Kebun Raya Cibodas is a real Hidden Gem that is located not far from Jakarta in West Java.
For visitors to the Jakarta area, there are plenty of things to see and do, even if it doesn’t seem so at first glance. From Kota Tua in Old Town Jakarta, to Taman Mini Indonesia, there are many things that don’t appear prominently on the international tourism radar. Why that is, I don’t really know. I suspect that in the days of social media and the innate need to visit “Instagrammable” locations, places such as Botanic Gardens and Historical sites just don’t make the cut. I am of a different mind. My own Instagram feed is filled with great photos I have taken at places like this. The latest being the amazing Botanic Gardens at Cibodas, Kebun Raya Cibodas.
Table of Contents
- About Kebun Raya Cibodas
- What to expect at Kebun Raya Cibodas
- Things to do at Kebun Raya Cibodas
- How to get to Kebun Raya Cibodas
- Where to stay
- What else is nearby?
- Summary
- Facts about Kebun Raya Cibodas
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About Kebun Raya Cibodas
Kebun Raya Cibodas is a Botanic Gardens located in the Cibodas area South of Jakarta, and almost exactly halfway between Jakarta and Bandung. It is a branch of the Kebun Raya Bogor Botanic Gardens, and was established in 1852.
The fact that it is a “branch” of the Bogor gardens seems a little strange, as when you think of a “branch” of anything, you immediately assume it would be slightly inferior. This is not the case with Kebun Raya Cibodas, though, as it boasts an area about the same size as the original Bogor gardens, at an impressive 85 hectares.
The Gardens exist at an altitude of approximately 1300 meters above sea level, reside on the slopes of Mount Gede, and are home to around 10,792 living specimens. Among then are the Cinchona Trees, which were brought from South America in 1854, and this was the first place in Indonesia that these were successfully grown. There are also Eucalyptus from Australia, and Conifers from Europe.
What to expect at Kebun Raya Cibodas
When you arrive at Kebun Raya Cibodas, you will pay two fees. The first is a “parking” fee, for access to the area with your car. You will want to pay this, as driving, or riding, around the gardens is the best way to see them. Unlike Kebun Raya Bogor, the gardens here are on the side of a mountain, and you really don’t want to be riding a pushbike or walking! Unless you are prepared for it, anyway.
Once you come through the outer gate, you will drive past many warungs, plant nurseries and shops before you arrive at the “actual” gate where you will then pay your entrance fee. Altogether, the fee per person (with both gate fees included) is about 65k rupe, or around $5 USD.
Not one, but TWO waterfalls!
Once you are inside, follow the road down to the left and head toward the first of the two waterfalls that are in Kebun Raya Cibodas. This is one of the big differences between these gardens and the main gardens at Bogor. In Bogor, there is a dirty brown river that dissects the Gardens. Here, it is mountain streams, fresh trickling water and flowing waterfalls.
This brings me to the main differences I found between Kebun Raya Cibodas and Kebun Raya Bogor. These Gardens, as opposed to the “formal” gardens in Bogor, have a more fresh and natural feel to them. Kebun Raya Cibodas is wild and green, with not only fresh flowing water, but large, ancient and mossy trees, thick canopies and dark, misty roads. When the clouds close in, as they tend to do in the afternoons in mountainous regions, the air itself takes on a spooky feel as the clouds wisps in and around the ancient trees. These Gardens have a way of showing you that you have entered an entirely unique world, far away from the concrete jungles you left behind earlier that day. This is Mother Nature at her very best.
Expect the unexpected at Kebun Raya Cibodas
As you drive around Kebun Raya Cibodas, expect the unexpected. One moment, you will be driving past a cafe and car parking area, and the next you will be fording a flowing stream above a waterfall. Stands of great Eucalyptus from Australia will give way to towering Pines from Europe. Pose for a photo in the open area by a lake and suddenly you will discover the trees you are standing beside hail from distant China.
No matter where you go in Kebun Raya Cibodas, you will find something new and unique to photograph, tweet about, or simply sit and admire as you while away the day. For that is exactly what this place seems to have been designed to do – amaze and astound you. Almost to the point that your 2 hour visit will actually take the entire day, and you will be left wondering just exactly where those hours went.
Things to do at Kebun Raya Cibodas
Kebun Raya Cibodas is full of great things to see and do, as you would expect from a mountainous Botanical Gardens. Come prepared for a little walking and wear comfortable clothing with good shoes. Bring your camera and a raincoat (just in case) and you will be right to go!
Let’s take a look at things to do at Kebun Raya Cibodas:
- Pose for photos at Curug Cibogo – This small waterfall runs right across the road, and has plenty of places to snap some great photos. Rock hop across the stream, stroll across the cute little bridge nearby, or have a picnic on the grassy banks.
- Wander among the great Eucalyptus and Conifer trees – Not far on from Curug Cibogo you will find a switch back in the road where the trees are enormous. Park nearby and take a wander through one of the only places you would be able to see such iconic trees growing alongside each other.
