Choose from 13 Fun Things to Do in West Java
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Bogor Botanical Gardens
A charming escape from downtown Jakarta, the Bogor Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya) are some of southeast Asia’s oldest educational gardens, officially opening in 1817. More than 15,000 species of plants, including hundreds of palm species, deck 215 acres (87 hectares) of lush green grounds amid the cool, rainy highlands of West Java.
The Basics
There is a modest admission fee for the Bogor Botanical Gardens, which are big enough to merit spending at least half a day. Given their beauty and historical significance, they’re the highlight of any visit to Bogor and an essential stop on West Java highland tours, which also often include a trip to a tea plantation.
Bogor Botanical Gardens tours typically include highlights such as the Orchid House, the Water Garden, the Medicine Garden, and the orchidarium. History geeks will appreciate the cemetery, the Presidential Palace, and especially the memorial to Singapore founder Stamford Raffles’ first wife.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bogor Botanical Gardens are a must for garden admirers and anyone seeking a verdant respite from Jakarta’s bustle.
- With its lily-pond views, the Grand Garden Café makes an excellent spot for lunch.
- Bogor sees hundreds of thunderstorms every year, so bring an umbrella or poncho (or buy one at a minimart).
- Do not underestimate the journey time from Jakarta—it can take well over two hours at busy times of day.
- The Bogor Botanical Gardens are mostly accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Bogor Botanical Gardens are 36 miles (60 kilometers) south of Jakarta, about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)—or a 20-minute walk—from Bogor train station. Slow trains run from Jakarta and Bandung but can be very crowded during rush hour. If you’d like to combine your trip to the Kebun Raya with other West Java attractions outside Bogor, book a tour or private driver (or experience gridlock while driving on the left).
When to Get There
The Bogor Botanical Gardens are open from morning to late afternoon seven days a week. They are hugely popular with locals on Sundays, so a visit on that day is best avoided. If you’re traveling from Jakarta, traffic on the roads and the trains is lighter on Saturdays than on weekdays.
Bogor Botanical Gardens Research
During the Dutch colonial era, key cash crops were developed here, including tea (the first instance of tea being grown by a colonial power), the quinine tree, tobacco, and cassava. Today, Kebun Raya Bogor remains a globally known center of botanical research: the Indonesian Institute of Sciences operates the gardens.
Address: Jalan Ir. Haji Juanda No.13, Bogor, West Java 16122, Indonesia
From $ 84
Bogor
Located just 37 miles (60 km) south of Jakarta, the city of Bogor sits at the foot of Mount Salak. The city is known for its unpredictable weather and almost year-round rainfall and generally has a much cooler climate than the often stifling capital city of Jakarta.
Although the city has seen much development over the years, the heart of Bogor remains untouched; right at the center of town, amid the constant stream of traffic, stands the calm oasis that is Bogor’s world-famous Botanical Gardens. Here, visitors will find a tranquil lily pond and paved walkways leading around perfectly-manicured gardens and ancient gnarled trees.
The Botanical Gardens are connected to Bogor Palace, another of the city’s most famous attractions. The palace was built to serve as a country retreat for the Dutch governors in the mid-1700s and was once the residence of Sir Stamford Raffles. This incredibly regal building has distinctive architectural features and a fascinating history that sees a steady stream of visitors flock to it year after year.
Practical Info
It’s easy enough to travel from Jakarta to Bogor—simply hire a driver and prepare to settle back for around an hour or so. (Be aware that heavy traffic on weekends and public holidays can significantly increase journey times along the route from Jakarta to Bognor).
Address: Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
From $ 84
Kawah Putih (White Crater)
Kawah Putih (or White Crater in English) is a natural phenomenon situated near the market town of Ciwidey, 50 kilometers south of the city of Bandung. This unique lake crater is one of two created by the dormant volcano, Mount Patuha.
Kawah Putih has a striking, almost surreal, appearance to it; the lake transforms from a bright white to a light green or turquoise color, depending on the amount of sunlight present, while the soil surrounding it is completely drained of color due to the water’s high sulfur content. In addition, on cloudy days, the entire crater can often be found shrouded in a cloak of mist. The altitude here (around 2500 meters) brings with it low temperatures of around 10 degrees Celsius, making it a pleasant respite from the heat and humidity of the cities from which most visitors travel.
