Bandung is the capital of West Java and also one of the metropolitan cities in Indonesia. As the third most populated city in the country, Bandung has around 2,4 million inhabitants.

This city is filled with numerous shopping centers including factory outlets that offer many high quality local products. Many can be found at Jl. Riau, an area that is visited by plenty of local and foreign tourists.

Located near the mountains, the weather in Bandung is quite cold especially in the north which is surrounded by green, clean and pollution-free areas.

This city preserves many of its historical sites from the past such as old buildings with Dutch architectural styles. These buildings can be seen at Jalan Diponegoro and Jalan Braga.

From Jakarta, Bogor and South Tangerang, Bandung can be reached within 2 to 3 hours by car.

Bandung major areas

Every major area in Bandung has its own attraction:

West Bandung

This area is dominated by several factories and settlements.

Padalarang

Padalarang is where the first paper factory in Indonesia is located: PT Kertas Padalarang.

Cimahi

With an area of 48.42 square km, Cimahi is one of the areas in Bandung known for exporting textiles.

Kota Baru Parahyangan

Kota Baru Parahyangan is a satellite city which was built to improve education, science and technology.

North Bandung

This is one of the crowded regions in Bandung that encompasses areas such as:

Lembang

Lembang has some of Bandung’s best tourism sites such as Floating Market, Dusun Bambu and De’Ranch.

Dago

As a one-stop holiday district, Dago offers a variety of holiday activities from shopping, culinary to zoo tour.

Ciumbuleuit

In Ciumbuleuit, you can visit Punclut (the highest level of the area) and view one of the best landscapes of Bandung.

Setiabudi

One of Indonesia’s top colleges, National Hotel Institute (NHI), is located in Setiabudi. Around this district, you can also find many Surabi (Indonesian pancake) on Jalan Dr. Setiabudi.

East Bandung

These areas are which attract tourists to visit East Bandung:

Cilengkrang

Cilengkrang is where the famous Cilengkrang Waterfall is located.

Cibiru

In Cibiru, you can visit Palasari Book Market. Cibiru is also known as the location of Bandung’s popular Islamic university, UIN Sunan Gunung Jati.

Cileunyi

Cileunyi covers the area of Cinunuk, a village that still preserves Sundanese arts and culture. This village is located 500 meters away from Jalan Raya Cileunyi.

South Bandung

South Bandung boasts numerous naturally scenic spots:

Ciwidey

This is one of the areas where you can enjoy Bandung’s fresh air. It is where Kawah Putih Ciwidey and the strawberry field are located.

Pangalengan

In Pangalengan, you can visit Cisangkuy River popular for rafting.

Soreang

Other than natural areas, South Bandung also has Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, a stadium as well as the base of the local soccer team PERSIB.

Bandung History

According to the philosophy, the name ‘Bandung’ derives from Banda and Indung. Banda means all things in the universe whereas Indung means earth. Combined, the term Bandung means earth that contains air, land, plants and creatures.

Bandung had possessed a couple of nicknames. During Dutch Colonization, Bandung was called Paris van Java (Paris of Java) by Dutch people. The only reason was, they thought the city resembled Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Moreover, in 1946, Bandung was also called Bandung Lautan Api (Bandung land of fire). The name appeared after 200.000 local people burnt their houses and belongings as a protest against the Dutch.

In 1955, Bandung became the host of the first Asia-Africa Conference. This conference was held to create a treaty among developing states. The objective was to reject economic colonization by developed countries.

How to get to Bandung

By plane

Travelling to Bandung by airplane will land at Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO). This airport is also one of the national military (TNI) Air Force bases.

Transportation to and from the airport

The distance between Husein Sastranegara International Airport and Bandung is around 5 km. These are several transports to and from the airport:

Primkopau taxi

Husein Sastranegara International Airport provides Primkopau taxi with fare starts from IDR 45.000.

Angkutan kota (angkot)

Angkot is the city’s public transport. Angkot fare from Husein Sastranegara International Airport to Bandung starts from IDR 2.500. Angkot stop is only 10-minute walk from the airport.

Car rental

Husein Sastranegara International Airport provides car rentals which cost from IDR 300.000 per day, depending on the car type.

(All prices shown may be subject to change).

By land

Bus

Bandung’s main bus terminal is Leuwipanjang. To get to the terminal, you can leave from big cities such as Jakarta, Tangerang, Bekasi or even Bali.

