Joanna James
As one of Indonesia's most popular tourist hubs, Bandung is home to its fair share of cultural and recreational points of interest. From historic landmarks to sprawling parks, here are seven of the city's finest attractions.
When it comes to spiritual hotspots in Bandung, none are quite as spectacular as the iconic St Peter’s Cathedral. Ranked among the city's most popular highlights, this landmark religious institution occupies the heart of Bandung and is, therefore, hard to miss when travelling around the city. Although the venue is officially dubbed Katedral Santo Petrus, most locals and seasoned visitors know it by its English name. An architectural marvel, this church is best visited during the afternoon hours when it is especially breathtaking in the receding sunlight and travel enthusiasts can capture a captivating shot to post on social media.
Another point of interest all tourists must discover includes the distinctly bohemian Braga Street, which is approximately a kilometre away from the city centre. Often called the "Paris of Java," the area was once a famous shopping hub for Dutch aristocrats during the colonial era. Now lined with high-end bakeries, jazz bars and cosy cafes, Braga Street is a hit with tourists in search of a little piece of Europe in the heart of Bandung.
Those who are based at the HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Ciumbuleuit Bandung or any similar hotel in Bandung should also spend time at scenic Situ Patenggang Lake. Providing visitors with captivating views across the landscape, this mammoth lake is spread out across a whopping 45,000ha. A popular honeymoon destination for local couples and a wedding photoshoot hub, the area is also ideal for those in search of camping facilities.
Regarded as a tranquil refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bandung Historical Park is also the perfect location to take a trip back in time to understand the history of the area. As a family-friendly recreational hub, the park is even equipped with a swimming pool, so tourists can cool off. Other reasons to visit the verdant location include its beautifully maintained gardens where one can take a quiet stroll or enjoy some reading time.
While Kawah Putih is no more than a visually arresting sulphuric lake surrounded by green mountains and massive rocks at first glance, it is a place of great mystical value for locals. Occupying pride of place in the south of the city, this is another peaceful corner of the city where one can get back to nature.
Dubbed Kebun Binatang Bandung in the local tongue or the Bandung Zoological Gardens, this one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary is another not-to-miss highlight in the area. Spread out across 14ha, this zoo offers visitors a glimpse of exotic flora and fauna in an engaging setting complete with playgrounds and the chance to enjoy boat rides.
Adventurers heading to Bandung must stop by this flying fox hotspot where one can enjoy the thrills and spills of the sport in a serene atmosphere.
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