How to Enjoy Bandung, Indonesia in a Weekend? @indtravel
Arrived on a wrong day, it was Saturday. It’s the time of the week when people from Jakarta come to the nearby city to breathe some fresh air. Where are they heading? To Bandung!
Due to its cool and natural-maintained vibe where lots of crops are growing and being harvested by the people, Bandung has been attracting lots of visitors as a perfect escape from busy cities like Indonesia’s capital. But there is one thing you can’t escape when you visit Bandung on a weekend: the heavy traffic. Nonetheless, there are still ways, of course, to beat the traffic jam and enjoy your stay in Bandung. Here are some of those.
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Keep cool at Kawah Putih
Mountains are among the assets of tourism in Bandung. Good news for those who are not fond of hiking but want to see the beauty of a volcano. You can have the feeling of awe by visiting Kawah Putih or the White Crater.
Minivans are waiting to bring you to the entrance going to the crater. It will take less than an hour and the breeze, protecting the up and down road, will make it feel shorter.
After 29 years of being open for visitors, Kawah Putih’s selling point is its temperature which can be as low as 10 degrees Celsius. Adding to the points are the unsteady hues of the acidic lake, ranging from blue, white, green, and brown, brought by the sulfur and the changing temperature.
As among Mount Patuha’s dual craters, Kawah Putih is an easy-to-go destination in Bandung so expect a big crowd in the morning, especially on Saturday and/or on Sunday. Still, the number will give you a spot so better bring warm clothes and a good camera to enjoy the scenic view of Kawah Putih’s lake and its woody milieu.
A bonus no-crowd place to relax around the area in Kawah Putih is the forest where the minivans are parked. No proper entrance is provided to get into the forest so don’t go too far from the gathering area as you take a look at the woods.
Location: Jalan Raya Soreang Ciwidey, Bandung, West Java
Sip a coffee in a forest
Still can’t get over a chill vibe in a forest? The Armor Kopi in Bandung has been flooding the feeds on Instagram due to its well-thought location and shop interior.
Armor Kopi offers various types of locally-produced coffees and thus, proudly supports the economy of the cultivators. The infamous coffee variations of Liberica, Arabica, and robusta, along with teas are served. Though I have null information about their Kopi Luwak specials in terms of processing, I still recommend this coffee shop as it provides a real sociable setup. The tables and chairs are arranged outside the wooden ‘house’. After making an order, visitors can directly choose a spot for a pair or big groups.
Who doesn’t want a natural-made coffee to sip as the tall trees keep you guarded and fresh? Who doesn’t want soothing talk as you take a cup of coffee and food of your choice? After all …
Location: Jalan Pakar Barat, Taman Hutan Raya Ir. H. Djuanda, Ciburial, Cimenyan, Bandung, West Java
Fill your stomach with good food and ambiance at Dusun Bambu
Strawberries, tea, and bamboos are the common crops definition related to Bandung. Enormous tea plantations and tempting strawberries to harvest are all over the town. Bamboos, however, would be my top choice to represent the beauty of Bandung. Wonder why? Dusun Bambu has the answer.
Located at the feet of Mt. Burangrang, Dusun Bambu is a family leisure park that offers a vast space to dine in and relish the whole eco-friendly setting.
Serving as a venue for events, outdoor activities, and simple dining, Dusun Bambu lifts the value of bamboos through the structures wisely spread in the whole park.
With the admission fee of 15,000IDR (1.13USD), visitors can view exceptional buildings, like the bird nest-inspired restaurant. Moreover, children are free to use the outdoor play zone where the giant wooden swing, throwing bracelet, engraving, the back clogs, and the mini cycle-rickshaw can be played. Face painting is also available for a certain charge.
The food served in every restaurant, in addition, is well-picked and prepared, which choices ranging from local to international tastes.
