Bandung is a sprawling city in West Java, that can frequently be overlooked by the tourists who are inclined to flock to the shore instead. However, there are lots of reasons to include Bandung on your itinerary. Though the city itself is not the prettiest, Bandung is surrounded by lush green hills, tea plantations, and thick forests.
It is ideally placed for day trips and longer trips into the countryside of West Java. Nicknamed the “Paris of Indonesia” because of its artwork deco-style buildings, Bandung is also quite cosmopolitan with exceptional shopping, markets, and cafes. Listed below are a few of the best reasons to go to Bandung.
1. Sundanese Culture
Bandung is the capital of West Java and the 2nd most populous ethnic group in Indonesia. When there are lots of similarities, the culture here is hugely different from other cultures and Ethnicities in Indonesia. The area has its distinct cuisine, language, and customs. There is a lot to find from the civilization in Bandung.
To get a fab insight into the local culture and, notably the cuisine, visit Kampung Daur. This cultural and restaurant gallery is a dining experience, a sprawling, leafy complex of cobbled lanes and miniature waterfalls. The idea is intriguing, and there is a strong focus on Sundanese food and culture.
2. Saung Angklung Udjo
Talking of Sundanese culture, do not miss a visit to Saung Angklung Udjo (Udjo’s House of Angklung) to gain insight into a few of those highlights. A musical instrument made from bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo framework, angklungs generate a soft and pretty wooden sound. In the right hands, it can be utilized to make amazing melodies.
The Angklung is a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and is a massive portion of Sundanese culture. Saung Angklung Udjo was created in 1966 by Udjo Nalagena and his wife to conserve this very important region of the area’s traditional culture and art. It is a booming music college where you can see how the tools are created and used. There is also a daily series that showcases the unbelievable talent of these young musicians.
3. Nature
Even though the town of Bandung itself is enormous, smoggy, and congested, it is surrounded by a number of the most spectacular countryside in Java. Escape town, and you will find green plantations, waterfalls, forests, volcanic peaks, and hot springs. Do not overlook the sulphuric white crater of Kawah Putih, a spooky scene of chalky floor and turquoise waters, or even the Tangkuban Perahu volcano, where you can hike or drive up to the border of the crater.
4. Bandung Off-Road
All that green countryside and those magnificent mountain landscapes will be the ideal setting for an experience, as I found with Bandung Off-Road. Together, I spent an adrenaline-filled couple of hours careening along rocky mountain streets, across slick bogs, and via engine-deep muddy water that flooded the jeep’s front. Rocking and slipping our way through dirt paths, occasionally on two wheels rather than four, yelling and laughing (and singing along to Queen at the top of our lungs)! It was really adrenaline-inducing and highly recommended.
Planning to visit Bandung soon? Find out more about Bandung and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
