartans visit for a quick holiday trip other than Bandung. I have lived in this province for about 6 months during my student exchange program and can say that anyone will surely enjoy a one-day trip to this wonderful place. Sites to see:
- Temple: Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkarta (Hindu Temple)
- Waterfalls: Curug Nangka, Curug Daun, and Curug Kaun
- Chinatown: Suryakancana Food trip and Vihara Dhanagun (Chinese Temple)
- Gardens: Kebun Raya (Bogor Botanical Gardens)

Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkarta
This place is a Hindu temple located at the edge of Mt. Salak which boasts its serenity and cool air. Its name means “the perfect divine nature” and is the 2nd biggest Hindu temple in Indonesia. It’s nice to come to Pura Jagatkarta early in the morning so that it won’t be too hot or rainy (especially since you will need to remove your footwear while walking on temple grounds). You can ask for a guide to help you go through the place. People here are typically friendly and will lend a helping hand but please respect their decisions and beliefs if they cannot allow you to enter some places. You can either come prepared or rent/buy some of the items at a nearby canteen just nearby the temple’s entrance.
Hindu Temples of Bogor
- Sarong
- Incense
- Lighter

Curug Nangka, Curug Daun and Curug Kaun
This is a fairly near place to the temple. It’s about 10-30 minutes away but you will end up paying some fees for entering the roads. Here, you can enjoy a picnic breakfast, brunch or lunch (whichever time you choose to arrive in). I still suggest the morning will be a better time since there won’t be crowds of people and the weather is better.
Curug Nangka

Curug Kaun and Daun
- Extra clothes
- Outdoor Sandals
- Water
- Snacks
- First Aid Kit

Stairs going up and picnic grounds
Chinatown: Suryakancana
Food trip:
There are a lot of choices for food in Chinatown and I usually go there without much expectations on what to eat. “Bir Pletok” is something you have to try from the vendors. Though it does not contain any actual beer, it’s still a delicious drink. Pork is usually included when you go to the restaurants farther down the street but if you’re not into that, there are other restaurants like Cyrano Cafe.
Entrance of Vihara Dhanagun
Vihara Dhanagun:



Entrance of Kebun Raya
Kebun Raya


Bogor’s Presidential Palace

Bogor Botanical Gardens

Dutch cemetery

Museum

Shop in Kebun Raya
- Cap
- Umbrella
- Shades
Key things to remember when visiting Bogor:
- They don’t call it “kota seribu angkot” (The city of a thousand public transportation minivans) for nothing. Expect heavy traffic on typical rush hours and plan this trip when there is no long weekend.
- Another name Bogor boasts is “kota hujan” (The city of rain). Be sure to bring an umbrella, cap, or even a raincoat.
- For foreigners who do not speak Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), please do note that most people around the places I have mentioned won’t be so well-versed in English or other languages that are not their native tongue (possibly Sundanese or Indonesian). It would be great if you can learn a few basic words before doing this trip or maybe have an Indonesian friend or guide to come along with you.