Things To Do
in Bandung
Bandung is a vibrant city located in West Java, Indonesia, known for its cool climate and stunning natural scenery surrounded by volcanic mountains. The city is popular for its shopping districts, trendy cafes, and diverse culinary scene offering delicious local delicacies. Bandung is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with historic colonial buildings, traditional art, and craft markets.
Visitors can explore the city's beautiful gardens, picturesque tea plantations, and nearby hot springs for a relaxing getaway.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano just outside Bandung. Enjoy the stunning views and fresh air while exploring the crater.
Head to the floating market at Lembang for a unique culinary experience. Taste various local foods while enjoying the picturesque scenery.
Visit the vibrant Braga Street to experience Bandung's nightlife. Enjoy dinner at one of the trendy cafes and soak in the local atmosphere.
Visit the scenic Kawah Putih, a beautiful crater lake with turquoise waters. Take photos and enjoy the rich natural beauty.
Explore the Saung Angklung Udjo to learn about traditional Sundanese music. Watch a captivating angklung performance and even participate in a workshop.
End the day at the historic Savoy Homann Hotel for dinner. Relish Indonesian cuisine in a charming, vintage setting.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool climate due to its elevation, making it a pleasant escape from the heat of other Indonesian cities.
- Rich cultural heritage with various artistic and historical attractions.
- Lush natural surroundings, including mountains, volcanoes, and tea plantations, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Vibrant food scene, known for its diverse culinary offerings, including Sundanese cuisine.
- Growing tech and education hub, home to several universities and research institutions.
- Traffic congestion can be a major issue, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Urban pollution is a concern due to industrial activities and increasing vehicle numbers.
- Unpredictable weather patterns, which can sometimes bring heavy rain and landslides during the wet season.
- Limited access to some modern amenities compared to larger cities like Jakarta.
- Infrastructure in some areas may be underdeveloped, impacting travel and accessibility.
Best Activities in Bandung
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano located 30 km north of Bandung. Visitors can explore the crater, hike around the area, and enjoy beautiful panoramic views.
Experience nature at Dusun Bambu, a recreational park offering various outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Explore Kawah Putih, a stunning volcanic crater lake known for its turquoise color. Visitors can take a walk around the lake and enjoy the unique natural beauty.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bandung with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bandung
Visit one of these nice places.
Tebing Keraton offers breathtaking views of Bandung city and its surroundings.
Dusun Bambu is a great spot for beautiful natural landscapes, including a lake and bamboo structures.
Bukit Moko is a popular area for enjoying panoramic views of Bandung and its cool mountain air.
Food in Bandung
Bandung Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Sundanese dish of steamed rice wrapped in banana leaf, served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, tofu, tempeh, and sambal (chili paste). Must-try at Saung Gawir or Sate Maulana Yusuf.
Must-Try!
Indonesian spring rolls filled with vegetables, bamboo shoots, and sometimes minced shrimp or chicken, served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Best enjoyed at Rumah Makan Saung Pengkolan.
A hearty soup made with beef, radish, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, served with rice. Visit Soto Mie Agih for an authentic taste of Soto Bandung.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bandung better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a wide array of street food stalls selling local delicacies such as Batagor (fried fish dumplings), Roti Bakar (grilled bread with various toppings), and Es Duren (durian ice dessert).
An evening market where you can indulge in diverse street food options like Mie Kocok (beef and noodles in a clear broth), Asinan (pickled vegetables with tangy spicy sauce), and Sate Maranggi (grilled skewered meat).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bandung, it is customary to greet people with a smile and a handshake. It's also polite to address people with their titles and use formal language, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
Respect for elders is an important cultural norm in Bandung. It is polite to use respectful language and gestures when interacting with older individuals, and elders are often given precedence in social situations.
When dining in Bandung, it is important to wait for the eldest or the host to start eating before beginning your meal. It is also polite to accept and eat a small amount of all the dishes served, as it shows appreciation for the meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bandung with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bandung
Ensure a smooth experience
In Bandung, Indonesia, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants, hotels, and taxi services. It is common to round up the bill or leave a small amount as a tip, usually around 5-10% of the total bill.
Cash is widely used for small transactions in Bandung, but credit cards are also accepted in many establishments, especially in more urban and touristy areas. ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals. Some places may also accept mobile payment methods.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bandung.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Bandung is during the dry season, from April to September. During this time, the weather is relatively cooler and the city is less likely to experience heavy rain. It's a great time to explore Bandung's natural attractions, go trekking, or visit the picturesque tea plantations.
The rainy season in Bandung falls between October and March, with the peak of rainfall occurring from November to February. Expect frequent showers, humid conditions, and occasional thunderstorms. Despite the rain, this period has its own charm, with lush greenery and a festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
Bandung at Night
Hiking in Bandung
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An active volcano with beautiful panoramic views and several hiking trails. The area offers a chance to explore the volcanic landscape and see the craters.
A popular hiking destination located near Bandung, known for its challenging trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
A lesser-known hiking spot that provides a serene environment and breathtaking views of the countryside. Ideal for a peaceful hike away from the crowds.
A scenic area where you can hike along the riverbanks, enjoy nature, and participate in various outdoor activities.
This beautiful lake surrounded by tea plantations offers various trails for hiking along with stunning views of the lake and hills.
A hiking area located near Lembang, filled with tall trees and cool air. Perfect for nature lovers looking to explore the lush forest.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bandung through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Bandung by plane.
Located in Cengkareng, Banten, approximately 150 kilometers from Bandung, it is the main airport serving the Jakarta area and the busiest in Indonesia.
Located in Bandung itself, this airport primarily serves domestic flights and some international routes.
Situated about 68 kilometers from Bandung, this is a newer airport serving the West Java region, with both domestic and international flights.
Located in Bali, about 1,200 kilometers from Bandung, it is one of Indonesia's key international airports, mainly serving tourist destinations.
Located in Surabaya, approximately 700 kilometers from Bandung, it is another major airport serving international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Sundanese population is the largest ethnic group in Bandung, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditions.
A significant portion of the population, the Javanese are the second largest ethnic group in Bandung, contributing to the region's cultural diversity.
The Chinese community in Bandung plays an essential role in the economy and cultural landscape of the city.
The Minangkabau people are notable for their matrilineal culture and are present as a demographic minority in Bandung.
The Batak people, though not as numerous, add to the cultural tapestry of Bandung with their distinct traditions.
This includes a variety of smaller ethnic communities, which contribute to the multicultural environment of Bandung.
The Soul of Bandung
Discover the essence of Bandung through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Bandung, with many local clubs and a passionate fan base.
Badminton is widely played in Bandung, with numerous courts and competitions for both amateurs and professionals.
Basketball has gained popularity, especially among the youth, with many courts and school-level competitions.
Volleyball is a common recreational sport, played in schools and local communities throughout Bandung.
Running events, such as marathons and fun runs, are popular in Bandung, attracting many participants.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bandung.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Bandung offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with plenty of plant-based options like Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), Sayur Asem (tamarind-based vegetable soup), and Tempeh Satay.
While gluten-free specific restaurants are limited, traditional Indonesian dishes like Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice), Soto Ayam (chicken soup), and Martabak (stuffed pancake) can often be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Bandung with these cultural adventures.