Bus fare from Jakarta:

• Kampung Rambutan Terminal: from IDR 20.000 (Economy), IDR 40.000 (Executive)
• Kalideres Terminal: IDR 50.000 (Executive)
• Lebak Bulus Terminal: IDR 45.000 (Air conditioned)
• Tanjung Priok Terminal: IDR 45.000 (Air conditioned)

Train

The main train station in Bandung is called Bandung Hall Station. It takes around three hours by train from Gambir Station or Pasar Senen Station (Jakarta) to Bandung Hall Station. Other than Hall Station, Bandung also has another station called Kiaracondong Station.

Train fare from Jakarta:

• Argo Parahyangan train (Gambir Station-Hall Station): from IDR 70.000 (Executive), IDR 35.000 (Business)
• Serayu train (Kota Station-Kiaracondong Station): from IDR 20.000 (Economy)

Car

From Jakarta by car, you can drive via these routes:

• 1st route: Cikampek highway -- Cipularang highway -- Padaleunyi highway -- Bandung
• 2nd route: Jagorawi highway -- Puncak - Cianjur -- Padaleunyi highway -- Bandung
• 3rd route: Jagorawi highway -- Cibubur -- Jonggol -- Ciranjang -- Padaleunyi highway -- Bandung

Motorcycle

There are three routes to Bandung by motorcycle:

• 1st route: via Cikampek
• 2nd route: via Puncak
• 3rd route: via Jonggol

Either by car or motorcycle, a trip to Bandung will take around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic.

(All prices shown may be subject to change).

Bandung public transportation

Angkutan kota (angkot)

Angkot is one of Bandung’s popular public transports. It can be found almost everywhere in Bandung.

Angkot fare starts from IDR 2.500, depending on distance.

Taxi

Blue Bird taxi fare starts from IDR 7.000 and IDR 3.600 per kilometer.

DAMRI bus

DAMRI bus serves routes to almost every part of Bandung. DAMRI bus fare is around IDR 2.000 (Economy) and IDR 3.000 (AC) per person.

Car rental

Car rental in Bandung costs around IDR 350.000 per day, depending on the car type. If you want to rent a car without a driver, make sure you become more familiar with the routes as they can be quite confusing for newcomers.

(All prices shown may be subject to change).

Bandung climate

Located 768 meters above sea level, the climate in Bandung is cooler than Jakarta. The temperature in Bandung may reach up to 22 degree Celsius in the afternoon and 17 degree Celsius in the evening.

Bandung local language

Sundanese or Bahasa Sunda is the local language spoken daily. However, Sunda has several dialects also spoken in areas outside Bandung such as Bogor and Indramayu. Priangan is Bandung’s particular dialect.

Popular local terms

“Kumaha damang?” means “How are you?”.

“Hatur nuhun” means “Thank you”.

Bandung tourist attractions

Bandung offers numerous interesting places to visit:

Kawah Putih Ciwidey

Located in Patuha mountain, Kawah Putih Ciwidey offers you a unique lake. The water is white, green and sometimes turns to brown due to the fluctuating temperature. The right and left sides of Kawah Putih Ciwidey are surrounded by beautiful tall tropical trees.

Address: Kawah Putih Sugihmukti, Pasirjambu, Bandung, West Java 40972

Price of admission to Kawah Putih

Monday-Sunday: IDR 15.000 (local), IDR 30.000 (foreign)

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday: 07:00-17:00

Bandung Trans Studio

Built in June 2011, Bandung Trans Studio is owned by PT Transcorp Indonesia. This studio is the biggest indoor theme park in the world with an area around 4.2 hectare. There are 20 exciting rides for both children and adults such as Giant Swing and Vertigo.

Address: Jalan Gatot Subroto 289, Bandung, West Java 40273

Price of admission to Bandung Trans Studio

• Monday-Friday: IDR 150.000
• Saturday, Sunday and holiday: IDR 250.000

VIP access: IDR 250.000

To enter Bandung Trans Studio, visitors must have a Mega Cash card. This card can be used to try 20 of those exciting rides. The card costs IDR 10.000.

Opening hours

• Monday-Friday: 10:00-22:00
• Saturday, Sunday and holiday: 09:00-22:00

De’Ranch Lembang

If you want to be a cowboy in a day, De’Ranch is your destination. The large and green area at De’Ranch brings you back to the era of cowboy. Experience riding a horse just like a cowboy.

Besides riding horses, visitors can also try flying fox and trampolines. The price starts from IDR 15.000 per session.

Address: Jl. Maribaya No. 17, Cikahuripan, Lembang, West Java 40791

Price of admission: IDR 5.000 (tickets can be exchanged to a glass of fresh milk)

Opening hours

• Tuesday-Friday: 09:00-17:00
• Monday: closed
• Saturday-Sunday: 08:00-18:00

Kampung Gajah Wonderland

When you visit Bandung with the family, you must not miss out the excitement at Kampung Gajah Wonderland. Kampung Gajah or the Elephant Village is not a village full of real elephants. These elephants are merely decorations.

