Bandung: A Complete Travel Guide To Indonesia’s Cool Mountain City

An amazing skyline view of the entire city of Bandung that is located in West Java

Bandung is the capital of the Western Java province of Indonesia. This city is the second largest in the country and also the second most populated area. This city is famous for its tea plantations that were established in the 18th century by the Dutch. This city is also known as the Paris of Java because of its luxurious hotels, cafes, restaurants and European-style boutiques. There are a wide variety of places to explore the natural beauty of the city and also various activities. This place is also popularly known for its volcanic attractions, with some of the most legendary places to get authentic cultural experiences for the tourists.

Location

A vibrant view of colourful flowers found at one of the parks located in Bandung

Photo: Babas / Unsplash

Bandung is a part of the Java Island located on the western side in Indonesia that is nearly 180 km southeast of Jakarta, which is the capital of the country. This entire city is in a river basin surrounded by various mountains situated on a volcanic plateau that has a cool climate.

How To Reach

A view of one of the high-speed trains that travels around in Bandung in West Java

Photo: Dwifa Bagaskoro S A / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: The Husein Sastranegara Airport is located within the city. There are many taxis and private vehicles available to travel around the city from the airport.

By Rail: The Bandung Railway Station is the largest train station in the city that has a connection with various routes from the country. There are also high-speed rails available in Bandung.

By Road: there are a few buses from Jakarta to reach Bandung at different departure points. There are also private taxis, rental cars and vehicles available to move around the city.

Things To Do In Bandung

Here are a few things to do in Bandung to have an amazing time during the trip.

1. Exploring The Floating Market

A beautiful view of the Floating Market to explore in Bandung, located in West Java

Photo: BxHxTxCx / Wikimedia Commons

The Floating Market in Lembang City, which is a part of Bandung, is a must-visit to explore the unique attraction where the locals sell various items on the boats that seems to look like a regular market. There are also many food vendors with items selling in boats where the visitors can sit and eat and take pictures and also some boards sell fruits and vegetables. It is a very unique and fun experience to explore this place with family and friends.

2. Relaxing At Volcanic Hot Springs

A view of the volcanic hot springs in Bandung which is the best place to visit and relax

Photo: Glasreifen / Wikimedia Commons

Relaxing at the volcanic hot spring popular spots in Bandung is one of the most amazing things to do that offers a unique geothermal and therapeutic experience. These hot springs are located on the slopes of the volcanoes that contain natural minerals that are heated by the volcanoes’ geothermal activity that can help the people with various skin problems, arthritis and many more. The hot springs are also surrounded by lush green mountains, which is a great place to relax.

3. Visiting The Tea Plantations

A beautiful view of the green landscapes at one of the tea plantations in Bandung

Photo: Crisco 1492 / Wikimedia Commons

Bandung is famous for its tree plantation that is a prominent place for producing tea that offers beautiful landscapes and opportunities to understand tea cultivation. These tea plantations were started during the rule of the Dutch in the 18th century and have been continuing. It is for its cool climate and hilly terrain, giving great opportunities for photography and relaxing. The visitors also get to understand the cultivation works, how the tea is produced, extracted and much more, which is explained by the workers.

Places To Visit In And Around Bandung

Here are a few places to visit in and around Bandung to have an amazing trip.

1. Sri Baduga Museum

A view of the entrance area of Sri Baduga Museum that is located in Bandung, West Java

Photo: Rochelimit / Wikimedia Commons

Sri Baduga Museum is a state museum that is located in Bandung, Indonesia, that has various items related to the province of West Java. This museum was opened in 1974 and is spread over 3 floors. The first floor displays the natural history and culture of the initial development of West Java with various heritage items from the prehistoric era to the Hindu-Buddhist era. The second floor has an exhibition of various traditional cultural objects related to the living trade and transport used in history. The third floor displays various ethnographic collections in the form of ceramics, art and fabrics.

Location: Jl. BKR No.185, Pelindung Hewan, Kec. Astanaanyar, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat
Timings: 8 AM – 2 PM, (closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday)

2. Gedung State

An amazing view of the complete architecture of Gedung State building in Bandung

Photo: Anton Leddin / Wikimedia Commons

The Gedung State is a public building located in Bandung that is built in a neoclassical design with various Indonesian elements. The construction of this building was completed in 1924, where the building now serves as the seat of the governor of West Java and also as a museum. This building got its name Gedung, which means satay building, that refers to the central pinnacle of the building resembling the shape of an Indonesian traditional dish called satay.

Location: Jl. Diponegoro No.22, Citarum, Kec. Bandung Wetan, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4 PM (closed on Sundays)

3. Braga Street

A view of various paintings lined up on the Braga street that is located in Bandung

Photo: Midori / Wikimedia Commons

Braga Street, also known as Jalan Braga, is a famous place in Bandung that has a mix of traditional influences. This place is a major shopping center and it is the reason Bandung got its nickname of Paris of Java. There are many restaurants, bakeries, cafes, jazz bars and many more to explore. This is the best place to explore the heritage of music, where there are many buskers, bar musicians, and classic rock songs played on the streets of the place. There are also various arts displayed on the streets at various shops to explore.

