Growth Through Green: Our Inspiring Visit to Godong Ijo

On our eighteenth day in Indonesia, we traveled to Depok City to visit one of the most fascinating and inspiring places we’ve encountered on this journey—Godong Ijo. More than just a plant nursery or a tourist destination, Godong Ijo is a living story of resilience, innovation, and green entrepreneurship.


The place itself is a lush, vibrant inland eco-park, almost like a small resort tucked away in the city. It features beautifully landscaped gardens, manmade waterfalls, a restaurant, fishing areas, and even animal exhibits making it a favorite destination for families, students, and tourists. Children can learn about nature, interact with animals, and engage in eco-friendly activities, while adults can relax and appreciate the beauty of the space or learn more about sustainable living. It truly blends recreation with education and business in a unique, engaging way.


During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting the manager of Godong Ijo, who graciously shared with us the story behind their growth and success. What began as a modest venture focused on importing ornamental plants from countries like the United States, Thailand, and other nearby Asian nations, soon faced a turning point when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.


As with many businesses, the pandemic caused a major disruption. The demand dropped, importation faced challenges, and business slowed down. But instead of giving up, the team at Godong Ijo saw it as an opportunity to rethink and reinvent. Through a combination of trial and error, creativity, and perseverance, they expanded their services, developed new business models, and adapted to local needs eventually becoming what they are today: a thriving multi-purpose green space serving both commercial and educational purposes for the Indonesian people.



Listening to the manager’s journey was incredibly motivating. The conversation was filled with laughter, shared experiences, and thoughtful comparisons between running businesses in the Philippines and Indonesia. It reminded us how entrepreneurship, especially in agriculture and nature-based ventures, requires not just knowledge but also passion, flexibility, and grit.


Of course, our visit wasn’t all business and lectures—we also had a lot of hands-on fun! One of the highlights was our interaction with the reptiles and exotic animals housed at Godong Ijo. We had the chance to touch and carry some of them, including the famous bearded dragon, a unique species that can be found in Indonesia. For many of us, it was our first time getting up close with these creatures, and it added a fun, adventurous twist to our day.


Day 18 gave us not just memories, but valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and how nature can be at the heart of a thriving business. Godong Ijo’s story is one of growth in every sense planting roots, weathering storms, and continuing to blossom. And we’re incredibly grateful to have been part of their journey, even just for a day.



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