Hiking in Bandung: Our Top Tips and Favourite Spots

Bandung, the capital of Indonesia’s uniquely diverse West Java province, is a bustling city settled in the middle of volcanoes, lush forests, and tea plantations. The city itself is expansive, boasting a population of over two million people that continues to grow each year. It’s a city that’s bursting with life, from art-deco and colonial style architecture to the forever expanding fashion distracts and street markets: there’s never a shortage of things to do or culture to indulge in.

Maybe not so surprisingly, the area is also becoming a popular destination for those with a love for adventure and the outdoors. Sitting at 768 meters above sea level and existing so closely with the surrounding nature, this cool and tropical city is becoming a hotspot for travellers looking to experience the city just as much as the beautiful surroundings. With so much to explore, Bandung has quickly become a hiker’s haven.

If you’re visiting Bandung any time soon and want to stretch your legs, here are some of the tops hiking routes you should explore, some tips for tackling the climate, and well as some advice on when to visit and what to bring.

Best Hiking Trails in Bandung

In terms of natural wonders, Bandung has a lot to offer. From breezy mountain tops to smoking volcanoes, there is no shortage of adventure or things to explore. Because the city is situated so close to nature, it’s easy to get around and tackle day hikes while you’re visiting. From beginner walks to more advanced hiking, there’s something for every hiking style and every interest.

1. Mount Tangkuban Perahu

Just an hour North of the city is one of Bandung’s most popular day tips – Mount Tangkuban Perahu. The hike to this not-so-sleepy volcano has become a popular spot for tourists, thanks to the excitement and adrenaline that comes from being so close to an active volcano. There is a paved road that takes you right to the edge of the crater, but most travellers agree that the hike is where the real adventure awaits. The refreshing jungle air and stunning highlands are sights you don’t want to miss, plus you’ll be rewarded at the end with a dip in a relaxing hot spring.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: 25 kilometres north of the city
• Duration: Three to four hours

2. Keraton Cliff

Tebing Keraton, also known as “the jutting rock” is a famous cliff within the Juanda Forest, just a half an hour North of the city. From the top of this moderately challenging hike, you’ll take in spectacular views of the sprawling jungle below, spotted with the silhouettes of surrounding mountains. The trail is rocky and pretty steep, but anyone can tackle it if you take your time and watch your footing. Once you get to the top, you’ll see why it’s become a go-to hiking spot. The views simply can’t be beat. Keep in mind, one of the best times to visit is sunrise, allowing you to take in the views with a beautiful thin layer of mist covering the cliffs.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: 12 kilometres north of the city
• Duration: One to two hours

3. Pangrango National Park

This beautiful National Park is a great place to pack a lunch and spend the day exploring. With dozens of things to see, including the dramatic Mount Gede at 2,957 metres (9,701 feet) and the 3,019-metre Mount Pangrando (9,904 feet), it’s easy to spend an entire day hiking and exploring. If you’re looking for a longer day trip, hiking up one of the mountains is definitely worthwhile. You’ll get to experience the thriving wildlife first hand, can take in the majestic sunrise, and get the best view of the city from the summit. If you’re shorter on time, one of the park’s most popular features, the Cibeureum waterfall, is less than an hour’s hike, while the beautiful lake of Telaga Biru is even closer.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Location: 87 kilometres west of the city
• Duration: Varies from one hour to all day

4. Mount Batu

If you’re looking to tackle a mountain hike while visiting Bandung but don’t have a lot of time, Mount Batu is definitely your quick fix. At 1,228 metres (4,029 feet) above sea level, this mountain is the perfect height for a short hike that still boasts dramatic views of the city and charming mountains that surround the area. Because the mountain is formed from rocks, true daredevils can kick it up a notch and spend the day rock climbing or rappelling one of the mountainsides. Regardless of how extreme you want to make your visit, Mount Batu isn’t one to disappoint an eager hiker.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: 12 kilometres north of the city
• Duration: Three to four hours

5. Curug Cimahi

As the ultimate expedition for any wildlife fanatic, the path to Curug Cimahi makes for a perfect day trip leaving from Bandung. This trip includes tropical jungle vibes, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, and, of course, plenty of monkeys. Start your hike exploring the jungle and breathing in the fresh, cool air, take some time to take some photos of monkeys playing in their own habitat, and complete the day with an exceptional 87-metre (285 feet) tall waterfall. The path does include over 400 stairs, up and down, so be prearped to tackle the steep steps.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: 8 kilometres west of the city
• Duration: Two to three hours

6. Djuanda Forest Park

The Djuanda Forest Park is a botanical garden and conservation area just 20 minutes or so North of the city. Covering over 590 hectares from Dago Pakar to Maribaya, the park and garden is home to hundreds of tree species, historic war sites, and breathtaking waterfalls. The most popular hiking trail in the park covers six kilometres from one end to the other and gives travellers and locals alike a place to experience nature and so close to the city. Depending on how you explore the park and what you want to see, you could spend a few hours here or the full day.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: 9km North of the city
• Duration: Few hours to all day

Best season to visit Bandung

Bandung is very unique in the sense that the seasons vary very little, if at all. In fact, in terms of popular months for tourism, the trends vary and there is little consistency to travel trends year over year. In terms of hiking, Bandung provides endless hiking opportunities all year round, without one specific month being better than others.

Temperatures

Regardless of when you visit Bandung, expect temperatures to range from 24°C to  34°C (75-93°F). June through August is what’s considered winter, and December through February is considered summer. The summer months do tend to be busier, however, the actual temperatures between the two seasons don’t vary as dramatically as one would expect.

Rain and Humidity

Travellers can expect the most rainy days during the summer months, starting around October and ending near the end of April. Of course, it will depend on which month you visit, but in summer there are typically between four and ten rainy days per month. Humidity follows the same trend, with the humidity percentage being lower during the winter and higher in the summer.

Tips for Hiking In & Around Bandung

HIking in Bandung is like hiking anywhere else – you should always come prepared, be respectful to nature, and follow the safety signage and rules. That being said, here are a few tips that will make your hikes and exploration a bit easier.

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Bring some cash

Some trails, landmarks, or parks in Bandung have additional entrance or tourism fees. Typically they are to help keep these areas safe and well-maintained. Having some spare cash on hand will eliminate any panic or frustration when you get to the park and realize you’ll need to pay for entry.

Watch the weather

Before heading out, be sure to check the weather forecast. While the area is known for being balmy and warm most of the time, you don’t want to head out to hike Mount Batu if the forecast calls for a day filled with rain.

Join a tour

If you’re not sure how to go about planning your trip, your itinerary, or your hikes, joining an organized tour will make the whole process a lot easier. Knowing you’re travelling with expert guides ensures you make the most of your time in Bandung and see experience everything you’re hoping to.

Watch for monkeys

The monkeys in Bandung are for the most part adorable and fun to watch. But do keep an eye on them, especially if you’re wearing jewelry, a hat, or have food with you. Sometimes the monkeys get a bit bold and will try to snatch things out of your hands or off your clothes. Just be alert and you won’t likely run into any problems.

Now that you know where to hike, get inspired and get planning your trip to Bandung. Indonesia is filled with amazing natural landscapes, a bright culture, and a history that’s as rich as the food is delicious!