7 Awesome Things to Do in Bandung, Indonesia
Vast scenery of green plantations heading towards a surprise panorama of active volcanoes is where the heart of West Java of Indonesia can be found. The third largest city of Indonesia is Bandung. Common cold wind chill, just perfect for a stroll with a sight of green carpets of tea plantations from left to right. It’s an easy reach between the balance of calmness of nature and unpredictable fabled crater of volcanoes.
Table of Contents
7 Awesome Things to do in Bandung, Indonesia
1. Walk into the live crater of Tangkuban Perahu
Why is it one of the best things to do in Bandung, Indonesia?
More or less 2 hours drive from the city of Bandung going North lies an active volcano, Tangkuban Perahu. It’s a remarkable experience stepping in an active volcano, actual witness to the strong white steaming smoke that it produces. An “overturned boat” from the local’s mouth, the mountain is covered with a story of mystery and legend about a strong young man who fell in love with his own mother. Revelation of this odd and horrifying affair, the mother decided to challenge the man to build a gigantic boat in one single night. Fear of accomplishing the task, she decided to seek help from the God to bring out the sun long before the task has been completed which turns the man to madness as he kicked the boat on defeat and thus the start of the overturned boat legend.
Shopping havens at the top of the crater, rows of stores selling handicrafts, souvenirs and street food. From the scrumptious Tempeh delicacy up to the traditional bamboo instrument, the Angklung, lots of fancy things at sight for bargain! Best view on top of a live crater plus shopping opportunities, Tangkuban Perahu is truly one of the best things to do in Bandung, Indonesia!
2. Visit Dusun Bambu
Why is it one of the best things to do in Bandung, Indonesia?
A relaxing family leisure park at the foot of the mountain with very inspiring, sublime and truly remarkable picturesque surroundings. Gigantic bamboo structure welcomes you at the main gate and a fancy-dancy floral shuttle will bring you to the main area of the park. Along the way, you will see verdant greens with fascinating bamboo walking paths.
Perfect spot to chill, Cafe Burangrang of Dusun Bambu
Try a unique dining experience on Dusun Bambu’s hanging nests, the “Lutung Kasarung” and let the cool mountain breeze touch the warmth of your cheeks while having a satisfying meal at the tree top. Or move to a higher altitude of Cafe Burangrang, a more jaw-dropping view of the relaxing nature, the calm man-made lake and scenic view of the Burangrang mountain. A close touch with nature, sharing the sweetness of life with the family, Dusun Bambu is truly one of the best things to do in Bandung, Indonesia.
The very relaxing man-made lake view.
Dusun Bambu is located in Kolonel Masturi KM 11 Cisarua, Bandung Barat. For further info, visit their website at www.dusunbambu.com
3. Magical pool of Mercure Setiabudi Hotel
Why is it one of the best things to do in Bandung, Indonesia?
Spent nights in Mercure Setiabudi Hotel and their pool is definitely the grandest magical sight in Bandung. Clear water with gleaming colors, such a tranquil atmosphere as if you are staring in the milky way. Imagine yourself floating in the enchanting twinkling stars, a sweet way to end the day and truly one of the best things to do in Bandung, Indonesia.
Mercure Setiabudi Hotel is located in Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 269 – 275 Bandung 30154 – Indonesia with telephone no. (62) 22 82 00 00 00
Related Article: List of Best Luxury Hotels in Indonesia
Pool full of stars!
4. Fine dining experience at the Peak
Why is it one of the best things to do in Bandung, Indonesia?
A distinctive dining experience, the Peak offers guests a taste of International and Indonesian cuisines. More than the perfect course meals, the restaurant is proud of their best collections of wine and cigar in Bandung. Picture-perfect view of flickering lights of the city, certainly a lovely sight. Band playing music as you savor the freshly poured glass of fine wine. The Peak is definitely one of the best places to visit in Bandung, Indonesia.
Do check out their website at www.thepeakresortdining for further info.