Thall-time favorite red cotton candy or the gullly is a must-try and a perfect start-up or after-dining food. The options from local foods are the Batagor Bandung, Baso Tahu and Soto Bandung Traditional Indonesian picks are also available such as pempek, Otak-otak Palemba,ng and Satay Madura.
In big events such as wedding receptions, tours, and conferences held at Dusun Bambu, foreign cuisines are offered more often.
Location: Kolonel Masturi KM 11, Cisarua, Bandung, West Java
Even if you go with the heavy flow of the f crowd, routing for Bandunonin a weekend, don’t gediscouragedge. You see, therisra e several things to do and to see in Bandung, to forget the hassle of a traffic jam as each destination is surely worth your travel time.
Other things to do in Bandung include the visit to plenty of factory outlets along Dagowhichat is perfect for shopping fashion stunts at an affordable price, and a stroll in the colonial European-style vibe mixed with the discovery of traditional arts.
Lots of types of transport are available to help you roam around the town. The public transportation starts at 6,000IDR (0.45USD) by an Angkot. However, the chances to get stuck in a traffic jam are high so better walk if you still can, and if the weather is good to do so.Note: The Tourism Ministry of Indonesia invited Two Monkeys Travel Group and other southeast Asian bloggers for the 10-day #TripofWonders in four destinations, including Makassar, but the views written in this article are fully my own.
About the Writer
Jessica Ayun is a Freelance Writer who writes that 5-10 cups of co ee a day will be served. She used to work as a TV Researcher but her feet are always curious o step into new places so she decided to work in the communities of Visayas and Mindanao as a Documenter for almost two years, through a non-government organization (NGO). She tries to see the “real happiness” in every person she meets and every place she goes to. She will always choose mountains over beaches.
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Bandung is so picturesque and different.This is Indonesia beyond Bali and as beautiful if not more. The small huts look so cool and romantic.
That’s why most people are running in Bandung in the weekend from Jakarta. You can go here in three hours from the capital and enjoy its calming vibe.
I’ve come across in a lot of Bandung articles this past few days. I can’t wait to be there, hopefully next year 🙂
Yey! Go for it, Mary! You will surely love Bandung.
What a beautiful place! I can see how the cool temperatures and natural beauty would make it so popular. Those huts by the lake are absolutely splendid!
They are, Kevin! Don’t missed them if you are in Bandung.
This is perfect for me, Bandung is really close by to Singapore so a weekend there is great, especially if I’m looking for cooler weather!
Yes, Mar! You can enjoy Bandung in a weekend and avoid the hustle in the capital.
This sounds like a lovely place for a weekend away. I can imagine that it would make a nice escape from the craziness of Jakarta.
Exactly, Tracie! The cool weather in Bandung makes it attractive for most of the visitors to spend a weekend here.
Never been to this side of the world, but I sure know where to go to if I want to disconnect from all worldly ties and take some ‘me’ time with nature and new people all around.
Yes! Bandung would be a perfect choice, Subhadrika Sen! Hope you can visit Indonesia soon.
Oh my goodness this looks so serene! I’d love to visit. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Much welcome, Kristina! Visit Bandung, Indonesia soon and relax as much as you want! 🙂
never been to Indonesia but your post made me convince that I should really add this on my bucket list!
Wow that White Crater for me looks really scary yet so fascinating at the same time! I would love to see and embrace its beauty someday!
Thank you for giving us a quick tour and for sharing your journey as well
Hi, Milton! The White Crater is one of the highlights in Bandung. Go there whenever you are in town and when you make your first visit in Indonesia.
Looks amazing – Can’t wait to head out here in future and check it out…A part of Indonesia I never really think about!
Hehe. You will love Bandung. Could really be with heavy traffic in the weekend but sure you will still enjoy it.
