Bandung is one of Indonésie's most renowned cities, thanks to the famous Bandung Conference held there in April 1955. This metropolis is situated in the western part of the island of Java. It serves as the capital of West Java province. It is particularly celebrated for its gastronomic culture and diverse architecture.

History

The sixteenth century marked the collapse of the Sultanate of Banten. This proved to be a catalyst for Dutch and English trading companies, which began establishing themselves in Indonésie, particularly in West Java. It wasn't until the early nineteenth century that Bandung became an important commercial crossroads thanks to its strategic location. Recognizing this significance, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Herman Willem Daendels, chose to establish the Dutch East India Company there.

Moreover, Bandung only officially achieved city status in 1810. Over time, the locality modernized and became highly favored by wealthy visitors. These travelers were primarily drawn to its boutiques, restaurants, ballrooms, and more. Later, in 1880, local leaders sought Chinese assistance in constructing a railway line. This route connected Bandung and Jakarta.

Furthermore, 1946 was an eventful year for Bandung as the Dutch intended to reassert control over the city. This was naturally contested by its inhabitants. More than 20,000 locals set the city ablaze as a sign of discontent and revolt. Four years later, in 1950, West Java was recognized as an Indonesian province. In 1955, the famous Bandung Conference took place.

Today

Initially, Bandung's area was estimated at approximately 19 km², but over time the city expanded to approximately 2,216 km². The local population also grew significantly. In 2005, for example, the number of inhabitants was 2,290,464, and by 2010 it had risen to 2,393,688. According to a 2014 census, Bandung had approximately 2,575,478 residents.

Nowadays, Bandung serves as a gateway to tourist attractions in its surroundings such as volcanoes, hot springs, and tea plantations. Other points of interest within the city are also worth discovering.

What to Do in Bandung?

Attend Car Free Night

If you arrive in the city on a Saturday, head to the historic Asia Afrika avenue to experience the famous "Car Free Night." Between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., vehicles are restricted and the street transforms into an immense gathering of pedestrians who organize performances and various entertainment activities.

Visit Local Amusement Parks

• Trans Studio Bandung
• Kampung Gajah
• Bandung Treetop

Discover Bandung's Culinary Specialties

A visit to Bandung is also an opportunity to savor some local delicacies. You can, for example, order Bakso Tahu at one of the many restaurants in the metropolis. This is steamed meat typically served with soy sauce and peanut paste. Soto Bandung is another must-try dish that travelers enjoy when visiting Bandung. This beef-based soup is generally accompanied by vegetables, including radishes and chayotes. Nasi goreng is another specialty of Indonesian cuisine. It is considered the national dish. Its preparation involves stir-frying pre-cooked rice and adding ingredients such as sweet soy sauce, scallions, nutmeg, bumbu, garlic, shallots, terasi, and more. For the meat component, you can use either chicken or lamb. In a variation of this dish, seafood is also used.

Regarding desserts, Bandung offers delights such as bollen, brownies kuku, surabi, and pisang goreng. For example, you might choose bollen, a type of pastry filled with cheese or a chocolate and banana mixture. If you enjoy pancakes, opt for surabis. These are made from rice flour and coconut milk.

Visit Mount Tangkuban Perahu

This natural wonder is located approximately 30 km from the city center.

Visit the Bandung Conference Museum

This museum is located on Jalan Asia Afrika, in the Freedom Building locally known as the "Gedung Merdeka." It is accessible every day except Mondays.

Shop at Bandung's Textile Boutiques

Bandung features numerous shops where you can find great deals, particularly for textiles.

What Are the Transportation Options in Bandung?

To explore the metropolis of Bandung, you have various transportation options including taxis, buses, and angkots. The latter is a colorful minibus with multiple routes.

Climate

Bandung has a tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 23° C. Even during the dry season (typically in April), there can be showers, so it's advisable to pack accordingly.

Reaching Bandung is straightforward. If you enjoy train travel, for example, you can reach this city by rail from the capital, Jakarta. At the same time, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the country's residents while enjoying the varied landscapes throughout the journey.

It is also possible to travel to Bandung from Jakarta by road using the toll expressway called Cipuralang. The average journey duration is approximately one and a half hours.

To reach Bandung quickly, there is of course air travel. Regular flights serve the city from other Indonesian metropolises. It's worth noting that the Husein Sastranegara International Airport is the 12th busiest airport in the country.