From Jakarta to Bandung | Complete Guide to Visit Bandung
Located on a wide plateau at an altitude of 768 m, Bandung is the third largest city in Indonesia with a population of over 2.4 million. It is the economic and administrative capital of West Java (Jawa Barat). The fastest way to go from Jakarta to Bandung is by car and it takes around 1h 50m. High speed train from Jakarta to Bandung will open in June 2023 and it will take around 40 minutes.
Founded at the beginning of the 19th century, the city was transformed by the Dutch into a European-style administrative city. In the 1920s, a new town was built to the northeast with new buildings which are now called Gedung sate (due to the spire at the top of the skewer-shaped roof of the building) and Dago.
Several years later, the Dutch endowed the city with Art Deco and De Stijl architecture, the most beautiful jewel of which remains the Hotel Savoy Homann. At that time, Bandung was nicknamed “the Paris of the East” thanks to the multitude of parks, gardens and wide tree-lined avenues which left a few shadows hovering, conducive to the delights of the colony. Bandung suddenly became world famous in April 1955 for organizing the conference of anti-colonialist non-aligned countries.
This large city without much charm (except for its Art Deco downtown area) benefits from a cool climate and is surrounded by plantations dating from the colonial era: the Preangger. The city has now become the technological center of Indonesia, notably with its aeronautical research productions. From 1920, with the creation of the I.T.B. (Bandung Institute of Technology), where Sukarno studied, the city has become an important university center. Bandung is one of the most dynamic cities in the country, one of the most creative too. Typically Indonesian, Bandung exudes lightness. Contrary to Jakarta, the women are less veiled, the bars more numerous. The alternative Java scene is here!
There are 3 ways to get from Jakarta to Bandung by train, bus, taxi or car
Train: 2h 40m
Take the train from Jakarta Gambir to Bandung.
Travel time by train between Jakarta and Bandung is approximately 2h 40m for a distance of approximately 167 km (1037 miles). Operated by Kereta API, the Jakarta to Bandung train service departs from Jakarta Gambir and arrives at Bandung. Typically 14 trains run each week. However, weekend and holiday hours may vary. Remember to check in advance.
High speed train in Indonesia
After years at the top of the podium for foreign investors, Japan has been dethroned and even lost very symbolic battles against its Chinese competitor. This Wednesday, November 16, 2022 Indonesian President Joko Widodo, called Jokowi in the country, will meet Xi Jinping in one of the halls of the Nusa Dua convention center to watch together, from a distance, on the big screen, the test, on a section of the Jakarta-Bandung line, of the first high-speed train ever installed in the country. It should cover the 142 kilometers separating the two cities in 40 minutes, against three hours currently.
Bus: 3h
Take the bus from Jl. Blora to Bandung Xtrans De Batara
Car / Taxi 1h 49m
Take a taxi from Jakarta to Bandung the fastest way to get there*
Visit Bandung
Bandung is one of the best known Indonesian cities thanks to the famous Bandung Conference which took place there in April 1955. This metropolis is located in the west of the island of Java. It is the capital of the province of West Java. It is particularly famous for its gastronomic culture and its diversified constructions.
History
The 16th century marks the collapse of the Sultanate of Banten. This was a trigger for Dutch and English commercial companies which then began to enter Indonesia, particularly in the province of West Java. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that Bandung became an important trading hub thanks to its strategic position. Realizing this detail, the governor of the East Indies, Herman Willem Daendels, also chose to establish the Dutch East India Company there.
In addition, Bandung did not officially obtain its city status until 1810. Over time, the locality has seen itself modernized until it has become a very popular place for wealthy visitors. The latter were mainly interested in shops, restaurants, ballrooms, etc. Later, in 1880, local leaders sought Chinese help in building a railway line. This railway used to connect Bandung and Jakarta.
Moreover, 1946 was a year rich in rebounds for Bandung since the Dutch intended to regain control of the city. This was of course disputed by its inhabitants. More than 20,000 locals therefore set fire to the city 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
In its beginnings, the area of Bandung was estimated at nearly 19 km² then, over time, the city grew and it is now about 2,216 km². The local population has also increased. In 2005, for example, the number of inhabitants was 2,290,464, then in 2010 it increased to 2,393,688. According to a census from 2014, the city of Bandung had approximately 2,575,478 inhabitants.
Nowadays, Bandung is a starting point for tourist attractions located around it such as volcanoes, hot springs or tea plantations. Other points of interest in the city are also to be discovered.
What to do in Bandung?
Attend the Car Free Night
If you arrive in the city on a Saturday, head to the historic Asia Afrika Lane to see the famous ‘Car Free Night’. Between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., cars can no longer circulate and these give way to a huge crowd of pedestrians who organize shows as well as various activities of all kinds.
Visit local amusement parks
- Trans Studio Bandung
- Kampung Gajah
- Bandgung Treetop
Discover the culinary specialties of Bandung
A visit to the city of Bandung is also an opportunity to savor some local delicacies. You can, for example, order a Bakso Tahu in one of the many restaurants in the metropolis. It is a steamed meat that is often served with soy sauce and peanut paste.
