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

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

Follow #WonderfulIndonesia #TripofWonders on:

Facebook: /indonesia.travel

Instagram/Twitter: @indtravel

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