Ultimate 3D2N in Bandung Itinerary: The Paris of Java

Planning a 3D2N in Bandung adventure? This guide is perfect for travelers with limited time off but eager to experience the best of Bandung. Many people wonder what to do in Bandung on a short trip, or even ask, “What should we do in Bandung? Is Bandung worth going to?” 

Absolutely! Bandung is known for its cool mountain climate, colonial architecture, and vibrant culinary and cultural scene. In fact, its agreeable highland scenery made it a popular resort city nicknamed the “Paris van Java”. 

Even if you’re curious about what to do in Bandung for 1 day or 2 days, a 3-day, 2-night trip (3D2N) in Bandung is ideal for enjoying both the urban attractions and nearby nature. Below is a comprehensive itinerary covering what to do in Bandung for 3 days, from city sights and museums to the lush Lembang highlands. 

Day 1

Arrived in Bandung

Welcome to Bandung! Arrive by morning to make the most of your day. The city is about 150 km from Jakarta (around 2 hours via the Cipularang toll highway). Bandung’s train station is near the city center, so you can quickly get started. 

Drop off your bags (early check-in if possible) and get ready to explore. Today covers downtown highlights and local flavors.

Lunch at Warung Ibu Imas

For your first meal, head straight to Warung Nasi Ibu Imas, a legendary Sundanese eatery in central Bandung. This no-frills warung has been serving authentic Sundanese cuisine since 1980 and is hugely popular with locals and tourists alike. 

It’s famed for its sambal dadak, a freshly made super-spicy chili paste, and signature dishes like karedok leunca (a raw vegetable salad with spicy peanut sauce) and ayam bakar (grilled chicken). 

Be prepared for a wait during lunch rush, as this place is almost always packed – a true testament to its fame. It’s a great introduction to Bandung’s culinary scene and will answer anyone asking, “What is Bandung known for?” – one answer is amazing food!

Also Read: 7 Fun Things to Do in Bandung: The Ultimate Guide for First-Timers

Checking in at Bobopod

After lunch, it’s time to check in and freshen up at your accommodation. Bobopod by Bobobox is an ideal choice for a centrally-located, comfortable stay. Bobopod is Bobobox’s capsule hotel concept, essentially a pod-style hotel equipped with smart technology features for a convenient stay. 

Bandung has four Bobopod branches: Paskal, Cipaganti, Dago, and Alun-Alun. For this itinerary, the Bobopod Alun-Alun is very convenient (near the city square and many attractions). The pods are compact yet cozy, featuring app-controlled door access, mood lighting, and charging outlets, everything a modern traveler needs. 

Drop off your belongings in your pod; you’ll find the space secure and surprisingly comfortable for a capsule. With accommodation sorted, you’re right in the heart of the city and ready to explore more.

Coffee Time at Bobodeli

Bandung’s coffee culture is thriving, so an afternoon pick-me-up is in order. If you’re staying at a Bobopod, you can try Bobodeli, Bobobox’s on-site café kiosk available at some locations (for example, Bobopod Dago). 

Bobodeli offers brewed coffees, local teas, and grab-and-go snacks, perfect to recharge after your journey. Enjoy your coffee in the lobby or common area while planning the rest of your day. The vibe is friendly and casual, and it’s a nice perk of staying with Bobobox. With caffeine in your system, let’s head out to explore the city center!

Explore Braga Street

No 3D2N in Bandung trip is complete without strolling down Jalan Braga in the late afternoon or evening. Braga Street is one of Bandung’s most iconic areas, renowned for its rich heritage and unique ambiance. It was the social hub during colonial times due to its chic boutiques and European-style cafes.

Walking along Braga, you’ll see a mix of old and new: charming Dutch-era buildings (some beautifully preserved Art Deco façades) alongside modern restaurants and art spaces. Pop into a cafe, for instance, the classic Braga Permai bakery-cafe, to sample Dutch-inspired pastries or get a cold beer (Braga is one of the few streets in Bandung with bars, harking back to its cosmopolitan past). 

There are also local art galleries and street artists around, adding to Braga’s creative atmosphere. In the early evening, Braga comes alive with street music and lights. It’s a great spot for people-watching and feels like stepping back in time. 

By exploring Braga, you’ve covered a major highlight of Bandung’s city life. End Day 1 with a casual dinner in this area – there are plenty of options, from traditional Sundanese eateries to modern fusion bistros along Braga and adjacent streets. Rest up at your Bobopod pod after an exciting first day.

Day 2

Heading to Lembang

Start Day 2 early, as it will be filled with nature and adventure in the hills. After breakfast, journey to Lembang, the highland district north of Bandung. The drive is about 1 to 1.5 hours from the city (distance ~15-20 km, but can be longer due to winding mountain roads). 

