A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bandung vs. Dewa Sanzan for Food, Attractions, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Bandung or Dewa Sanzan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bandung or Dewa Sanzan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bandung

Bandung is a scenic, laidback, and cultural city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bandung travel costs.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a sacred, remote, and traditional religious site. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Dewa Sanzan travel costs.

Bandung and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bandung or Dewa Sanzan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bandung. Although Bandung and Dewa Sanzan are popular destinations, Bandung has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bandung is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. It is also well known for White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey). Dewa Sanzan is famous for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Bandung different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dewa Sanzan and Bandung. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bandung or Dewa Sanzan?

Bandung is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Bandung specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

Is the Food Better in Bandung or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bandung is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Bandung has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Bandung or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Bandung is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bandung. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Bandung or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Bandung and Dewa Sanzan both have great trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bandung. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Is the Shopping Better in Bandung or Dewa Sanzan?

Bandung is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Bandung draws large crowds to its stores. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Bandung or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Bandung is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Bandung is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly city. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Bandung or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Bandung is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Bandung makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

Dewa Sanzan is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Bandung or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bandung is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Bandung. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Bandung or Dewa Sanzan Better for Students?

Bandung is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bandung. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Is Bandung or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bandung is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Bandung has some public transit options. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Public transit is generally limited in Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Bandung or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Bandung is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Bandung is a very walkable city. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

For even more information, also check out Is Bandung Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Bandung?

How long in Bandung or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bandung and Dewa Sanzan. In our opinion, Bandung has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bandung than Dewa Sanzan. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bandung than Dewa Sanzan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bandung, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bandung than Dewa Sanzan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bandung that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bandung than Dewa Sanzan if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bandung.

One day in Bandung or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Bandung. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This religious site offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bandung or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Bandung. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dewa Sanzan has to offer.

Five days in Bandung or Dewa Sanzan?

The laidback city of Bandung offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bandung or Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bandung. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dewa Sanzan is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dewa Sanzan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dewa Sanzan than you might in Bandung.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bandung Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.