It’s always nice to see different parts of a country that I am not aware of, especially as Indonesia is so close to me (I am only familiar with West Flores, the Gili Islands and the island of Bali)
Thanks for sharing
Indonesia is so big that can really give you lots of surprises! Be sure to check Bandung and other parts of the country soon! 🙂
Indonesia is hands down my favorite country. I am always looking for places like these to go in Indonesia. Right now I am exploring Sulawesi but I will definitely visit Bandung sometime sooner. Also, sometimes I crave for cold temperatures here in Indonesia so this place will be a welcome change.
Wow! I love Sulawesi! Are you still in Indonesia? Could you visit Bandung now? How was it?
I’ve been seeing a lot of posts about Indonesia lately. I never really considered it as place I would really like to visit, but now I do! The lake houses seem so serene. I’d actually love to spend a weekend there to unwind.
Indonesia is a diverse country so you will surely like it. Bandung can first prove it! 🙂
Two things from this post that really caught my attention. First is the coffee shop in the forest. That must be an awesome tourist spot for that coffee shop to survive. Second, those houses near the pond look really enticing. Are they some kind of massage spas or a resort? It looks really serene but at the same time, I’m scared if there are any mosquitoes flying around that area.
Great spots! The coffee shop has been surviving well due to its ‘instagramable’ location and interior. The houses, on the other hand, serve as dining area, I assumed. I just captured it from above where a dining section is also located and failed to get the details about these structures. Will let you know when I found out. Haha. You may check Dusun Bambu Bandung’s site though.
The crater is just so awesome! Sobrang ganda nya!! I’ve never seen a crater lake my whole life and this made me realize that I should see one soon. I also love the place, it’s really relaxing and the ambiance is perfect! I love the tall standing trees just right at the parking. Meaning you don’t have to tire yourself up hiking mountains to see such beautiful forest! I’m craving more for an Indonesia trip!
Go for a Bandun trip soon, Ann! You will love the place from shopping areas to nature hubs. 🙂
Oh, Indonesia! I have 2 Indonesian friends and they’re both kind. I recently told one of them that I’d love to visit their place in Manado, Ind when he gets married. He loved the idea too! lol! I have a few Indonesian words from them: Selamat malam, selamat pagi, terimakasi banyak, and acu cinta padamu! 🙂
Haha. Terima kasih banyak for commenting, Nilyn! I love Manado as I feel I am just in the Philippines. haha. Let me know when you are in Indonesia and maybe in Bandung?
Seemed like ive been reading a lot of travel post lately. I am almost convinced that it must be a sign that i should book a plane ticket and fly soonest! Hahaha! Kidding aside, Indonesia is such a lovely place and i didnt realized that there are a lot of other places worth visiting there. What i only knew was Bali and im dying to visit it! Thanks for this.. It will be Helpful for my future travel ITs..
Hehe. Go for it, Mommy Queen Elizabeth. Let me know if you are planning to go to Bandung, Indonesia. 🙂
Jessica. Breathtaking ang lake. It is so beautiful. I mean the place plus the coffee shop, parang it’s hard to believe merong ganon. PERFECT! I have friends who are now in Jakarta and I will pass them this link so they could take a look, and perhaps they may want to visit din.
Yes! Bandung, Indonesia is a great place to escape from the busy capital. So much things to do for a relaxation.
Indonesia is so beautiful and there is so much to explore there, every time we get to know a new place which lures us to plan a visit soon and Bandung is no exception. Great post!
I agree! Bandung, Indonesia is just one of the many wonders of the country.
Kawah Putih looks absolutely stunning! I’ve been on weekend trips around Europe but Asia is just too far for short term for me. Your post makes me want to visit Indonesia so badly!
If ever you are in Southeast Asia, do not missed Bandung, Indonesia then.
Great post!!
Safe travels xx
Leesa
Awesome article! I am thinking of going bandung but wondering if going over the weekday is better or weekend not much difference? As i am going to the “scenic” area. I was hoping Indonesian will just crowd the city and resort area. What do you think?
Never tried going to Bandung, Indonesia in a weekday but locals said that roads can really be busy in weekends as I also had experience.