As you leave the city, you’ll notice the air getting cooler and the scenery greener. Lembang sits in the Parahyangan highlands with elevations over 1,300 meters. The road to Lembang (via Setiabudi or Dago Giri) offers views of terraced tea plantations, strawberry farms, and pine forests. 

Along the way, you might pass popular photo spots like the Dusun Bambu leisure park or farmhouse-themed cafes. If it’s a weekend, expect some traffic as Lembang is a favorite getaway for locals. 

It’s best to depart Bandung by 8 AM to beat the crowds. Pack a light jacket as Lembang’s temperature is cooler, often around 20°C in daytime and dropping in evenings, a refreshing change from the city.

Also Read: Best 8 Indonesia Vacation Spots to Explore

Explore Lembang’s Attractions

By mid-morning, begin exploring the highlights of Lembang. First stop: Gunung Tangkuban Perahu, the famous volcano. This volcano’s name means “upturned boat” due to its unique shape and legend. 

It’s one of the easiest volcanoes to visit in Java. You can literally drive right up to the main crater rim. From the parking area, walk a short distance to the viewpoint and behold the otherworldly sight: a vast bowl-shaped crater with steaming sulfur vents and milky blue-green pools at the bottom. 

The view is often misty with clouds in the morning, mixing with the volcanic fumes for a dramatic scene. There are multiple craters (Kawah Ratu is the main one). You can take a short hike to secondary craters like Kawah Domas if open. But stay on marked paths and heed safety signs (sulfur gas can be intense). 

At the top, local guides might offer short tours, and souvenir vendors sell everything from volcanic mud masks to strawberry snacks. Spend about an hour here soaking in the panorama and crisp mountain air. It’s a signature “what to do in Bandung for 3 days” item – experiencing a live volcano up close.

Next, head to some of Lembang’s other attractions. Two popular family-friendly spots are:

• Floating Market Lembang: a park centered around a serene lake where vendors sell food from boats. Try some local snacks here; it’s a great place to sample dishes in small portions. You’ll find kolenak (grilled fermented cassava with sweet sauce), siomay dumplings, and more. There are also mini gardens, a train ride, and colorful photo spots. It’s a fun, relaxed stop, especially if you enjoy trying various local foods in one go.
  
• Farmhouse Susu Lembang: a themed attraction that recreates a quaint European village setting. It has mock Tudor-style cottages, a petting zoo (with sheep and rabbits kids can feed), and folks in Dutch costumes (you can rent one for photos). Don’t miss tasting the fresh milk (susu) and dairy products from the farm. The whole place is essentially one big photo spot; cheesy but charming. It’s a quick visit purely for fun photos and snacks.

Depending on your interests, Lembang has many other “what to do in Bandung” options: orchid gardens, strawberry picking farms, the Lembang Park & Zoo, or The Lodge Maribaya (known for its pine forest swings and zip-lines). 

If you prefer nature, you could visit Maribaya Waterfall or Taman Hutan Raya Djuanda on the way back. But keep your schedule comfortable, don’t try to do everything. By around noon, it’s time for a unique lunch spot in the midst of Lembang’s pine forests.

Lunch at Limasegi Dipinus

For lunch, make your way to Limasegi Dipinus, a café and eatery in Cikole. This hidden gem is located on the main road toward Tangkuban Perahu, set literally “di pinus”, among the pine trees. 

Limasegi Dipinus offers a fresh, open-air dining experience with wonderful forest views. The building itself has a distinctive geometric design (limasegi means pentagon) with plenty of glass, so you feel immersed in nature while you dine.

Grab a seat overlooking the pines. The atmosphere is tranquil and chill! The menu is a mix of local and Western favorites. Visitors recommend the Mie Goreng Jawa (Javanese fried noodles) or Nasi Timbel set, as well as their coffee and specialty drinks. 

Many dishes here incorporate Sundanese flavors, but you can also find pasta or snacks like banana fritters. There are even some designated photo spots (like a little viewing deck and a hammock) to get that Instagram shot. 

After a satisfying lunch amidst nature, you’ll be checking in to your accommodation in Cikole, which is conveniently just a stone’s throw away.

Also Read: 7 Best Kid-Friendly Vacations in Indonesia for Family Fun

Checking in at Bobocabin Cikole

Welcome to Bobocabin Cikole, your accommodation for Night 2. This is Bobobox’s take on glamorous camping (glamping), set in the lush Cikole forest of Lembang. 

At around 1,400 meters above sea level, Bobocabin Cikole lets you stay amidst nature without sacrificing comfort. Check in in the afternoon, the staff will show you to your private cabin. A chic, eco-friendly prefab cabin with a minimalist design that still includes all the essentials. 

