Bandung is the “Paris of Java,” a nickname that feels surprisingly apt when you are strolling down Braga Street past Art Deco cafes, but feels wildly inaccurate when you are stuck in the weekend traffic jams. Sitting 768 meters above sea level, Bandung offers a precious commodity in Indonesia: cool air. This climate made it the favorite retreat of Dutch planters, and today, it draws Jakartans by the millions every weekend to cool off.
The vibe is youthful, creative, and stylish. Bandung is a university town (ITB is here) and the indie music capital of Indonesia. The streets are lined with “Distros” (independent clothing boutiques) and factory outlets. The food scene is legendary—Bandung is the birthplace of half the snacks in Indonesia (Batagor, Siomay, Seblak). It smells of roasted coffee beans and pine forests.
Surrounded by volcanic peaks and tea plantations, the city feels like a bowl of civilization amidst wild nature. It is chaotic, yes, but it has a romantic, nostalgic charm that Jakarta lacks. It’s a city where you wear a sweater at night, drink hot ginger tea (Bandrek), and listen to acoustic covers in a hillside cafe.
The perfect plan for Bandung:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Volcanic Crater & Tea
- Morning: Kawah Putih (White Crater). Hack: Leave at 6 AM to beat the traffic to Ciwidey. The crater lake is turquoise and acidic, surrounded by skeletal trees. It looks like another planet. Wear a mask (sulfur smell).
- Afternoon: Rancabali Tea Plantation. Just down the road. Walk through the emerald green tea bushes. Lunch at Pinisi Resto (shaped like a massive wooden ship stranded on a hill).
- Evening: Return to city. Dinner at The Valley or Sierra in Dago Pakar. You need a car to get up there, but the view of the glittering city basin is mandatory.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Art Deco & History
- Morning: Braga Street. The historical heart. Walk on the cobblestones. Visit Kopi Toko Djawa (an old bookstore turned coffee shop) for an Es Kopi Awan.
- Afternoon: Museum of the Asian-African Conference. Free and fascinating history of the Third World’s awakening. Then, shop at Rumah Mode factory outlet—it’s a tourist trap but the architecture and gardens are lovely.
- Evening: Street food at Cibadak Culinary Night. It only opens at night. Try the Ronde Jahe (ginger balls in syrup) or Batagor.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Art & Forest
- Morning: NuArt Sculpture Park. The gallery of Nyoman Nuarta (creator of the massive GWK statue in Bali). It’s peaceful, industrial, and filled with massive copper sculptures.
- Afternoon: Forest Walk Babakan Siliwangi. A skywalk through an urban forest. Feel the fresh air. Then coffee at Armor Kopi in Tahura park—sit in the woods.
- Evening: Live music. Bandung is the indie capital. Check out small venues or just hang out at a cafe in the Dago area.
Weather
Dry Season (June-Sept): Cool and crisp. Days are 25°C, nights can drop to 16°C. Perfect for hiking.
Wet Season (Oct-May): Afternoons bring heavy thunderstorms. The city can get gloomy.
Local Customs
Sundanese Culture: The locals (Sundanese) are famous for being soft-spoken and incredibly polite. Being loud is frowned upon.
Eating with Hands: Sundanese food (Lalapan) is best eaten with your right hand. Washing bowls are provided on the table.
History & Culture
Developed by the Dutch in the late 19th century as a resort city and potential capital, Bandung is a museum of Tropical Art Deco architecture. The 1955 Asia-Africa Conference held here was a pivotal moment in history, birthing the Non-Aligned Movement. Today, it struggles with rapid urbanization but retains its heritage as a center of intellect and rebellion.
Getting Around & Safety
Angkot: The colorful minivans. Cheap but confusing route system. An experience, but not efficient.
Gojek/Grab: The best way to move.
Whoosh Train: The new High-Speed Rail connects Jakarta to Bandung in 40 mins. A game changer.
Info for Nomads
Great climate for working, but traffic is a mood killer. The cafe culture is the best in Indonesia (better than Bali in terms of coffee quality).
Workation Vibe
Internet: 30-50 Mbps.
Cafes:
1. Kinokimi Coffee: Minimalist, great light, very work-friendly.
2. Jurnal Risa Coffee: Trendy, in a heritage building, good wifi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get there from Jakarta? +
Take the Whoosh High-Speed Train from Halim Station (Jakarta) to Padalarang (Bandung), then a feeder train to the city center. Total time: ~1 hour. Don’t drive on weekends (3-5 hours traffic).
What is Batagor? +
Bakso Tahu Goreng. Fried fish dumplings and tofu served with spicy peanut sauce. The absolute best is at Batagor Kingsley or Batagor Riri.
Is it good for shopping? +
Yes. “Factory Outlets” (FO) on Jalan Riau sell branded overstock clothes (Zara, H&M, etc.) at fractions of the price. Check for defects.