Best Day Trips from Jakarta with Kids
Written in Oct 2020
Is there a weekend or even better "teachers' day" and you would like to get away from Jakarta with your kids to get some fresh air?
1. Sentul Hike
The Sentul area offers a beautiful landscape of traditional agricultural heritage. You can get out of "your Jakarta bubble" and explore rice and lemon grass fields, discovering a traditional Sundanese way of life. You can even cool off in a clean river on the trail.
Sentul is only about 1 hour from Jakarta, direction south, connected by the tollroad highway. It is even closer than Bogor. Sentul is very popular place for biking, hiking, team-building or just having a lunch.
One of our favorite activities is taking a hike organised by ID Guides. Of course, you can go there and walk by yourself, but we prefer to hire a guide. They are not cheap, but they offer a great service as through purchasing their guided hikes, you support the local community and help maintain the trails.
Sentul is only about 1 hour from Jakarta, direction south, connected by the tollroad highway. It is even closer than Bogor. Sentul is very popular place for biking, hiking, team-building or just having a lunch.
One of our favorite activities is taking a hike organised by ID Guides. Of course, you can go there and walk by yourself, but we prefer to hire a guide. They are not cheap, but they offer a great service as through purchasing their guided hikes, you support the local community and help maintain the trails.
Observing the wildlife and agriculture:
At the end of your trek you take a rest at ID Guide's Acacia Camp, where you are offered water, tea, coffee and snacks:
Duration: 2 hours / whole day
Price: from Rp 200 000 per person (for 2 hours family trek)
Time: Usually we start at 7:30am. The earlier the better, as it is 23C in the morning, but 30C noon.
When to go: Best time to go is dry season (April - October) as it gets muddy during rainy season
Mode of transportation: Arriving/departing by own vehicle (you can park by the ID Guide's camping site or wherever ID guides direct you)
What to bring: Trail shoes / running trainers with a good profile sole, socks, sports clothes (not jeans and more conservative attire that is village appropriate), water (on some of the treks you pass local shops that sell water and coconuts), snacks, medication, small backpack, hat, rain gear (during rainy season), sunblock, mosquito spray, camera, change of clothes and shoes (leave in the car for your return)
Guide to visitors ratio is 1:4 or 1:3
Children's age: My friend did the family hike easily with a 4 year old son
Where: Sentul area: 6°34'54.5"S 106°55'29.1"E
Parking: It's possible to park on the side of the main road; however, you are shown parking by the guides
Contact: +62 812 8220 3800 (Mobile / WA)
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: idguides.net
Lunch: See Taman Budaya section below
Price: from Rp 200 000 per person (for 2 hours family trek)
Time: Usually we start at 7:30am. The earlier the better, as it is 23C in the morning, but 30C noon.
When to go: Best time to go is dry season (April - October) as it gets muddy during rainy season
Mode of transportation: Arriving/departing by own vehicle (you can park by the ID Guide's camping site or wherever ID guides direct you)
What to bring: Trail shoes / running trainers with a good profile sole, socks, sports clothes (not jeans and more conservative attire that is village appropriate), water (on some of the treks you pass local shops that sell water and coconuts), snacks, medication, small backpack, hat, rain gear (during rainy season), sunblock, mosquito spray, camera, change of clothes and shoes (leave in the car for your return)
Guide to visitors ratio is 1:4 or 1:3
Children's age: My friend did the family hike easily with a 4 year old son
Where: Sentul area: 6°34'54.5"S 106°55'29.1"E
Parking: It's possible to park on the side of the main road; however, you are shown parking by the guides
Contact: +62 812 8220 3800 (Mobile / WA)
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: idguides.net
Lunch: See Taman Budaya section below
In case you are more adventurous and prefer to go by yourself, below is a map of one of our Sentul hikes. The area is full of walking trails, very easy and safe. I believe that you will be just fine following google maps.
We were a big group with many children, so we took a guide.
Map of our hike:
4.5 Km, 2h walking time
|
2. Trekking Therapie
Hike around Jakarta with family or friends and have fun experiencing beautiful Indonesian nature!
Trips organized by our sweet friend and experienced guide Griselda, who comes from Jakarta, Indonesia and is a member of Indonesian Heritage Society.
Trekking Therapie offers private, short trekking getaways to waterfalls and hills on the outskirts of Jakarta, East Java and Bali (and soon other destinations in Indonesia). Trips can be organised to visit national parks, hills, mountains, forests, plantations, savanas, craters, hot springs, springs, rivers, lakes, beaches, islands, and remote villages
One day trips will immerse you in nature where you will be able to experience beautiful hilly views with fresh air, rice fields, various terrains and unique ecosystems including near rivers and waterfalls. During the walk, you will learn about different kinds of plants, fruits, crops, insects, birds, livestocks, and be exposed to the local culture.
