Bogor, Administrative center in West Java, Indonesia
Bogor sits in valleys at the base of Mount Salak and Mount Gede, roughly 60 kilometers south of Jakarta, offering cooler temperatures due to its elevation. The downtown area spreads around a large botanical garden and includes residential quarters, markets, and tree-lined avenues with old rain trees.
Pakuan Pajajaran served as the capital of the Sunda Kingdom during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Dutch established their colonial administration here in the 18th century and renamed the place Buitenzorg.
The name comes from an old Sundanese word for a type of sugar palm that once grew in the area. Residents mostly speak Sundanese in daily life, while many public signs and shops also use Indonesian.
Two railway stations and several bus terminals link the city to Jakarta, with trains running every 15 minutes during rush hours. Rain often pours heavily in the afternoon for a few hours, so carrying an umbrella is wise.
The botanical garden covers 87 hectares and houses research facilities along with a zoological museum holding specimens from the 19th century. Many visitors also spot squirrels and free-roaming deer among the old trees.
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