Bandung, Indonesia: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Bandung sits 768 meters above sea level, earning it the nickname “Paris of Java” for its cool climate and colonial architecture? This hidden gem in West Java offers a refreshing escape from Indonesia’s typical tropical heat, with temperatures averaging a pleasant 23°C (73°F) year-round. Beyond its comfortable climate, Bandung surprises visitors with volcanic craters, lush tea plantations, and a thriving creative scene that makes it Indonesia’s third-largest city and one of its most underrated destinations.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Bandung is easily accessible through multiple transportation options, making it a convenient destination for international and domestic travelers alike.

By Air

Bandung is served by two airports: Husein Sastranegara International Airport (closer to the city center) and Kertajati International Airport (newer but further away). Direct flights connect Bandung to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and major Indonesian cities like Jakarta and Bali.

By Train

The train journey from Jakarta to Bandung takes approximately 3 hours and offers scenic views of West Java’s countryside. Trains depart regularly from Jakarta’s Gambir Station, with the express service being the fastest option.

By Road

The Cipularang toll road connects Jakarta to Bandung, with the journey taking around 2-3 hours depending on traffic. Shuttle buses and private car services are readily available from Jakarta and other nearby cities.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Bandung enjoys a mild climate year-round thanks to its elevation, but timing your visit can enhance your experience.

Dry Season (May to September)

The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit Bandung. With minimal rainfall, clear skies, and temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), this period is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding natural attractions.

Wet Season (October to April)

The wet season brings regular afternoon showers, but mornings are often clear. The landscape becomes lushly green, and the tea plantations are at their most vibrant. If you don’t mind occasional rain, you’ll benefit from fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates.

Weather Tips

Pack a light jacket or sweater even when visiting during the dry season, as evenings can be cool, especially in the highlands. An umbrella is essential year-round, as brief showers can occur unexpectedly even during the dry season.

Getting Around Locally

Navigating Bandung and its surroundings is relatively straightforward with several transportation options available.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Grab and Gojek are widely used in Bandung and offer the most convenient way to get around. Both apps provide car and motorcycle taxi services at reasonable prices, with the added benefit of not having to negotiate fares.

Traditional Transport

Angkots (small minibuses) run on fixed routes throughout the city and are the cheapest way to travel. However, they can be crowded and challenging to navigate for first-time visitors. Traditional becaks (cycle rickshaws) are good for short distances in the city center.

Car Rental

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Bandung’s surrounding attractions at your own pace. Many rental agencies offer cars with drivers, which is recommended given the sometimes chaotic local traffic conditions.

Day Tours

For attractions outside the city like Tangkuban Perahu volcano or Kawah Putih, joining a day tour can be more practical than navigating public transportation. Many hotels can arrange these tours for you.

Where to Stay

Bandung offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.

City Center

Staying in downtown Bandung puts you close to shopping areas, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The areas around Jalan Braga and Jalan Asia Afrika offer numerous hotels ranging from budget to luxury, with easy access to the city’s colonial heritage buildings.

Dago Area

The upscale Dago neighborhood is popular with visitors seeking a quieter atmosphere while remaining close to the city. This area features boutique hotels, trendy cafes, and art galleries, making it perfect for those who appreciate a more artistic environment.

Lembang

Located in the highlands north of Bandung, Lembang offers cooler temperatures and proximity to natural attractions like Tangkuban Perahu volcano. Accommodation here ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts with stunning mountain views.

Glamping Options

For a unique experience, consider glamping in the tea plantations surrounding Bandung. These luxury camping sites offer comfortable tents or pods with stunning views of the landscape, perfect for nature lovers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Bandung’s culinary scene reflects its Sundanese heritage, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and unique cooking techniques.

Sundanese Specialties

Don’t miss trying authentic Sundanese cuisine, known for its fresh vegetables and distinctive sambals (chili-based condiments). Popular dishes include nasi timbel (rice wrapped in banana leaf), pepes ikan (spiced fish steamed in banana leaf), and karedok (raw vegetable salad with peanut sauce).

Street Food

Bandung’s street food scene is vibrant and diverse. Head to Jalan Cibadak for a variety of Chinese-influenced street foods or try local favorites like surabi (rice flour pancakes), batagor (fried fish dumplings), and siomay (steamed fish dumplings).

Modern Dining

The city has embraced modern dining concepts, with numerous trendy cafes and restaurants offering international cuisine alongside creative interpretations of Indonesian classics. The Dago area is particularly known for its Instagram-worthy cafes with innovative menus.

Must-Try Food Experiences

• Sample pisang bollen (banana-filled pastry) from Kartika Sari, a famous Bandung delicacy
• Try Bolu Susu Lembang, a soft milk cake that’s popular as a souvenir
• Visit Floating Market Lembang for a unique dining experience on small boats
• Enjoy a meal at Gubug Makan Mang Engking, where you dine in bamboo huts over fish ponds
• Experience traditional coffee at one of Bandung’s historic coffee houses

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Bandung offers a diverse range of attractions, from natural wonders to cultural experiences.

Natural Wonders

Tangkuban Perahu

This active volcano located 30km north of Bandung is one of the region’s most popular attractions. Visitors can drive right up to the edge of the crater and peer into the steaming caldera. For the best experience, arrive early in the morning when visibility is clearest and crowds are thinner.

Kawah Putih (White Crater)

Located about 50km south of Bandung, this striking crater lake features milky turquoise waters surrounded by white soil, creating an otherworldly landscape. The sulfuric content gives the water its distinctive color, which can change depending on the weather and mineral concentration.

Tea Plantations

The highlands surrounding Bandung are covered with lush tea plantations that offer stunning views and photo opportunities. Ciwidey and Rancabali are home to some of the most picturesque plantations, where you can learn about tea production and sample freshly brewed local tea.