Trekking Therapie offers different trails and destinations every week (with different difficulty levels: from beginner to advanced). Any age groups are welcome to join!
Tailor-made trips are available upon request.
Duration: 3-4 hours / whole day
Price: starts from Rp 700.000,-/pax (depends on the location and includes documentations)
Time: 6-6:30 a.m. or earlier (we prefer to start early morning after sunrise)
When to go: best time to go is dry season (April - October) as it gets muddy during rainy season
Mode of transportation: Trekking Therapie provides a carpool from Jakarta. You may drive your own car as well.
What to bring: water bottle (2 minimum), snacks/fruits, change of clothes, hat, hiking sandals or trekking shoes, raincoat, trekking pole if you have one, small backpack, sunscreen, sunglasses, money
Guide to visitors ratio is 1:2 or 1:3
Children's age: the youngest kid who trekked with his parents is 2 years old
Where: Sentul or anywhere else based on agreement
Parking: it is possible to park on the side of the main road; however, you will be shown parking by the guides
Contact: +62 87809808683 (Mobile/WA)
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: www.facebook.com/trekkingtherapie for upcoming trip events
Trips organized by our sweet friend and experienced guide Griselda, who comes from Jakarta, Indonesia and is a member of Indonesian Heritage Society.
Trekking Therapie offers private, short trekking getaways to waterfalls and hills on the outskirts of Jakarta, East Java and Bali (and soon other destinations in Indonesia). Trips can be organised to visit national parks, hills, mountains, forests, plantations, savanas, craters, hot springs, springs, rivers, lakes, beaches, islands, and remote villages
One day trips will immerse you in nature where you will be able to experience beautiful hilly views with fresh air, rice fields, various terrains and unique ecosystems including near rivers and waterfalls. During the walk, you will learn about different kinds of plants, fruits, crops, insects, birds, livestocks, and be exposed to the local culture.
Trekking Therapie offers different trails and destinations every week (with different difficulty levels: from beginner to advanced). Any age groups are welcome to join!
Tailor-made trips are available upon request.
Duration: 3-4 hours / whole day
Price: starts from Rp 700.000,-/pax (depends on the location and includes documentations)
Time: 6-6:30 a.m. or earlier (we prefer to start early morning after sunrise)
When to go: best time to go is dry season (April - October) as it gets muddy during rainy season
Mode of transportation: Trekking Therapie provides a carpool from Jakarta. You may drive your own car as well.
What to bring: water bottle (2 minimum), snacks/fruits, change of clothes, hat, hiking sandals or trekking shoes, raincoat, trekking pole if you have one, small backpack, sunscreen, sunglasses, money
Guide to visitors ratio is 1:2 or 1:3
Children's age: the youngest kid who trekked with his parents is 2 years old
Where: Sentul or anywhere else based on agreement
Parking: it is possible to park on the side of the main road; however, you will be shown parking by the guides
Contact: +62 87809808683 (Mobile/WA)
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: www.facebook.com/trekkingtherapie for upcoming trip events
|
|
3. Taman Budaya in Sentul
For younger children Taman Budaya offers various activities like pony rides, kids-size rickshaws, coloring, fish feeding, batik painting, mini top-tree walk, zip-line, etc. Quality is medium, don't have high expectation. For older children and adults there is archery, shooting and team-building activities. No need to book in advance, just come, pay and go.
There is also a nice massage spa (Aurora Spa). The whole area usually becomes quite busy during the weekend.
There is also a nice massage spa (Aurora Spa). The whole area usually becomes quite busy during the weekend.
There are many restaurants in the area. Following our Sentul hikes, our family likes to have a lunch in an Italian restaurant Giuliani. During weekends you need to reserve a table and definitely ask to sit outside:
|
If you want to stay in the area for the night, you can consider staying at the Aston Sentul Lake Resort.
Parking: Has a paid parking facilities Webpage: https://tamanbudaya.co.id |
4. Taman Safari in Bogor
If you like safaris, zoos and amusement parks then Taman Safari is a great place to spend a day with your kids or just by yourself. We have been there 2 times and on both occasions, we spent a whole day there. It is definitely one of the top attractions in the area...and not only for kids! 😊
Leave Jakarta in the morning as early as possible to avoid traffic. Shortly before entering the safari, you will see road side stalls selling carrots and bananas. Buy at least one bunch of carrots per person. It is not expensive, and it will make your safari trip special.
