Visit Bandung Indonesia – The Past & The Present

Do you plan to visit Bandung, Indonesia? First, let's talk about Bandung in general: its location, weather, and time zone. They are all essential information you might need when you travel to Bandung. Next is the story about the beginning of Bandung as a town during Dutch settlement. Over the years, Bandung evolved into a big city. So, when you visit Bandung Indonesia today, the places of interest are abundant, some are historical, and others are new.

Essential information about Bandung.

Presently, Bandung is a bustling city on the highland of Java island, Indonesia. It is the capital city of West Java province and the center of Sundanese culture. In terms of size and population, Bandung is the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya.

Geographically, Bandung is 709 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountains. Therefore, it is known as the Bandung basin. The temperature is slightly lower than in coastal cities such as Jakarta and Surabaya.

Want to know more about Bandung's location, time, and weather? Click/tap here to read details information on Bandung.

Visit Bandung Indonesia : The Past

The History of Bandung

There are many ways to tell the history of Bandung. One might start with the famous legend of Sangkuriang. Others might describe the geographical formation creating Bandung highland several million ago.

However, the more recent history started when a foreigner stumbled upon Bandung, then many more came and built plantations. The Dutch colonialism, thriving plantations, creation of the Great Postal Road, and railroads all influenced the transformation of Bandung: from a jungle full of tigers and rhinos to a modern city. Continue reading the history of Bandung here...

As a city, Bandung has grown tremendously since then. People build many new and modern malls, office buildings, houses, stores, and factories. Thankfully they also preserve some old and historical buildings. Do you know that Bandung is famous for its heritage of art deco buildings?

Visit Bandung Indonesia - The Present

In the beginning, Bandung was a town for the Preanger Planters to meet and socialize. Preanger Planters were European planters who had vast and thriving tea and coffee plantations around Bandung. They were the first promotors of Bandung as one of the top vacation destinations in Indonesia.

Although tourists are scarce during World War II and the early years after Indonesia's independence, Bandung today has once again become the top vacation destination in Indonesia. People visit Bandung Indonesia to see its gorgeous nature, rich Sundanese culture, and delicious food. Today Bandung is also widely known as a shopping paradise.

So, where will you start? To jump-start your exploration in Bandung, here is the list of the best places you must see while you visit Bandung Indonesia:

Science

Bosscha Observatory

Museum

Geology Museum

Sri Baduga Museum

Asian-African Conference Museum

Museums in Bandung

Old Town

Braga street

Kelenteng street - the China Town

Shopping

Factory Outlets

Shopping Malls

Pasar Baru

Souvenirs

Snacks

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale

Nature

Bunkers at Juanda Forest

Juanda Forest

Cimahi Waterfalls

Mountains and Craters

Queen Crater - Tangkuban Perahu

Domas Crater - Tangkuban Perahu

Kawah Putih [White Crater] - Patuha

Parks & Gardens

Orchid Forest Cikole

FarmHouse Bandung

Lembang Park and Zoo

Situ Patenggang

WOW Sarae Hills

Punclut

Floating Market Lembang

Cihanjuang Butterfly Garden

Glamping Lake Side

D' Castello Ciater

Dusun Bambu

Maribaya Resort

Begonia Garden

Asstro Highland Ciater

Kota Mini, Rainbow Garden

De Ranch Lembang

Grace Rose Farm

Nimo Highland

Over the years Bandung has expanded and known as the Greater Bandung that includes smaller towns nearby. Some of them become favorite tourist destinations. They are Lembang in the north, Ciwidey and Pangalengan in the south, and Kota Baru Parahyangan in the west. Check them all out!

Ready to explore more places of interest? We recommend a road trip from Bandung to Pangandaran beach, Ujung Genteng beach, see another highland at Puncak Pass, or visit Cangkuang temple in Garut.