My first full day in Jakarta, Indonesia, quite an introduction to the city. First, a 2-hour ordeal via ride-share to get from my hotel near the airport to the main train station in the city, a lesson in what to expect when you get on the roads here. I will not be driving!!! Once on the train, all went smoothly. Upon arrival in Bogor at the hottest time of day, I accepted  a ride to the gardens via motorcycle, not my usual mode of transport, but more efficient than going by car. 
 

below, my driver Alic, the elegant entrance to Bogor Gardens as backdrop. 

It’s a very old garden and fairly extensive, but the palm collection was my primary objective. Even so, I was immediately distracted by a bromeliad display. 

Beyond a bend in the road, I began to find palms; old palms, big palms. Like this humongous Arenga undulatifolia.

 

…and an Orania sylvicola, below.

Fortunately it was labeled.

 

 

 

A little background info and a look at the stately formality of the main palm area. 

Many of the palm delights were added later, such as. the four Lodoicea maldivica, the Pelagodoxa henryana, and these very thick-leaved fan palms.

The label wasn’t legible for the following photos; my best guess is possibly a Borassus, but I failed the class in Advanced Palm Identification.  Ideas?

By this time I was desperate for shade.  I found a number of palms and other trees supported by these sturdy props. I guess the palms have been through a lot. 

Many more species at every turn.

And acres of old growth trees about which I know very little. But the shady stone paths were alluring.

 

From there I deviated to other attractions— the Nepenthe House, the Begonia House, and some of the semi-domesticated inhabitants. 

 

After a few more minor adventures in Bogor, such as crossing chaotic streets on foot and communicating with gestures to find an ATM and a group taxi ride to the station, I returned to Jakarta and my hotel by train. Seems everyone was as weary as me. 

 

Beautiful, nothing like a holiday away from home, next stop Singapore botanical gardens then gardens by the bay. Some great pictures and I love the cat, I’ve done a couple of countries and it’s amazing how many cats you see in Rome the homeless had cats as pets with cats everywhere on the streets.

What an adventure, such an intrepid woman you are  The entrance to the gardens is very grandiose and I can see how the bromeliads diverted you from the palm perving. Some of them are to die for.  The little scooters are great fun and make getting around in the demonic traffic a lot less stressful. (fond memories of my Vespa when I lived in Sydney)  I had no idea that A undulatafolia got so big ! 

I had a vicarious thrill to see some of the same species of alocasias and nepenthes that I grow here. Good to see you reacquainting with public transport too.  I still sometimes use it although lately the limousine service had lowered it's standards.  Glad you are up and about and also that you had the sense to go in winter. 

Have fun and keep us posted of your adventures but don't drink the orange juice !

Peachy 

Great photos from a great botanical garden and very happy to know that you had an amazing first day in Indonesia! 🙂

Kim,

a great report for the first day - thank you very much!

I have been there 22 years ago, travelling around on Java and Bali - it was a great trip. Friendly people, great nature - a lot to

discover. Please keep the photos coming but don't rush. Take care -

 

Lars

 

5 hours ago, palmfriend said:

Kim,

a great report for the first day - thank you very much!

I have been there 22 years ago, travelling around on Java and Bali - it was a great trip. Friendly people, great nature - a lot to

discover. Please keep the photos coming but don't rush. Take care -

 

Lars

 

Thanks, Lars! From here I’m headed to a remote island for some diving in the coral triangle. There may or may not be palms involved.  Internet doubtful. But I’ll keep you posted if I can. 

Awesome, awesome, awesome! Intrepid woman you are, to parrot Peachy’s message. Continue to have an eventful journey and thanks for the photos. We’ll get together, when our schedules allow, to talk story over a good dinner and some fine wine. 

Yim

V. interesting, Kim.  But makes me wonder, after seeing all those ladies on the bus.  Can you do things without a scarf over your head and covered all the way to your ankles?

I believe Zaki Jamil recently visited Bogor BG and put it up on the IPS Facebook page. Thanks to you both for posting pictures. This garden is now on the list to visit.

What a sensational place and journey!

Thank you for the pics. Looks like a fun adventure . Harry

Thanks to everyone for the kind comments! 
@mike in kurtisstown— you’ll see a wide range of clothing options worn by the women in Indonesia, but the overall mode is decidedly more modest than European or American standards. Headscarves are common but you will also see a large number of women without them. What you won’t see are miniskirts, very short shorts, or plunging necklines. The Indian women in beautifully pleated and draped saris may reveal part of their midriff, as is traditional. In a shared taxi one mother with a baby wore jeans and a colorful short-sleeve shirt, while another woman joined us in an elegant long mauve headscarf and matching skirt. Neither of them spoke English and I only have two or three basic words of Indonesian, but all were friendly with our smiles and gestures. 

On 5/17/2025 at 2:45 AM, mike in kurtistown said:

V. interesting, Kim.  But makes me wonder, after seeing all those ladies on the bus.  Can you do things without a scarf over your head and covered all the way to your ankles?

Hi, 

just to add a few thoughts since Indonesia was a major topic in my second subject of study at university back then.

Indonesia is the largest islamic country in the world but it depends on the region how strong local life is dominated/ruled by religion, not to forget that the well known island of Bali is actually ruled by Hinduism, tolerated by the central government. 

That means, you will experience sometimes completely different conditions in daily life when traveling within Indonesia. Being aware of those regional differences is of great help/benefit when navigating through it, not to mention avoiding unintended trouble.

@Kim , you are doing great when reading local moods - you trip will become an awarding one, guaranteed!

Lars

Happy to see your vivid descriptions and photos of your latest travel adventure! 
 

Bogor is in so many of my well worn books so great to add to my imagination of what visiting might be like!

Many folks I know in the PR mountains might have been to Disney in Florida, but otherwise haven’t seen beyond their neighborhood. 
 

Travel has definitely expanded my understanding of the world along with lifelong memories. 

So many palm filled places yet to see…

I look forward to more posts as your trip continues!