At the entrance show your KITAS (if you have one) to get a better price.
After entering the park, you will spend about 1 hour in a "safari traffic jam" in your car. However, it is an amazing experience for kids as the animals come to you and you can feed them directly from your car.
After the safari, park your car and enjoy a bit of walking. There are restaurants, an amusement park, a water park and of course a large zoo. You can also attend some of the shows (in Bahasa Indonesian) and at the top of the park you can buy an extra ticket to take a bus to view the koalas.
We stayed till 6pm. After about 4pm, when it starts to be cooler, the animals start to be more active with the result that this is arguably the best time to visit the zoo. I believe that there is also less traffic when leaving the park after 6pm.
At the entrance show your KITAS (if you have one) to get a better price.
After entering the park, you will spend about 1 hour in a "safari traffic jam" in your car. However, it is an amazing experience for kids as the animals come to you and you can feed them directly from your car.
After the safari, park your car and enjoy a bit of walking. There are restaurants, an amusement park, a water park and of course a large zoo. You can also attend some of the shows (in Bahasa Indonesian) and at the top of the park you can buy an extra ticket to take a bus to view the koalas.
We stayed till 6pm. After about 4pm, when it starts to be cooler, the animals start to be more active with the result that this is arguably the best time to visit the zoo. I believe that there is also less traffic when leaving the park after 6pm.
When to go: very early in the morning, preferably during a week day to avoid crowds but if you can't, then the weekend is OK too
Price: Rp 170 000 - 400 000 (depending on if you are child <5 years old, a local citizen or foreigner. Bring your KITAS if you have one
Price: Rp 170 000 - 400 000 (depending on if you are child <5 years old, a local citizen or foreigner. Bring your KITAS if you have one
|
Open: 9am - 5pm (Mo - Fri) and 8:30am - 5pm (Sat & Sun), but we stayed until 6pm
What to bring: carrots (buy them before the safari entrance), swimmers and a towel if you want to use the water park section (we didn't have time). I am not sure if restaurants are open during Covid 19, so it is better to bring some food with you Where: Cibeureum, Bogor, West Java Web page: bogor.tamansafari.com/siang.php# |
5. Rafting Citarik River
For those who like adventure!
This place is a bit further away from Jakarta (south of Bogor). We visited it on the way to the southern beaches of Java, but my friends made it as a day trip from Jakarta. It took them 2 hours to get there and 3 hours to return home. If you don't mind spending this long in the car, then it is a really spectacular experience for the whole family!
This place is a bit further away from Jakarta (south of Bogor). We visited it on the way to the southern beaches of Java, but my friends made it as a day trip from Jakarta. It took them 2 hours to get there and 3 hours to return home. If you don't mind spending this long in the car, then it is a really spectacular experience for the whole family!
We left Jakarta on Saturday at 5:15am and arrived to Arus Liar at 7:45 am. It was perfect as the kids were sleeping for the whole journey. At Arus Liar there are changing rooms with showers and toilet facilities (basic but ok). Everyone received a helmet and life jacket. We were 8 pax, so we were provided with 2 rafts. Each raft had a guide. Because we had children, for extra security we were allocated another guide who was in a separate raft that waited for us after we bumped and flew down the faster rapids. Some rapids were fast, but I felt very safe.
If you opt for the 9km raft adventure, then after 4 km you take a break and you are offered water before jumping back into the raft for the second section of the trip.
Don't expect to do to much exercise. Your guide will do the work and you only have to paddle as directed
We took a bath in the river (not sure how the water clean the water is, but you take a shower at the end anyway)
We spotted lots of stripy tailed monitor lizards lazing on the banks and rocks
At the end of the raft ride our refreshment was fresh coconut, which was delicious.
An open air truck transported us back to the Arus Liar building (a ride the kids loved due to the road's inclines and declines). Here we could buy pictures taken by a professional photographer and we ate a typical Sundanese lunch (tempe, rice, chicken - all very yummy) in an open restaurant
It was fun and I would definitely recommend it to everyone that likes adventure!
If you opt for the 9km raft adventure, then after 4 km you take a break and you are offered water before jumping back into the raft for the second section of the trip.
Don't expect to do to much exercise. Your guide will do the work and you only have to paddle as directed
We took a bath in the river (not sure how the water clean the water is, but you take a shower at the end anyway)
We spotted lots of stripy tailed monitor lizards lazing on the banks and rocks
At the end of the raft ride our refreshment was fresh coconut, which was delicious.
An open air truck transported us back to the Arus Liar building (a ride the kids loved due to the road's inclines and declines). Here we could buy pictures taken by a professional photographer and we ate a typical Sundanese lunch (tempe, rice, chicken - all very yummy) in an open restaurant
It was fun and I would definitely recommend it to everyone that likes adventure!