Each cabin features a comfy bed, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and an en-suite bathroom with a hot shower. One of the coolest features is the smart glass window that can switch between transparent and opaque for privacy at the touch of a button (a Bobobox signature!). Some cabins have large panoramic windows offering serene views of the pine trees.

The facilities around Bobocabin encourage both relaxation and adventure. There are hiking trails and cycling paths directly accessible in the surrounding forest. You might want to take a short afternoon walk under the pine canopy; the air is so fresh here. 

Bobocabin also often provides a fire pit or designated BBQ area; in the evening, you can request a bonfire or grill pack (sometimes for an extra fee) to enjoy a campfire under the stars. 

Unwind for a bit. This is a good time to rest after the day’s outing. By staying at Bobocabin, you’re getting the “back to nature” experience with a touch of luxury. As dusk falls, get ready for a unique nighttime activity nearby.

Night at Hutan Mycelia

When night falls (around 6 PM), a short excursion awaits that will make your Lembang stay even more memorable. Just down the road from Bobocabin Cikole (within the same Cikole tourist area) is Hutan Mycelia, an immersive night forest experience that’s relatively new and creating a buzz. 

Hutan Mycelia is an outdoor attraction set in the woods, illuminated with creative light installations themed around fungi (mushrooms) and fairy-like ambiance. Open from about 5 or 6 PM to 10 PM, it offers a magical walk after dark.

Picture walking through a pine forest trail adorned with glowing mushroom sculptures, sparkling lights, and art projections. Soft, relaxing music plays to enhance the enchanted forest feel. 

As you wander, you’ll encounter exhibits telling the story of mycelium (fungal networks) and their role in the ecosystem, making it fun and informative, especially for kids. In fact, families with children will find it delightful: there are face-painting stations where you can get glow-in-the-dark patterns painted on, adding to the whimsy.

The climate of Lembang at night, cool and crisp, adds to the enjoyment. Wear a jacket as it can get quite chilly. As you explore, you might also come across other activities in the larger Cikole area: there are ATV rides, a paintball arena, and camping grounds nearby (Grafika Cikole). 

By around 8 PM, head back to your Bobocabin. The rest of the evening can be spent stargazing by the cabin or chatting by a campfire if you’ve arranged one. It’s a peaceful contrast to the city’s bustle. 

As you go to sleep in your cozy cabin, you’ll have the sounds of nature around. Not many Bandung itineraries include a night in the forest – it’s a special experience that definitely makes “Is Bandung worth going?” a yes, for both city and nature lovers.

Day 3

Back to Bandung City

Wake up to the crisp morning air of Cikole. It’s the final day, and time to head back to Bandung city for some cultural exploration. If you’re up early, consider a short morning walk or even cycling around the Bobocabin area; the sunlight filtering through pine trees is gorgeous. 

Check out from Bobocabin after breakfast and depart Lembang by mid-morning (to avoid heavier traffic later). The drive down offers nice views; you might stop at a viewpoint to take a last look at the Lembang landscape or perhaps buy some fresh strawberries or sweet corn from roadside farmers as souvenirs.

Re-entering Bandung, you’ll transition from tranquil greens back to urban scenes. Day 3 in Bandung is about enjoying local city life, especially the famed kuliner (culinary) scene, and a bit of history through museum visits.

Breakfast at Gasibu Sunday Market

If this day happens to be a Sunday, you’re in luck: one of Bandung’s liveliest local experiences is the Gasibu Sunday Market. Lapangan Gasibu (Gasibu Field) is a large public square right in front of the Governor’s office, Gedung Sate. 

Every Sunday morning, it transforms into a bustling open-air market known as Pasar Gasibu. Here you’ll find thousands of Bandung residents out and about, some jogging or doing aerobics on the track, many browsing the countless stalls selling food, clothes, and knick-knacks.

For breakfast, this is the perfect one-stop spot. Wander through the food stalls and try a bit of everything: bubur ayam (chicken rice porridge) for a hearty start, or a plate of kupat tahu (tofu and rice cake in peanut sauce). 

Don’t miss Bandung specialties like serabi/surabi (small rice flour pancakes with toppings), bandros (coconut milk hot cakes), and the legendary batagor (fried fish tofu dumplings) – you’ll often see these being cooked fresh in big woks. Wash it down with a cup of hot Bajigur (sweet coconut milk and ginger drink) if available. 

The atmosphere is vibrant and chaotic in a fun way. You’ll be shoulder to shoulder with locals hunting for breakfast and bargains. Shoppers can find everything from cheap clothing and thrift fashion to plants and phone accessories in the market section. It’s a great place to observe daily Bandung life and feel the community spirit.

