With an area of 87 hectares, the Bogor Botanical Gardens is not the right tourist destination for tourists who want to explore all the spots at once. At least it takes more than one visit to enjoy all the tourist attractions in the most extensive botanical garden in Indonesia.
By having a collection of at least 15,000 species of trees and plants, the Bogor Botanical Gardens is a tourist attraction for all circles. The atmosphere is really shady and shady.
Suppose you are already in the grove of this botanical garden. In that case, tourists do not think that the botanical garden is in the middle of the city of Bogor. The cool air makes this place suitable for unwinding from the daily routine.
Well, suppose you include the Bogor Botanical Gardens in your following trip list. In that case, you should know the exciting places in this area.
So that you can give priority between one destination to another.
Astrid Park
In contrast to the Bogor Botanical Gardens section, which is dominated by tall trees and is always lush, Astrid Park is the most open area in the Bogor Botanical Gardens.
The location of Astrid Park is on the east side of the Bogor Botanical Gardens, and to reach it, tourists can access Door III or Special Doors for Pedestrians.
Astrid Park has several sections that you can enjoy while relaxing. The first part is a vast expanse of land. The green grass that covers the field is very pleasing to the eye.
Another part that is not less beautiful is a large pool with a fountain. This fountain spray provides tranquility for anyone who sees it.
Not only that, but in this pool, there are also rare plants in the world. In fact, in its natural habitat, it is difficult to find. This plant is the Giant Lotus or Veronica Amazonica.
Named the Giant Lotus because its diameter can reach 3-4 meters. It is said that because it is so jumbo, this lotus leaf can support the baby without worrying about drowning.
Another part that is not less interesting is Astrid Street.
Jalan Astrid, also known as Jalan Kembar, is two roads separated by a small park. Not a few travelers make this road a place for selfies because the view is breathtaking.
Zoological Museum
Bogor Botanical Gardens does not only present a collection of trees and plants. At KRB, tourists can also see various Indonesian animals stored in the Zoological Museum.
The Zoological Museum is suitable for all ages, from children students to adults. There is about 20 thousand fauna that you can see. Ranging from reptiles, mammals, amphibians, fish, birds, mollusks to arthropods.
This colonial-style building has 7 showrooms. Through this showroom, visitors will get information and education about animals that lived in the past.
One of the spots that have succeeded in attracting visitors is the diorama that uses preserved native animals, the rhinoceros from Tasikmalaya.
This rhino was killed by poachers in 1914 and is the last rhino in Tasikmalaya.
No less spectacular is the presence of a giant blue whale that stretches for 27 meters. Although only in an arrangement of bones, it weighs up to 64 tons. And the total weight of this blue whale weighs 116 tons.
This blue whale was found in Garut in 1961 in a stranded and dead state. Furthermore, the blue whale was brought to Bogor, and we can see it now.
To enjoy all the collections of the Zoological Museum, visitors only need to spend Rp. 14,000 to buy a ticket.
Lady Raffles Monument
Behind the majesty of the Bogor Botanical Gardens, it turns out that it has an interesting romantic story to listen to. A love story about the Governor of the Dutch East Indies, Sir Thomas Raffles, when his wife died due to malaria.
The pain of losing a loved one is clearly recorded in an inscription known as the Lady Raffles Monument.
The monument building is similar to a gazebo with a classical architectural style with 8 pillars surrounding it. Inside the building is an inscription that reads Sir Thomas’s poems for his wife.
Who is Lady Raffles? And what was his role that the Great Explorer Sir Thomas was so saddened by the loss of Lady Raffles?
Her full name is Olivia Mariamne Devenish. She was born in 1771. Olivia Mariamne Devenish married Sir Thomas in 1805, and this was her second marriage after her husband died in 1800.
When married, Lady Raffles was 10 years older than Sir Thomas.
In 1811 Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Java by the British Empire. Olivia also faithfully accompanied Sir Thomas to rule in Java.
Besides accompanying her husband’s duties, Olivia is known as a forward-thinking woman. One of his most prominent roles was carrying out social reforms in Java/Dutch East Indies.
At that time, European women always limited association with other ethnicities, especially natives. This exclusive attitude was broken by Lady Raffles.
He then made some kind of event by inviting other ethnic groups. Lady Raffles also likes to visit local officials for friendship.
Lady Raffles’ breakthroughs are strongly supported by her husband because they are by way of thinking of Sir Thomas Raffles, who is known as a figure against slavery.
However, Olivia’s passion for visiting various regions makes her susceptible to mosquito bites in the tropics.
In 1814 Olvia contracted malaria and died in the same year.
Sir Thomas Raffles decided to take his wife away to Bogor, a relaxed and comfortable climate. It happened 6 months before his wife died.
Both live in the Bogor Palace, surrounded by a shady botanical garden. At the end of his wife’s life, the intense togetherness made Sir Thomas very sad when his wife died.