We tried TUBING too, but we didn't find it as safe as rafting. Guides were located every 50m, so that was fine, but in case your tube turn up side down, you might hit the stones under water with knee or other body parts. It is not dangerous but definitely not pleasant. However it is fun if you manage to stay in tube for the whole ride!
When: open every day
Time: 8:00am, 10:00am or 1:00pm (I advise 8am, as we were the only group. At 10 am there was a group of about 10 people
Raft packages:
- 5km / 1 hour, Rp 239 000/pax (we found this one too short)
- 9km / 2 hour, Rp 299 000/pax (ideal length)
- 13km / 3 hour, Rp 389 000/pax (min 10 pax)
- 17km / 5 hour, Rp 499 000/pax (min 10 pax)
Try to ask for a discount 😉
50% deposit required
Package includes: rafting equipment (incl life-vest and helmet), guide, rescue team, lunch, refreshments, insurance, toilet & shower, local transportation
What to bring: casual easy dry clothes (no jeans), light and quick dry sports shoes (ideally beach shoes, but my son had flip flops / slides / thongs on and it was ok - you are just running the risk of loosing them when on the raft), toiletries, towels, plastic bags for wet clothes, sunblock, face masks
Children's age: minimum 5 years old (we have been there with 7 year old and it was fine, but better to confirm with Arus Liar
Phone / WA: 0812 8070 0700 (Ms Sarah speaks good English)
Location: Camp - site Arus Liar, Desa Cigelong Kecamatan Cikidang, Kabupaten Sukabumi, Jawa Barat
Webpage: arusliar.co.id
When: open every day
Time: 8:00am, 10:00am or 1:00pm (I advise 8am, as we were the only group. At 10 am there was a group of about 10 people
Raft packages:
- 5km / 1 hour, Rp 239 000/pax (we found this one too short)
- 9km / 2 hour, Rp 299 000/pax (ideal length)
- 13km / 3 hour, Rp 389 000/pax (min 10 pax)
- 17km / 5 hour, Rp 499 000/pax (min 10 pax)
Try to ask for a discount 😉
50% deposit required
Package includes: rafting equipment (incl life-vest and helmet), guide, rescue team, lunch, refreshments, insurance, toilet & shower, local transportation
What to bring: casual easy dry clothes (no jeans), light and quick dry sports shoes (ideally beach shoes, but my son had flip flops / slides / thongs on and it was ok - you are just running the risk of loosing them when on the raft), toiletries, towels, plastic bags for wet clothes, sunblock, face masks
Children's age: minimum 5 years old (we have been there with 7 year old and it was fine, but better to confirm with Arus Liar
Phone / WA: 0812 8070 0700 (Ms Sarah speaks good English)
Location: Camp - site Arus Liar, Desa Cigelong Kecamatan Cikidang, Kabupaten Sukabumi, Jawa Barat
Webpage: arusliar.co.id
|
As you can see on Arus Liar's webpage they offer not only rafting, but also tubing, team-building, paintball, archery, trekking and accommodation.
Another companies offering rafting in the region that we have seen are Caldera and Bravo Adventure. |
It is possible to do rafting closer to Jakarta, in Bogor and Sentul, but we didn't try it yet:
1) Rafting Cisadane Adventure
2) Rafting Kalibaru
3) Cianten Rafting
1) Rafting Cisadane Adventure
2) Rafting Kalibaru
3) Cianten Rafting
6. Horse Riding
Jakarta Perkumpulan Equestrian Centre (Sentul)
Recommended below are 4 Horse Riding schools:
1) Jakarta Perkumpulan Equestrian Centre in Sentul - offers various activities for children and adults
2) Anantya Riding Club in Bogor - is close to the toll road highway and is set in a beautiful location
3) Equinara in Depok
4) Arthayasa in North Jakarta
1) Jakarta Perkumpulan Equestrian Centre in Sentul - offers various activities for children and adults
2) Anantya Riding Club in Bogor - is close to the toll road highway and is set in a beautiful location
3) Equinara in Depok
4) Arthayasa in North Jakarta
Jakarta Perkumpulan Equestrian Centre (Sentul)
7. Widayanto Ceramic House - Workshop
My artistic daughter and I spent 2 beautiful Saturday mornings here - one to make the ceramics and 2 weeks later we returned to paint them.
Widayanto is a famous Indonesian ceramic artist and the Widayanto Ceramic House in Depok (Rumah Keramik F Widayanto) is located in a complex of houses surrounded by a lush, tropical garden. Ceramic works are cleverly embedded into the local surroundings making it an incredible place to visit, especially if you enjoy nature.
