Is Bandung worth visiting?
Yes, Bandung is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a city that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing food and fantastic shopping.
Bandung is the capital of West Java. It is a cultural city with a wonderful culinary scene. It's also located near several volcanoes and scenic areas as well as sprawling tea plantations. There are a large number of university students around town, including study abroad and international students. The city is also cooler than much of Indonesia due to its higher elevation.
Bandung, Indonesia
6 Reasons to Visit Bandung
1. Food
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).
2. Shopping
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.
3. Museums and Attractions
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.
The Museum of the Asian-African Conference is known for its historical significance in international diplomacy. (Free)
4. Hiking
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.
5. Nightlife
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.
6. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Bandung might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Bandung here or see if Bandung is expensive here.
Is Bandung worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Bandung is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the hiking, the museums and landmarks, and the nightlife.
Is Bandung worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Bandung, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums and get out into nature.
Is Bandung worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Bandung. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and dance the night away. Also, you can experience the hiking.
Is Bandung worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Bandung. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene. Also, you can go hiking.
Related
What is Bandung most famous for?
Bandung is most famous for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. People visit this impressive city for its great food and shopping. It is also known for its great museums and attractions and hiking. And many visitors also come to this city for its nightlife. It is often described as cultural, scenic, and laidback.
What is the most famous sight in Bandung?
The most popular sight in Bandung is White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey). You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Bandung on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey) and other attractions here.
How touristy is Bandung? Is it a popular city to visit?
Bandung is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Kawah Putih tour - Day trip Ticket etc all including: $57
- Private Guide Bandung Tour Car Charter: $49
- Bandung Crater Adventure Hotspring and Mud Bath: $70
- Private Tour to Bandung Volcano Hot Springs and Mud bathing: $55
- Private Guided Volcano and Stony Bubble Tour in Bandung: $137
- Kawah putih tour - 2D.1N including Papandayan volcano and Kampung Naga: $167
- Bandung Tour All In, White Crater, Volcano Mountain, Hot Spring: $52
- Private Guided to The White Crater & Surrounding Areas Tour: $45
How long should I spend in Bandung?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Bandung is two to three days. Since Bandung has a variety of activities such as dining and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Bandung? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Bandung?.
More Things to Do in Bandung
- Is Trans Studio Bandung Worth Visiting?
- Is Tangkuban Perahu Worth Visiting?
- Is Kawah Putih (White Crater) Worth Visiting?
- Is The Museum of the Asian-African Conference Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Indonesia and The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.