A city in West Java, Indonesia, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Known for its colonial architecture, parks, and shopping centers, 150 km southeast of Jakarta.
Bandung, the capital of West Java and Indonesia's third-largest city, has a cool climate due to its location in the Parahyangan mountains. In the city center, you can explore Art Deco buildings like Gedung Sate and Villa Isola. On the outskirts, you'll see volcanoes such as Tangkuban Perahu and tea plantations like Rancabali. Bandung is known for its factory outlet shopping, local Sundanese cuisine, and natural attractions.
Location and Climate
Bandung sits at an elevation of 768 meters above sea level in West Java, Indonesia. The city's position in the Parahyangan mountains results in a cooler climate compared to other major Indonesian cities. Average temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C year-round, making it a frequent weekend getaway for residents of nearby Jakarta.
Colonial Architecture
The city center contains many buildings from the Dutch colonial era. You can see examples of Art Deco architecture at Gedung Sate, the current governor's office, and Villa Isola. Walk down Jalan Braga to view more colonial-era structures that now house cafes and shops. The Gedung Merdeka building, site of the 1955 Asian-African Conference, now contains a museum about the historic event.
Shopping Experiences
Bandung has become a significant shopping destination, especially for clothing and textiles. Many factory outlets sell overstock and export-quality items from international brands at discounted prices. You can find outlet shopping areas on Jalan Riau, Jalan Dago, and Jalan Setiabudi. For local goods and souvenirs, visit traditional markets like Pasar Baru Trade Center.
Sundanese Cuisine
The local Sundanese cuisine uses fresh vegetables and mild flavors. Try dishes like nasi timbel (rice wrapped in banana leaf), sayur asem (sour vegetable soup), and sate Bandung (grilled meat skewers). The city also has a busy cafe scene, with many spots serving specialty coffee from nearby plantations. For an authentic local meal, head to simple warung eateries or the food stalls at Cikapundung Riverspot.
Surrounding Nature
Just outside the city, you can explore volcanic landscapes. Visit Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano where you can walk along the crater rim. At Kawah Putih, see the aquamarine crater lake surrounded by white rock. The area around Bandung also contains lush tea plantations like Rancabali, where you can learn about tea production and enjoy the mountain scenery.