- Check out the Greenhouse “Conservatory” – Near the exit gate you will find the Conservatory, a large green house that is home to many cacti and other plants that are not at home in the sub tropic weather of the Javanese Mountains.
- Hike to Air Terjun Curug Ciismun – This is the second waterfall in Kebun Raya Cibodas. Unlike the first one, it takes a bit more effort to reach it. Be prepared for about 1 km in each direction.
- Picnic on one of the many lawns – Break out the picnic basket and relax on one of the many lawns around the Gardens. My pick is by the lake in the very center of the gardens.
- Take photos of the famous Guest House – The Sakura Guest Houses are located near the very top point of the Gardens, above the pond and cafes. Remnants of the Dutch Era, they are huge, the largest of which is 9 bedrooms. They have also been used in Indonesian Horror movies, and many locals will make the trek to Kebun Raya Cibodas just to pose for photos in front of them.
- Relax and have a coffee or lunch – The Gardens have plenty of Cafes, with several of them around the pond and grassy hills near the guest houses. Stop and enjoy a break as you take in the amazing surroundings of the area.
- Go Photo hunting – One of my favorite past times in a place like this. Kebun Raya Cibodas has SO many great places for photos. It took us forever to drive around the ring road as we were constantly stopping, filling our camera roll with whatever took our fancy, from large epic trees to moss covered rocks and roads.
If you are looking for a great day out, bring the family and enjoy the Gardens. There is plenty to do, especially with a little imagination. The humidity can get high some days, depending upon the season. At other times it is an absolute joy to wander around and take in the gardens with the milder temperatures.
How to get to Kebun Raya Cibodas
The best way to get to Kebun Raya Cibodas is to make your own way there! There is little to no public tranport, so hiring a car or your own scooter is the best option. Hiring someone to take you there is also an option. Once you are there though, you will have to make your own way around the Gardens. There are pushbikes to hire, but this place is on the side of a mountain and you will be pushing hard in the humidity!
With your own car or scooter you can really enjoy Kebun Raya Cibodas. Having said that, if you organize a car and driver for the day, you will have the vehicle with you the entire time, so that is certainly also a good choice.
Making your way there is pretty straight forward. From Jakarta, head to Bogor and then toward Bandung. Kebun Raya Cibodas is about two hours from Bogor, or 3 and a half from Jakarta. If you are coming from Bandung, it is also about 3 and a half hours drive.
Beware that the traffic back to Jakarta may be heavy, especially coming down from the mountains in the late afternoon. When we visited, it was a Friday, and the trip back to the city was VERY slow!
Follow THIS link for an accurate Google Maps location.
Where to stay
Staying in Bogor means that you will be only 2 hours down the mountain. The road up takes you past some amazing and scenic Tea Plantations, and the drive can be mesmerizing. If you stay in Bogor you can also see the original Kebun Raya Bogor.
Click HERE to see information about Kebun Raya Bogor, and below to check out Bogor accommodation.
Kebun Raya Cibodas may be in the middle of the mountains, but that doesn’t mean there is nowhere to stay nearby. It is worth staying overnight if you are going to be at the Gardens late, as sometimes the traffic back to town can be heavy. Staying local also gives you the option to do other things, such as hiking or checking out the local sights. If you are lucky, there might even be a vacancy!
What else is nearby?
Hiking, Tea Plantations and Mountain climbing just about sums it up!
Kebun Raya Cibodas is on the slopes of Mount Gede. If you are up for a challenge, hire a guide to take you to the summit. From the Gardens it is straight uphill and involves sections where you will be scaling rock and using ropes. The easier way is from the other side and is no where near as strenuous. Just ask the guides at Kebun Raya Cibodas for more information.
On the way to the Gardens, you will have passed the wonderful and scenic Tea Plantations. These are great places to visit themselves. You can even do paragliding high above them.
Back toward Bogor is the Sentul area, filled with waterfalls, mountains and about as much hiking as you can handle. In Bogor itself, there is also the Presidential Palace and, of course, Kebun Raya Bogor. So if you are staying in the area, you will find plenty to fill in a couple of days. Especially if you love the outdoors!
Summary
Kebun Raya Cibodas is more that just a branch of the original Kebun Raya Bogor. These Botanic Gardens are amazing, and are a major attraction for locals and tourists in the region. You cannot go wrong with a visit, just so long as you put aside at least a full day to do so!
Facts about Kebun Raya Cibodas
- There are approximately 10,792 specimens living in the gardens
- Kebun Raya Cibodas was built in 1852 as a branch of Kebun Raya Bogor
- The average temperature at Kebun Raya Cibodas is around 20 degrees
- The average Humidity is 80.82 percent
- The gardens reside at approximately 1300 meters above sea level
- It is the first place in Indonesia that the South American Cinchona Tree was successfully grown
- The Gardens cover nearly 85 Hectares
Interested in things to do, in and around Jakarta? Then click THIS LINK for more ideas!!
If you are holidaying in Bali, then don’t forget to check out the Gardens at Kebun Raya Bali as well!
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