Located in the heart of West Java and serving as its capital, Bandung exemplifies Indonesia’s diverse experiences. It is the third-largest city in the country and strikes a perfect balance between its stunning natural scenery and bustling modern lifestyle. With its strong cultural heritage, this destination in Indonesia should not be missed.
However, with so many exciting activities here, it’s understandable if you’re unsure about where to start. Whether you’re planning a visit to this lively city or just looking for some inspiration, join me in discovering what it has to offer! To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of the top things to do in Bandung, Indonesia, based on my personal experience.
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1. Go camping at Terminal Wisata Grafika Cikole
Searching for a genuine outdoor feel, I found Terminal Wisata Grafika Cikole to be the ultimate camping destination. Situated amid lush green terrains and cool temperatures, this camping spot is an ideal retreat from the city’s heat.
But it wasn’t just about nature; it was where I connected with my loved ones under the stars, enjoyed barbecue meals, and immersed in exhilarating outdoor events. Whether you’re an expert camper or just starting, this place promises memories you’ll treasure.
Grafika Cikole
Address: Jl. Raya Tangkuban Parahu No. Km.8, Cikole, Kec. Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40391, Indonesia
Website: Terminal Wisata Grafika Cikole
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: from 500,000 IDR (32 USD) per night
2. Visit Gedung Sate
Visiting Gedung Sate should be on the to-do list of any first-timer in Bandung. This iconic building, with a central spire resembling a satay stick, is a symbol of Bandung’s colonial history and a true architectural masterpiece.
During my visit, I walked through its corridors, and the unique mix of European and local designs made me feel like I had stepped into a different era. The ascent to the top floors gifted me with a breathtaking cityscape view. Once done with the interior, don’t forget to unwind in the serene gardens that encircle Gedung Sate.
Gedung Sate
Address: Jl. Diponegoro No.22, Citarum, Kec. Bandung Wetan, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40115, Indonesia
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm
Price: from 5,000 IDR (0.32 USD)
3. Explore the night food market at Lengkong Kecil
Do you enjoy trying new foods? If so, you won’t want to miss Lengkong Kecil, a nighttime food market that’s open every night in Bandung. Here, you can find a variety of Indonesian street foods, such as nasi goreng, seblak, mie ayam, and batagor. That’s not all—you can also try international cuisines such as Japanese ramen, Korean street barbecue, and even Mexican tacos.
My personal favorite was actually a beverage called bandrek, which is a famous hot ginger drink from Bandung. As I enjoyed my meals in this night food market, live music set the ambiance, making it a fun and lively destination for an evening out. It was an experience that was hard to forget.
Lengkong Kecil
Address: Jl. Lengkong Kecil, Kec. Lengkong, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Opening hours: 6pm - 11pm (daily)
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4. Visit the famous Tangkuban Perahu
When traveling in Bandung, a visit to Tangkuban Perahu is a must. It’s one of Indonesia’s most famous volcanoes, with a large opening at the top from which smoke emerges. While you’re there, you can also take a walk through the woods and enjoy the warm spring.
However, there’s more to this place than meets the eye. The Tangkuban Perahu name translates to an upturned boat and looks like one. According to an old tale that’s rich in love and drama, this is how the name came about. For me, it was a fusion of nature and legend, making the mountain a treasure trove of exploration and stories.
Tangkuban Perahu
Address: Tangkuban Perahu, Cikahuripan, Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Price: from 200,000 IDR (12 USD)
Bandung Tour Guide
Emir Yamin
When it comes to travel, the journey isn't just about reaching a destination; it's about the experiences you gather along the way. While big group tours might be the conventional choice, opting for a local guide can elevate your travel adventure to new heights. That's why I've decided to become a tour guide.During my tenure as the Chief of Media Relations, I had the opportunity to travel extens... Read more
Tours by Emir
Bandung Tour Guide
Toni Kenpachi
Hello my name is Toni and I live in Jakarta- Indonesia, I've been working as a Tour Guide since 2008, I have licensed from Jakarta City Government Tourism Office, I choose to be a Tourist guide due to my background education because I graduated from Tourism Academy, I'll be glad to assist your trip in Indonesia especially in Jakarta and surrounding areas also if you would like to do overland t... Read more
Tours by Toni
5. Shop at local stores
Travel and shopping go hand in hand for me. While Bandung boasts modern malls, I found the heart of the city in its local shops. I cherished the intimate shopping moments, discovering detailed fabrics and artisanal trinkets.
As a recommendation, you may want to purchase the traditional West Java musical instrument, angklung, a high-quality local leather wallet. Alternatively, the UNESCO-recognized batik cloth is another cherished souvenir of your journey in Bandung.
Remember, when shopping at a local store in Indonesia, including Bandung, it’s common to negotiate the price of the goods you’re interested in. Negotiating can be a fun and exciting part of shopping at these stores!
6. Take a stroll along Braga Street
There’s no trip to Bandung without strolling around Braga Street. Once known as the Paris of Java, this place allows everyone to soak up the city’s historical charm, surrounded by colonial-era buildings and art-deco-style cafes.
As an art enthusiast, I enjoyed many art galleries and cultural events on this charming street. Additionally, street painters can be found selling their paintings at affordable prices or even drawing your portrait on the spot. Indeed, Braga Street was a visual and cultural treat for me.
Braga Street
Address: Jl. Braga, Kec. Sumur Bandung, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
7. Enjoy hanging out at cute cafes
I must say Bandung has an amazing cafe scene. There are so many different options to choose from, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a foodie, there’s something for everyone here. Some cafes specialize in artisanal coffee blends, while others offer a wide selection of teas and other beverages. Many cafes also serve delicious snacks and meals, making them a great spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Some places I visited even had live music sessions, art shows, or workshops, ensuring every visit was a novel experience. Whether getting lost in a book, chatting with friends, or simply observing life go by, you will delight in this place’s ambiance, which is always spot-on. As a personal recommendation, I suggest to visit Miss Be Providore in Ciumbuleuit, Bandung.
Miss Be Providore
Address: Jl. Rancabentang No.11A, Ciumbuleuit, Kec. Cidadap, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40142, Indonesia
Website: Miss Be Providore
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
Experience the diverse offerings of Bandung
For me, Bandung is like the shining star of Indonesia, packed full of things to see and do. It’s surrounded by beautiful nature, such as green hills and scenic views. Plus, it’s a great place to learn about the local culture and history. The city has a mix of old stories and new vibes, making it a fun place for all travelers.
Whether you love exploring the outdoors, delving into the past, or simply kicking back and chilling, Bandung has something special for you. If you’re thinking of visiting, don’t rush through it. Take your time to get to know the city, and make sure you do all the top things to do here. Indeed, Bandung is more than just a quick stop—it’s a place to make lasting memories.
History
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