Widayanto is a famous Indonesian ceramic artist and the Widayanto Ceramic House in Depok (Rumah Keramik F Widayanto) is located in a complex of houses surrounded by a lush, tropical garden. Ceramic works are cleverly embedded into the local surroundings making it an incredible place to visit, especially if you enjoy nature.
It took us about 1 hour to get there from Jakarta. It is hard to find, so be patient and definitely print out the address to show the locals who will point you, eventually, in the right direction.
When you enter, you are greeted by lovely greenery and peaceful surroundings. This place is much more then just a ceramic house and is a huge contrast to the narrow streets outside.
We didn't book a workshop in advance, but maybe it would be a good idea to do so. You can decide what kind of workshop you want to do - to make ceramics (and an artist will fire it and paint your creation for you) or to paint a pre-fired piece. We decided to do both (you have to come 2 times) and we even took a workshop on how to use the pottery wheel.
You don't need any special skills to be able to do it as you are guided by a ceramic artist who helps to make your pieces more beautiful. You can use templates (leaves, butterfly .... as on the picture) or you can make something entirely new.
On finishing your piece, you have to leave your artwork for firing (each piece needs to be put in the kiln twice - once after you create a piece and then after coloring it). Finished pieces were sent by Gojek to our home 2-3 weeks later.
You can also enjoy some local cuisine here, but we didn't try it. There is also a small shop with souvenirs.
When you enter, you are greeted by lovely greenery and peaceful surroundings. This place is much more then just a ceramic house and is a huge contrast to the narrow streets outside.
We didn't book a workshop in advance, but maybe it would be a good idea to do so. You can decide what kind of workshop you want to do - to make ceramics (and an artist will fire it and paint your creation for you) or to paint a pre-fired piece. We decided to do both (you have to come 2 times) and we even took a workshop on how to use the pottery wheel.
You don't need any special skills to be able to do it as you are guided by a ceramic artist who helps to make your pieces more beautiful. You can use templates (leaves, butterfly .... as on the picture) or you can make something entirely new.
On finishing your piece, you have to leave your artwork for firing (each piece needs to be put in the kiln twice - once after you create a piece and then after coloring it). Finished pieces were sent by Gojek to our home 2-3 weeks later.
You can also enjoy some local cuisine here, but we didn't try it. There is also a small shop with souvenirs.
|
|
Duration: about 1-2 hour for a workshop
Price: Rp 10 000 entrance fee and Rp 140 000 - 300 000 workshop fee. If you want your art pieces to be delivered to you, you need to pay extra Rp 100 000
Mode of transportation: arriving/departing by own vehicle (you can park in front of the house)
What to bring: The workshop is conducted outside, so it might be hot. High heels are not recommended, water, snacks, mosquito spray, camera are!
Price: Rp 10 000 entrance fee and Rp 140 000 - 300 000 workshop fee. If you want your art pieces to be delivered to you, you need to pay extra Rp 100 000
Mode of transportation: arriving/departing by own vehicle (you can park in front of the house)
What to bring: The workshop is conducted outside, so it might be hot. High heels are not recommended, water, snacks, mosquito spray, camera are!
|
Children age: suitable for all ages
Where: Rumah Keramik F Widayanto, Jl. Curug Agung No. 1 Tanah Baru Beji Depok 16428 (F. Widayanto, apparently has 3 outlets, so make sure you know which one you want to visit. We went to Depok) Phone: (021) 775 7685, 775 7686 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Webpage: fwidayanto.com/home |
8. Cibodas Botanical Garden
This is a sprawling botanical garden created in the 19th century, showcasing orchids, cinchona trees, sakura trees, cactuses and many more. You can easily spend 3 hours enjoying the nature here. It is refreshing here as it is a few degrees cooler than Jakarta. If you like plants and flowers, then this is the place for you. It's uncrowded and peaceful during weekdays, but I can imagine that it can get busy during weekends. I believe it is a popular place to have a picnic.
I have been in Cibodas Garden two times:
1) IHS Explorers group: we had a 2 hour guided tour (with Pak Taufik) in a mini-bus during from which we viewed the various plants and trees. The park is huge, but for European standards it would be just a pleasant walk.
2) I have been there with my kids and friends and rented bikes for 2 hours. The bicycles were basic as we had to push them uphill as they didn't have gears, and we had to push downhill as the brakes didn't work properly (check the brakes before you pick up the bicycles), but is was fun anyway. We rode in the direction of the waterfall, parked the bicycles and walked about 1 km to the waterfall itself. The waterfall was OK, nothing special, but the walk was pleasant.
