Traveling from Jakarta to Bandung offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of West Java. Bandung, known for its cooler climate, scenic beauty, and Dutch colonial architecture, is a popular getaway from Jakarta. Here’s a detailed multi-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip from Jakarta to Bandung.
Day 1: Jakarta to Bandung – Arrival and City Exploration
Morning: Travel from Jakarta to Bandung
- Train Option:
- Argo Parahyangan Express: Take an early train from Gambir Station in Jakarta to Bandung Station. The journey takes about 3 hours. The train offers comfortable seating and scenic views of the countryside.
- Departure Time: Trains run frequently, but it’s good to book in advance, especially for morning departures.
- Private Car Option:
- Estimated Time: Approximately 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. You can use ride-hailing apps or rent a car with a driver.
Late Morning: Explore Braga Street
- Braga Street (Jalan Braga):
- Historical Significance: Known for its Dutch colonial architecture, Braga Street is one of Bandung’s oldest and most iconic streets.
- Key Spots:
- Braga City Walk: A modern shopping and dining complex with historical charm. It’s a good spot to grab a coffee or light snack.
- Historical Buildings: Look out for buildings like the Bank Indonesia Building and Gedung Merdeka (formerly the Bandung Conference venue).
Afternoon: Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)
- ITB Campus Tour:
- Campus Highlights: Walk around the ITB campus, noted for its blend of modern and colonial architecture. Key sites include the Architecture Building and Engineering Faculty.
- Museum of ITB: Located on campus, it features exhibitions about the history of the university and its impact on Indonesian education and culture.
Evening: Dinner and Exploration in Dago Area
- Dago Area:
- Dining:
- The Stone Cafe: Offers both Indonesian and international cuisine with a great view. It’s a good spot for dinner.
- Kedai D’Cost: Known for seafood, providing a more casual dining experience.
- Night Walk: Explore Dago’s vibrant nightlife and street vendors, especially around Dago Atas for a glimpse of local life.
- Dining:
Day 2: Nature and Culture Around Bandung
Morning: Tangkuban Perahu Volcano
- Travel to Tangkuban Perahu:
- Distance: About 30-40 kilometers from Bandung; a 1.5-hour drive. Consider renting a car or taking a private tour for convenience.
- Admission: Tickets are required; purchase them at the entrance.
- Exploring Tangkuban Perahu:
- Main Crater (Kawah Ratu): Walk around the crater rim and enjoy the dramatic views. It’s an active volcano, so be aware of any safety instructions.
- Kawah Domas: A short walk from the main crater leads to Kawah Domas, where you can see bubbling mud pools and steam vents.
Afternoon: Ciater Hot Springs
- Travel to Ciater:
- Distance: About 30 minutes from Tangkuban Perahu. It’s close enough to visit after your crater exploration.
- Enjoying Ciater Hot Springs:
- Hot Spring Pools: Relax in the natural hot spring pools surrounded by lush greenery.
- Spa Services: Consider indulging in a massage or other spa treatments available at the hot springs facility.
- Lunch Options: Many facilities have on-site restaurants offering traditional Sundanese dishes.
Late Afternoon: Visit a Tea Plantation
- Tea Plantation Tour:
- Malabar Tea Plantation: Located about an hour from Ciater, this plantation offers tours showcasing the tea-making process and beautiful landscapes.
- Activities:
- Guided Tour: Learn about tea cultivation, from picking leaves to processing.
- Tea Tasting: Sample different types of tea and enjoy the serene environment.
- Purchase Tea: Buy some locally produced tea to take home as a souvenir.
Evening: Explore Alun-Alun Bandung
- Alun-Alun Bandung:
- Night Market: Enjoy the local street food scene with options like nasi goreng, satay, and martabak(stuffed pancake).
- Relax: Stroll around the central square, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and perhaps grab a dessert or drink at a nearby cafe.
Day 3: Day Trip to Lembang
Morning: Farmhouse Lembang
- Travel to Farmhouse Lembang:
- Distance: About 30 minutes from Bandung. Consider taking a private car or joining a day tour.
- Activities at Farmhouse Lembang:
- European-Style Buildings: Explore the charming European-themed architecture and take photos with various props.
- Farm Animals: Interact with animals like sheep, goats, and rabbits.
- Cafes and Restaurants: Enjoy a meal or snack at the on-site eateries, known for their delightful ambiance and local cuisine.
Late Morning: Floating Market Lembang
- Travel to Floating Market Lembang:
- Distance: About 15-20 minutes from Farmhouse Lembang.
- Market Experience:
- Floating Stalls: Browse the unique floating stalls selling snacks, souvenirs, and local crafts.
- Boating: Take a leisurely boat ride around the market lake for a relaxing experience.
- Food Sampling: Try various local delicacies from the market vendors.
Afternoon: Dusun Bambu Family Leisure Park
- Travel to Dusun Bambu:
- Distance: About 30 minutes from Floating Market Lembang.
- Activities at Dusun Bambu:
- Nature Walks: Enjoy scenic trails through the park’s lush greenery and bamboo forests.
- Dining Options: Have lunch at one of the park’s restaurants, such as Lutung Kasarung, offering local and international dishes in a picturesque setting.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Explore play areas and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Evening: Return to Bandung
- Relaxation: After a full day of exploring, head back to your accommodation in Bandung. If you’re not too tired, consider a relaxing dinner at a nearby restaurant or cafe.
Day 4: Historical and Modern Bandung
Morning: Bandung Historical Sites
- Museum of the Asian-African Conference:
- Location: Jalan Asia Afrika, near Alun-Alun Bandung.
- Exhibits: Learn about the significance of the 1955 Asian-African Conference (Bandung Conference), which was pivotal in the decolonization of Asia and Africa.
- Historical Artifacts: Explore documents, photographs, and memorabilia related to the conference and its impact on global politics.
Late Morning: Jalan Riau and Factory Outlets
- Shopping on Jalan Riau:
- Factory Outlets: Visit popular outlets such as The Secret Factory Outlet and Paris Van Java for discounted branded clothing and accessories.
- Local Shops: Explore additional boutiques and shops for unique fashion and gifts.
Afternoon: Cihampelas Walk
- Travel to Cihampelas Walk:
- Distance: Located in the Cihampelas area, easily accessible from central Bandung.
- Activities:
- Shopping and Dining: Browse through various shops and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants or food stalls in the area.
- Cihampelas Walk Mall: A popular shopping and entertainment complex known for its distinctive architecture and variety of shops.
Evening: Departure
- Travel Back to Jakarta:
- Train or Car: Return to Jakarta by train or car. Ensure you leave with enough time to accommodate for travel time and potential traffic.
- Final Meal: If you have time before departure, enjoy a final meal in Bandung, savoring any dishes you might have missed.
Additional Tips:
- Transportation: For inter-city travel, consider booking train tickets in advance or arranging a private car for convenience.
- Accommodation: Stay in central Bandung for easy access to attractions. Popular areas include Braga, Dago, and Cihampelas.
- Weather: Bandung has a cooler climate, so pack accordingly. Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and high altitudes.
This detailed itinerary offers a blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, ensuring you make the most of your time in both Jakarta and Bandung.