Urban Attractions

Braga Street

This historic street showcases Bandung’s Dutch colonial architecture and is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Once known as the “Paris of Java,” Braga Street retains much of its old-world charm while embracing modern trends.

Gedung Sate

This iconic government building, named for its distinctive satay-skewer-like ornament on its roof, represents a blend of colonial and traditional Indonesian architectural styles. The building houses a museum in its basement that details Bandung’s history.

Floating Market Lembang

Inspired by Thailand’s floating markets, this attraction offers a unique shopping and dining experience where vendors sell food and souvenirs from small boats. While not entirely authentic to Indonesian culture, it’s a fun and photogenic spot to visit.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Bandung’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its museums, performance venues, and vibrant festivals.

Museums

Museum Konferensi Asia Afrika

Housed in the historic building where the 1955 Asian-African Conference took place, this museum documents a pivotal moment in post-colonial history when newly independent nations gathered to promote economic and cultural cooperation.

Geology Museum

Given Indonesia’s location on the Ring of Fire, this museum offers fascinating insights into the country’s geological formation, featuring an extensive collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils from across the archipelago.

Cultural Experiences

Saung Angklung Udjo

This cultural center preserves and promotes traditional Sundanese music, particularly the angklung (a bamboo musical instrument). Daily performances include traditional dances, puppet shows, and interactive angklung orchestras where visitors can participate.

Bandung Creative Hub

Reflecting Bandung’s status as a UNESCO Creative City, this modern facility showcases the work of local designers, artists, and innovators through exhibitions, workshops, and events.

Festivals

Bandung Festival

Held annually to celebrate the city’s founding anniversary, this festival features art installations, music performances, food stalls, and cultural exhibitions throughout the city.

Braga Festival

This street festival transforms the historic Braga Street into a vibrant celebration of arts, music, and food, highlighting Bandung’s creative community and cultural heritage.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Bandung’s mountainous surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and nature experiences.

Hiking & Trekking

The mountains around Bandung offer numerous hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels. Popular routes include the trek to Mount Papandayan with its active fumaroles and the scenic path through Dago Pakar forest park.

Adventure Activities

Thrill-seekers can enjoy paragliding from the hills of Puncak, ATV rides through tea plantations, or white-water rafting on the Palayangan River. Many resorts in Lembang also offer ziplines and high-rope courses.

Hot Springs

The volcanic activity in the region has created several natural hot springs where visitors can relax in mineral-rich waters. Ciater Hot Springs is the most developed facility, featuring multiple pools set amid bamboo groves and tea plantations.

Scenic Lakes

Patenggang Lake, surrounded by tea plantations, offers boat rides and picturesque views. Local legend says couples who sail around the small island in the middle will have lasting love. Situ Cileunca is another beautiful lake where visitors can fish, kayak, or simply enjoy the tranquil setting.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Understanding local customs and safety considerations will enhance your experience in Bandung.

Safety Tips

• Bandung is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions against petty theft are advised, especially in crowded areas
• When visiting natural attractions like volcanoes and crater lakes, stay on designated paths and heed all warning signs
• Carry a photocopy of your passport rather than the original when exploring the city
• Use reputable transportation services, especially when traveling at night
• Be cautious during the rainy season as flash floods can occur in some areas

Cultural Etiquette

Bandung is in West Java, home to the Sundanese people who have their own distinct culture and traditions. While Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim country, Bandung embraces diversity and welcomes visitors of all backgrounds.

Dress Code

Modest dress is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites. In general, covering shoulders and knees is respectful. When visiting mosques, women should cover their hair with a scarf.

Greetings

A slight nod or a handshake with a gentle touch is the common greeting. Using your right hand for eating, passing objects, or touching others is considered polite, as the left hand is traditionally associated with personal hygiene.

Religious Considerations

During the holy month of Ramadan, be mindful that many locals will be fasting from dawn to dusk. While tourists are not expected to fast, eating discreetly in public during daylight hours is considerate.

Practical Travel Tips

These practical tips will help you navigate Bandung smoothly and make the most of your visit.

Money Matters

The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in Bandung, but it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting markets or rural areas. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants but may not be usable in smaller establishments.

Language

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, but many people in Bandung also speak Sundanese. English is understood in tourist areas and upscale establishments, though learning a few basic Indonesian phrases will be appreciated by locals.

Internet & Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. For constant connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card, which offers affordable data packages and can be bought at the airport or in convenience stores with proper identification.

Shopping Tips

Bandung is famous for its factory outlets and fashion boutiques, particularly along Jalan Riau (now called Jalan Martadinata) and Jalan Setiabudi. Bargaining is expected in markets and some shops, but not in department stores or upscale boutiques.

Local Transportation Apps

Download Grab or Gojek apps before your trip for convenient and affordable transportation around Bandung. These apps also offer food delivery and other services that can be useful during your stay.

Ready to Explore Bandung?

From the misty crater lakes and active volcanoes to the colonial architecture and vibrant culinary scene, Bandung offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and urban excitement. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the highlands, a cultural deep dive, or simply a relaxing escape in a cool climate, this “Paris of Java” delivers experiences that will leave you with lasting memories.

The city’s relatively untouched status compared to more famous Indonesian destinations means you’ll encounter authentic experiences and reasonable prices while enjoying world-class attractions. With its accessibility from Jakarta and direct international flights, Bandung makes for an ideal standalone destination or a perfect addition to your broader Indonesian journey.

Pack your camera, bring a light jacket for the cool evenings, and prepare to be charmed by Bandung’s unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures. Your Indonesian adventure awaits!