Ultimate Guide: 15 BEST Things to Do in Bandung, Indonesia

If you ever find yourself in Indonesia, don’t forget to stop by Bandung. As the capital of the West Java province, the city of Bandung draws in thousands of tourists each year. The metropolitan area that surrounds Bandung, known as Greater Bandung, is the third-largest in the country with more than 8.5 million residents. There are plenty of things to do in Bandung, each one as exciting and unique as the last. If you plan to visit this beautiful city, here are 15 of the best activities you can do in Bandung Indonesia.

Photo by Agustinus Dimas from Flickr

The Rainbow Garden, also known as Bandung Flower Garden, is the perfect place for couples or romantics at heart. True to its name, this tourist attraction is riddled with fields upon fields of different flowers, all colorful and vibrant, lined up to resemble a bright rainbow.

Frolic around with your friends, alone, or with your partner. It’s a great location for Instagram photos or for those who are just looking to stroll around and admire the beauty of flowers. Entrance to the Rainbow Garden costs about $1, which is a bargain considering what you’re getting in exchange. Plus, the fee comes with a free drink — perfect on hot days.

The Rainbow Garden is located at Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java 40391, Indonesia, right next to the famous Lembang Floating Market.

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Looking for the thrill of a lifetime that’s relaxing at the same time? Head to Tebing Gunung Hawu and climb the towering limestone peaks. In between these hills are broad chasms where hammocks hang on slacklines at the ready. These hammocks give tourists an opportunity to wind down after a long hike.

What makes this experience even more alluring is the scenic views of the city of Bandung. From atop high peaks, you’ll appreciate its beauty even more. Pro tip: head to Tebing Gunung Hawu at the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise for a magical experience you won’t soon forget.

Tebing Gunung Hawu is located in Padalarang,West Bandung Regency, West Java 40553, Indonesia.

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Dusun Bambu is a family leisure park situated at the foot of a large mountain. There is a towering bamboo structure at the entrance and whimsical floral shuttles that can take you everywhere. Of course, you can opt to walk instead to enjoy the scenic vistas and picturesque views. Keep in mind, though, that the park is very big, so you may become tired after a while.

The park itself is a tourist attraction, but there a few restaurants located inside that are equally popular. Arguably the best one, however, is Cafe Burangrang. With its tied glass form, diners can enjoy rich meals made with fresh Indonesian spices while admiring the man-made lake down below. All of this makes for a truly unforgettable dining experience!

Dusun Bambu is located at Jl. Kolonel Masturi No.KM, Kertawangi, Kec. Cisarua, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40551, Indonesia.

Photo by Chen Wu on Flickr

If you had lunch at Cafe Burangrang in Dusun Bambu, make sure to save room for dinner at Kampung Daun. Guests enjoy meals in private dining huts in the middle of a nature-filled location. Apart from lush foliage that surrounds the area, you can also hear the sound of waterfalls nearby.

No trip to Indonesia would be complete without trying local cuisine. And there’s no better place than Kampung Daun. Here, tourists can sample authentic Indonesian food made with Indonesian spices. To make the dining experience even more genuine, you can listen to Indonesian music while eating. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a cultural show. Plus, Kampung Daun is vegetarian-friendly! What more could you ask for?

Kampung Daun is located at Perumahan Villa Triniti Blok RR1 Jl. Sersan Bajuri No.88 Km.4,7, Cihideung, Kec. Parongpong, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40154, Indonesia.

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Kawah Putih, also known as White Crater, is a volcanic crater lake in Bandung, Indonesia. While it may not sound like an exciting destination, you’ll quickly change your mind once you witness the crater lake in all its glory. The turquoise water is nothing short of magical, while the surrounding trees look like they came straight out of a storybook.

Kawah Putih sits about 50 km south of Bandung, but the journey to this beautiful crater is well worth it. Make sure to time your visit, though, because Kawah Putih attracts many tourists, especially on weekends. 

Kawah Putih is located in Sugihmukti, Pasirjambu, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.

If you want to relive your youth, the European-inspired town of Kota Mini is the place to be. Kota Mini was intentionally built for children, but whimsical adults and the young-at-heart will also enjoy this miniature town. The houses are meant to be smaller, but their tiny size only adds to their charm. The cobblestone streets are also lined by fences, with phone booths and benches dotting the path.

Spend an entire afternoon getting lost in this wonderful destination, filled with perfect photo opportunities and amusing rooms to explore. If you’re in dire need of a pick-me-up, a visit to this bright and vibrant town is sure to liven your spirits in an instant. The entrance is only $2 per person, so you’re definitely in for a bargain.

