Bandung travel guide

Bandung Tourism | Bandung Guide

You're Going to Love Bandung

Maybe it's the cool, pleasant climate, the cultured atmosphere that comes with being Indonesia's intellectual center, or a layout replete with gardens and elegant boulevards, but Bandung fully deserves its title as the "Paris of Java."

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bandung

1. A Fantastic Selection of Museums

Bandung is a serious cultural center. Check out the fossils in the Geology Museum and Gedung Merdeka, where the famous Bandung Conference of world leaders was held in 1955.

2. Superb Views of the City

If you climb Dago Hill, Bandung will be laid out before you. This magnificent vantage point has waterfalls, an outdoor theater, and regularly witnesses astonishing sunsets.

3. The Wackiness of Jeans Street

Bandung's prosperity was once based upon textiles, and Jeans Street commemorates this heritage with wild, colorfully decorated store fronts (and great prices for apparel too).

4. Watch Sundanese Cultural Perfomances

If you want to see Sundanese theater, Jaipongan dancing, or spectacular martial arts like Pencak Silat, Bandung is a great place to do so.

5. It's a Souvenir Shopper's Paradise

Aside from textiles, you can also snag some incredible gifts like beautiful wayang golek puppets or masks, and you can see them being carved at the Cupu Manik Puppet Factory.

1. A Fantastic Selection of Museums

Bandung is a serious cultural center. Check out the fossils in the Geology Museum and Gedung Merdeka, where the famous Bandung Conference of world leaders was held in 1955.

2. Superb Views of the City

If you climb Dago Hill, Bandung will be laid out before you. This magnificent vantage point has waterfalls, an outdoor theater, and regularly witnesses astonishing sunsets.

3. The Wackiness of Jeans Street

Bandung's prosperity was once based upon textiles, and Jeans Street commemorates this heritage with wild, colorfully decorated store fronts (and great prices for apparel too).

4. Watch Sundanese Cultural Perfomances

If you want to see Sundanese theater, Jaipongan dancing, or spectacular martial arts like Pencak Silat, Bandung is a great place to do so.

5. It's a Souvenir Shopper's Paradise

Aside from textiles, you can also snag some incredible gifts like beautiful wayang golek puppets or masks, and you can see them being carved at the Cupu Manik Puppet Factory.

What to do in Bandung

1. Crater-Rific!

This epic lake and tourist spot in the middle of a volcanic crater proves just how far visitors will go for a good time - and what natural beauty Indonesia's forests, volcanoes and waters offer. As you move on up Mount Patuha, you'll find Kawah Putih situated at a height of 7,972 feet above sea level. Basking in the middle of this massive volcanic formation is a highly acidic but incredibly picturesque lake, with its swirls of light, baby blue to white green and brown, all blending together in a hazy mix. With its surrounding forest, hot, vaporous sulfur and steam bubbling up, you can pick a spot on the banks of the lake and stay for the afternoon.

2. Adventures Indoors

While Kawah Putih may have been a cool 10 degrees Celsius, the rest of Bandung is not. Escape the heat and humidity of day with your little ones at an indoor theme park, complete with massive play areas, heart-stopping rides and a giant theater. Located within the Trans Studio Mall, visitors often spend the day shopping and grabbing a bite to eat before hitting this sweet spot in Bandung. The rides are safe, the staff is friendly and the eats are varied. What more could a traveler want for?

3. The "Satay" Building

Yes, you read that right: this epic example of neoclassical architecture in Bandung is called the "Satay" building for its long, spiked pinnacle that resembles the Indonesian and Thai dish, "satay". But its resemblance to food ends there. Completed in the 1920s, the building is a shimmering and well-preserved building that hearkens back the Dutch colonial period, in all its white, resplendent glory. Take a stroll around the building's promenade and you'll see the lush greenery that surrounds its stunning facade, even today.

4. History And Geology Collide

While the building is yet another trace of the old Dutch colonial rule, its exhibits, "inhabitants" and artifacts go way back before history. Here, the fossils of massive T-rex dinosaurs, skulls of the famous Java Man, exhibits marking the geological evolution of lakes and volcanoes - these all mark the way the area is almost like the cradle of life in the East. Exhibits and collections here focus on four distinct sections: the native geology of Indonesia, understanding the evolution of biodiversity through fossils, the geology of human life and outdoor exhibitions.

5. Get Away For A Spell

The Patenggang Lake is truly a magical place to be. Quiet, ethereal and serene, its lush greenery and quiet waters provide a truly tranquil experience for locals and visitors alike. Spend the day paddling about the lake, watching children play in its recreation area, touring the nearby Rancabali tea plantation, immersing yourself in its steaming and soothing hot spring waters, taking a dip in the cool of its swimming pools and grabbing a bite (or two!) at its casual restaurants.