1) IHS Explorers group: we had a 2 hour guided tour (with Pak Taufik) in a mini-bus during from which we viewed the various plants and trees. The park is huge, but for European standards it would be just a pleasant walk.
2) I have been there with my kids and friends and rented bikes for 2 hours. The bicycles were basic as we had to push them uphill as they didn't have gears, and we had to push downhill as the brakes didn't work properly (check the brakes before you pick up the bicycles), but is was fun anyway. We rode in the direction of the waterfall, parked the bicycles and walked about 1 km to the waterfall itself. The waterfall was OK, nothing special, but the walk was pleasant.
You can even rent a villa in the garden, however I have to say it looks much better from outside then from inside.
For both trips, we left Jakarta at 7:00am and it took us about 2 hours to get there.
There is no restaurant, so we took lunch (wraps) from home and we ate them in the car on the long journey back (about 3 hours (!), so it was good that the food made the car-trip seem shorter. However, having a picnic at the gardens is a definite possibility and would be lovely.
Duration: 2 hours / whole day
Price: entrance is about Rp 10 000 per person and Rp 10 000 per car entrance and parking. If you decide to take a bus tour, it is another Rp10 000 per person. Prices are approximate as I can't remember the exact amount.
Time: We left Jakarta at 7:00am.
When to go: I guess any time of the year is good and it might depend on what you want to see: cherry blossom, orchids, big flower (Flower Carcasses)
Mode of transportation: arriving/departing by own vehicle (you can park in their carpark)
What to bring: running trainers, sports clothes (not jeans and culturally appropriate attire), water, snacks, lunch / picnic, medication, small backpack, hat, rain gear (during rainy season), sunblock, mosquito spray, camera, change of cloths (to be left in the car for after your trip)
There is no restaurant, so we took lunch (wraps) from home and we ate them in the car on the long journey back (about 3 hours (!), so it was good that the food made the car-trip seem shorter. However, having a picnic at the gardens is a definite possibility and would be lovely.
Duration: 2 hours / whole day
Price: entrance is about Rp 10 000 per person and Rp 10 000 per car entrance and parking. If you decide to take a bus tour, it is another Rp10 000 per person. Prices are approximate as I can't remember the exact amount.
Time: We left Jakarta at 7:00am.
When to go: I guess any time of the year is good and it might depend on what you want to see: cherry blossom, orchids, big flower (Flower Carcasses)
Mode of transportation: arriving/departing by own vehicle (you can park in their carpark)
What to bring: running trainers, sports clothes (not jeans and culturally appropriate attire), water, snacks, lunch / picnic, medication, small backpack, hat, rain gear (during rainy season), sunblock, mosquito spray, camera, change of cloths (to be left in the car for after your trip)
|
Guide: Pak Taufik (good if you want to learn a bit more about the garden and plants, otherwise not necessary)
Children age: any age Where: Hutan Gunung Gede Pangrango, Desa, Cimacan, Kec. Cipanas, Kabupaten Cianjur, Jawa Barat 43253 Parking: It is possible to park at the entrance of the grounds Contact: +62263520448, +62 852 2397 4568 (Mobile / WA of Pak Taufik, in case you need a guide) Webpage: http://krcibodas.lipi.go.id/ |
9. Taman Bunga Nusantara
Colorful botanical garden located close to Mount Gede, surrounded by beautiful nature with fresh air.
This is Indonesia's first park dedicated to displaying flowers and features some unique flowering plants from all over the world.
You can view French, Japanese, American and Balianese gardens, rose and palm gardens and much more. Have some fun running through the labyrinth and take pictures with the giant grass dinosaurs!
There is also a lake, children’s playground and you can climb a 4 story tower from which you have a wonderful view of the gardens and the majestic Gunung Gede.
There is a local food court, Cafe Marigold. In the large area of the garden there are few gazebos where you can rest or eat a snack you brought from home :)
The garden is a possible day trip from Jakarta as the journey takes approximately 2.5hrs but it is also a great option to visit while you are having a weekend break in Puncak.
You can view French, Japanese, American and Balianese gardens, rose and palm gardens and much more. Have some fun running through the labyrinth and take pictures with the giant grass dinosaurs!
There is also a lake, children’s playground and you can climb a 4 story tower from which you have a wonderful view of the gardens and the majestic Gunung Gede.
