De Voyage is the latest trending holiday spot in Bogor in 2018. In a short time since its launch, it becomes viral, both on and off-line. So, we, from the ExploreSunda.com, are curious and eager to explore it!
Basically it is a garden decorated with European theme, i.e. European houses and miniatures of several outstanding landmarks in Europe, such as Eiffel tower and Manneken Pis.
Its tag line states it as the place for holiday, selfie and foodies, which is very self-explanatory. They offer 150 selfie spots in this garden, although I'm not certain I can find them all, since the garden is quite small.
Let's start from the beginning, shall we? Once we enter the garden, the miniature of Eiffel tower welcomes us. It always be the first spot for taking pictures. If you want a group picture, you can ask the staff to take it for you.
Then we stroll along the well maintained garden and take pictures as many as you want. One of the shop in there is renting European costumes if you want to pretend to be in Europe :)
The houses surrounding the garden are only props, i.e. they are there to cover the wall bordering the garden. However, the houses in the middle are real, we can go shopping in there. Some of them sell food and drinks, others are renting costume, offer face painting, and some craft for children. We even can rent a boat and paddling around the man-made canal there. It is not exactly like a gondola, but it's quite fun.
Hence, if the weather is not too warm or rainy, this place is quite cozy for hang out and I'm sure photographers will love it, since there are so many angles for creating beautiful pictures.
Weekday: 9am-7pm
Weekend: 9am-8pm
Weekday: Rp. 25,000
Weekend: Rp. 35,000
However, there are a couple things I don't like here. First, we are not allowed to bring any drink, even the children water bottle! I understand if we are not allowed to bring any food or even the branded mineral water. In any place I visit, a water bottle is never been a banned item to enter any entertainment center.
Second thing I don't like is the audio inside the garden. Sometimes it plays instrumental music, which is okay, although it keep repeating the same song. But then the music is often interrupted with announcements about the rules in the garden. The announcement is really annoying, I feel like a retard who must be reminded every other minute that I am a naughty person who will try to vandalize the garden if no one is watching.
Anyway, the concept of De Voyage is similar to Chinatown in jalan Kelenteng, Bandung. They offer a theme garden, one in European style, the other in Oriental style. Both offer food and drink, costume rental, and souvenir shops. Although Chinatown entrance fee is more reasonable and its foods and drinks are more diverse.
De Voyage is located deep inside Bogor Nirwana Residence, near Aston Bogor Hotel & Resort. Since the road signs to the Aston Hotel is easier to find, just follow them until you find the next road sign to De Voyage. Alternatively, use Google map to guide your way. The GPS coordinates are 6°38'16.0"S 106°47'42.0"E (-6.6377778,106.7949982).
Do you still have plenty of time to spend in Bogor? Bogor Botanical Garden is worth a visit. It has lots of old giant trees and its gardens are well maintained with huge space to roam. Alternatively, you could go to Puncak or check out other places of interest in Bogor.