Bandung is the capital of West Java, Indonesia and the entry point to a variety of trekking options in this area. From volcanoes to waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes to caves and of course jungle trekking – there is a lot to explore and plenty of options on Bandung trekking holidays. With any luck you may also get to see some of the exotic wildlife Indonesia has on offer.
For those wanting to trek the moon like landscape of a volcano, Tangkuban Perahu is roughly 30km North of the city and offers trekking to the rim of this dormant volcano. You can view the hot springs and boiling mud and even buy a volcanically boiled egg.
Other volcanic trekking in Bandung spots includes Kawah Putih, which means white crater in Indonesian and is located 46km to the South of the city. The crater itself is part of Mount Patuha and forms a large lake with an island in the centre which you can visit by boat. The shore of the lake makes an excellent place to camp as you’ll get to wake to a sunrise over the bright coloured waters.
For those who want to see wildlife perhaps the best place for some jungle trekking is Curug Cimahi which is 30km from Bandung making it a great to visit on a day trip. The forest is famous for monkeys and Curug Cimahi itself is an 87m waterfall that makes a brilliant climax to the hike.
Both the Dutch and Japanese built networks of caves just 3km from Bandung centre in the Dago Pakar area when they were in control of the island and it’s possible to walk into them. You’ll often find enterprising locals hiring out torches at the entrances which will save you carrying your own gear on Bandung trekking holidays.
There are numerous other options for day hikes and longer treks in the area but it is recommended you get a guide. I was there in 2001 so I wouldn’t want to include any misleading information as I am sure much has changed. But I found the staff in most guest houses had their favourite local walks, and were often happy to join you or send a member of the family along to show you the local trails.