There is a local food court, Cafe Marigold. In the large area of the garden there are few gazebos where you can rest or eat a snack you brought from home :)
The garden is a possible day trip from Jakarta as the journey takes approximately 2.5hrs but it is also a great option to visit while you are having a weekend break in Puncak.
hen to go: very early in the morning, preferably during a week day, but if you can't, then the weekend is OK too, it's just busier
Price: 5.000rp-50.000rp, depends on what part of the garden is included in your ticket
Open: 9am - 5pm everyday including holidays
What to bring: snacks, water, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, maybe an umbrella and definitely a sun hat
Price: 5.000rp-50.000rp, depends on what part of the garden is included in your ticket
Open: 9am - 5pm everyday including holidays
What to bring: snacks, water, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, maybe an umbrella and definitely a sun hat
|
Where: Jl. Mariwati No.KM. 7, Kawungluwuk, Kec. Sukaresmi, Kabupaten Cianjur, Jawa Barat 43254
Travel Time: about 2.5hrs to get there and 3hrs to get back Good to combine with staying a night at some of the Puncak villas Telephone: 02263581618 Website: https://www.tamanbunganusantara.com/ Parking: right by the entrance to the gardens |
10. Bogor Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya)
Kebun Raya is very close to Jakarta and reachable by a toll road! If you would like to spend the day surrounded by beautiful flowers and huge trees, enjoy the green space and fresh air, this is a must do trip!
The garden is located in the city centre of Bogor, by the Presidential palace compound. You can visit the Orchid home, Gunting pond, Mexico garden, Zoological museum (which contains a preserved collection of 10000 insects and 2000 species of other fauna and flora and a large whale skeleton), visit the Dutch cemetery and Lady Raffles' memorial.
The garden is located in the city centre of Bogor, by the Presidential palace compound. You can visit the Orchid home, Gunting pond, Mexico garden, Zoological museum (which contains a preserved collection of 10000 insects and 2000 species of other fauna and flora and a large whale skeleton), visit the Dutch cemetery and Lady Raffles' memorial.
Refreshments, drinks, fresh coconuts or an Indonesian traditional meal, alongside a picturesque view can be purchased at the Grand Garden Cafe & Resto open daily from 9 am. This is the only restaurant in the gardens.
Many people have a picnic here.
Many people have a picnic here.
We have been here already few times. Once on a weekday - it was peaceful and quiet with almost no one. We could park our car inside. Then on Saturday. It was very crowded at the entrance, but don't worry about it. The garden is spacious and the further from entrance you go the less people you meet. You can still enjoy your day as we did!
If you don't like to walk, you can rent a bike (Rp 25 000/unit/hour), golf car (Rp 250 000 / unit / hour) or seat in a mini bus (Rp 25 000/ day/ person).
Duration: from 1 hour to whole day (a walk around the garden takes about 1 hour) (1 hour by car from Jakarta)
When to go: Anytime! Just remember, it rains almost daily during the rainy season in the Bogor area
Open: Everyday, Mon-Fri 8am -4pm, Sat-Sun 7am-4pm, some places such as the orchid garden close at 3pm so please check the schedule (many places are closed during Covid, but the main park is open)
Price: Rp 15 000 Indonesian citizens or KITAS holders, Rp 25 000rp foreigners
What to bring: Snacks, picnic blanket, water, sunscreen, umbrella or sun hat, mosquito repellent and maybe even some games such as badminton or a ball as there is plenty of space! raincoats in the rainy season
Where: Bogor, 60km south of Jakarta: Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No.13, Paledang, Kecamatan Bogor Tengah, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16122
Travel Time: About 1hour from Jakarta
Mode of transportation: arriving/departing by own vehicle
When to go: Anytime! Just remember, it rains almost daily during the rainy season in the Bogor area
Open: Everyday, Mon-Fri 8am -4pm, Sat-Sun 7am-4pm, some places such as the orchid garden close at 3pm so please check the schedule (many places are closed during Covid, but the main park is open)
Price: Rp 15 000 Indonesian citizens or KITAS holders, Rp 25 000rp foreigners
What to bring: Snacks, picnic blanket, water, sunscreen, umbrella or sun hat, mosquito repellent and maybe even some games such as badminton or a ball as there is plenty of space! raincoats in the rainy season
Where: Bogor, 60km south of Jakarta: Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No.13, Paledang, Kecamatan Bogor Tengah, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16122
Travel Time: About 1hour from Jakarta
Mode of transportation: arriving/departing by own vehicle
|
Telephone: 0251 8311362
Website: http://krbogor.lipi.go.id/en/beranda.html Parking: Mo- Fri you can park inside the garden, price 50.000rp for the whole day. During weekend you can't go inside by car. Our driver dropped us off in front of the garden's entrance and parked the car in the Mall BTM (300m from the entrance). Lunch: You can take a picnic with you, especially recommended if you have small children. |
11. Situ Gunung Suspension Bridge
Constructed in 2017, this is the longest suspension bridge in South-East Asia. 243m length and 1.8m width. Enjoy the extraordinary experience of crossing the bridge swinging above the deep green jungle at the height of 121m. It is breathtaking.