There are a range of simple facilities near the lake, including a car park, toilets, and food stalls. In particular, fresh strawberries and juice are commonly sold, as these are widely grown in the area. The smell of sulfur at the site is strong due to the steam and sulfurous gas bubbling from the lake, and masks are available for those who can’t stand the odour.
Practical Info
It takes around two hours to reach Kawah Putih from the center of Bandung. The turnoff from the main road to the lake is well-signposted with a large board directing visitors to the left of the road through a large entry gate. Vehicles can then be left in the main car park and a shuttle bus used to travel the final five kilometers to the crater.
Address: Kawah Putih, Ciwidey, near Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, Indonesia
Hours: 7am-5pm
Admission: Rp 30,000
From $ 35
Jakarta Chinatown (Glodok)
Jakarta Chinatown, better known to locals as Glodok, was born after the massacre of 5,000 Chinese in 1740, when the remaining population were moved to a separate settlement outside the city walls. Today it’s a bustling hub where Chinese eateries, temples, street markets, and medicine shops nudge up against electronics stores.
The Basics
Glodok highlights include the historical Jin De Yuan temple (built in 1755), the Da Shi Miao temple (built in 1751), and the chaotic Petak Sembilan street market. While it is perfectly easy to explore independently, many opt for the cultural and historical insights—and expert food recommendations—that come with a guided Jakarta Chinatown tour. Glodok is also a common stop on Jakarta night tours and city overviews.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to Chinatown is a must for foodies and history buffs—the latter often pair it with a trip to Kota, the old city.
- Tensions between ethnic Indonesians and the Chinese community still exist. Anti-Chinese racism last had a major impact on Jakarta Chinatown in 1998, when rioters swept through Glodok.
- Even in Chinatown, do not expect all Chinese Indonesians to speak Mandarin. Some speak Hokkien and other dialects; others speak only Indonesian.
How to Get There
Until the long-awaited MRT opens, getting around Jakarta by public transit is difficult, and driving is even more so in one of the world’s most gridlocked cities. If you’d like to experience the bus, Glodok is on the Kota-Blok M Transjakarta route. Alternatively, book a tour for cultural insights into the rich world of Jakarta Chinatown—along with transportation.
When to Get There
As with Chinatowns the world over, Glodok is at its most colorful during the big Chinese festivals—especially the Lunar New Year celebrations, when lanterns deck the streets alongside colorful symbols of the animal that represents the incoming year. You might well see the occasional lion dancer. Even outside festival times, Glodok is lively throughout the day and into the evening: time visits to avoid the worst of Jakarta’s gridlock (rush hours are typically 8am–10am and 4:30pm–8pm).
Chinese Indonesian Food
Chinese communities have lived in the Indonesian archipelago for many centuries and shaped the nation’s cuisine. One of the joys of any trip to Glodok is trying classics of Chinese Indonesian fare, such as mie pangsit (pork dumplings, noodles, and more), ayam saos mentega (butter chicken), or sop asparagus kepiting (crab and asparagus soup).
Address: Jalan Kemenangan, Jakarta 11120, Indonesia
From $ 38
Fatahillah Square
Fatahillah Square (Taman Fatahillah) is the heart of the Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua) with a cobbled square with historic colonial buildings. Notable landmarks include the Cafe Batavia restaurant and bar, Wayang Museum of puppetry, and Jakarta History Museum, housed in the old town hall.
The Basics
Fatahillah Square in Jakarta Old Town is a pleasant place to explore, whether to learn more about the puppets at the Wayang Museum, to soak up history at Jakarta History Museum, or for a stop at the historic Cafe Batavia for a drink.
As the center of colonial-era Jakarta and one of the city’s most photogenic locations, Fatahillah Square is an essential stop on any Jakarta history tour. Most Jakarta full-day tours will make a stop here, and it’s a great place to start a guided or self-guided walking tour of Old Town.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With its refurbished colonial buildings, Fatahillah Square is a must for fans of history and architecture.
- Wear comfortable shoes to cope with the cobbled square and streets.