Kota Mini is located at Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java 40391, Indonesia.

© Photo by Aidya F from Unsplash

Situated in the outskirts of Bandung, Maribaya is home to an adventure theme park (The Lodge) and a nature park (Taman Wisata Maribaya) for the ages. Also known as Maribaya Tourist Park, Taman Wisata Maribaya boasts a plethora of scenic views and fun activities suitable for nature lovers. Go for a lively exercise or a leisurely stroll through the paths that pass through the forest. Cross bridges over waterfalls and gaze at their majesty. Heck, even city dwellers will find something to love in Maribaya.

Thrill-seekers will enjoy The Lodge Maribaya, with activities like zip bikes, sky wings, and even a mountain swing waiting to pump up your adrenaline. The area is also the best place to go glamping in Bandung, so pack your bags and head to Maribaya at the soonest!

Taman Wisata Maribaya is located at Jalan Maribaya Babakan Gentong, Lembang 40391, Indonesia.

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If you’ve never been off-roading before, why not start in Bandung Indonesia? Gather your friends or family and head to the Bandung countryside, where mountainous regions are just waiting to be explored via an open landrover. You’ll pass by vistas of tea plantations, muddy terrain, and puddles of rainwater along the way. Don’t forget to take pictures of the forest you’ll be passing through as well.

Off-roading in Bandung is a great adventure for both experienced off-roaders and the uninitiated. There are several travel companies that offer the off-roading experience, so do your research and take your pick wisely. Some travel companies, like the Bandung Off-Road, even organize pit stops where travelers can take a break and enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the mountains.

Be warned, though. Not everyone should go on an off-roading trip. People with back problems or spinal injuries should skip this item, as off-roading can be really tough on the back.

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The Sundanese people are native to the West Java region of Indonesia. Make it a part of your itinerary to visit Komunitas Hong, a family-friendly center where visitors can learn about the Sundanese culture. Be exposed to the traditions and ways of the Sundanese and listen to the folklore that has permeated their culture through generations.

You’ll also find games and toys made of bamboo enjoyed by the Sundanese children. Don’t worry, though. You’ll also get your chance to play with the toys and games, which are designed for groups of at least two people. While sightseeing and shopping are great activities in Bandung, there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in the local culture. It’s a shared experience you won’t soon forget!

The Hong Community is located at Jl. Bukit Pakar Utara No.31, Ciburial, Kec. Cimenyan, Bandung, Jawa Barat 40198, Indonesia.

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The Bandung Zoological Gardens, also known locally as Kebun Binatang Bandung, is a home for animals dating all the way back to 1933. Interestingly, this zoo was established as a way of merging two separate zoos back in the day, the Cimindi Zoo and Dago Atas Zoo. Now, the Bandung Indonesia zoo stands as a testament of time and nature. While not as impressive as other zoos in the world, Bandung Zoo definitely has some gems.

You’ll find a wide range of animals here, including lions and alligators. Visitors will also have a chance to mingle with turtles, snakes, monkeys, zebras, hippos, peacocks, tigers, and even camels. There are several types of birds to gawk at as well. While adults may not be impressed, children will definitely love exploring the many corners and animals of this zoo. The entrance fee only costs $3 per person, which is relatively cheap compared to admissions in other zoos.

The Bandung Zoological Gardens is located at Jl. Kebun Binatang no. 6, Taman Sari, Bandung, Indonesia.

© Photo by ariftsm from Pixabay

Although Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia, Bandung boasts a cool climate thanks to its strategic placement in the mountains. Due to its overall cooler temperatures, Bandung makes for a great location to plant tea leaves. This is why the city is home to a smorgasbord of tea fields and plantations. Take your pick, wander around, and get lost in the bevy of tea fields in the area.

Don’t worry about potentially damaging the plants. There are pathways in between for people to walk on — clearly, the tea fields here welcome so many visitors that trails are now necessary. You don’t even have to shell out any money, as visiting these plantations is largely free of charge.

If you’re too lazy to organize your own trip and would rather pay for a tour guide, there are many travel agencies that offer tours of the different tea plantations in North Bandung. Some of them even include samples of the tea. And nothing beats sipping warm tea on a cool morning in Bandung Indonesia!

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Ever wanted to visit an active volcano? Bandung Indonesia is your best bet! Around 30 km north of Bandung lies Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano with a live crater. Some volcanoes are off-limits to visitors, but not this one. In fact, you can even drive all the way into the live crater itself and stand in awe of its wonder. Being an active volcano, expect it to get seriously hot in there, with actual steaming smoke that’s white as rice emanating from the ground.

