Set amid the idyllic volcanic mountains of Indonesia’s third largest island, Java, Bandung is a bustling high altitude metropolis with a cosmopolitan edge. Its population of almost three million brings with it a frenzied energy blended with peaceful mountain surrounds. From Dutch Colonial architecture to tea plantations and unique Indonesian cuisine, your visit to Bandung is guaranteed to satisfy even the most jaded cultural appetite.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Bandung
Jalan Riau —Jalan Riau blends factory outlet stores with a European architectural heritage and many shaded coffee spots where you can sit back and watch the world go by. Don’t miss Gedung Sate, an old state building from the Dutch colonial period that beautifully splices southeast Asian and European architectural styles.
Braga Street — During the Dutch colonial period, Braga Street was the most popular European district of the city, complete with cafes, boutique shops and chic eateries. Today, it is mostly visited by those seeking to explore its Modernist architecture. Pay a visit to Bandung City Hall and Bandung Cathedral, also nearby.
Kota — A bustling business district, Kota is home to Bandung’s very own Chinatown, which is always thrumming with people. If you like vibrant market stalls, excitable crowds, delectable street food and the authentic electric buzz of a city in action, this is definitely the spot for you.
Dago — One of the wealthier neighbourhoods in Bandung, Dago has several upmarket hotels, swanky restaurants and is also home to Bandung Zoo. Head to Upper Dago for unsurpassed views over Bandung Basin. It’s the ideal spot to sit with a drink in the cool mountain tropics and watch as the sun sets and the city lights burst into life.
Things to See in Bandung
With Bandung’s speckled history, the city’s architecture is an unsurprisingly eclectic mix of styles, colliding two entirely different worlds. From traditional Indonesian style structures to Dutch colonial heritage buildings and modern marvels (including a house made entirely out of bottles!) you’ll find no shortage of photo opportunities here. Being in the mountains, no trip to Bandung would be complete with a trek along the arterial pathways that wind through its rolling tea plantations. The volcanic backdrop only enhances the profundity of the view.
Things to Do in Bandung
Shopping is a popular pastime in Bandung, a combination of the fact that the city has great selection of stores and the fact that it is more affordable than other parts of Indonesia. If you like to get out into the great outdoors, be sure to explore some of the rainforest-bedecked Indonesian countryside. Bandung’s mountain location means it is much cooler than the lowland tropical areas, and this temperate climate makes exploration all the more enjoyable. A short journey out of the city will turn up an abundance of beautiful locations, such as Kawah Putih. This highly acidic, volcanic crater lake is not for swimming, but its eerie blue hue will take your breath away.