- Save time navigating Kota’s confusing warren of streets by pre-booking an organized walking tour or a comprehensive Jakarta tour that includes hotel transport.
- Fatahillah Square takes its name from the Indonesian national hero Prince Fatahillah, who captured the port from the Portuguese in 1527.
How to Get There
Fatahillah Square sits at the heart of the city’s historic quarter. The pedestrianized square is an easy walk from Kota train station—which you can reach riding the Korridor I busway from Jalan Thamrin. Save time navigating and explore Jakarta with the help of a private driver or on an organized tour. Self-driving is not recommended.
When to Get There
If visiting Old Town’s museums are on your to-do list, avoid visiting Fatahillah Square on Monday, when its museums are closed; a few also close for prayers at Friday around lunch. Museums in Indonesia shut early—typically around 3pm—so aim to visit in the morning or at lunch. Photographers will find the light best and the square less crowded in early morning.
From Fatahillah Square to Kota
Many Jakartans know Jakarta Old Town simply as “Kota” (City), and its crumbling buildings are part of the atmospheric. A wander around Fatahillah Square reveals the shapes of the Dutch colonial-era city, Old Batavia, with its canals, grand houses, and administrative buildings. While much of Kota remains slum land, some historic sites are undergoing restoration.
Address: Fatahillah Square (Taman Fatahillah), Jakarta 11110, Indonesia
From $ 38
Wayang Museum
Wayang is the ancient art of Javanese storytelling – a theatrical performance using puppets that are usually made from leather or wood. The Wayang Museum in Jakarta houses one of the widest collections of wayang puppets in Java. It’s located in the Old City part of Jakarta, opposite Fatahillah Square in a building that dates back to 1912.
The Wayang Museum displays wayang puppets from across Indonesia, along with collections from countries such as China, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, and France. It also features a number of wayang paintings and sculptures, and even hosts wayang performances at 10am on every second, third, and fourth Sunday of the month.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach Wayang Museum is to take a taxi or use the TransJakarta Busway and alighting at Kota Tua. It makes sense to combine a visit to the Wayang Museum with the other attractions near Fatahillah Square, including the Jakarta History Museum and the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum.
Address: Jalan Pintu Besar Utara 27, Jakarta 11110, Indonesia
Hours: 9am-3pm Tuesday to Sunday
Admission: Rp. 2000
From $ 38
Jalan Surabaya Flea Market
Jalan Surabaya Flea Market is tucked away in the affluent suburb of Menteng in Jakarta. Established in the 1970’s, the market was initially only open on the weekends, when vendors would walk among the locals with their wares, selling mainly household items. At some point in the 1980s, one of the stallholders began to sell antiques, and seeing its popularity, the other vendors soon followed suit!
This half-kilometer stretch of shops and stalls now offers everything from old gramophones and vinyl records to art, woodcarvings, furniture, and textiles, along with a whole range of antiques (both of the genuine and slightly more dubious variety). Haggling is expected, of course, with good-natured vendors starting transactions with high prices in the expectation that buyers will drive a hard bargain.
Practical Info
Those not familiar with Jakarta may find the market hard to reach via public transport, so taking a taxi to Jalan Surabaya is recommended instead.
Address: Jalan Surabaya, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
From $ 38
Monas National Monument of Indonesia
The National Monument sits in the center of Jakarta’s Merdeka Square and was built to commemorate Indonesia's struggle for independence. The tower’s construction began in 1961 under President Soekarno, and the monument – also known as Monas – was finally opened to the public in July 1971.
The tower stands at more than 130 meters tall and is topped with a burning flame, symbolizing that the spirit of the Indonesian people will never be extinguished. The flame is made from bronze metal and coated with gold foil, while the main structure symbolizes a rice pestle and mortar, thereby representing Indonesia’s agricultural history. These objects are also said to symbolize fertility by representing the male and the female.
A lift on the southern side of the monument takes visitors up to the viewing platform at 115 meters above ground level. The National Monument is surrounded by a well-kept park, often used for sports and recreational activities.
Practical Info
The National Monument is situated in the center of Merdeka Square. The entrance is to the northern side of the structure, down some steps and through a tunnel. There is a popular fountain display at the park every Saturday and Sunday evening from 7pm.