If it’s not Sunday, or if you prefer a sit-down breakfast, you can instead visit one of Bandung’s classic morning eateries. For example, Warung Kopi Purnama (an old coffee shop since 1930) for kopi susu (coffee with condensed milk) and roti selai srikaya (kaya jam toast). Or go to Pasar Cihapit for street food any day of the week. But the Gasibu experience is hard to beat for variety and local flavor.

Also Read: Family Vacation Packages: A Cheat-Code to a Stress-Free Holiday

Museum Hopping (Geology Museum & Asia-Africa Museum)

After filling up on breakfast, it’s time for some culture and history. Bandung has several notable museums that can be covered in a half day. Two standouts are the Geology Museum and the Asian-African Conference Museum. Each offering a different insight into what Bandung is known for (natural history and historical heritage).

Museum Geologi (Geology Museum)

Conveniently, this museum is right next to the Gasibu/Gedung

Sate area (Jl. Diponegoro). It’s open around 9 AM (closed on Mondays). The Geology Museum is one of the most extensive in Indonesia for earth science, and it’s very popular for school trips and tourists alike. 

Inside, you’ll find an extraordinary collection of fossils, rocks, and minerals. The star attractions include a huge replica Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton dominating the main hall, and fossils of a prehistoric elephant (Stegodon) and even early hominids. If you have kids, they’ll love the dinosaur and volcano exhibits; if you’re an adult, you’ll still find it engaging and informative. Plan for about an hour here.

Museum Konferensi Asia Afrika

Next, make your way to Museum Konferensi Asia Afrika in the downtown area (a 15-minute drive from Geology Museum, near Jalan Asia Afrika, which you visited on Day 1). This museum is housed in Gedung Merdeka, the very site of the historic 1955 Asian-African Conference. It’s a must-visit for history buffs or anyone curious about why Bandung is significant on the world stage. 

The museum preserves the legacy of that conference, a milestone meeting of leaders from 29 Asian and African countries during the post-colonial era. Inside, you can step into the original conference hall, which is beautifully maintained with its 1950s interior; it feels like a time capsule where figures like President Sukarno, Nehru, Nasser, and others once sat. Exhibits include photographs of the conference events, documents, and gifts exchanged by nations. There’s even a diorama of the opening session. 

Fun fact: The street outside, Jalan Asia Afrika, often has people dressed in historical costumes or even cosplay characters during weekends, an interesting blend of past and present. The museum is free to enter and typically open 9 AM – 4 PM except on Mondays. Spend about 30-45 minutes here. 

If you have more time or alternative interests, you could also consider Museum Sri Baduga (for Sundanese culture and history) or Selasar Sunaryo Art Gallery (for contemporary art up in Dago). But with the two above, you’ve gotten a nice taste of Bandung’s natural and historical heritage.

Lunch – Bandung Culinary Finale

It’s early afternoon on Day 3 – time for one last delicious meal before concluding your trip. Bandung’s culinary options are endless, so depending on your craving, here are a couple of suggestions:

• Batagor & Siomay at Kingsley: To sample one of Bandung’s most famous foods in its most famous outlet, head to Batagor Kingsley on Jalan Veteran. Batagor stands for bakso tahu goreng, which are fried fish cakes and tofu served with a savory peanut sauce.
  Kingsley is a legendary spot, often a must-stop for Jakartans on a Bandung trip. The batagor here has a crispy exterior and flavorful fish filling, and you typically douse it in their special peanut and chili sauce, absolutely addictive.
  
• Sop Buntut at Dapur Dahapati: If you prefer a sit-down lunch and something hearty, try Dapur Dahapati (on Jalan Cipaganti, northern Bandung). This homey restaurant is famed for its Sop Buntut, an Indonesian oxtail soup considered one of the best in Bandung.
  The oxtail is simmered until tender in a clear broth with potatoes, carrots, and aromatic spices, served with rice and a squeeze of lime. It’s savory, comforting, and has a loyal following. 

Of course, there are many other choices, from Sundanese buffet at Nasi Timbel Bawean to trendy cafés in Dago, but whichever you choose, make sure to end your food adventure on a high note. Perhaps enjoy one last dessert too: Bandung is also known for its sweet treats like es cendol Elizabeth (iced pandan jelly drink) or the famous Amanda steamed brownies (you can buy boxes to take home).

Ready to explore Bandung yourself? Download the Bobobox app now to easily book your Bobopod or Bobocabin and make your 3D2N Bandung trip a reality. Enjoy exclusive deals and a seamless booking experience – your smart travel adventure starts with a single app. Safe travels and have a great stay in Bandung!

 

Featured photo: Bobobox Internal Asset

Writer: Syifa Nuri Khairunnisa