Bandung, Indonesia - Airport in Bandung

The airport in Bandung is Husein Sastranegara International Airport but many refer it as Bandung Airport. The airport is located at the end of Pajajaran Street, about 5 km (3 miles) from Bandung's city centre and 3 km (2 miles) from the railway station. It's a medium-size airport with Terminal A for domestic flights and Terminal B for international flights.

Most flights are domestic flights with Bali (Denpasar), Surabaya, Medan and Yogyakarta being the main destinations. The only international flights are between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia (Air Asia and Indonesia Air Asia) and Singapore (Indonesia Air Asia, SilkAir and Tigerair). Some hotels provide free airport transfer but if not available, a taxi is the best option.

Husein Sastranegara International Airport by amrufm

Front of the airport

Entering the airport terminal

Bandung Airport from the tarmac by Goldstajn

View of the tarmac from the airplane

Bandung, Indonesia - What is Bandung Like?

I find Bandung relatively pleasant city compared to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. I wouldn't consider Bandung to be laid back but for sure not congested and chaotic as smog filled Jakarta. Though situated in the highlands, it's not cold here but definitely comfortably cooler (temperature highs around 28°C or 82°F) compared to the sweaty heat of the lowlands.

Unlike Jakarta where everybody seems to be in a rush for whatever, Bandung moves at a moderate pace. For a foreign visitor new to Bandung, the city does not give the impression of being intimidating or confusing like other major cities in Indonesia. There is always time for something here. Explains why many Jakartans come to Bandung for short breaks.

Bandung City Hall by Prayudi Setiadharma

Street in Bandung

A backstreet in Bandung

The Grand Mosque in Bandung by Prayudi Setiadharma

The hotel I stayed in Bandung

Bandung, Indonesia - Bandung, the Capital of West Java

Bandung is a city of 2.4 million and the capital of West Java Province, located about 180 km (110 miles) east of Indonesia's capital of Jakarta. It is the third largest city after Jakarta (10.1 million) and Surabaya (2.8 million). Bandung is situated 768 metres (2,520 feet) above sea level and offers a much cooler and pleasant climate than the humidity and heat of the lowlands.

Bandung has an interesting Dutch colonial history, with many of the older buildings here comprising of colonial Dutch and Art Deco architectures. I could see plenty of Malaysian and Singaporean visitors in Bandung, often heading to the factory outlets for clothes and accessories including luxury brands at bargain prices. As for me, Bandung is a heaven of Indonesian foods.

Swarha Building in Downtown Bandung by Prayudi Setiadharma

Sukajadi Road

Braga Street in Bandung by Midori

A street in Bandung

Street food vendor by Jonathan McIntosh

Bandung, Indonesia - Bandung Railway Station

Bandung's railway station is situated in the city centre at Kebon Kawung Street. The railway station is on the main route between the Indonesian capital of Jakarta in the west, and the cities Yogyakarta and Surabaya in the east. Bandung Station is a medium size railway station, and personally find it easier to get my way around compared to Gambir Station in Jakarta.

For public transport, you can find vans called 'angkot' at the northern and southern section of Bandung Station. If you prefer a taxi, you can find plenty waiting at the northern section. Motorcycle taxis called 'ojek' are also available. Several budget hotels and local restaurants are located nearby, and if you prefer staying near the station, you can just walk.

Bandung Railway Station by Midori

Ticketing counter by Midori

The platform by Midori

Arriving passengers

Bandung, Indonesia - Train Journey to Bandung

Being only 180 km (110 miles) apart between Jakarta and Bandung, there are no flights between the two cities. To get between Jakarta and Bandung, options include the long distance buses, 6 to 12-seater vans, taxis and the trains. Buses and vans are the cheapest options and taxis the most expensive, while the train (on the Executive Class) is somewhere in between.

I've taken a train trip on the Executive Class of the 'Argo' train to Bandung, boarding at Jakarta's Gambir Station. The fare was surprisingly cheap at 60,000 rupiah (USD5) if you consider the distance, facilities and level of service. The journey takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Java, passing through rice fields, farms, villages and small towns - highly recommended.

Gambir Station in Jakarta

Inside the Executive Class coach

Passing through the countryside on the train to Bandung

Passing through rice fields

Arriving at Bandung Station by Midori