Sir Thomas has not only lost a wife, but he has also lost the support and balance of his steps in the line of duty.
To describe his grieving mood, Sir Thomas erected a monument in a love poem full of meaning. The poem is written in Classical English.
Oh thou whom neer my constant heart
One moment hath forgot
Tho fate severe hath bid us part
Yet still – forget me not
Reindwardt Monument
Talking about the Bogor Botanical Gardens, of course, you won’t miss this one, the Reindwardt Monument. This monument is in the form of a stone inscription located close to Scissors Lake.
The location of this inscription is even more beautiful because it is set against the backdrop of the magnificent Bogor Palace.
Then, who is Reindwardt?
Prof. Caspar Georg Karl Reinwardt is a botanical scientist. He was assigned by the colonial government to be the Minister of Agriculture, Arts, and Sciences for the Java region and beyond.
C.G.K Reindwardt is also known as the founder of the Bogor Botanical Gardens. Reindwart’s interest in plants for medicine made him decide to collect all the plants for research in a botanical garden called Land’s Plantentuin.
Old Dutch Cemetery
Don’t miss this one place, the Old Dutch Cemetery, for those who like mystical adventures. Yes, the name alone makes goosebumps.
The location of this ancient cemetery is actually not too far from the Bogor Palace, about 400 meters away. However, because this cemetery is hidden, many tourists miss it.
Moreover, there are thick bamboo trees around it. The large and towering tombstones with ancient carvings add to the impression of being haunted.
The area of the tomb is approximately 20 x 30 meters, in which there are 42 tombs. If judging from the age of the oldest grave, this Old Dutch Cemetery is more aged than the Bogor Botanical Gardens.
This botanical garden was founded in 1817, while the oldest tomb listed on the tombstone is 1784.
This ancient cemetery is the resting place of critical colonial officials. What is unique, there is a tomb that is inhabited by 2 people. The two are Heinrich Kuhl and J.C. Van Hasselt.
These two people are young researchers who were sent to the botanical gardens to research the diversity of flora and fauna species. Their friendship lasted until death.
Both did not die simultaneously; Kuhl died first, then Hasselt followed 2 years later.
Read also: Grand Garden Resto Cafe, Sensasi Nuansa Klasik di Tengah Kebun Raya
Orchid House
Enjoying the beauty of the botanical gardens will be more complete if tourists visit the Orchid House. This orchid plant observation and development center can be accessed from Door III.
Seeing the colorful blooming orchids really spoils the view. Moreover, this plant is neatly arranged to make visitors feel at home for a long.
In this Orchid House, there are at least 500 species of orchids. Most of them are native species taken from Indonesia’s tropical forests.
Inside, visitors can enjoy native orchids and cruciferous orchids. The original part of the orchid will be green, while the cross is richer in color.
Sudjana Kassan Park
Still not satisfied with a walk at the Orchid House?
Don’t worry, Sudjana Kassan Park is still there. It is located not far from the Orchid House. In this park, tourists can see the expanse of green grass, which is soothing to the eyes.
Climb the steps on one side of the garden. In the middle of the park, you will see a combination of shrubs that form the image of the Garuda Bird, the National Symbol of the Republic of Indonesia.
Actually, who is Sudjana Kassan?
Sudjana Kassan was the Director of the Bogor Botanical Gardens who served from 1959 to 1969. He was the first native to head a botanical garden after Indonesian independence.
A park was built to commemorate his hard work, which was inaugurated on May 18, 1985.
If you want to feel the beauty of Sudjana Kassan Park, visitors can pass through Gate III. On Saturday, tourists can drive through this door.
Grand Garden Resto Cafe
Traveling around exciting spots in the botanical gardens will definitely make you hungry. Don’t worry; Grand Garden Resto Cafe is ready to pamper your stomach and tongue. Eating a delicious menu at this restaurant will make you fit again.
What’s unique, Grand Garden is the only place to eat inside the Bogor Botanical Gardens. Moreover, in front of the restaurant lies the beautiful stretch of Astrid Park.
Can you imagine how delicious it is to eat village fried rice or oxtail soup while looking at a beautiful garden?
There are at least 4 types at Grand Garden: Indonesian cuisine, Continental Food, Mexican Food, and Western Food.
Not only exclusive but this restaurant has also been used as a special banquet for US President Barack Obama when he visited Indonesia.
Well, until here, there is an idea that the Bogor Botanical Gardens is not only about shady and shady trees. There is a lot that tourists can get, ranging from knowledge of flora and fauna to history.
Happy Holidays.
Location of Bogor Botanical Gardens:
Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 13, Paledang, Central Bogor District, Bogor City, West Java 16122
Operational Hours: 08.00 – 17.00 WIB
Tel. (0251) 8311362
Website: www.krbogor.lipi.go.id