Five things to do in Bandung with kids
If you love travel, it’s never too early to look ahead – and I’m plotting how to fill those school holidays, scouring the top upcoming destination lists are out. After our wonderful adventure to Burma, I have my sights set on another ambitious trip – and family-friendly Asia is a definite contender, including Indonesia.
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Bali’s the big name destination of course, including Menjangan island off Pemuteran, and Lombok, both among the top picks from Lonely Planet. But it would be fascinating to explore the rest of the country too.
The third largest city, Bandung, is only a few hours from Jakarta in west Java. Set among lush green tea plantations and volcanic peaks, it’s also a bit cooler, something we welcomed last time up in the hills of Pyin oo Lwin in Burma.
There are also some lovely five-star hotels – one lesson I learned in Burma was a bit of air-conditioned luxury and a swim is essential after exploring. So what else tempts me to the city? Here are my top five things to do in Bandung with kids.
1. Visit a volcano
Regular readers will know I love a volcano – Minnie’s first overseas trip included Timanfaya in Lanzarote and she’s also been to Soufriere in St Lucia.
At Tangkuban Perahu, a couple of hours outside the city, white steam still comes from the semi-dormant crater. Obviously take safety advice before you go if you’re adding it to your list of things to do in Bandung with kids, and arrive early to beat the traffic jams.
2. Enjoy the scenery
The Dusun Bambu Family Leisure Park is set in mountain foothills where you can wander along bamboo walking paths or try canoeing on the lake.
Then have lunch in one of the ‘hanging nests’ – like suspended wicker balls – or head up to café Burangrang for the fabulous views.
3. Make some music
I love introducing my daughter to local traditions and culture, whether that’s how lacquerware is made or a puppet show so Saung Angklung Udjo sounds a fun way to discover local Sundanese music.
The angklung is made from carved bamboo tubes to produce different notes, and as well as listening to a concert, you can dance and watch one of the instruments being made – all proceeds help educate local underprivileged children.
4. Discover the history of Bandung with kids
Indonesia was a Dutch colony until 1945, and the city is famous for its Art Deco buildings – my favourite architecture period, here called ‘New Indies’ style for its local influences.
My four-year-old might be tempted by seeing them from the Bandros, aka the Bandung Tour on Bus. A red open-top double decker, it takes you past the city’s historical landmarks in a 30 minute tour.
5. Go shopping
The city is famous for its malls – Jalan Cihampelas is known as ‘jeans street’ for its array of places to buy denim – but I can’t yet see my daughter enjoying this kind of retail therapy.
A floating market, on the other hand, could be just the answer with one on a lake at nearby Lembang. As well as traditional food served from the small boats (and pizza and pasta not far away, for fussier eaters), there’s a cactus garden, paddle boat rides and a miniature train set.
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN BANDUNG WITH KIDS
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Images courtesy of Depositphotos
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Loved this. Cannot wait for the baby to be big enough for travel vaccinations so we can go a little further off the beaten track. We have started planning next year’s travel already though, I cannot help myself! 😀
Thanks – I feel like this year we finally got to the point where even malaria tablets were doable so the world suddenly opens up. And I always have half a dozen trips half planned in my head…
Beautiful. I love balancing culture with nature when we travel. And a swimming pool is always a good way to unwind for the littles. The volcano is so cool looking and I love the music image. Thanks for sharing and linking with #FarawayFiles this week. Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Thanks – it’s a great way to get a sense of the destination, I think. Especially with a pool at the end.
We loved Bali, Lombok and the Gili islands so are keen to explore more of Indonesia – thanks for the inspiration for #FarawayFiles
The Gili islands always sound like paradise – would love to add those in too.
I reckon Bandung’s going to be THE hot destination of 2017 🙂 It does sound wonderful. Makes me yearn for a trip to Asia with the kids – I’ve never taken them, but you’re convincing me it’s more than possible…
I think you could be right! And Asia is definitely possible – so much variation as well between the bigger tourist centres and more unexplored, cities and beach, so there’s always somewhere that works.
Indonesia was the first country I visited outside Australia and I loved it. My mum actually taught Indonesian so she speaks it fluently which is always useful. I hope you are able to visit Bandung and other parts of the country as I feel like it is almost Indonesia’s moment in the traveling world and well deserved. Thanks for joining us on #FarawayFiled
How fantastic to have that (nearly) on the doorstep – and very useful of your mum. It sounds such a fascinating country, with so much to discover in the different areas too.
Your list must be getting longer and longer! Some fantastic ideas here. I’m torn between lunch in a hanging nest and looking at the Art Deco buildings.#farawayfiles
It is! I don’t think it ever really gets shorter – I always want to revisit, or realise it’s been a long time since my last visit. I do love Art Deco and it’s so amazing to find an Asian influenced version.
I have lovely childhood memories of my trip to Bandung with my family. It is a lovely place to visit indeed and I am sure you and your family will enjoy it!
Thanks Ahila – lovely to hear from someone who’s already been.
your plans sounds amazning ! can’t wait to read all about it ! I know what you mean about getting excited to plan 2017! I m travelling next week and right after that I can plan my next trips for next year
Thanks – it’s almost half the fun, checking out ideas, planning possible itineraries. I love trip planning.
I love the planning bits of holidays (and the getting there and the being there and remembering it all afterwards) the bit before you finally decide is always so full of possibilities!
#FarawayFiles
Exactly – that feeling that you could go anywhere and do anything.