Address: Jalan Silang Monas, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Admission: Varies
From $ 38
Gunung Mas Tea Plantation
Set in Puncak, high in the cool West Java hills around Bogor, the Gunung Mas Tea Plantation dates back to the Dutch colonial era. At the 6,000-acre (2,428-hectare) site, today owned by the Indonesian government, visitors can tour the tea factory and plantation and opt for hiking, horseback riding, and even paragliding in season.
The Basics
A private Gunung Mas Tea Plantation tour includes a visit to the tea fields, a factory tour, a tasting, the opportunity to buy some tea, and perhaps a guided hike or horseback ride. Gunung Mas is also a popular stop on wider Java highland tours, which typically include the Bogor Botanical Gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Gunung Mas is a must for tea tipplers.
- Java’s roads are overloaded, so don’t underestimate your travel time.
- Temperatures in Puncak can drop as low as 64℉ (18℃), so bring layers—and extra if you plan to paraglide.
- The Gunung Mas Tea Plantation is often rainy. You can pick up an inexpensive poncho at minimarts such as Indomaret, Alfamart, Coco Mart, or Circle K.
How to Get There
The Gunung Mas Tea Plantation is located just before the Puncak Pass, a couple of miles off the highway between Bogor and Bandung. Most visitors opt for a round-trip door-to-door tour or private driver. Alternatively, you can catch the bus or train from Jakarta to Bogor, then pick up a Bandung-bound bus. Expect the journey by private transit to take at least five hours.
When to Get There
Tea is harvested in Indonesia year-round, so it’s possible to visit Gunung Mas Tea Plantation at any time. If tandem paragliding in Puncak is on your agenda, then June, July, and August offer the best potential for dry weather, although paragliding is possible year-round if the weather cooperates.
Tea in Indonesia
Javanese tea has a legacy dating back to the 19th century. The Dutch in Indonesia were the first colonial power to grow tea outside China, and tea plantations are still scattered across Java, Sumatra, and other islands. Today the 12th-largest tea producer in the world, Indonesia exports almost all of its tea for brands such as Twinings.
Address: Puncak, West Java, Indonesia
From $ 84
Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa
Jakarta’s old port, Sunda Kelapa is a popular stop on any tour of historic Jakarta (or Batavia, as it once was). Wooden 2-masted pinisi sailing ships still moor here, while porters move goods to and fro as they have since the 13th century. Converted warehouses hold the Maritime Museum, and a watchtower and lighthouses stand guard over the bustling harbor.
The Basics
It’s easy enough to wander around Sunda Kelapa, and the harbor is an essential stop on any guided or self-guided tour of Old Batavia (Kota Tua) or Jakarta Old Town. Arrange for a private guide to learn more about the role the vanished town of Sunda Kelapa played in Jakarta’s—and Indonesia’s—history. Guides can help negotiate a boat ride around the harbor. Organized walking tours make navigating both old port and old town a breeze.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-do for history buffs, Sunda Kelapa is one of Jakarta’s most authentic attractions—smells and all.
- You might see Sunda Kelapa signposted as “Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa”: the word “pelabuhan” simply means port, or harbor, in Indonesian.
- Wear comfortable shoes to visit Old Batavia. The cobblestones can be hard on the feet.
- The 2-masted pinisi sailing ships are a traditional Indonesian craft. Generally made on the island of Sulawesi, they are still very much working vessels.
How to Get There
About half a mile (1 kilometer) north of Fatahillah Square, the heart of Jakarta Old Town, Sunda Kelapa port is easy to reach on foot from Old Town or the Kota Tua bus station. While the subway system remains uncompleted, many visitors prefer to explore Jakarta either with a private driver or on an organized tour.
When to Get There
While the bustling fish market that used to bring the harbor to life burned down some years ago, early morning is still a great time to visit Sunda Kelapa port. The sailors sleep on their boats and get up around dawn, when the light is right for photography. During the middle of the day, it can be extremely hot.
