Bogor Botanical Gardens Wins Prestigious ASEAN Tourism Awards

Amidst the growing trend of eco-traveling and Sustainable Tourism popular among young people, Kebun Raya Bogor reaffirms its stature. This legendary green destination in the heart of Bogor City successfully won the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award 2026 in the Urban Category, at the ASEAN Tourism Awards held in Cebu, Philippines, on January 30, 2026.

This award is not just a trophy, but a regional recognition of Kebun Raya Bogor's consistency in managing environmentally friendly urban tourism. The curation process was rigorous, assessing aspects such as environmental management, involvement of local communities, and commitment to preserving biodiversity amidst a dynamic urban area.

For young travelers, this achievement positions Kebun Raya Bogor not just as a place for leisurely walks or weekend picnics, but as a role model for urban green destinations in Southeast Asia, where vacation, education, and environmental care go hand in hand.

"This award is an appreciation for all parties who have worked hard to maintain the balance between Environmental Conservation and tourism functions. We are committed to continuously improving the quality of Kebun Raya Bogor's services to become an international-standard environmental Tourist Destination," said Marga Anggrianto, Director of PT. Mitra Natura Raya, the tourism manager of Kebun Raya Bogor and a strategic partner of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

The ASEAN Tourism Awards are part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), the largest tourism forum in Southeast Asia held annually. This award sets the quality standard for tourist destinations in the ASEAN region and serves as an encouragement for member states to develop sustainable and responsible tourism.

Icon of Urban Green Tourism

Founded in 1817, Kebun Raya Bogor is known as the oldest botanical garden in Southeast Asia. Starting as a center for botanical research and ex-situ conservation, the area has now transformed into an educational Tourist Destination managing over 12,000 plant specimens across 87 hectares, right in the center of Bogor City.

A major transformation occurred in 2020 when LIPI (now BRIN) partnered with PT. Mitra Natura Raya through a Public Private Partnership scheme. This collaboration brought a new face to Kebun Raya Bogor – more organized, informative, and aligned with International Tourism destination standards, without abandoning its conservation function.

For the Younger Generation seeking meaningful holiday experiences, Kebun Raya Bogor is now not just a green destination, but a symbol of how tourism can grow in line with sustainability. Success at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2026 is also predicted to strengthen Indonesia's position as a key player in Green Tourism at the regional level, aligning with the ATF 2026 vision of establishing ASEAN as a single destination that is quality and environmentally responsible.