Perhaps even more interesting than the actual experience itself, however, is the story behind the active volcano. Legend has it that a strong young man once fell in love with his own mother. Distraught and horrified by the revelation, the mother put forth a challenge for her son — to build an enormous boat in a single night.

As the mother was afraid that her son would complete the task on time, she prayed to God to let the sunrise earlier, before her son could finish building the boat. Defeated, the son was driven to madness and kicked the boat, giving Tangkuban Perahu, which means “overturned boat,” its iconic shape.

A car ride to Tangkuban Perahu takes about 2 hours, though you can rent a moped and drive it down there yourself for a tad longer. You can also opt to pay for an organized tour.

Tangkuban Perahu is located at Cikahuripan, Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia.

© Photo by Ya, saya inBaliTimur from Flickr

Another countryside destination in Bandung is the Lembang Floating Market. If you’ve ever been to the floating markets in Bangkok, this one is somewhat similar, except it’s smaller. Since it’s situated in the Bandung countryside, you’ll have to take a drive or ride a moped to get there. Don’t worry — the trip is definitely worth it, and you get to see some sights while you’re at it!

This floating market sells authentic local dishes and snacks for cheap. So, travelers on a tight budget can head to this attraction for a full-course meal for less. Explore the many vendors on wooden boats. You can do so on foot by strolling around the boardwalk, where food stalls are also accessible, or you can rent out a boat and cruise down as you munch on Indonesian food. There’s an entrance fee, though, but it’s not very expensive (around $1) and it comes with a complimentary drink, too. It sounds like the perfect way to spend your day!

The Lembang Floating Market is located at Jl. Grand Hotel No.33E, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40391, Indonesia.

© Photo by Gunawan Midori on WikiCommons

The Angklung is a traditional Sundanese instrument made out of bamboo, with each one producing a note to create a full orchestra of melodies when several are played together. Tourists who want a real taste of traditional music should head to Saung Angklung Udjo, where a museum and evening angklung concerts await.

The performance opens with a shadow puppet show, which is a vital part of Indonesian culture. Then, local children begin to sing and dance before a full angklung concert goes into full swing. The show is interactive and far from boring, as it lets the audience participate in playing the angklung to create a full orchestra. If you’ve ever heard of the saying, “music brings people together,” you’ll see it come alive firsthand in Bandung Indonesia.

The Saung Angklung Udjo is located at Jl. Padasuka 118, Bandung 40192, Indonesia.

© Photo by Agustinus Dimas from Flickr

Also known as Keraton Cliff or the Royal Cliff, Tebing Keraton is the best place to watch the sunset or sunrise either alone or with someone special. It’s one of the hidden destinations in Bandung that’s for its picturesque views of the city and devastatingly beautiful peaks.

Apart from catching the sunrise and fall from atop the cliff, you can also cycle around this misty spot, though there are steep climbs that will really test your strength and endurance. For breakfast, remember to stop by Bubur Gowes, a stall that sells delicious bubur (rice porridge) that’s popular among cyclists. Just remember to pack a light jacket as early mornings can be chilly here.

Getting to Tebing Keraton takes more than a simple drive, though. After parking your car in the lot, you have to rent a motorbike taxi or Gojek, which costs about $3 to $4 both ways. In total, the distance from the lot to the cliff and back again is around 3 km.

Tebing Keraton is located at Bukit Dago Pakar, Bandung 40198, Indonesia.

What To Do In Bandung At Night?

While Bandung is breathtaking no matter the time, the city is no stranger to an active nightlife. Tourists can experience their fair share of parties here, with clubs like Southbank, Malmo, and Sobbers at the ready. If you’re more in the mood for singing instead of dancing, sing your heart out at one of the many karaoke places in the city. If you’d rather watch someone else sing, you can catch live music at bars like Troy’s, La Baraga, Little Collins, or Holywings.

You can also sample local beer at the Beer Garden in Taman Sari. Not a beer fan? Stuff your face with street food instead. At night, Bandung comes alive as the streets transform and vendors selling all kinds of dishes stay way into the late night. If you want something more relaxing after a tiring day of adventure, visit a night spa in Bandung Indonesia instead.

Where To Stay In Bandung Indonesia?