1. Crater-Rific!

This epic lake and tourist spot in the middle of a volcanic crater proves just how far visitors will go for a good time - and what natural beauty Indonesia's forests, volcanoes and waters offer. As you move on up Mount Patuha, you'll find Kawah Putih situated at a height of 7,972 feet above sea level. Basking in the middle of this massive volcanic formation is a highly acidic but incredibly picturesque lake, with its swirls of light, baby blue to white green and brown, all blending together in a hazy mix. With its surrounding forest, hot, vaporous sulfur and steam bubbling up, you can pick a spot on the banks of the lake and stay for the afternoon.

2. Adventures Indoors

While Kawah Putih may have been a cool 10 degrees Celsius, the rest of Bandung is not. Escape the heat and humidity of day with your little ones at an indoor theme park, complete with massive play areas, heart-stopping rides and a giant theater. Located within the Trans Studio Mall, visitors often spend the day shopping and grabbing a bite to eat before hitting this sweet spot in Bandung. The rides are safe, the staff is friendly and the eats are varied. What more could a traveler want for?

3. The "Satay" Building

Yes, you read that right: this epic example of neoclassical architecture in Bandung is called the "Satay" building for its long, spiked pinnacle that resembles the Indonesian and Thai dish, "satay". But its resemblance to food ends there. Completed in the 1920s, the building is a shimmering and well-preserved building that hearkens back the Dutch colonial period, in all its white, resplendent glory. Take a stroll around the building's promenade and you'll see the lush greenery that surrounds its stunning facade, even today.

4. History And Geology Collide

While the building is yet another trace of the old Dutch colonial rule, its exhibits, "inhabitants" and artifacts go way back before history. Here, the fossils of massive T-rex dinosaurs, skulls of the famous Java Man, exhibits marking the geological evolution of lakes and volcanoes - these all mark the way the area is almost like the cradle of life in the East. Exhibits and collections here focus on four distinct sections: the native geology of Indonesia, understanding the evolution of biodiversity through fossils, the geology of human life and outdoor exhibitions.

5. Get Away For A Spell

The Patenggang Lake is truly a magical place to be. Quiet, ethereal and serene, its lush greenery and quiet waters provide a truly tranquil experience for locals and visitors alike. Spend the day paddling about the lake, watching children play in its recreation area, touring the nearby Rancabali tea plantation, immersing yourself in its steaming and soothing hot spring waters, taking a dip in the cool of its swimming pools and grabbing a bite (or two!) at its casual restaurants.

1. Crater-Rific!

This epic lake and tourist spot in the middle of a volcanic crater proves just how far visitors will go for a good time - and what natural beauty Indonesia's forests, volcanoes and waters offer. As you move on up Mount Patuha, you'll find Kawah Putih situated at a height of 7,972 feet above sea level. Basking in the middle of this massive volcanic formation is a highly acidic but incredibly picturesque lake, with its swirls of light, baby blue to white green and brown, all blending together in a hazy mix. With its surrounding forest, hot, vaporous sulfur and steam bubbling up, you can pick a spot on the banks of the lake and stay for the afternoon.

2. Adventures Indoors

While Kawah Putih may have been a cool 10 degrees Celsius, the rest of Bandung is not. Escape the heat and humidity of day with your little ones at an indoor theme park, complete with massive play areas, heart-stopping rides and a giant theater. Located within the Trans Studio Mall, visitors often spend the day shopping and grabbing a bite to eat before hitting this sweet spot in Bandung. The rides are safe, the staff is friendly and the eats are varied. What more could a traveler want for?

3. The "Satay" Building

Yes, you read that right: this epic example of neoclassical architecture in Bandung is called the "Satay" building for its long, spiked pinnacle that resembles the Indonesian and Thai dish, "satay". But its resemblance to food ends there. Completed in the 1920s, the building is a shimmering and well-preserved building that hearkens back the Dutch colonial period, in all its white, resplendent glory. Take a stroll around the building's promenade and you'll see the lush greenery that surrounds its stunning facade, even today.

4. History And Geology Collide

While the building is yet another trace of the old Dutch colonial rule, its exhibits, "inhabitants" and artifacts go way back before history. Here, the fossils of massive T-rex dinosaurs, skulls of the famous Java Man, exhibits marking the geological evolution of lakes and volcanoes - these all mark the way the area is almost like the cradle of life in the East. Exhibits and collections here focus on four distinct sections: the native geology of Indonesia, understanding the evolution of biodiversity through fossils, the geology of human life and outdoor exhibitions.

5. Get Away For A Spell

The Patenggang Lake is truly a magical place to be. Quiet, ethereal and serene, its lush greenery and quiet waters provide a truly tranquil experience for locals and visitors alike. Spend the day paddling about the lake, watching children play in its recreation area, touring the nearby Rancabali tea plantation, immersing yourself in its steaming and soothing hot spring waters, taking a dip in the cool of its swimming pools and grabbing a bite (or two!) at its casual restaurants.

Where to Eat in Bandung

Sundanese cuisine is a highlight of trips to Bandung. Try the oxtail soup at Dapur Dahapati or the sate at Maulana Yusuf, while the views from Lawangwangi Creative Space are incredible. Meals will cost around Rp30,000-50,000.

