Bandung has always embraced traditions, arts and bold developments. Because of its blissful and strategic location on a river basin hemmed in by mountains, the Dutch immigrants planned on transferring the colonial capital here from Batavia (now Jakarta) eventually giving rise to verdant tea plantations and a resort city honeycombed by fine dine restaurants, posh hotels and opulent European-inspired boutiques. Consequently, Bandung earned the moniker “The Paris of Java”.
Bandung though overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, beckons with its own beauty
Today, the Dutch influence is still evident in many of the colonial buildings sprinkled around the city center, reflecting its former affluence. These, coupled with scenic landscapes and mind-boggling activities for tourists, make Bandung an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta. To help you plan your trip to Bandung, I’m sharing here the Top Places to See in Bandung and our Itinerary for 2 Days. I’ll be writing a separate, more detailed post of Top Things To Do When in Bandung.
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BANDUNG
KAWAH PUTIH
At times you’ll see Kawah Putih in whitish green, other times it’s brown. The moody color of this gorgeous crater lake is believed to be dependent on the concentration of sulfur and the oxidation state. Whatever color it exudes, it is undeniably postcard-worthy.
Entrace fee: IDR 18,000 locals and IDR 50,000 for foreigners.
ALSO READ: MAKASSAR TOURIST SPOTS
TANGKUBAN PERAHU
Indonesia is oozing with stunning volcanoes steep in age-old beliefs and traditions. Take for example Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano just north of Bandung that looks like an upturned boat.
Entrance Fee: IDR 20,000 for locals and IDR 200,000 for foreigners.
TEA PLANTATIONS
The Dutch have left but the tea plantations they built in Bandung remained. One of the most scenic here is the Walini Tea Plantation in Ciwidey near Kawah Putih. A large expanse of neatly pruned tea trees are arranged neatly like a green carpet. This is just beside the road, so it is very accessible. Visitors can just park their vehicles by the roadside and saunter around the rhythmic garden.
SAUNG ANGKLUNG UDJO
This is a highly recommended place when touring Bandung, a one-stop cultural workshop where tourists can get to watch performances of kids and adults playing angklung, a traditional West Java musical instrument made of bamboo pipe. Interestingly, each instrument has only one specific note that can be produced by shaking it. So to play a certain song, groups of people are needed. Visitors are also taught how to play this bamboo musical instrument.
Entrance fee is IDR 60,000 for locals and IDR 100,000 for foreigners. Schedule: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Saung Angklung Udjo
Jl. Padasuka No.118, Cibeunying Kidul,
Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat
Phone:+62 22 7271714
DUSUN BAMBU
One of the best places to try these dishes while being wrapped by a magnificent view is at Dusun Bambu. You can opt to enjoy a Sudanese meal in a bird cage inspired restaurant high up on a tree or in a stilt-house inspired cottage gracefully standing on a river. Take your pick!
Dusun Bambu
Jl. Kolonel Masturi KM 11, Situ Lembang,
Cisarua, Bandung Barat,
Jawa Barat 40551
Phone:+62 22 82782020
Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
THE PEAK
Nestled on a hill with a breath-snatching view of the green fields hemmed in by mountains, The Peak is a famous high-end country style restaurant that serves sumptuous local dishes like sate maranggi, soto Bandung, gurame bumbu Bali and buntut goreng, among others. This is a perfect spot to have a romantic dinner coupled with wine pairing.
The Peak Resort Dining
Komplek Giri Indah, Jl. Cihanjuang,
Desa Kariawang, Jawa Barat
Phone:+62 22 2700759
Hours: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
BANDUNG ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS
DAY 1 | |
08:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Travel to Bandung from Jakarta. |
11:00 AM – 01:00 PM | Visit Tangkuban Perahu |
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM | Head to Dusun Bambu |
02:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Lunch at Dusun Bambu |
04:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Head to Hotel and Check in (Mercure Setiabudi Hotel) |
06:00 PM – 07:30 PM | Travel to The Peak for dinner |
07:30 PM – 09:00 PM | Dinner at The Peak |
09:00 PM – 09:30 PM | Back at hotel |
DAY 2 | |
06:30 AM – 07:30 AM | Breakfast at Hotel |
07:30 AM – 09:30 AM | Head to Kawa Putih |
09:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Explore Kawah Putih |
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Head to Sindang Reret |
12:00 AM – 01:30 PM | Lunch at Sindang Reret Ciwidey |
01:30 AM – 03:00 PM | Head to Saung Mang Udjo |
03:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Saung Angklung Show |
05:00 PM – 06:00 PM | Head to Kampung Daun |
06:00 PM – 08:00 PM | Dinner at Kampung Daun |
08:00 PM – 09:00 PM | Back to Mercure Setiabudi Hotel |
09:00 PM | Rest |
HOW TO GET TO GET TO BANDUNG FROM MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Manila to Jakarta
Philippine Airlines flies directly between Manila and Jakarta, visit http://philippineairlines.com.
Jakarta to Bandung
BY TRAIN:
From Jakarta Airport, take a bus bound for Gambir Train Station. Ride a train bound for Bandung (8 times on weekdays and 6 times on weekend), travel time is 3.5 hours. Train fares vary, depending on the time of the day that you are traveling. Prepare IDR 95,000 to 110, 000 for executive class and IDR 75,000 to 90, 000 for business class.
BY BUS:
From Jakarta, take an express/ non-stop bus to Leuwipanjang terminal in Bandung. Travel time is roughly 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Take note that Bandung is notorious for traffic just like Jakarta. It is a popular weekend get-away for locals, so expect most tourist spots to be crowded during weekends and holidays.
BY SHUTTLE/BUS:
From Jakarta, several vans leave for Bandung every 15 minutes, regular stop is the terminal in Bandung but you also have the option to charter the van to drive you directly to your hotel.
GETTING AROUND IN BANDUNG
Most of the attractions I mentioned here are outside the city center and far from each other. Availing of the tour packages offered by tour and travel agencies in Bandung city will save you time. Otherwise, you can also rent a car to visit the attractions.
ALSO READ: BALI TRAVEL GUIDE
WHERE TO STAY IN BANDUNG
The Trans Luxury Hotel
Jl. Gatot Subroto No.829
Batununggal, Bandung, Jawa Barat 40273
Click here to check room rates at The Trans Luxury Hotel
Mercure Setiabudi Hotel Bandung
Jl. Dr Setiabudi No. 269,
Jawa Barat 40154, Indonesia
Click here to check room rates at Mercure Setiabudi
Patuha Resort
Jl Raya Ciwidey Patenggan KM30
Ciwidey, Bandung
Click here to check room rates at Patuha Resort
DISCLOSURE:
Our trip to Bandung was made possible by Tourism Indonesia.
To know more about Indonesia visit www.indonesia.travel
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Facebook: /indonesia.travel
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