Bandung is a city in Indonesia that is growing popular with travelers who want to stay away from busy Jakarta and still enjoy great food, shopping, panoramic views of nature and adventures.
As the third largest city in Indonesia, you can expect nothing less from Bandung if you are looking for a week of fun and excitement. Singaporeans love escaping to Bandung for a weekend retreat as the flight journey is less than two hours only.
Not convinced yet? Let us share with you the 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bandung.
#1 BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES
Nature enthusiasts can revel in breathtaking landscapes when you are in Bandung. Take in sights of incredible waterfalls, dip into hot springs and trek along mountain trails.
Reward yourself with a scenic view of the sunrise from the peak of Tebing Gunung Hawu mountain. The mountain is also famous for having a massive ‘hole’ right in the middle so do not forget to look out for it!
Other places that are renowned for their sights are Kawah Putih, Cimahi Waterfall and Taman Hutan Raya Juanda.
Photo Credit: Vacation Bali Indonesia
#2 FACTORY OUTLET SHOPPING
Shopaholics should not miss out on having a factory outlet shopping experience! Some of the more popular places can get really crowded during weekends as both locals and tourists are drawn by the affordable prices and wide variety.
Hone your bargaining skills at Riau Street, Djuanda Street or Setiabudi Street where factory outlets are aplenty.
#3 THE LODGE EARTHBOUND ADVENTURE PARK
An ideal destination for families, The Lodge Earthbound Adventure Park is a man-made adventure camp surrounded by pine forests, waterfalls and is located 1000m above sea level.
It is a place to set up tents for camping and be prepared to rough it out with activities such as trekking and zipping down the flying fox.
Photo Credit: Hummingbird Eatery
#4 THEMED CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
It is always exciting to explore a city where the F&B scene is flourishing. Those who are into a unique dining experience can head to some of Bandung’s best themed cafes and restaurants.
Noteworthy ones to add onto your itinerary include Hummingbird eatery, Soldatenkaffee, Royal Stag Bistro and Brick & Barrel.
#5 TANGKUBAN PERAHU VOLCANO CRATER
Tangkuban Perahu Volcano is worth the two hours drive away from Bandung. Hike up this active volcano and seek its three craters that emit white steam due to the sulfur found in there.
It is definitely an Instagram-worthy spot!
Photo Credit: Nita Strudwick Photography
#6 SHOPPING MALL WITH A MINI ZOO ON TOP
If you think Paris Van Java is just another one of your regular shopping malls, you are in for a surprise—at the rooftop of the mall is a mini zoo! Do not forget to visit the and Bird Park after your shopping is done.
You will be greeted by colourful tropical birds and other bird species that are native to Indonesia. Apart from that, visitors get to pet farm animals including sheep, rabbits, goats, cows and Siberian Huskies at Lactasari Farm. How adorable!
Photo Credit: TripCanvas Indonesia
#7 FLOATING MARKET LEMBANG
Floating markets are a gem in Southeast Asia and they reflect the locals’ way of life. Floating Market Lembang is a popular tourist attraction where you can sample local food and buy some groceries.
Photo Credit: Sharon Travelogue
#8 DASUN BAMBOO FAMILY LEISURE PARK
Set at the foot of Mount Burangrang, Dasun Bamboo Family Leisure Park is an ecofriendly site that boasts plenty of exciting activities catering to adults and children.
Adults can go for the Professional Archery Shooting Range, ATV and Strawberry Harvest while your little ones will enjoy War Games, Air Soft Gun Shooting Target, Rabbit Feeding and Kaulinan Barudak (traditional games tailored for young children).
Julee is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She is an advocate of travel and hopes to visit Iceland someday. She enjoys having a good conversation over tea and a slice of cake. There are two things in the world she cannot live without—food and humour.
Would love a casual talk with you about Bandung & Iceland over Brunch or Dinner.
Rosz