If you are ever holidaying on the Island of Java ― or visiting on business ― one of the best experiences of any capital city is to escape for an amazing day trip. Even a 3D2N getaway. You can enjoy the best of what west Java has to offer with a stay over in Bandung City, merely a three-hour distant by private hire car. Continue to read our guide to discover reasons why you should visit west Java too. Bandung City is hugely popular, complete with cafes and restaurants, and luxurious hotels populated with travelers from Singapore and Malaysia on the lookout for a bargain.
It appears that more international tourists are also finding west Java more appealing to them, than ever before. Because Bandung City is so close from Jakarta City, there are reasons making it a viable, convenient option: the shopping, the natural mountainous world, and colonial history many find fascinating. Getting to the city is easy by private taxi ― expect to pay US$50 ― but on a budget, use the train with tickets from US$5 to US$10 for an economy or premium (business class) ticket.
The interest of this travel guide is centered around Bandung and its surrounding area. Sure, Jakarta City is only 150km to the west but you have made the decision to visit Bandung for:
The city is blessed with European style wide leafy boulevards, a plentiful number of chic cafes set back from the street welcome you in. The city is designed perfectly for strolling tourists eager to come across the world renowned Braga Street, with a past known as the "Paris of Java". Today, you can walk the streets, enjoying the Dutch colonial era buildings and stop to rest somewhere for an authentic Javanese meal in one of the many restaurants.
Because the cuisine sampled in this city originate from across the entire Island of Java, and not only of the west side of it. And it's not only what's on the menu that dazzles you but the internal design, each eatery is a one off unique indulgence. The city has a plethora of Dutch colonial era buildings strewn all over, there is something that'll grab your eye wherever you look. The best of which, is the highly recommended Glosis Restuarant, the oldest restaurant in town.
If you have enjoyed Jakarta's shopping malls, you may be affronted on discovering some amazing retail stores also, in Bandung City? The city shops are appealing because the low budget outlets sell direct from the manufacturer ― top name local brands trusted for their quality garments. Shop until you drop in other words. The style and fashion you'd be proud of purchasing and wearing back home, you find on holiday. Shop, and save a small fortune.
There is something very special, unique and surreal about the Javanese culture: that's in regards to the Islands cuisine and fashion. It would be a crime to holiday here on the Island, and leave for home not having bought at least one item of clothing. Locals often will frequent Riau Street or Djuanda Street for shopping bargains, and those streets attract an international shopper too. Either street is the place to be seen as a tourist, and there are other streets near by (that we didn't shop there).
One last street that you could frequent during your stay in the city could be the Cihampelas Walk. If you are after bargains on quality locally produced denim jeans then go shopping here. It's most definitely one of the better shopping trips you could take on Java, because of the loud vibrant colorful facades and shop fronts. Be wary of branded products though, they're likely to be fake and counterfeit.
You may be left to believe that the food and shopping are all there is to see and do in and around Bandung, but you'd be far wrong. Once having experienced the coffee houses and eateries and found your amazing bargains it's time to think about exploring the outskirts of the city. Hire a motorbike or book in advance a guided tour, its' your choice but you feel the power of those wild mountains calling you. Even if you are not an "outdoor person", nor the adventurous type either you cannot ignore the urge to explore beyond the city limits.
The Dutch learnt the land was fertile, so they put the land to good use by growing tea. Today, there are tea plantations all around Bandung City only adding to the beauty you see before your eyes.
Because of the elevation, Bandung isn't as tropical as other parts of Indonesia and in fact, it's pretty cooler to be honest. That doesn't mean you've to wrap up with a heavy jacket of course but it does mean packing a long sleeved shirt or blouse, and trousers. There are two seasons, dry and rainy. The dry season runs from June until September leaving the rest of the year with a wet climate: more or less, you must expect rain from October onwards.
November until March has the most frequent, heavier rain from the northwest however there is a second monsoon period from the south. Because of those differing monsoons you should expect there to be rain of some kind year round, even during the dry season. Despite any rain the best of west Java is found during the dry season with the warmest of any temperature, fluctuating between a low of 68° and highs of 86° Fahrenheit.
The Bandung Regency hosts various natural wonders, such as lakes and extinct volcano craters. There are many lakes but the two that gander the greatest interest from tourists (and of ourselves, of course) are SItu Cileunca Lake and Pangalengan Lake. Lake Pangalengan can be reached after trapsing through tea plantations, munching the wild grown strawberries during your trek.
Getting to Pangalengan Lake is an hours drive south of Bandung City. If you are independent, use two wheels otherwise it's best to either hire a taxi (maybe US$15 one way) or go with a pre-arranged tour you've booked in advance. What is great about the lakes around Bandung Regency is there are camping grounds so opportunities exist for those on a road trip and backpacking as tent and equipment can both be rented too.
Taking a boat trip on any of the two lakes is an amazing, "never to be repeated" time that is full on tranquility for your soul. Mother nature is calming for your mindfulness and practicing your yoga on the banks of a lake is the therapy you seek. Breaking camp early before sunrise to go exploring takes your breath away, standing in awe of the sunrise and it truly is a once only event.
