Lembang Floating Market - An Authentic Indonesian Experience

Back to the past

The entrance fee costs approximately IDR15,000 (US$1.13), which is really affordable. You will get to see “Joglo” style Sundanese houses with interesting tribal looking statues, which instantly make you feel like you are literally soaked in Indonesian tradition. The term “Joglo” is the traditional name to describe the distinctive Javanese roof that is generally supported by four or more wooden columns, resembling the look of a mountain. On the other hand, you might be surprised to see some of the souvenir houses being built like giant dollhouses (believed to be Dutch-influenced). If you are a fan of handicrafts, do check out these giant dollhouses for some souvenirs to bring home.

The floating experience

Surrounding the traditional Sundanese houses, Lake Umar presents pedal boats and sampans (a small wooden boat usually used in East Asia), which are available to visitors for shopping as well as a ride to chill out on the lake. Instead of the usual brick-and-mortar shop, you can have the unique experience of shopping on a boat. For those who have been to the Chatuchak Market in Thailand, you would find that Lembang Floating Market is almost similar BUT this floating market is less warm, less humid, and less crowded with more nature around you. For those who detest extreme heat and humidity with overcrowding, this is definitely a worthy alternative for you. Peace.

What to do

There are many stores on the sampans selling traditional Indonesian snacks and some interesting cakes to tourists. The food sold on the sampans are generally tasty and very affordable! Some of the food like the Kueh Tutu (steamed rice cake filled with coconut flakes) and the Goreng Pisang (fried banana fritters) are definitely a must-try for food lovers. However, even though they may be delicious, these snacks are generally considered as street food, so you should know that you are eating at your own risk.

With the abundance of nature at Lembang Floating Market, nature photographers will enjoy limitless photo opportunities! In addition to flora and fauna in nature, there are stores that sell plants such as cactuses and ferns. Therefore, if you are someone who appreciates plants, you may check those stores out. The only way that you can interact with the fauna here is by purchasing the appropriate food to feed them. Some of them being the geese and the fishes. There are rabbits as well, but the rabbit park is usually more crowded. For your information, the market practises a coin system of different colours for different coin value with prices ranging from 1,000 IDR (0.08 USD) to 15,000 IDR (1.13 USD). If you are planning to engage in certain activities or to purchase food, you will need to purchase these coins.

Feeding fun

Feeding the fishes and geese may not be a novelty but feeding the bunnies in the rabbit park (Taman Kelinci) may bring you unexpected delight. They are not as shy as you think, so you can get closer to them! These rabbits also seem to be constantly hungry for carrots! With boats to ride on, delicious food, and souvenirs to purchase, Lembang Floating Market is definitely a place for you to keep in mind if you are planning a vacation in Bandung.

Although the area may not be as hot as other places, the sun could be scorching at times. Those who are afraid to get tans are recommended to bring along your sunblock just in case.