Bandung isn’t just another stop on your Indonesia itinerary – it’s a full-blown sensory experience! Think of Bandung as Jakarta’s cool, artsy cousin, just a short journey from the buzzing capital city but with its own unique vibe.
This creative hub is a paradise for explorers, foodies and anyone craving a little culture. Surrounded by rolling mountains, Bandung boasts a fascinating history. Stroll through the city’s streets and you’ll spot grand colonial buildings standing proudly beside trendy cafes and bustling local markets – the city’s rich legacy woven into every street and skyline.
Looking for a breath of fresh air? Bandung delivers plenty of natural charm too! Just outside of the main city, you can enjoy lungfuls of cool mountain breeze, take in sweeping views of sprawling tea plantations, and soak-in the beauty of shimmering lakes and dramatic volcanic craters. Get there early in the morning for an extra sprinkling of magic, when the mist dances over the panoramic landscapes making it feel like you’ve just stepped straight into a fairytale.
If there’s one thing that Bandung knows how to do, it’s keeping your taste-buds entertained! Spicy, savoury, sweet and everything in between – the city’s culinary scene is a non-stop flavour fiesta. From sizzling street eats to next-level modern bites, every dish serves up a large helping of Bandung’s vibrant heritage.
With its unique charm, Bandung is a destination that nourishes both the heart and mind. It’s not just a place to visit, but an experience to savour with all your senses – and our 4-day, 3-night itinerary is the perfect way to explore it all!
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Recommended Accommodation in Bandung:
- Luxury Stay: Padma Hotel Bandung
- Family Stay: The Gaia Hotel Bandung
- Mid-range: De Braga, ARTOTEL Curated
- Budget: MOXY Bandung
How to Get There
Getting to Bandung is pretty straight-forward and hassle-free, thanks to its convenient access via three of Indonesia’s main airports: Kertajati International Airport (KJT) in West Java or Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP).
If time is of the essence, the most convenient option is to fly into the capital city of Jakarta first, as it offers a wide selection of frequent flights, plus seamless connections from Bali and Australia. From there, a 3-hour drive will take you right into Bandung’s centre. Alternatively, jump on the new futuristic Whoosh Halim high-speed train from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, and you’ll arrive in Bandung in a lightning-fast 45-minutes. Then, a short shuttle train ride will drop you straight in Bandung’s city centre, ready for you to start exploring!
Best Time to Visit
If you want to experience Bandung at its best, plan your trip between the months of June to September when the dry season means that skies will be clear and bright, making it ideal for outdoor activities and soaking in the city’s natural beauty.
Unlike the tropical heat of other locations around Indonesia, Bandung keeps it pleasantly cool with temperatures ranging between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius. You’ll love those chilly mornings, pleasant afternoon strolls and sweater-worthy mountain evenings!
Day 1: Start Your Journey in Ciwidey
Recommended Accommodation in Ciwidey:
- Luxury Stay: Bubu Jungle Resort
- Family Stay: Lakeside Glamping Rancabali
- Mid-range: Puri Sakanti Nature Family Resort
- Budget: Bobocabin Ranca Upas
Afternoon
- After your journey to Ciwidey, stop-off for lunch at Saung Gawir Restaurant with its signature Nasi Timbel. This dish features rice wrapped in banana leaves with a delicious assortment of sides including fried chicken, salted fish, fried tempeh, fried tofu and Rempeyek (deep-fried peanut crackers). Don’t miss out on the Sayur Asem (sweet & sour vegetable soup) and sambal (chilli) to complete the meal.
- After lunch, head to your accommodation, check-in and chill-out.
Evening
- Get out and about in Ciwidey’s cooler climate and explore the nearby tea plantations, all arrange in neat orderly patterns.
- Have dinner at a local warung (eatery) and savour a hot cup of Ciwidey’s signature aromatic coffee.
Day 2: Explore Ciwidey
Morning
- Begin your day by witnessing the majestic sunrise at Situ Patenggang, a natural lake nestled amongst the hills. In the middle of the lake lies a small island which can be accessed via a walkway. Relax and enjoy the sunrise as the morning mist gives-off enchantingly magical morning vibes.
