Bandung, Indonesia is perfect for travelers who may be spending a long period of time in Jarkarta and are looking for a weekend getaway to a nearby city. Bandung is Indonesia’s third largest city, and luckily for heat-haters, has a cooler climate. It is surrounded by volcanoes and tree plantations, feels a bit like a university-town, and offers plenty of outlet shopping centers.
Regardless of whether you’re hoping to spend a relaxing time in nature, dive head-first into the local culture, or even just chill out in your hotel, you won’t be disappointed.
Here are 8 things to do on a weekend trip to Bandung, Indonesia:
Saung Angklung Udjo
Photo CC inna dee
This is my first recommendation for all culture-lovers! At Saung Angklung Udjo you not only get to witness a traditional Indonesian orchestra, but you get a fully immersive cultural experience.
Here you’ll have the chance to create your own Angklung (an extremely unique instrument made from bamboo, that is traditional in Sundanese culture,) as well as view a traditional dance performance.
Curug Malela
Curug Malela is Bundung’s largest waterfall, at 50 meters high and 70 meters long, and although smaller, is similar in nature to Niagara Falls. Keep in mind that it’s best to visit during dry season, meaning April through October. It is still worth visiting in other months, just keep in mind the water may not be as clear.
Floating Market, Lembang
While similar to Thailand’s floating markets, this is definitely a unique experience! You can visit local food and art vendors by walking along the dock and stopping to chat with the locals who are selling their goods right out of their boats.
This is a great chance to try the local food and converse with the locals, and makes for a great photo op to boot 😉
Firebolt Clothing
There’s a good chance that in the last few years you’ve been bombarded by information on the importance of purchasing eco-friendly clothes. Hopefully you’re starting to realize that our consumption of non-sustainable clothing has disastrous effects on the environment, and you’ve committed yourself to only purchasing eco-friendly clothing.
If you still having jumped on the bandwagon due to a tight budget and the typically high prices of sustainable clothes, this store is a MUST!
The prices are totally reasonable (each piece averages $10-15 bucks) and everything is organic. Your wallet, the planet, and your conscience will thank you 😉
Sari Ater Hot Spring Resort
This one is pretty self-explanatory folks. After the stress and intensity of Jakarta, how can you go wrong with spending a few hours soaking in warm therapeutic waters?
These springs aren’t only for exhausted muscles and relaxing – apparently they provide relief for rheumatic and nervous system problems!
Stay at the Tea Garden Resort
This mid-range resort is perfect for families seeking to spend quality time together or couples hoping for a romantic getaway.
The Tea Garden Resort is located on a beautiful tea plantation with an outdoor pool, plenty of interesting activities, a nearby waterfall, modern minimalist villas, and an open air-spa.
Rooms are very spacious with bathtubs, balconies and stunning views of the mountains. You can use this hotel search engine from Traveloka to get the best price and compare other nearby properties.
