Surrounded by verdant hills, cloud-topped volcanoes, and rushing waterfalls with clear swimming pools, the ancient island of Java’s sixth-largest city, Bogor, boasts a mix of culture and countryside. You’ll find relaxation and fun in equal measure here. The area is home to a European-themed amusement park, a jungle-themed adventure park, and a more laid-back park with cafes and games.

Traditional Sundanese cuisine is popular in Bogor, so take time to sample broth- or coconut milk-based soups with turmeric, or fried fish and tempeh with sambal. Fried-noodle shops and bakeries with steamed cassava sweets and tiered Dutch-influenced cakes add to the aromatic ambience. To get a taste of the area’s more natural wonders, head to one of the many scenic waterfalls, hike up the Mount Salak volcano, or visit the rural cultural traditional village of Sindangbarang, just outside the city center.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) outside Jakarta is just over an hour’s drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. While it is technically possible to rent a car at the terminal, it’s best not to try to drive during your time in Indonesia as the roads can be very chaotic, especially if you have limited experience driving in Southeast Asia. You can also take a comfortably air-conditioned DAMRI city bus from the airport, which takes about two hours, but you’ll have to grab a taxi to your Bogor villa when you reach the city’s main bus station. While you’re exploring Bogor, it’s easy to get around by using one of the many green minibuses, rickshaws, or local ride-booking apps.

The tropical temperatures in Bogor hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, so you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors and take a dip in a waterfall no matter the season. Winters are rainy and humid, and some of the downpours and monsoons can be pretty intense, but skies will usually clear after a couple of hours. In mid-February, the scent of incense floats through the air as the entire city marks the end of Chinese New Year, celebrating the Cap Go Meh Festival with red and gold paper lanterns, parades, street performers, and food stalls. Spring is hot and humid, while summer and early fall are dry, a popular time to take a dip in a waterfall or one of the many public pools.

Waterfalls

Bogor has an abundance of waterfalls scattered around the city. Most require hikes to reach, so you’ll want to pack sturdy shoes and some water. The Jaksa, Bididari, Nymph, and Nangka waterfalls are some of the most popular, and you’ll need to take a taxi for about 30 to 45 minutes to reach any of these sites. Aside from views of the pristine natural surroundings, a waterfall excursion will offer you the chance to swim or wade in the refreshing pools at the base of the falls.

Pasar Baru

The main market in Bogor is so large that its huge concrete building filled with stalls can’t contain every vendor, so make sure you follow the flow of pedestrian traffic as it spills onto the street. You’ll find fresh produce, local fruits — including the infamous strongly scented durian — fish, and flowers at Pasar Baru, in addition to souvenirs and crafts.

Bogor Botanical Gardens

These extensive 200-acre botanical gardens, founded in 1817, offer a serene oasis in the middle of the city and are home to many native birds as well as bats. You could spend a whole afternoon checking out the 13,000 plant species and exploring the grounds, which include a medicine garden, a seed bank, and an orchid house that looks like a piece of art. Stop in at the zoology museum, which is packed with fossils and a complete blue whale skeleton. Seeing it all can be tough on the feet, so the garden offers bike and golf cart rentals.