Soto Bandung is also an essential dish that travelers taste when they are passing through Bandung. This beef-based soup is usually accompanied by vegetables, including radishes and chayotes. Nasi goreng is another specialty of Indonesian cuisine. It is also considered the national dish. Its preparation consists of frying the precooked rice and adding some ingredients such as sweet soy sauce, spring onion, nutmeg, bumbu, garlic, shallot, terasi, etc. For meat, you can either use chicken or mutton. In a variation of this dish, seafood is also used.
As for desserts, Bandung offers some delicacies like bollen, kuku brownies, surabi or even pisang goreng. You can, for example, choose the bollen, a kind of puff pastry that is stuffed with cheese or with a mixture of chocolate and banana. If you like pancakes, opt for the surabis. These are made from rice flour and coconut milk.
Getting to Tangkuban Perahu Volcano
This wonder of nature is located about 30 km from the city center. Discovery of the crater of the Tangkuban Prahu volcano located at an altitude of 2076 m (6811 ft), which releases sulphurous fumaroles. It is made up of a dozen craters that can be explored on foot (if the volcanic activity is not too high). Passage through the thermal springs of Ciater, bordered by clove trees and tea plantations.
This picture shows the main crater of the Tangkuban Perahu volcano. To its south range lies the megacity of Bandung (Indonesia, island of Java).
Glasreifen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Visit the Bandung Conference Museum
Discover the historical and cultural value of Bandung as the capital of the Asian-African Conference and also known as Paris Van Java due to its beauty. This museum is located on the Jalan Asia Afrika, in the freedom building which is locally known as “Gedung Merdeka”. It can be accessed every day except Mondays.
Gedung Merdeka Bandung, Indonesia. A former Concordia society. Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Saint Peter Cathedral Bandung
The building, located on Jalan Merdeka. It was built on the plans of the architect Charles Prosper Wolff Schoenmaker in a neo-Gothic style, it has an area of approximately 2,385 m².
The cathedral was consecrated on February 19, 1922 by Bishop Edmondo Luypen, S.J, Apostolic Vicar of Batavia.
The first church building was named San Regis Francisco on June 16, 1895. After Bandung received gemeente (township) status in 1906 , it was decided to build a new church building. Construction of the new building began in 1921. Construction was completed in 1922 and the new cathedral was blessed on February 19, 1922 by Monsignor E. Luypen. It is the cathedral of the Diocese of Bandung.
The cathedral, built in Dutch colonial era, serves as the center of catholic community in Bandung. Chezumar at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hotel Savoy Homann (Bidakara Homann Hotel Bandung)
The building was constructed from February 1937 to the end of 1939 and was designed by the Dutch architect Albert Aalbers in the Art Deco style. As a new building on the property on Afrika-Asia Straße , it replaced the previous Homann Hotel, which had gradually developed from the original home of the Homann family, which was originally from Germany and was built in 1871-72. During the first Afro-Asiatic Conference from April 18 to 24, 1955, heads of state such as Sukarno, Gamal Abdel Nasser, Ho Chi Minh and Jawaharlal Nehru were guests at the Savoy Homann Bidakara Hotel.
Trivia
- It was used as a luxury barracks for Japanese officers during the Japanese occupation (1942-1945).
- During the Bandung Conference in 1955, the most important guests were accommodated here, such as Soekarno, Hồ Chí Minh and Tito.
- Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford, 2 actors from the United States and Canada have stayed at this hotel.
- The 1994 book “Bandoeng-Bandung” by the author F. Springer is largely set here.
- The rice tables (rijsttafels) are still of the same quality and the chef regularly performs at the Tong Tong Fair (formerly the Pasar Malam Besar (large night market)) in The Hague.
Savoy Homann Bidakara Hotel. Gunawan Kartapranata, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Take a tour of the textile shops of Bandung
Bandung has a large number of shops where it is possible to do great business, especially for textiles.
What are the means of transport in Bandung?
To explore the metropolis of Bandung, you have the choice between various means of transport such as taxi, bus or angkot. The latter is a colorful minibus with several lines.
Climate
The climate of Bandung is tropical with an average annual temperature of 23° C. Even during the dry season (usually April), there can be showers, so always plan to dress accordingly.
How to get from Jakarta to Bandung?
Going to Bandung is not difficult. If you like train travel, for example, know that it is possible to reach this city with this means of transport from the capital Jakarta. At the same time, you will also be able to rub shoulders with the inhabitants of the country while enjoying the varied landscapes along the way.
It is also possible to go to Bandung from Jakarta by road by taking the toll highway named Cipuralang. The average journey time is about an hour and a half.
To get to Bandung quickly, there is of course the plane. Flights regularly serve the city from other Indonesian cities. You should know that Husein Sastranegara International Airport is the 12th busiest airport in the country.
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Sources: VillaCarissaBali, PinterPandai, Discover Your Indonesia, Travel Triangle
Photo credit: Lokamaya (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Main photo explanation: Bandung Basin seen from Mount Batu (Gunung Batu Lembang).