There are 20 exciting rides vary from swimming, culinary to shopping for souvenirs. You can enjoy these rides in one whole day for IDR 150.000 per visitor from Monday to Friday. In the weekend and holiday, the price is IDR 200.000.

Address: Jl. Sersan Bajuri km 3.8, Isola, Sukasari, Lembang, West Java 40154

Price of admission to Kampung Gajah Wonderland

• Monday-Friday: IDR 10.000
• Saturday, Sunday and holiday: IDR 20.000

Opening hours

• Monday-Friday: 09:00-18:00
• Saturday, Sunday and holiday: 08:00-18:00

Tangkuban Perahu Mountain

Tangkuban Perahu is a mountain with a shape resembling an overturned boat. According to the myth, a legendary character called Sangkuriang kicked a boat until it flipped upside down. This boat was later known as Tangkuban Perahu.

Recently exploded in 2013, Tangkuban Perahu mountain is about 2.084 meters high.

Address: Jalan Raya Tangkuban Perahu No. 282, Cikole, Lembang, West Java 40391

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday: 08:00-17:00

Price of admission to Tangkuban Perahu

Monday-Sunday: IDR 17.000 (local), IDR 75.000 (foreign)

Parking fee

• Two-wheel vehicle: IDR 5.000 (local), IDR 7.000 (foreign)
• Four-wheel vehicle: IDR 10.000 (local), IDR 15.000 (foreign)
• Six-wheel vehicle: IDR 20.000 (local), IDR 25.000 (foreign)

(All prices shown may be subject to change).

Bandung cultural attractions

Saung Angklung Udjo

Angklung is an Indonesian musical instrument made of bamboo.

At Saung Angklung Udjo, you can watch semi-traditional to modern music performances using angklung and bamboo handmade crafts. Visitors at Saung Angklung Udjo can also learn the history of angklung from the angklung players.

Saung Angklung Udjo also offers various souvenirs made of bamboo, t-shirts, and many more.

Gedung Sate

Gedung Sate is the city’s icon. It was believed to be the most magnificent building in Bandung during the Dutch colonization. Once managed by the Dutch, today’s Gedung Sate is the West Java government headquarter.

The building uses the term Sate since the peak looks like pieces of satay (a popular Indonesian cuisine).

Gedung Sate is also surrounded by other historic buildings such as Indonesian Postal Museum, Geology Museum, and Dwiwarna Building.

Jalan Braga (Braga Street)

Braga is one of the main streets in Bandung that never sleeps. Located between buildings built with Dutch architectural styles, the area was once known as the fashion hub. Braga was once identified as the area of prostitution like Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

Bandung nightlife

Embassy

Embassy is one of the most-visited executive clubs by both teenagers and adults in Bandung. Hip-hop, House and RnB are the signature music at Embassy.

Address: Jalan Cihampelas No. 160, Bandung, West Java

Public Bar

With a concept of bar and restaurant, Public Bar offers you 3 types of areas: indoor, bar, and outdoor.

Address: Jalan Riau No. 90, Bandung, West Java

Sierra

Sierra is a must especially for couples. This 3-floor restaurant gives you a romantic atmosphere, especially at night.

Address: Jl. Bukit Pakar Timur No. 33, Bandung, West Java

Recommended places to eat in Bandung

• Warung Nasi Ampera, Jl. Soekarno Hatta No. 394, Bandung, West Java
• The Valley, Jl. Lembah Pakar Timur 28 Dago, Bandung, West Java
• Yoghurt Cisangkuy, Jl. Cisangkuy No. 66, Bandung, West Java
• Surabi ‘Enhai’, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi (beside NHI), Bandung, West Java
• Karnivor Café & Resto, Jl. Riau No. 127, Bandung, West Java

Travel tips in Bandung

• Beware of taxis that set prices above average. To have a safe trip in Bandung, make sure you choose a taxi with taximeter such as Blue Bird taxi.
• For fruit and scenery lovers, spend some time at Ciwidey and visit the strawberry field. Pick some strawberries to bring home.
• Prepare to bring thick clothes if you plan to spend a night in Ciumbuleuit. The temperature here may drop to 15 degree Celsius in the morning.
• Avoid walking at night alone in Nanjung, Cibeureum, Padalarang, Lembang and Maribaya as these areas are known to be rather unsafe at night.