About Bogor

We have compiled some information about our city, which may be useful if you are considering joining with us as a volunteer or a sponsor, but have never visited Bogor before.

Overview

  • Bogor is located in West Java, approximately 60kms south of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta.
  • Bogor has a population of around 3 million, inclusive of suburban areas.
  • It is known as the “city of rain” for its high annual rainfall, and it has a considerably cooler average monthly temperature than Jakarta due to its higher altitude.

Language

  • The official language is Bahasa Indonesia.
  • The traditional regional language, Sundanese, is widely spoken.
  • English is the most widely spoken foreign language.

Religion

  • Islam is the dominant religion.
  • Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, and Buddhist communities are also represented.

Activities in Bogor

  • The Bogor Botanical Gardens were founded in 1811 and are considered world class.
  • Cap Go Meh features a parade and art performances for Chinese New Year.
  • The Bogor Cultural Festival celebrates the anniversary of the city.
  • Bogor is famous for its markets and factory clothing outlets.
  • Every Sunday morning, a section of Bogor’s main road is car-free, to allow for jogging and social fitness.

Common Transport in Bogor

  • Angkots, small buses that service the whole city, are the most popular and affordable transport option.
  • Ojeg, motorcycles servicing all areas, are available to take single passengers on request.
  • Taxis are available but are not a popular option due to limited numbers and high cost.
  • Trains are available on a regular basis to major centres including Jakarta.
  • Delman, a small horse and cart, are available for short trips in the Botanical Gardens area.
  • Walking and cycling are also possible due to Bogor’s convenient size.

Typical Food in Bogor

  • Roti Unyil is a small bread snack, containing a range of fillings such cheese, sausage, chocolate, banana, or coconut.
  • Toge Goreng is a popular stir fry of bean sprouts with rice dumplings and sambal (chilli paste).
  • Mie Golosor is a traditional type of slippery yellow noodle, served with green vegetables and peanut sauce.
  • Talas is Bogor’s signature vegetable, a tuber similar to sweet potato which can be stewed, boiled, or fried.
  • Asinan is a salad of preserved raw fruit, served in a sweet, spicy, salty, and sour sauce, which is unique to Bogor.