5. Visit Kawah Putih
Why is it one of the best things to do in Bandung, Indonesia?
Kawah Putih or “White Crater”, a great wonder nestled 50 km South and one of the best places to visit in Bandung. Quite nippy temperature in the area, surrounded by dreamy surroundings, glaring whiteness over the landscape. A crater lake showing off its beauty both to local or foreign visitors and most definitely a glorious spot for photography, from the turquoise lake up to the dramatic skeletal trees around.
The crater lake was also said to be somewhat mysterious that according to villagers, animals, specially birds, tried to avoid the area since it caused death to some living creatures. But science has an explanation to this old story since the crater lake contains a strong concentration of sulfur which is life-threatening to these animals.
But nothing to worry on the said sulfur concentration since today, it’s safe to roam around the crater lake. It’s just the sulfur smell that might bother you so prepare yourself and bring/buy a mask.
6. Lunch at Sindang Reret Ciwidey
Why is it one of the best things to do in Bandung, Indonesia?
Experience the refreshing mountain breeze as savory Sundanese cuisines are being served on your plate, such a perfect way to spend lunch, only in Sindang Reret Ciwidey. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Bandung after an exhausting walk around the crater lake. Restaurant provides visitors the serene ambiance feel and rural scenery. Sindang Reret Ciwidey, definitely one of the best restaurant in the Southern part of Bandung.
7. Witness the Saung Angklung Udjo Show
Why is it one of the best things to do in Bandung, Indonesia?
Last on our list but definitely not the least, Saung Angklung Udjo Show is the happiest place in Bandung! Even with eyes closed, just hearing the tickling blithe melodies of the Angklung will definitely put a smile on your face. Angklung is a traditional musical instrument made of bamboo.
Awe-inspiring Angklung performances from the kids, left with my mouth hanging opened on how great, serious and passionate they were about their craft. Lucky us, we were able to learn on how to play the Angklung as one of the sons of the founder taught us on how to properly shake the instrument (body shaking is a no no). And as the program ends, you get to dance with all the kids and party to the tune of the happy melodies. With no doubt, a day spent in Saung Angklung Udjo is definitely one of the best things to do in Bandung!
For more info, please visit their website www.angklung-udjo.co.id
Special thanks to Wonderful Indonesia, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia and the whole Indonesian staff for having us in this International Bloggers Trip – Indonesia’s Top Bucket Destinations 2015.
Sharing with you this wonderful news from #WonderfulIndonesia as they give us the chance to visit Komodo Island for free! For further details on this exciting contest, please visit the INATopBucketList Wonderful Indonesia Competition For further info about Wonderful Indonesia, visit the Indonesia Tourism information
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interested your itinenary from 1 to 4.
i will arrive in Bandung on 9 Sep 2019 at 13.15hour. Departure from Bandung on 13 Sep 2019 at 1340hour.
Hi!
Thank you for writing such an amazing article about Bandung! As a person who lived permanently in Bandung, i also love visiting saung angklung udjo! i love the part when they ask us the audience to dance with the kids, haha.
oh and since you have visited Bandung, can you help me filling my research questionnaire? im a student at one of tourism school in Bandung and i need to gather 100 sample of foreign visiting Bandung to accomplish my thesis. I would really appreciate for your participation, your data will be remain secret and used for research purpose only
you can simply click this link to access my questionnaire –> bit.ly/BandungTourist2019
Thank you very much!
Hi, I would like to visit Bandung with my 3 girls daughter and try your itineraries. Please advise any tour guide can help into this visit. i’m from Kuala Lumpur.
Great article! Thanks for sharing! How’d you get to Bandung from Jakarta?
Hello Kate!
There are several ways to go from Jakarta to Bandung. But us local, prefer choosing train than any other mode of transportation.
Normally it takes only 2,5 hours of car trip from Jakarta to Bandung. But the traffic jam are quite heavy, even in weekdays, so i dont recommend you to take bus/shuttle service.
