For nature-lovers, Bandung has a strong unique selling-point: volcanos! Each has its own distinctive landscape and offers visitors great views and satisfying hikes. Tangkuban Perahu to the north of Bandung is an active volcano, erupting as recently as August 2019. Its highest point is 2,084 metres above sea-level, and it has three craters that visitors can explore.
Not too far from Tangkuban Perahu, there’s the Cikole Orchid Forest which offers cool mountain air, ancient pine trees, instagrammable photo spots, and over 20,000 orchids from Indonesia and other countries. The place also offers exciting activities such as a flying fox and a wooden bridge that hangs 23 meters above the forest floor.
On the way back to the city, it’s possible to stop at Curug Cimahi (Rainbow Waterfall). At 87m tall, it’s one of the highest waterfalls in the region, and comes with a light show in the evening. Or if you’re looking to relax your tired muscles after a long day, then Sari Ater Hot Spring is the answer. The water temperature is around 40 degrees, and a soak there on a cool evening is quite a novel experience!
In the south of Bandung, the highlight is Kawah Putih (White Crater), the famous crater lake of Mount Patuha. Set in a surreal physical environment, the lake changes colour depending on the temperature and concentration of sulfur in the water, and is spectacular to behold. Another crater worth visiting is Kawah Rengganis (Rengganis Crater). Less touristy than other spots, this place feels like a hidden gem, where you can enjoy a mud bath in a back-to-basics environment.
Bandung’s wealth in the 19th and early 20th century was built on its lush plantations, thanks to the fertile volcanic soil. Tea was an important cash crop for the Dutch, and you can visit a tea estate established in 1890. The current owners organise guided visits, where you can learn about tea-growing and harvesting techniques, as well as how tea leaves are processed and packaged.
For a touch of the whimsical, make a trip to the Pinisi Restaurant, built to look like a giant ship stranded on the shores of Situ Patenggang (Lake Patenggang). It’s mainly an architectural curiosity, with a platforms that afford gorgeous views of the lake and the environs.