Location: Sumurbandung, Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia
Timings: 24*7

4. Tebing Keraton

A stunning view of the beautiful landscape during sunset at the Keraton Cliff in Bandung

Photo: Fahrul Razi / Unsplash

Tebing Keraton, also known as Keraton Cliff, is a beautiful place to visit in Bandung. This place is a famous natural tourist attraction that is known to offer stunning views of the landscapes of the lush green mountains. This is the best place to sit and relax in the beautiful nature, enjoy photography and plan for photo sessions. This place is also famous for offering amazing views of sunrise or sunset, where most people visit during these times. There are also several benches available for the visitors to sit and relax.

Location: Puncak Kordon, RT.2/RW.10, Ciburial, Kec. Cimenyan, Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat
Timings: 5 AM – 4 PM

5. St. Peter Cathedral

A view of the beautiful interior design of St Peter Cathedral located in Bandung

Photo: Albertus Aditya / Wikimedia Commons

St. Peter Cathedral, located in Bandung, Indonesia, is a Roman Catholic church that is situated in an area of 785 m². Discharge is known for its very detailed features with beautiful interior and exterior designs. The first original church was opened in 1895. The construction of the new building of this church was completed in 1922. It is not a very big church, but it is a historic church that has its own significance, which is very interesting to visit. The architecture of the church is in the neogothic style that was built during the colonial period by Wolff Schoemaker.

Location: Jl. Merdeka No.14, Babakan Ciamis, Kec. Sumur Bandung, Kota Bandung
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

Where To Stay

A view of one of the biggest hotels to stay with amazing facilities in Bandung, Indonesia

Photo: Budhi Darma / Wikimedia Commons

There are many luxurious and budget-friendly hotels available in Bandung for a great stay experience during the trip. All these hotels provide friendly staff, spacious rooms, different amenities like swimming pool dining options, clean bedrooms, housekeeping, parking area and many more. Some of these hotels are also located near famous tourist attractions, which are easily accessible for the visitors. Some of the famous hotels are Gaia Hotel Bandung, El Hotel Royale Bandung, Grand Tjokro Premier Bandung, Aston Pasteur and many more.

Where To Eat

A view of the rooftop dinner arrangement made at one of the restaurants in Bandung

Photo: chrisinno / Wikimedia Commons

There are many restaurants and cafes available in the city of Bandung that provide a beautiful and spacious setting with a diverse collection of various Asian and international flavours. There are also unique themed dining experiences at popular spots with beautiful ambience that provide delicious Indonesian cuisine and also other cuisines. Some of these must-try restaurants and cafes in Bandung are Sadrasa Kitchen and Bar, Monomono, Hummingbird Eatery, Bijan and many more.

Best Time To Visit

A view of the stunning architecture of one of the famous universities located in Bandung

Photo: Albertus Aditya / Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit Bandung is between the months of March to June and September to November. During these months, it is usually less crowded and the best time to admire the natural beauty. These months in one room offer a wide variety of attractions to explore for experience in the selling landscapes, visiting the heritage sites, and walking through the lively markets.

Other Factors To Consider

An amazing view of one of the biggest bridges that is located in Bandung, Indonesia

Photo: d10n2000 / Wikimedia Commons

Average Cost Of The Trip:

Taking into account the travel charges, accommodation charges, food charges and the duration of your stay, the average cost of the entire trip to Bandung may range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000.

Tips For Travellers:

  • Visit this place during weekdays to avoid crowds.
  • Pack clothing according to the climatic conditions.
  • Explore the natural sceneries.
  • Be cautious of things being carried.

Bandung, located in Indonesia, is also a part of the western side of Java Island. This place has its nickname of Paris of Java, where there are many luxurious shops lined through the streets of the city with elegant architecture of colonial structures. There are also many beautiful natural landscapes to explore in this place, which also has a history of volcanic eruptions. It is one of the best places to explore in Indonesia, which is a combination of everything needed for a tourist to explore. Book your trip with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Aldri Suganda / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Bandhu is between the months of March to June and September to November which is known to have a cool climate.
Yes, there is the Bandung Railway Station, which is the largest in the city, connecting through various routes all around.
Yes, accommodation is available in Bandung with all the necessary facilities provided for the tourists.
Some activities to do in Bandung are exploring the Floating Market, relaxing at the volcanic hot springs and walking around the tea plantations.
Don’t miss Batagor, Siomay, Sate Maranggi, Nasi Timbel, and Surabi. There are also lots of trendy cafés with Instagrammable settings.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month