Oh and also, we have new airport train that can take you directly to the train station in Jakarta, and also there’s also several online taxi services you can take from the airport to train station. Hope this help!
p.s : currently im doing a research about foreign tourist in Bandung, you can simply help me by filling the questionnaire in this link bit.ly/BandungTourist2019 . the data will remain secret and used for research purpose only. Thank you!
Dear Mam,
Good day!
We having plan next month to get married to Indonesian guy we are both Muslim and may parents they will come from Philippines to attend. As u mentioned and required to visit Indonesia need returned ticket that’s ok secured but booking hotel no need coz we will stay in my fiance house what I would inform to my parents might in immigration asking them where is ur hotel booking. In immigration in Philippines very strict and when they ask you is just like Ur criminal. What would I prepared for them to present to the immigration about the address of my fiancé? My fiance valid ID or Passport or etc. Plsss Mam I need your answer ASAP. Thanks in advance “Sitti”
Just show the Wedding invitation or details at the immigration! That’s enough proof! =)
Bandung has quite a lot of interesting things to discover. we planed another trip for Feb 2018. see you there!!!!!
great help, thank you dear…
perfect info needed for 1st time.traveller like me to Bandung! Thanks ya
It is in my bucket list!Thank you for sharing!
The fine dining looks like a great place to see the feel the beauty of Bandung.
One of the best part could be the Saung Angklung Udjo Show. Looks interesting!
This part of Indonesia is really wonderful. So much nature to explore.
The choices of hotels are great! it will make my stay in bandung extra special.
Bandung has quite a lot of interesting things to discover. From nature to food, I can definitely love it here.
The kawah putih looks mesmerising. I have to see it.
HI Carla,
I am going to a tour of Southeast Asia with my wife. I will be in Indonesia – Jakarta and Bandung. I read all your experiences, wonderfully written and expressed. Please advise what I can see and visit in Bandung and Jakarta.
Regards
Ashfaque Syed
“walk into the crater of an active volcano” that seems like a fantastic idea. I never knew you could do so many things in Indonesia. The place is diverse and packed with a lot of culture. Awesome list!
The live crater of Perahu seems to be an exciting place to visit. I’m curious how it feels to be on top of a crater of an active volcano
Dusun Bambu and Kawah Putih are what piqued my interest the most here! I wish I could travel soon to indonesia because of your post. Truly ,there is a lot of wonders that can be seen and appreciated here in our planet!
Interestingly, I have never heard any of these places in Indonesia but it is so nice to learn that this country has so much beauty to offer! Hopefully I’ll get a chance to visit this country soon…
I love all your photos by the way!
Your pictures are very beautiful. That walking on a live crater might take a lot of courage but probably one of the best experiences in life.
Me and my friends are planning an out of town trip this coming summer and we’re thinking of going to Southeast Asian countries. Thinking of Indonesia actually. This post is helpful for us to consider the place.
Yay! Do you have itinerary of this? As well as the expense!?
You always had the best of places you went to. You are a gem for travelers who want to discover new places and visit them. I haven’t been to Indonesia and there so much amazing places to discover.
I love traveling! My fiance and I just explored Kl, Malaysia last May and Indonesia is definitely on our list. Too bad that I just discovered your travel blog. Nonetheless, you’ve got awesome tips and itineraries to maximize the experience in every travel. The photos are UH-MAY-ZING!!! Hope we can travel to Indonesia soon (as husband and wife hehe).
That looks like a really amazing place to travel. I am pretty sure I will never get there, so it is really neat to experience it through your pictures.
I’ve only been to Jakarta! Now I’m itching to go to Bali. Indonesia has a lot of things common with PH, and the number of islands they have make me imagine how many awesome beaches they hide!
The legends in the first destination seems like a very long hike, The man made lake was incredible! I would love to try to spend the night there.
Im going to Indonesia this month and one of our iti is in Bandung – Ciwidey Crater, Angklung Music and Dusun Bambu are on our list. I get more excited seeing your photos