Bandung
Southeast Asia · Indonesia
Did you know?
- The surrounding region hosts ram-fighting tournaments.
- The Asian-African Conference brought newly independent countries together here during the Cold War.
- The nickname “Paris of Java” reflects its Dutch-colonial character.
See also
Overview
Bandung is a cool upland city with colonial architecture and a lively food scene. Shopping streets and nearby mountain outings make it a popular weekend base.
Languages: Indonesian
Why go?
Bandung is the capital of West Java, the third largest city in Indonesia, and a popular weekend getaway from Jakarta. Nicknamed 'Paris of Java' for its Dutch colonial charm and 'Kota Kembang' (Flowery City), it sits at 768 m altitude, offering a cooler climate than most Indonesian cities. The city is known for its universities, apparel outlets, and diverse culinary scene.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Bandung is in the central highlands of Parahyangan and can be reached from Jakarta via toll road, train, bus, or minivan. The Puncak mountain pass offers a scenic but congested alternative on weekends. Husein Sastranegara Airport serves flights, and the high-speed rail station Padalarang (19 km NW) and Tegalluar (17 km SE) are also options.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Local transport relies on angkot (minibuses) with route-specific color schemes; fares are Rp2,000-5,000. Taxis like Blue Bird are reliable, with flagfall Rp7,000 for the first km. Car-free day occurs on Jalan Dago every Sunday 06:00-10:00.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Bandung has a tropical monsoon climate with cooler temperatures due to elevation. Rain is heaviest from October to March, with drier months June to September. Weekends and holidays see heavy traffic from Jakarta visitors.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget hotels under Rp400,000 to luxury hotels over Rp800,000. Central Bandung has grand old hotels like Savoy Homann and Grand Preanger. The Dago area offers tourist-oriented hotels, while Northwest Bandung has options near the Pasteur toll gate. Northern hillsides and Lembang provide villas and mountain resorts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat and drink
Bandung is a food lover's paradise with a vast range from street food and warung to high-end restaurants. Budget meals cost under Rp30,000; a good meal in a warung is often less. Sundanese dishes like lalapan are common, and vegetarian options like lotek and tahu/tempe are widely available. Bakeries with Dutch colonial legacy are also popular.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Activities include shopping at cheap outlets and distros, exploring colonial architecture, and enjoying mountain resorts. The Sunday Market at Gasibu offers food and handicrafts. Outside the city, adventure activities like ram fighting tournaments and the Puncrut-Lembang walking trail are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Emergency numbers: police 110, fire brigade (022)113, ambulance (022)118. Pickpockets operate on angkots; be cautious. Numerous police stations are scattered throughout the city.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
The telephone area code for Bandung is 022. No specific information on SIM cards or WiFi is provided in the article.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget might include meals from a warung for under Rp30,000, angkot fares of Rp2,000-5,000 per ride, and a budget hotel room under Rp400,000. Shopping and activities vary widely.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Grand Preanger
A historic grand hotel in Central Bandung.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Savoy Homann
A grand old hotel in Central Bandung with art deco architecture.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Sheraton Bandung
Luxurious hotel in the Dago area with hill views.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Cibaduyut
Area known for leather shoes and products, made to order at relatively cheap prices.
Recorded price: Cheap, custom orders take 3-7 days
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Jalan Cihampelas
Famous street for denim and factory outlet garments, with unique facades and a skywalk.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Puncrut-Lembang walking trail
Begins at Puncrut, Jl. Kiputih, North Bandung. For beginners or who save the stamina, it is better to go to Ledeng first and continue to Lembang by angkot and ask people to go down to Puncrut.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Ram Fighting
Villages around Bandung host ram fights on alternate Sundays. It's a big event for locals who turn out in their hundreds to watch 5-minute bouts between prize fighter male sheep. Tournaments are held in purpose-built rings in outlying villages. Best to hire a motorbike/guide in Bandung who knows when and where the next tournament is on. Ram fighting is not a blood sport but animal lovers may be upset at the sight of the fights, which are organized and refereed rather like boxing matches.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Sunday Market at Gasibu
Weekly market north of Gedung Sate with food and handicrafts at affordable prices.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Emergency
Police: 110, Fire: (022)113, Ambulance: (022)118.
Language
Local language is Sundanese, but nearly everyone speaks Indonesian.
Transport
Angkot (minibuses) are the main public transport, fares Rp2,000-5,000.
Water
Tap water is not potable; bottled water (aqua) is cheap.