TIME OF VISIT: January 2025

BUDGET SPENT: £400 for the weekend for 2 people all included

When we decided to visit Bandung, we were so excited to try Indonesia’s brand-new bullet train — the Whoosh! It’s the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, and it makes the journey from Jakarta to Bandung in just about 45 minutes. It felt surreal to be traveling at that speed and watching the city slowly give way to green hills and tea plantations.

Bandung is the perfect contrast to Jakarta’s busy energy — cooler weather, mountain air, waterfalls, forest cafés, and a more relaxed pace. It’s a weekend escape that feels a world away. Whether you come for a couple of nights or stay longer, Bandung is full of beautiful surprises: from lush trails and garden cafés to local art, creative energy, and some of the best food in West Java.

We booked a Grab taxi to Padalarang Station in the morning, and it took about 40 minutes from Central Park — mostly because of peak-hour traffic. We didn’t book tickets in advance since we wanted to travel at our own pace and not rush.

Once we arrived, buying the tickets was very easy — we just showed our passports at the counter, and within minutes, we had two seats on the next train, which cost around £8–£10 per person each way. We asked the lady for the best available seats in normal class.

There is a first-class option, but we didn’t think it was worth paying extra — the standard seats were clean, modern, and very comfortable. The next train was leaving in about an hour, so we enjoyed a hearty Indonesian meal at the station café, which was simple but delicious.

When it was time to board, the station staff were very kind and helpful, showing us where to go and helping us find the right carriage. We sat on the right-hand side and enjoyed lovely views of the countryside.

The bullet train experience was fantastic — it felt smooth, quiet, and incredibly safe. You barely notice the speed until you see the landscape flying by. Once we arrived in Bandung, we booked another Grab and went straight to our hotel.

Staying at the Gaia Hotel

So, backpackers, it’s time to look away — or maybe, just maybe, be convinced that once in your life it’s worth spending a little extra. Since this trip was our anniversary, we decided to splurge and book a room at The Gaia Hotel in Lembang, a beautiful hillside area just outside Bandung known for its cooler climate, forests, and tea plantations.

Normal rooms at The Gaia are around £85 a night, which is amazing value for a 5-star hotel, but we decided to go all out — just for two nights. We found a deal on Agoda that allowed us to upgrade to a Club Room for about £140 a night (with cashback).

The Club Room section feels like a private retreat within the hotel, complete with its own lounge. The price included an incredible breakfast, all-day snacks and soft drinks, afternoon tea, and even two hours of unlimited cocktails and wine every evening — an amazing deal, as we were basically fed and pampered all day long.

The service and attention to detail from the staff were unbelievable. Breakfast alone was a feast — a mix of à la carte and buffet options featuring Japanese, Turkish, Indonesian, and English-style breakfasts, pancakes, and much more. You could order as much as you wanted. The buffet also included fresh fruit, juices, dim sum, Indonesian soups, and continental dishes. They even served TWG tea from Singapore and delicious barista coffee.

The hotel itself is absolutely stunning, surrounded by lush green hills and fresh mountain air. The infinity pool overlooks the valley and is the perfect spot for a morning swim or to watch the sunset with a drink in hand. The gardens are beautifully designed — we loved wandering around after breakfast, stopping by the koi pond, the orchid greenhouse, and the succulent greenhouse, all so peaceful and well cared for.

Our private food lounge was another highlight — elegant and quiet, with a balcony overlooking the hills, where we could enjoy breakfast, snacks, and evening drinks while soaking in the view.

Our room was fantastic: spacious, with a big comfortable bed, a modern bathroom and shower, a large TV, tasteful décor, and yet another balcony with a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills.

We also treated ourselves to a couple of massages at the spa, and they were heavenly. On the first day, we had a shoulder massage for about £10 each, which was the perfect way to unwind after the journey. The next day, we booked a private couple’s massage in a beautiful room — an hour of total bliss for around £40–50 for both of us.

As tempting as it was to spend all our time at The Gaia, Bandung has so much more to offer beyond the hotel walls. Surrounded by hills, waterfalls, and tea plantations, it’s a perfect mix of nature, good food, and creativity. We decided to explore a few nearby spots that are easy to reach by Grab — from forest cafés hidden in the trees to colorful waterfalls and local art experiences, there’s plenty to do even if you only have a couple of days.

Exploring Lembang: Forest Cafés and Waterfalls

The Gaia Hotel is perfectly located in Lembang, surrounded by lush green hills, pine forests, and cool mountain air — a refreshing escape from Jakarta’s heat and chaos. Even if you don’t stay here, this area is well worth a visit for a couple of days just to enjoy nature and the relaxed pace.

One of our favourite things to do around Lembang was exploring the many trail cafés tucked away in the forest, such as Limasegi Dipinus Coffee Cikole. Some are hidden down winding roads and surrounded by tall trees, where you can sit outside with a cup of hot coffee and watch the mist roll in. These cafés often serve local coffee, fresh pastries, and small Indonesian bites — it’s the kind of place where time slows down and you just breathe.

We also took a little adventure to the Rainbow Waterfall (Curug Cimahi), one of the most famous waterfalls near Bandung. It’s a short drive from The Gaia and then a walk down a scenic trail surrounded by forest. The waterfall gets its name because at certain times of day, when the sunlight hits the mist, you can see little rainbows forming in front of the water — truly beautiful. There’s a viewpoint halfway down if you don’t want to take the full hike, but if you can, it’s worth going all the way. We absolutely loved the rainbow waterfall and we recommend not to miss it if you visit Bandung.

After exploring, we loved coming back to the hotel for a swim in the infinity pool overlooking the valley and then having a drink at the lounge while watching the sunset. These spots are easy to reach via Grab, so even with limited time in Bandung, you can enjoy nature, beautiful views, and peaceful moments without venturing too far from your hotel.

Exploring Bandung: what to see

Bandung is a city that perfectly blends nature, culture, and creativity. From its cool highland climate to the surrounding tea plantations, volcanic hills, and waterfalls, it’s a great escape from the busier cities of Java. The city itself is full of charming colonial architecture, colorful streets, and quirky neighbourhoods where you can wander and discover little cafés, art studios, and local markets.

Some of the highlights to check out include:

Braga Street – a beautiful historic street lined with cafés, galleries, and boutique shops. Perfect for a relaxed stroll and a coffee break.

Gedung Sate – the iconic Bandung landmark with unique architecture, great for photos, and surrounded by green parks.

Floating Market Lembang – a fun spot where you can try traditional snacks from boats and enjoy the small amusement rides and craft stalls.

Trans Studio Bandung – if you’re looking for indoor fun, this large theme park has rides, shows, and entertainment for a full day.

Tangkuban Perahu Volcano – a short drive from Bandung, this active volcano offers stunning crater views and the chance to walk around safely with a guide.

Saung Angklung Udjo – a cultural spot where you can watch traditional Angklung music performances and even try playing the instruments yourself.


Bandung also has a lively art and craft scene, with many small galleries, handmade shops, and street art scattered throughout the city. Whether you want to explore nature, history, or creativity, there’s something in Bandung for everyone — and it’s all easy to reach from a central base like Lembang or the city centre.

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