Image Credit: Random Rant Archive (Patenggang Lake)
I visited Bandung (West Java, Indonesia) in February 2018. The first thing you will notice exiting the airport is the traffic. If you thought that the traffic in Jakarta is bad, then you are in for a (bad) treat in Bandung.
If you are a solo traveller, the best way to move around in Bandung is to rent a two wheeler. You can always approach the front desk staff in the hotel you stay to arrange for one. I remember renting a scooty for IDR 150,000/day. Moving around by taxi will require a lot of patience, especially within the city. But once you are out of the city, traffic is not an issue.
There is nothing much within Bandung for natural attraction but if you move out of the city, that is where the fun is. You will have an opportunity to see some very scenic volcanic craters, as well as take a dip at the hot springs.
If you are someone who likes to be shown around instead of exploring yourself (and getting lost too – that is the fun part) then it is better to hire a tour guide.
Places of Interest (I Visited)
Day 01 (South of Bandung)
1. Kawah Putih (White Crater)
Address: Sugihmukti, Pasirjambu, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
Kawah Putih is about 50 km south of Bandung. The water colour is quite scenic but one has to consider the Sulphur gas that is being emitted there. But it depends on one’s level of tolerance. It can get very cold up on top, so warm clothing (like a warm jacket) is advised – although there is provision to rent jackets at the top for some fee (can’t remember how much the fee was). The green coloured lake is very scenic and the stark contrast of bare-naked trees in the water gives an eerie feeling. The smell of Sulphur can be overwhelming under prolonged exposure. Nonetheless, it is worth a visit.
Entrance Fee: Rp. 54.000
Things to carry: Warm clothing and mask.
(Pictures of Kawah Putih)
2. Patenggang Lake
Address: Patengan, Rancabali, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
The lake is near Kawah Putih and is a popular venue for family outings. It is about 12 km southwest Of Kawah Putih. The highlight of the place is the wooden ship restaurant. The lake is nestled among the beautiful tea gardens. The panoramic view from the top of the ship is worth it. The restaurant was quite crowded when I was there in the evening.
Entrance Fee: I do not remember paying any fee
(Pictures of Patenggang Lake)
Day 02 (North of Bandung)
3. Mount Tangkuban Parahu
Address: Cikahuripan, Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia
Mount Tangkuban Parahu is a majestic large volcanic crater about 25 km north of Bandung. There are several craters. The mountain is still considered active and the last activity was in 2019. The place is popular with local tourists too with lots of local food and souvenirs sold there. I was able to take a walk down into the crater with the help of a local – it was an overwhelming experience of awe. However, it was not an easy climb down and way up again.
Entrance Fee:
Domestic tourist: Rp. 20.000 (weekdays) or Rp. 30.000 (weekends)
Foreign tourist: Rp. 200.000 (weekdays) or Rp. 300.000 (weekends)
(Pictures of Mount Tangkuban Parahu)
4. Pemandian Air Panas Ciater
Address: Jl. Raya Ciater, Nagrak, Kec. Ciater, Kabupaten Subang, Jawa Barat 40154, Indonesia
The hot spring is also popular with local tourist and a good venue for family outing. It is 10 km further up north of Mount Tangkuban Parahu. I did not come across any foreign tourist, so it seems like a good destination for locals. If you plan to go there, carry your swimming trunks and a small towel to dry yourself. There are changing rooms at the place. It was my first time soaking myself in a hot spring and it was nice. It is interesting how our body adjust to such hot water.
Entrance Fee: Rp. 40.000
(Pictures of Pemandian Air Panas Ciater)
Day 03 (Northwest of Bandung)
5. Stone Garden Citatah
Address: Jl. Gunung Masigit , Gunung Masigit, Cipatat, Bandung Barat , Jawa Barat , Indonesia , 40554
Stone Garden is about 28 km northwest of Bandung. It is a great place to view panoramic landscape views and take beautiful pictures. The rocks protruding out of the ground adds beauty to it. It was not crowded when I was there. Time your travel for late afternoon to avoid the hot sun. I can only imagine how a red sunset would be like there. There are some stalls selling food and, for a foodie like me, it is a good pit stop. There is a washroom near the entrance but it is just a basic one.
Entrance Fee: Rp. 25.000
(Pictures of Stone Garden Citatah)
6. Indiana Camp
This is located adjacent to the Stone Garden and ideal for photo op and to upload on your social media. If you have serious fear of heights, then this may not be a wise choice.
Fees: There is a fee to pose for the pictures but I do not recollect the exact amount. If I am not mistaken, it was like Rp. 200.000 or so (but I could be wrong) for the vain photo ops.
(Pictures of Indiana Camp)
7. Gunung Hawu
Address: Padalarang, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia
Gunung Hawu is about 5km east of Stone Garden. This is a good place for rock climbing and popular with the locals. I did not try that but explored the surrounding area and it was really worth it.
(Pictures of Gunung Hawu)
Eat with the locals: Paskal Food Market
Address: Paskal Hyper Square, Jl. Pasir Kaliki No.25-27, Kb. Jeruk, Kec. Andir, Kota Bandung
Paskal Food Market is huge and closes late. There are many food stalls serving local cuisines. Weekends are crowded with long queues for payments. There is one stall serving alcohol. Shisha is also available at the food market. On the Saturday evening, there was a live band performing outdoors – not sure if it is a weekend routine.
While on the road, I would stop by at family run restaurants to savour the local taste. You will notice the red chilli paste with most of the food.
Below are the markers of the places I visited. Click on the markers for details of the location.
Place to Stay
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For those not keen to explore on a scooty, there are guided tour with taxi rental packages available too.