Bandung is the capital city of West Java and the third-largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya.
The city was nicknamed – Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) for its resemblance to Paris and the European atmosphere back in colonial times.
The city has been well known for its universities, fashionable clothing, and as an excellent place for gastronomic adventure.
Nowadays, Bandung has become a viral weekend escape for Jakartans, who would crowd the city on weekends and national holidays.
Tourists come here to see many historical buildings and museums located in the city.
They’re also a lot of mosques, historical and art museums.
And many outdoor activities since the city located in beautiful and flora full area.
Warnings & Dangers in Bandung
OVERALL RISK: LOW
In general, the city is quite safe. You can safely walk the streets during the day. It is unsafe at night only because of the lack of sidewalks and proper street lighting. Using common sense and always looking after your things, you can safely be in Bandung.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
There is virtually no public transportation in Bandung. For moving around, it is better to use a taxi. Especially if you eat late at night, use only licensed taxi services and do not catch a cab from the street.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpockets are not very many, and most likely, you will not encounter them. However, areas in tourist places and bazaars can be dangerous. To be sure, keep an eye on your personal belongings and pockets. Do not carry a lot of cash and valuables.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
The city is surrounded by active volcanoes and several faults that might cause natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides. City authorities are prepared for such risks. Explore the current situation before your visit to the city.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Grave armed robberies in the city also do not occur. Most likely, these are exceptions. However, use common sense and do not walk late at night through the streets of Bandung. It is also worth avoiding getting drunk and walking drunk around the city.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Indonesia. Terrorist groups have the capacity and intent to carry out attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Types of attacks have included suicide bombings and small-arms fire, targeting public and crowded places. In Bandung also have happened attacks.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
The primary fraud in Bandung is associated with overpricing for tourists. Usually, white people of western appearance are immediately regarded as tourists and can offer you things and souvenirs at a price that exceeds the present time by 10. Also, fraud with the cost of a taxi ride is possible. Make sure the driver turns on the taximeter.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Bandung is pretty safe, and women can travel there alone. However, the usual safety measures and modest clothing must be followed. Try not to walk around the city at night to avoid trouble.
So... How Safe Is Bandung Really?
Bandung is a pretty safe city.
The crime index is low here, and most of the problems are related to bribery and corruption.
The likelihood that someone will try to rob you or steal your phone is minimal.
However, to use common sense is still necessary, and be sure to look after your things.
There are a few things to keep in mind.
There are virtually no pavements suitable for use in Bandung or most Indonesian cities.
So walking around places is generally a bad idea.
Bandung has virtually no public transportation system.
Thus, you can take a taxi or hire a car and a driver.
In Bandung, very few people speak English, so this will be another problem for you.
If you visit some attractions in Lembang, north of Bandung, expect to pay foreigners prices that can be ten times higher than what the locals pay.
There are also quite severe thunderstorms and rains almost every day.
At night, it is better not to walk around the city simply because there is not enough lighting, and the driver may not notice you on the road.
In places full of people, keep an eye on your things.
Although it’s rare, pickpockets can also wield here.
How Does Bandung Compare?
City | Safety Index |
---|---|
Bandung | 78 |
Jakarta | 54 |
Bali | 58 |
Denpasar | 60 |
Medan | 62 |
Surabaya | 80 |
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
Visitors to Indonesia must obtain a visa from one of the Indonesian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for six months as well as a valid return ticket.
Currency
The rupiah is the official currency of Indonesia. Issued and controlled by Bank Indonesia. It has sign Rp. The rupiah is divided into 100 sen, although inflation has rendered all coins and banknotes denominated in sen obsolete.
Weather
The best time to visit Bandung for the ideal weather is December to March. Average temperatures in Bandung vary very little, and the weather feels hot for most of the year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.
Airports
Husein Sastranegara International Airport is an airport in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. It is located within the city and 2.4 km from Bandung Central train station and 8 km from the city center.
Travel Insurance
The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
Bandung Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High °C | 21 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 |
Low °C | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 |
High °F | 70 | 81 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 84 | 84 | 82 | 81 |
Low °F | 66 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 64 | 64 | 66 |
Indonesia - Safety by City
City | Safety Index |
---|---|
Bali | 58 |
Bandung | 78 |
Denpasar | 60 |
Jakarta | 54 |
Medan | 62 |
Surabaya | 80 |
Can't wait to go!
Hi, thanks for the review! Planning my second trip to India and due to your review will be putting this city on my agenda for sure!