Bandung

Nestled in a cool highland valley on the island of Java, Bandung is one of Indonesia’s most exciting and creative cities. The mountain air keeps things refreshingly breezy, giving the city an energy that feels different from the tropical heat of the coast. It has long had a reputation for style and flair — so much so that during the colonial era, people compared it to one of Europe’s most glamorous capitals, and the nickname stuck.

Bandung is a place where creativity bubbles up everywhere you look. Trendy fashion boutiques sit alongside old art deco buildings, and the streets hum with cafes, music, and local art. The food scene alone is worth the trip, with incredible flavours around every corner.

Beyond the city streets, Bandung’s volcanic landscape is jaw-dropping. You can peer into steaming craters, gaze at a surreal turquoise lake ringed with white rock, and experience the raw, rumbling power of nature — all within reach of this endlessly fascinating city.