When to visit Bandung

Bandung in June
Estimated hotel price
$38
1 night at 3-star hotel
Bandung in June
Estimated hotel price
$38
1 night at 3-star hotel

The "dry" season tends to be the best time to go, which stretches from June to September. The mild temperatures make Bandung a fantastic Indonesian destination for those who aren't keen on 90+ degrees of heat.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Bandung

Plane

You can fly to Husein International Sastranegara Airport (BDO) from Jakarta. The airport is only around three miles from the center of town, and a taxi will cost about Rp30-40,000.

Train

PT Kereta Api trains run from Jakarta to Bandung, taking around three hours (the cheapest seats are Rp95,000).

Car

If you are driving from Jakarta, take highway 1 eastbound, then turn onto highway 4 and follow it all the way to Bandung.

Bus

Air-conditioned express buses run every day from Jakarta to Bandung's Leuwi Panjang bus station. There are also shuttle bus companies like Baraya Travel, who charge around Rp50,000 for the trip.

Plane

You can fly to Husein International Sastranegara Airport (BDO) from Jakarta. The airport is only around three miles from the center of town, and a taxi will cost about Rp30-40,000.

Train

PT Kereta Api trains run from Jakarta to Bandung, taking around three hours (the cheapest seats are Rp95,000).

Car

If you are driving from Jakarta, take highway 1 eastbound, then turn onto highway 4 and follow it all the way to Bandung.

Bus

Air-conditioned express buses run every day from Jakarta to Bandung's Leuwi Panjang bus station. There are also shuttle bus companies like Baraya Travel, who charge around Rp50,000 for the trip.

Airports near Bandung

Airlines serving Bandung

Lufthansa
Good (4,482 reviews)
KLM
Good (822 reviews)
SWISS
Good (912 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,280 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,609 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,252 reviews)
Air France
Good (971 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,533 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,840 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,107 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,465 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (801 reviews)
Finnair
Good (895 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (885 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,264 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (812 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (372 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (464 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,638 reviews)
Egypt Air
Good (189 reviews)
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Where to stay in Bandung

Reliable, upscale hotels in Bandung include the Crowne Plaza Bandung, the Aryaduta Bandung, and the Trans Luxury Hotel.

Popular Neighborhoods in Bandung

Alun Alun - translated as "city square", Alun Alun is the center of town. It's a useful point of orientation, and is close to most of the major attractions.

Jalan Diponegoro - one of the city's major streets, Jl. Diponegoro is home to the Geology Museum and the beautiful Gedung Sate, a colonial administrative palace.

Jalan Braga - located in the south of the city, Jl. Braga is Bandung's nightlife strip, offering all-night dance venues and great bars like North Sea Bar.

Alun Alun - translated as "city square", Alun Alun is the center of town. It's a useful point of orientation, and is close to most of the major attractions.
Jalan Diponegoro - one of the city's major streets, Jl. Diponegoro is home to the Geology Museum and the beautiful Gedung Sate, a colonial administrative palace.
Jalan Braga - located in the south of the city, Jl. Braga is Bandung's nightlife strip, offering all-night dance venues and great bars like North Sea Bar.

Where to stay in popular areas of Bandung

Most booked hotels in Bandung

The Trans Luxury Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (9.2, 761 reviews)
$72+
Grand Tjokro Premiere Bandung
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1026 reviews)
$34+
Harris Hotel & Convention Festival Citylink Bandung
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 475 reviews)
$32+
Hotel Bumi Makmur Indah
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 69 reviews)
$18+
Aston Pasteur Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 834 reviews)
$46+
Pop! Hotel Festival Citylink - Bandung
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 519 reviews)
$19+

How to Get Around Bandung

Public Transportation

The only public transportation in Bandung is via Angkot (minibuses). Prices vary by destination but range from Rp2,000-5,000.

Taxi

Taxis are a more reliable option and should cost Rp7,500 for the meter drop, then Rp6,000 for every mile traveled.

Car

You can also rent a car from companies like Cipaganti, Prambanan, and MPV Rentcar, with prices starting at around Rp60,000 per day.

Public Transportation

The only public transportation in Bandung is via Angkot (minibuses). Prices vary by destination but range from Rp2,000-5,000.

Taxi

Taxis are a more reliable option and should cost Rp7,500 for the meter drop, then Rp6,000 for every mile traveled.

Car

You can also rent a car from companies like Cipaganti, Prambanan, and MPV Rentcar, with prices starting at around Rp60,000 per day.

The Cost of Living in Bandung

Shopping Streets

If you want to buy some gorgeous Bandung textiles or clothes, Jeans Street (Jl. Cihampelas) is the place to go. You can also buy hand-crafted puppets at Toko Sin Sin on Jl. Braga.

Groceries and Other

Local supermarkets include LotteMart and Giant Ekstra, and prices are low. For example, you can expect to pay about Rp20,000 for 12 eggs.

Cheap meal
$1.32
A pair of jeans
$38.04
Single public transport ticket
$0.38
Cappuccino
$1.61
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