Further along the way you may want to see or cross two other suspension bridges.
Further along the way you may want to see or cross two other suspension bridges.
|
|
|
To learn more about Suspension Bridge trip, please click here.
|
12. megalitic site - gunung padang
visWe would recommend this as an "add on trip" to Situ Gunung Suspension Bridge to make it a weekend trip.
Prehistoric site of Megalithic cultural heritage in West Java, natural tourism that is well maintained. For history enthusiasts.
The main complex area is about 900 m², located at an altitude of 885m above sea level. The whole area of the site is about 3ha, making it the largest complex in Southeast Asia.
Discovery was mentioned in the 1914 and again in1949 and the site was studied for the first time in 1979. It has produced controversial carbo dating results which, if confirmed, would suggest that construction began as far back as 20,000 BCE.
Lately, the historians are more convinced that the site may have been built much more recently, sometime between the 2nd and 6th centuries CE.
The pyramid shaped construction is facing the Gede volcano.
It is a truly magical place, you suddenly feel calm and peaceful. Even the kids got some piece from talking and running around. Either the genius loci of the place or they simply got tired of climbing up the 400 steep andesite stairs :).
If joining with Situ Gunung Suspension Bridge:
This site is 1,5hr from Situ Gunung. You may want to visit the bridge the first day, stay a night in a very nice, new, hotel Horison in Sukabumi town (close to the bridge), visit the megalithic site next day in the morning, and then return directly back to Jakarta in time to avoid the afternoon traffic.
Meghalitic site: Sat-Thu 8am-4pm, Fri 1-4pm, 5.000rp/person
Parking: 15.000rp, then you walk up the road about 500m to the cashier of the site.
Where to stay: if you stay overnight in Sukabumi, we recommend: hotel Horison, https://www.myhorison.com/
You can combine this trip with visiting Cibodas botanical garden, Taman Bunga or Gunung Mas Tea Plantation - all read above or below.
Java is beautiful. It is not always easy to travel around here and you will spend hours in the car but I encourage you to do so once in a while. You will forever keep the memories of green rice fields, green tea plantations, majestic peaks of the volcanoes and happy faces of the kindest Javanese people.
Prehistoric site of Megalithic cultural heritage in West Java, natural tourism that is well maintained. For history enthusiasts.
The main complex area is about 900 m², located at an altitude of 885m above sea level. The whole area of the site is about 3ha, making it the largest complex in Southeast Asia.
Discovery was mentioned in the 1914 and again in1949 and the site was studied for the first time in 1979. It has produced controversial carbo dating results which, if confirmed, would suggest that construction began as far back as 20,000 BCE.
Lately, the historians are more convinced that the site may have been built much more recently, sometime between the 2nd and 6th centuries CE.
The pyramid shaped construction is facing the Gede volcano.
It is a truly magical place, you suddenly feel calm and peaceful. Even the kids got some piece from talking and running around. Either the genius loci of the place or they simply got tired of climbing up the 400 steep andesite stairs :).
If joining with Situ Gunung Suspension Bridge:
This site is 1,5hr from Situ Gunung. You may want to visit the bridge the first day, stay a night in a very nice, new, hotel Horison in Sukabumi town (close to the bridge), visit the megalithic site next day in the morning, and then return directly back to Jakarta in time to avoid the afternoon traffic.
Meghalitic site: Sat-Thu 8am-4pm, Fri 1-4pm, 5.000rp/person
Parking: 15.000rp, then you walk up the road about 500m to the cashier of the site.
Where to stay: if you stay overnight in Sukabumi, we recommend: hotel Horison, https://www.myhorison.com/
You can combine this trip with visiting Cibodas botanical garden, Taman Bunga or Gunung Mas Tea Plantation - all read above or below.
Java is beautiful. It is not always easy to travel around here and you will spend hours in the car but I encourage you to do so once in a while. You will forever keep the memories of green rice fields, green tea plantations, majestic peaks of the volcanoes and happy faces of the kindest Javanese people.
12. Paragliding / Tandem Flight
This activity is still on our To Do List.
Tandem flight (source: Fly Indonesia)
|
Flying site and price:
1) Bukit Paralayang, Puncak, Bogor, West Java: 50 USD 2) Gunung Geulis, Bogor, West Java: 50 USD Webpage: www.indonesia-paragliding.com/tandem |
