Bandung Indonesia – Your Quick Travel Guide

In a nutshell

The once quaint and picturesque Dutch colony is now a thriving, bustling, busy city filled with overzealous Angkot drivers, a wonderful amount of restaurants and street-side stalls, tea plantations, rice terraces, and even a few volcanoes just beyond its border.

Why go to Bandung

While many may be passing through the town to head to their next waterfall, volcano or blue-chip beach, there is much to see and do in an around Bandung that warrants a closer look.

Bandung suits the adventurer in everyone. In true Indonesian fashion, the city is surrounded by incredible landscapes, mystical lakes, and truly surreal volcanoes – story book stuff, really.

At the top of the list of things that must be seen is Tangkuban Parahu. The volcano itself, and the entire trip up, is something that will forever be etched into your memory. A similarly beautiful, but less intense experience is a trip to Kawah Putih. The lakes colour, the trees and the rocks make for some pretty special photographs. The adventure need not end there. Check out the Maribaya forest walk, or the tea plantations, or the rice terraces, or the market gardens. There is just too much to do to list it all here.

There is, of course, the factory outlets that excite many tourists. Should you be keen on traipsing the miles of ground that will inevitably be covered, and have the motivation to carry your bags home, then get ready to spend some money!

Spas, coffee shops, bars, and other Western comforts are in good supply for any short stay in Bandung. The city is big and your options are numerous.

When to go to Bandung

If you’re worried about the weather, you need not. There is very little temperature variation throughout the year in Bandung, with the hottest temperature around 30 degrees Celsius. However, this is not to say that you shouldn’t bring something warm. If you plan to visit some of the volcanoes in the area, you’ll sorely regret not doing so.

Where to stay in Bandung

While the convenience of accommodation nearby the city centre and the train station will appeal to those wanting to be right in the centre of the action and those ready to head out to the next city, the real gems of the city are to found a few minutes outside the bustle of the city.

At points, the cost of accommodation in Bandung seems higher than the value of the offerings. As such, luxuries like air-conditioning and Wi-Fi in your room can be a little harder to come by than other places. This is not to say that it’s impossible, though.

If you’re willing to forego these luxuries, as well as a toilet seat, you can spend the night in clean, basic accommodation for as little as 100, 000 IDR. There are a plethora of options in this price range all over central town, however, Hotel Pelangi Indah may be just ahead of the pack.

In contrast, places like Hummingbird guesthouse, situated in a quieter area of town, packs all the amenities you need, and then some. Fantastic attention to detail and the best breakfast in town is all part of the 440,000 IDR price tag. Kick back in supreme comfort here – marvel at the wonder of rain showers and indulge in the audio-visual feast that is the big TV with international channels. A strong competitor in this mid to high-end range is Amaris Hotel. It offers all the luxury of Hummingbird Guesthouse and has the added benefit of being right on the main road.

Should you be a fan of room service, exceptional views, Egyptian cotton bed sheets and large bills, the Trans Luxury Hotel will make you feel right at home. A spa, and incredible pool and a luxurious lounge top off the flawless rooms. Everything is fantastic. The price for fantastic is around 2,000 000.

All in all, there is little need to book in advance when heading to, or through, Bandung. The good amount of comfortable lodgings, and mass amount of cheap ones are sure to cover the needs of travellers visiting the small town.

Where and what to eat in Bandung

Bandung is, unmistakeably, Java’s culinary capital. Local fare is permanently around you the second you leave the steps of your accommodation. On every street corner there’ll be someone deep-frying something, teasing your already full-stomach. During the day you’ll find yourself stopping constantly for small snacks.

Bigger meals should be enjoyed at small Warungs. Point to a picture on your tattered laminated menu and wait but a few minutes for some home-cooked goodness. If diversity and options is what you’re after, seek out the Paskal food market. The market boasts hundreds upon hundreds of options and is the best spot to grab your fill of some Asian dishes. The market is right near the train station, and would make a great welcome to Bandung.

Western norms like hamburgers, pints of beer and the mumble of sports noises streaming out the TV in the corner of the room are in good supply, too. Paris Van Java is the hub of everything Western - Starbucks included. Giggle Box simply must be mentioned here. Cheap food, a tangible vibe, and fast Wi-Fi make for a welcome break from regular trips to Warungs.

How to get around Bandung

Getting around Bandung is incredibly cheap, and after a couple of trips, very easy. An initial impression of the manic roads and seemingly disorganised system soon dissipates, and you’ll be jumping around town on angkots like you’ve done it your whole life. Angkots run routes to anywhere you need to get to in town, and won’t cost you any more than 3,000 IDR for a trip within the city limits. Should you be a little wary of them, taxis are in good supply. A thirty minute cab ride will cost as little as 30,00 IDR, making it difficult to say no the comfort of your own air-conditioned vehicle.

How to get in and from Bandung

Bandung is a very well connected city that offers many options for entering, leaving, and passing through the city.

By air

The airport is extremely well connected and has flights to and from several great locations. Bali, Singapore, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta are but a few of the places that you can connect to from Bandung.

By train

Those looking to save a few bucks, or those who have been in East Java summiting one of the astounding volcanoes may be passing through Bandung on their way through to Jakarta. If so, one of your best bets for getting across the entire width of the Java is the train. Book your ticket a couple of days in advance as the service is popular. Comfortable seating, cheap tickets, and fast trips all add to its desirability. Prices vary according to class. To and from Jakarta will take around two hours and will cost you 30, 000 IDR. Heading to the most eastern parts of Java will take around 13 hours and will hover around a price tag of 165, 000 IDR.

By bus

The bus system in Indonesia is fantastic and is a good alternative to the train. Buses go as far as Denpasar, Bali! If you’re catching a train to the Western parts of Java, head to the Leuwi Panjang Terminal. All trips to the Eastern parts of Java and beyond leave from Cicaheum Terminal. You can easily get between the two terminals by taking bus number 7. The fares are similar to the train service, but will commonly be a little cheaper. The busses are however, slower. They’re also hot, and not especially comfortable.

If you’re willing to pay double the price, a minibus can get you to and from Jakarta, Bogor and Yogyakarta in comfort. The minibus takes around the same amount of time. However, the value of air-conditioning cannot be overstated.

Is Bandung a safe place to visit?

Safety in Indonesia, especially the less touristy parts, is hardly a concern. Insofar as you keep your wits about you, there is very little that can go wrong. If you don’t walk around with a wallet full of cash or neck full of pearls, you should be just fine.