© Photo from official Padma Hotel Bandung Facebook page

There are a number of options for accommodations in Bandung Indonesia. If it’s your first time visiting this gorgeous city, the neighborhood of Bandung Wetan, which sits right at the city center, is the ideal place to stay. If you’re traveling on a budget, there are many different hostels to choose from, including Ostel by Ostic, which is one of the best hostels in the city. There are also some fancier Bandung Indonesia hotels you can book, such as the Padma Hotel Bandung, Summer Hills Hotel & Villas, Four Points by Sheraton Bandung, Crowne Plaza Bandung, and Mercure Hotel Bandung. 

If fancy chain hotels aren’t your thing, try one of the many unique hotels in the West Java region. Bandung offers no shortage of artsy hotels, each one filled with corners upon corners of Instagram-worthy backgrounds. Book a stay at the luxurious Art Deco for the eponymous architectural style or at the Beehive Hotel with its minimalist design. Cottonwood Bed & Breakfast is equally quirky, with its Victorian-inspired style and themed rooms. Other options include the Noor Hotel, the Kollektiv Hotel, and the Breeze Bandung.

What To Shop In Bandung Indonesia?

Tourists love to shop in Bandung, and it’s easy to see why. The prices are competitive and the selections are seemingly limitless. You can shop for virtually everything — from clothes and jewelry to food and local souvenirs. There are a number of different markets here, as well as many outlets selling branded items for less.

If you’re more of a mall rat, don’t you worry. Shopping malls in Bandung Indonesia are abundant, such as Click Square, Trans Studio Mall, and Bandung Indah Plaza. Shoppers on a budget won’t be disappointed either. Find local apparel for cheap at Pasar Baru Trade Center and locally-made, high-quality leather shoes at Cibaduyut. For jeans, Gang Tamim is the best place to be.

How Long Is The Train From Jakarta To Bandung Indonesia?

Travelers visiting Indonesia for the first time likely want to stop by as many cities as they can. After all, when are they ever going to get the chance to visit this beautiful Asian country again? In Java region, begin your itinerary in Jakarta before heading to Bandung and then Surabaya, with your last stop being the province of Bali. However, for many travelers, the itinerary isn’t the problem — it’s the transportation. Getting from one destination to another is a challenging task to take on when you’re a foreigner.

If you’re coming from Jakarta, ride a train to get to Bandung Indonesia. The distance between these two cities is about 150 km, so expect a long journey. The duration of your train ride depends on which station you’ll be coming from in Jakarta. Train rides from Gambir Station usually last about 3 hours, while the ones from Pasar Senen take about 4 hours. Make sure to check the schedule of the train, though, as they leave at different times during the day.

What Is Bandung Famous For?

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Bandung is famous for many things. Tourists flock to this Indonesian city for the various sights and fashion scene, which is why it has been dubbed the Paris of Java. Visitors love to shop here, as evidenced by its plethora of shopping malls and markets.

Apart from that, Bandung is a great place to admire and appreciate nature as well as relax in hot springs. The city is home to a number of parks, including the famous Dusun Bambu, and several hot spring resorts to choose from. Bandung is also great for sampling local Indonesian cuisine, with tasty offerings for both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. With its perfect blend of nature and synthetics, Bandung is truly a destination for the books.

What Language Is Spoken In Indonesia?

Many people mistake Indonesia for India and incorrectly believe that the language spoken in this Southeast Asian country is Indian. In truth, the language spoken in Indonesia is none other than Indonesian. The official language in the country is Bahasa Indonesia. There are also more than 300 different native languages spoken in various parts of the country. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Bandung Indonesia?

The weather in Bandung can be quite fickle, so it’s important to time your visit well. Generally, the best time to visit Bandung Indonesia is between June and September, which is the dry season. Some tourists dislike traveling during the summer because of the hot weather commonly associated with Southeast Asia.

However, these summer months provide the best weather for travelers in Bandung, with sunny days and the perfect temperature experienced all over the city, particularly the countryside. Contrary to popular belief, the summer months in Bandung aren’t hot at all. Because it’s situated in higher parts of the country, Bandung enjoys cool climates even during the summer.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, there are a lot of things to do and enjoy in Bandung Indonesia. From authentic Indonesian cuisine and beautiful nature parks to endless opportunities for shopping and unique cultural experiences, Bandung is certainly every travel enthusiast’s dream destination.

Bandung is not a very well-known city, especially compared to other cities in Indonesia like Jakarta and Bali. However, there’s no denying that Bandung belongs among the top destinations in the country. So, what are you waiting for? Satisfy your wanderlust and head to Bandung Indonesia for your next trip abroad!