Capital of West Java, Bandung is Indonesia’s third largest city in terms of population. The city lies along a river basin and surrounded by a range of volcanic mountains. Because of this, the city temperature is usually cooler all year round compared to the rest of the cities in Indonesia.
I have always been fascinated about various cities that remain underrated and Bandung is definitely one hidden gem. Although Bandung doesn’t have the kind of beaches Bali has to offer or the busy business districts of Jakarta, it does boast places filled with rich culture, history and tradition. But where exactly to go? Here’s a quick list of places to visit on your stay at Bandung, Indonesia.
Where to Go
Lodge Earthbound Adventure Park: Located in Lembang, the adventure park boasts a wide view of pine trees where you can enjoy the cool weather of Bandung.
Address: Jl. Maribaya Timur Km. 6 Kampung, Kosambi, Cibodas, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Phone:+62 22 2536110
Gedung Sate: This heritage building is the governor’s office of West Java Province. Built in 1920 by the Dutch with local and art deco style, this magnificent building is a must to visit.
Address: Jl. Diponegoro No. 22, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Geology Museum: This museum has many Indonesian prehistoric collections from dinosaur’s bones to human skeletons. Built in 1929 by the Dutch colonial to preserve all the prehistoric collections, it is suitable to your children.
Address: Jl. Diponegoro No. 57, Cihaurgeulis, Cibeunying Kaler, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Phone: +62 22 7213822
Paris van Java: PVJ is a mall and shopping district in Bandung. There is also a mini zoo at the rooftop.
Address: Jl. Sukajadi No. 131 – 139, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Phone:+62 22 2060800
Asian African Building: This conference building was made famous in 1955 when Indonesia held the first Asian African Conference, conducted by our first President, Mr. Ir. Soekarno. At present, it is a museum of Asian African Conference.
Address: Jl. Asia Afrika No.65, Braga, Sumur Bandung, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Phone:+62 22 4233564
Dago Pakar: Dago Pakar has two adjacent parks. It has an 18-hole golf course located along the Dago Valley
Curug Dago: located at Dago valley is a 18 metres waterfall and two signature stones from King of Thailand – Chulalongkorn when he visited this waterfall in 1920’s.
Ir. H. Juanda Forest Park: Only 5 minutes from Curug Dago, where you can enjoy the breeze and the green pine trees. There are 2 (two) caves that you can explore and they are the Japanese Cave and Dutch Cave. During the II World War, these caves were being used as shelters. Maribaya Waterfall : Only 30 minutes drive to north of Bandung, this beautiful place has 3 (three) waterfalls. The biggest one is Curug Omas (curug means waterfalls) and you may cross a red bridge above the waterfalls.
Boscha Observatorium: Located at North of Bandung, this is the oldest Observatory in South East Asia. Built in 1920’s by a wealthy Dutchman – Mr. Boscha, he dedicated this observatory to observe the sky. Until now, this observatorium is still being used to observe space and the stars.
Address: Jl. Peneropong Bintang, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Phone: +62 22 2786027
Mount Tangkuban Perahu: an ideal place to see a giant crater from an active volcano in Bandung, Mt. Tangkuban Perahu is a must-visit place which gives an overlooking view of the hillside.
Address: Tangkuban Perahu, Cikahuripan, Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia
Walini Tea Walk: after enjoying Mount Tangkuban Perahu, you can go to Walini Tea Plantation. Where you can walk along into the tea plantation and enjoy the fresh air.
Ciater Hot Spring: a nice park with small pools in which you sit or swim. The streams and pools are fed by warm mineral springs, which are created by the heat from nearby volcanoes. About 20 minutes from Tangkuban Perahu crater.
Ciwidey White Crater: Kawah Putih (White Crater) is a lake on a mountain which has a crater in pale turquoise or sometimes white pale. The lake represents a relatively stable volcanic system, with no records of magmatic or phreatic activity since A.D. 1600. It is a 2 hours drive from Bandung.
Address: Jalan Situ Patengan, Rancabali, Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Patengan Lake: Only 15 minutes from Ciwidey White Crater, you will find a serene lake which has a small island with a legend of Love. It is an ideal place for boating and enjoying the fresh air, the lake is surrounded by tea plantations.
Saung Angklung Udjo (SAU): one-stop cultural workshop, consisting of: performance venue, bamboo handicraft centre, and bamboo instrument workshop. Apart from that, it has an honourable function as an educational laboratory and training centre to preserve the Sundanese culture – Angklung in particular.
Now that we have a list of places to go to, how about a place to stay in Bandung? Check out Padma Hotel Bandung.
Where to Stay
Located minutes away from the city center, Padma Hotel Bandung lies on the hillside of Parahyangan. The hotel has 6 room types: the Deluxe Room, Deluxe Balcony Room, Premier Room, Hillside Room, Gallery Suite and Premier Suite.
Facilities and Amenities
One exceptional feature of Padma Hotel Bandung is their infinity pool which has an overlooking view of the valley. I would love to swim here any day. And since the climate is cool, expect to see sea of clouds over the mountains especially during the cold season. Aside from the pool, the hotel has a fitness center and they also offer yoga classes.
Padma Hotel Bandung also has a restaurant which opens up to a view of the region. The alfresco dining gives off a romantic ambiance far from the busy metroscape.
If you’re into a work-vacation mode, the hotel has function and meeting rooms perfect for company meetings. I personally love the conference hall. With glass panels giving a view of the rich environment that is Bandung, it’s definitely a great atmosphere to work in.
The hotel also offers:
· 24 – hour front desk
· Lobby
· Luggage storage
· 24 – hour Butler Service
· Spa & Reflexology
· Complimentary Parking & Valet Service
· Wedding
· Musholla
· 24 – hour security
· Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service
Price
The most affordable room is their Deluxe room which costs as low as Rp 1,600,000 (Php 5,600+ / $120+) per person. This already includes Breakfast,Traditional Afternoon Tea, Internet access, Pick up/drop off service at Bandung area (Airport/Travel/Train station) and all applicable taxes. You can check more at Traveloka.com.
Hopefully with this quick guide, you’ll add Bandung to your travel list. Enjoy!
Cheers~!
– Justin –
1 Comment. Leave new
I have always wanted to travel abroad but worries about the budget. how much did it cost you over all sir? btw, I am interviewing top pinoy travel bloggers and I found you. Are you open for an interview? Pa email naman ako if you're interested. Thanks, [email protected]