From Sunda Kelapa to Jakarta
Sunda Kelapa was the original settlement on which Jakarta is based. After Prince Fatahillah destroyed the original port in 1527, he rebuilt it and called it Jayakarta, meaning “Victorious City.” Almost a century later, Dutch colonial forces destroyed Jayakarta and built a canal city, which they called Batavia, in its place. When Indonesia achieved independence after World War II, the city took the name Djakarta (Jakarta).
Address: Jalan Maritim Raya, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
From $ 38
Mount Salak
Located in West Java, Mount Salak is one of the most accessible volcanoes from Jakarta, and hasn’t erupted since 1935. It’s popular among climbers and nature lovers, with various routes on the mountain range leading up to different peaks. The hiking here is known for being wet and muddy, with often obscured views due to cloud and fog. However, there’s a great deal of variety to be found on Mount Salak’s slopes, including dense jungle terrain, craters, and wildlife – the latter ranging from frogs and reptiles to birds and mammals.
Mount Salak has seven peaks and offers a number of climbing routes. Peak 1 is the highest and is visited via routes from the east, through Cimelati and Cicurug. It’s a steep but straightforward hike through forest, with very few challenges, and takes approximately four hours to reach the summit. Here, climbers will find a blue sign, a grave site, and two covered shelters, not to mention sweeping views over the forested valleys and lower peaks (weather conditions permitting, of course).
Practical Info
Bogor lies approximately 60 kilometers from Jakarta, and the easiest way to reach it is by hiring a private car and driver, although bus routes also serve the area. There are plenty of accommodation options in Bogor for an early start on the mountain. For Salak 1, take a bus towards Pelabuhan Ratu and alight at Cimelati or Cicurug. From here, take an ojek (motorcycle taxi) or angkot (minibus) to your chosen starting point.
Permits and pre-registration are required for hiking, with permits available at most of the entrance points.
Address: Mount Salak, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
Admission: Rp 20,000 for permit
From $ 84
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Situated to the southeast of Jakarta, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (or ‘Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park’) covers some 250 acres and features famous mini buildings and landmarks from all over Indonesia.
The park is not only a visual attraction and recreation area, but also serves to showcase authentic examples of the different cultures and heritages of the people of Indonesia. It consists of traditional houses for each of the country’s provinces, supplemented with ornaments and motifs from each territory, along with displays of clothing and handicrafts.
The park also features a cable-car ride, an IMAX theatre, a mini-scale borobudur, an orchid garden, a bird park, and various museums. In addition, the park hosts a number of dance and cultural events, particularly on Sundays.
Practical Info
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is situated approximately 20 kilometers from Jakarta’s city center. The easiest way to reach it is by taxi, although the Koridor 7 bus to the Kampung Rambutan terminal and then a T15 MiniMetro will also get you there.
Address: Jalan Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta 13820, Indonesia
Hours: 8am-6pm
Admission: Adult: Rp. 6000 / Child: Rp. 4000
From $ 56
National Museum
The National Museum in Jakarta sits on the western side of Merdeka Square. After various incarnations under a number of different names, the National Museum was opened in 1868. Often referred to as the "˜Elephant Building' due to the bronze elephant statue at its entrance, this impressive museum houses a huge collection, providing an in-depth insight into Indonesia's fascinating cultural heritage.
The National Museum essentially takes visitors on a journey through Indonesia's history, from prehistoric times right up to the present day. There are almost 150,000 artifacts on display here, with prehistoric, archaeological, ceramic, ethnographic, numismatic/heraldic, geographic, and colonial collections to explore.
A new wing was added to the museum in 2007, with four levels dedicated to the neo-classical colonial era and the origins of mankind in Indonesia, including a model of the Flores "˜hobbit'. Elsewhere, there are items from the eras of Hinduism and Buddhism, known as the Indonesian classical era, with ancient statues of Hindu gods and the Buddha.
Practical Info
The National Museum is located in Merdeka Square. The Indonesian Heritage Society offers free English-speaking tours of the museum at 10:30am on Tuesdays, and at 10:30am and 1:30pm on Thursdays.
Address: Jalan Merdeka Barat 12, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Hours: 8am-4pm Tuesday to Friday; 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday
Admission: Adult: Rp. 750 / Child: Rp. 250
From $ 38