Bogor Raya
Discover Bogor Raya
Bogor Raya also known as West Parahyangan is a region in Western Java in Indonesia. This travel guide covers the regencies and cities of Bogor, Sukabumi, and Cianjur. While this area is part of the province of West Java, there are proposals to create a separate province, Bogor Raya. Most of the Bogor Raya region was part of the Sunda Kingdom for almost 1000 years, from the 7th to the 16th century. The centre of power this kingdom was Pakuan Pajajaran, which was near the location of present-day Bogor. In the 16th century, a period of many changes started, with parts of the region being invaded by the Sultanate of Banten, and other parts by the Mataram Sultanate from Central Java. In addition, the European colonial powers became involved, and the region became part of the Dutch East Indies.
What to Experience in Bogor Raya
Taste of Bogor Raya...
The Bogor Raya region shares the tradition of Sundanese cuisine with the other parts of Western Java. The food is characterised by fresh (often raw) vegetables, sambal terasi (chili sauce with shrimp paste), and fried tofu and tempeh. As with most of the cities and regions in Indonesia, the various parts of Bogor Raya also have some typical dishes. Famous dishes from Bogor include asinan Bogor (a pickled fruit dish with a hot and sour vinegar and chili sauce, sprinkled with peanuts), laksa Bogor (coconut milk-based soup with oncom, fermented soy beans, and often with chicken and prawns), and soto mie Bogor (Bogor-style noodle soup). Both Cianjur and Sukabumi are known for specific styles of bubur ayam (chicken rice congee). Of course, along the Indian Ocean coast fish and seafood are popular ingredients. In the touristic mountain areas such as Puncak there are many restaurants and food stalls selling many types of Indonesian food. It is very common along the mountain pass road to eat roasted corn, and drink bandrek with this. Bandrek is a hot, sweet and spicy beverage with ginger, palm sugar, and cinnamon, used to warm up in the cool mountain air. Alcoholic drinks are not widely available in cafés and restaurants, but can usually be found in upscale restaurants and bars as well as hotels and resorts. Be aware that there are several active volcanoes in the area. Make sure you register at a national park office when you want to climb a volcano.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThere are no airports with scheduled flights in the region. The nearest major airport is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, with direct buses available from the airport to Bogor. Other options are Halim Airport in East Jakarta, and the airport of Bandung, which is an especially good option when travelling to the east of the region (Cianjur). The key road into the region is the Jagorawi toll road that connects Jakarta to Bogor. To get to the east of the region, you can also get in via the trunk road from Bandung and Cimahi to Cianjur. There is also a road into the region from the west, along the southern coast, to Pelabuhan Ratu. However, this is only useful if you want to get in from Ujung Kulon National Park or Sawarna beach in the south of Banten. The bus terminal of Bogor has the most intercity bus connections, with especially very frequent buses from Greater Jakarta including the airport, but also from other destinations in Western Java such as the port of Merak....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The larger towns and cities are interconnected by a network of buses, and especially in Bogor and its surroundings it is easy to get around using a dense network of angkot (public minivans). To and within more remote areas of the region, public transport is more limited. To get to the far south of the region (such as Ujung Kulon beach), you need to keep in mind that the journey may take many hours. In the northern part of the region (especially Bogor and the Puncak Pass), on the other hand, traffic congestion is common. In Bogor and its surroundings, taxis are widely available. Taxi company Blue Bird Group is known to be reliable (using the taxi meter). In the other parts of the region, taxis are more limited. However, in all towns and villages you can rent an ojek (motorcycle taxi), which are usually available at all major street corners. There are two world class botanical gardens in the region.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Be aware that there are several active volcanoes in the area. Make sure you register at a national park office when you want to climb a volcano. Also, keep in mind that traffic is very busy and chaotic. If you are not used to driving in Indonesia, it is better to use public transport or to hire a car with a driver rather than attempting to drive yourself.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Bogor Raya
a road with a row of white fences and a row of people walking on the side
Bogor Botanical Garden, located in the centre of Bogor city, West Java.
Photo at the pedestrian area on the edge of the Bogor Botanical Gardens. Seen in the photo there is an entrance but it is closed.
Photo at the pedestrian area on the edge of the Bogor Botanical Gardens.
a street with cars and people on it
Deers roaming the Bogor Botanical Gardens are the best sight to behold
a train travels down the tracks
a train at a train station
pink lotus flower
trains on the railway tracks
a road with a row of white fences and a row of people walking on the side
Bogor Botanical Garden, located in the centre of Bogor city, West Java.
Photo at the pedestrian area on the edge of the Bogor Botanical Gardens. Seen in the photo there is an entrance but it is closed.