- Continue your journey to Ranca Upas. This charming camping area has many options for you to discover an authentic breakfast spot. Why not try Warung Kopi Gunung, a cute coffee house with its own sanctuary where you can interact and feed the local deer.
- Not far from Ranca Upas is Kawah Putih, a volcanic crater with stunning bluey-green water located at around 2,400 metres above sea-level, which can be accessed by private vehicle or shuttle service called Ontang-Anting.
- Entrance tickets for foreign tourists at Kawah Putih are IDR 81,000 per person. If you wish to take the Ontang-Anting, it costs IDR 30,000 for a return trip, or if using a private car, there’s an additional fee of IDR 165,000. Due to the limited parking space, taking the Ontang-Anting is often the only option when the parking area is full.
Afternoon
- Take a break and savour a tasty lunch at Emte Restaurant. Enjoy their classic Nasi Liwet dish with various accompaniments such as chicken, fish, tofu and tempeh (deep-fried soybean), as well as fresh sayur asem and zingy sambal.
- Return to the hotel for the check-out process.
- After checking out, make your way to the popular tourist destination, the Rengganis Suspension Bridge. This is the longest suspension bridge in Southeast Asia, spanning a whopping 370 metres long and standing at an eye-watering height of 75 metres. Built to international-standard safety measures, there is no need to worry as you concentrate on having fun and taking a few snaps along the way. Across the bridge, you’ll find Kawah Rengganis, a natural hot spring with mineral-rich waters that are believed to be beneficial for the skin.
Evening
- Relax at your pick of restaurant near the Rengganis Suspension Bridge, whilst enjoying coffee and local snacks like Pisang Goreng (fried bananas). The view from the restaurant overlooks lush hills and tea plantations that are a unique part of Ciwidey’s stunning natural charm.
- From the Rengganis Suspension Bridge, head directly to Bandung City to check-in at your next hotel and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Day 3: Discover Bandung City
Morning
- Start your day with breakfast at Warung Kopi Purnama, a legendary coffee shop in Bandung. With its beautifully preserved colonial-style building, this coffee shop has been serving Bandung’s signature coffee and delicious Roti Kaya (toast served with coconut jam) since the 1930s.
- After breakfast, continue exploring Bandung’s historical buildings onboard a Bandros (tour bus). For just IDR 20,000 per person, you’ll be driven around to see all the main sights and historical landmarks of Bandung, including the Alun-Alun Bandung area and the famous Braga district.
Afternoon
- Don’t miss out on enjoying Bandung’s culinary delights at Warung Nasi Bu Imas. This legendary eatery consistently serves mouthwatering Sundanese dishes alongside its signature sambal. It’s perfect for a hearty lunch, with menu options like grilled chicken and sayur asem. A highlight is their extra hot Sambal Gandaria, which is a tongue-tickling combination of chilli spice and fruit.
- Throw yourself firsthand into the local culture by playing the angklung at Saung Angklung Mang Udjo. The angklung is a traditional instrument made from bamboo tubes which are shaken to make a sound. Recognised by UNESCO, the angklung is one of Indonesia’s important cultural symbols. Here, you can watch performances and try your hand at playing the instrument together. Why not buy an angklung as a unique keepsake of your time in Bandung?
- Tickets for the performances at Saung Angklung Mang Udjo cost IDR 120,000 per person. The performances are divided into different time slots: 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:30pm. Whilst you’re waiting for the performance, chill-out in one of their comfy relaxation areas and enjoy the surrounding musical vibes.
Evening
- Spend the evening strolling through the Braga area. Enjoy a special dinner at Braga Permai, one of Bandung’s oldest restaurants. Established in 1918, the building remains as it was when first founded by L. Van Bogerijen under the name Maison Bogerijen.
- Return to your hotel and relax after a busy day.
Day 4: Prepare To Head Home
- If you still have room in your stomach to try more of Bandung’s renowned culinary hotspots, grab breakfast at Kupat Tahu Gempol. This popular eatery serves generous dishes of Ketupat, made up of yellow tofu, bean sprouts, red crackers and a savoury peanut sauce.
- Return to the hotel, prepare to check-out and head home.
Final Words
A 4-day, 3-night trip to Bandung has all the ingredients for the perfect Indonesian getaway! From the city’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes to its delicious food scene, Bandung promises a little something for everyone.