Beautiful experience especially if you are fond of nature and wild landscapes. You are visiting for the enjoyment of:
Being so high up, the lakes are situated in mountainous regions. Don't let the elevation put you off having a great day out from Bandung City ― however, be prepared to accept it's a lot cooler and dress accordingly. If you're not camping that's okay because a tour guide will ensure you pretty much the same experience, perhaps without the pre-dawn sunrise though. The great thing about the tours is someone always picks you up from your hotel and drops you back off there afterwards, it's the exclusivity and convenience you get that automatically sets you at ease, especially if you've family.
The guided tours promise you a completely hassle-free time, for families and highly recommended.
There is no comparison between the two because both are equal in many regards. It's more about the time you have and convenience, because SItu Cileunca Lake is closer to Bandung City that what Pangalengan Lake is. If you are short on time then you are best opting for the closest one, that being SItu Cileunca Lake. On the other hand if you are roaming around free of any constraint, then you'll imagine you've the choice of spending time on both.
The town is located north of the city of Bandung and it feels as if it's "only moments away", being close to 15km distant. It's irresistible and you will want to visit as a first port of call, even before the lakes and any deceased volcanic crater. The entire region of Bandung Regency can be considered to be "highland" with elevations above 1200m. And it's the perfect landscape formed over millions of years this is giving you undulated beauty in all directions you care to look.
Don't throw it away. Get out of Bandung City and see this wild world, the trails and rivers are unruly and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The town should be at the heart of your visit to Bandung City, without a doubt. It's the perfect mountain retreat and if you've ever visited one of India's hill stations then you'll know exactly what to expect once you arrive. Like for like there is very little difference ― but it isn't the case of you've seen one, you've seen them all either.
Everything is welcoming for you:
It's a busy, top rated tourist attraction in the west of Java so be sure to have your accommodation booked in advance to avoid disappointment. The town is ideally situated to spend 2D1N there during your Bandung City visit. Because a lone day trip won't fulfil all what you can do in and around the town, including the floating market, the old Dutch Bosscha Observatory and more besides.
When on holiday throughout Indonesia you have a very real chance of getting close to a live, active volcano. Traveling to Bandung is no different, because Mount TangKuban Perahu is one of the best attractions in the vicinity of Bandung City. It last erupted in it's fury in the late 1960's and since has laid quiet but you never know when it could awaken. Every volcano is a different experience, and creates completely new emotions for you, all over again if you've scaled an active volcano before.
On the other hand if you've never climbed a volcano before, active or otherwise, then this would be as good an opportunity as any other to feel fear and excitement all rolled into one. Find a reputable tour operator with a local guide and enjoy a great day being outdoors. Just be sure to follow instructions and respect sign posts warning you about areas not to enter.
The easiest way to get to the mountain volcano is either by hiring a private taxi the 90 minute journey or by a guided tour. If you opt for the guided tour then the tour operator will pick you up at your Bandung hotel door and return you to your hotel afterwards, it's hassle free and really the best option (especially with kids in tow). Other reasons why you should book a guided tour is because:
The weekend's are more expensive to enter the Mount TangKuban Perahu Park. The ticket price is US$20 each, but a lot cheaper during the week, then priced US$13 per person.
Pro Tip: If those hot springs are not to your liking, don't feel bad ― we recommend you head to Ciater Hot Springs for those mineral rich springs are more accommodating and there are quality restaurants at hand too.
Java isn't as scary renting a motorbike as it can be on Bali Island, but nonetheless be sure you have full comprehensive travel insurance to cover accidents to the motorbike, such as repairs if something does happen. Take note that the insurance the rental operator has for its customers is usually third party only, meaning if you damage the motorbike you pay for the full repairs or even the value of the motorbike if it's written off.
With full comprehensive travel insurance, your insurer will cover the costs minus your excess ― be sure to wear safety gear to comply with insurer terms and conditions.
On returning to Jakarta City and if you have time, you could perhaps take a day out to Bogor City? It's only two hours away, south by taxi (about US$40 one way) if you're interested. There are the same wide streets lined with leafy trees and wide-open parks. Also, the city is super family friendly: this explains why so many tourists from Malaysia and Singapore travel for a short break, to Bogor City.
You should too and here be why:
There is so much to see and do when in the west of Java, Bogor City is one more destination you must go to having flown into Jakarta City. What is amazing about west Java actually, is it's a great all round holiday destination for nature lovers and those who love the great outdoors and wild unknown adventures. You accept that there are no tropical high temperatures as found elsewhere in Indonesia. Being elevated so high surrounded by mountains the climate is cooler but not cold, you'll find to your liking.
For those of you who love shopping, there is enough variety and choice in terms of local goods produced to keep you interested, satisfying your urge to splash. What may also put a smile on your face is there are quality health and beauty salons and spas in Bandung City, and not only in Jakarta City. You can book a spa experience for an entire day or use your luxury hotel's facilities (some may charge you though, so check when booking).
Hopefully this travel guide will give you some ideas of what you can expect in west Java because there is a whole new world outside of Jakarta City: it is an amazing city of course but Bandung City deserve so much more attention as well.
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