Jakarta, Indonesia’s vibrant capital, and Bandung, the refreshing "Paris of Java," offer a perfect blend of modern lifestyle, colonial history, and stunning volcanic landscapes. With the recent launch of the Whoosh High-Speed Rail, traveling between these two hubs now takes less than 45 minutes, making them the ultimate twin-destination trip.
Top Places to Visit in Jakarta
Jakarta is a city of contrasts, where towering skyscrapers stand alongside colonial ruins and world-class shopping malls.
- Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK 2): The city’s newest lifestyle destination. Visit Pantjoran PIK for a vibrant Chinatown atmosphere, stunning murals, and excellent street food.
- Kota Tua (Jakarta Old Town): Walk through Fatahillah Square to see 17th-century Dutch colonial architecture. Don't miss Café Batavia for a vintage dining experience.
- Monas (National Monument): The iconic symbol of Indonesian independence. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of the city.
- Istiqlal Mosque & Jakarta Cathedral: Located directly across from each other, these two landmarks represent the nation's religious harmony and architectural beauty.
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII): A cultural park showcasing miniature traditional houses from every province in Indonesia—perfect for families.
Top Places to Visit in Bandung
Bandung is famous for its cool mountain air, creative culinary scene, and dramatic natural scenery in the surrounding highlands.
- Kawah Putih (White Crater): A surreal turquoise acid lake situated in a volcanic crater. The morning mist makes it one of the most photographed spots in Java.
- Lembang Area: Head north for family-friendly attractions like The Great Asia Africa, Orchid Forest Cikole, and the Floating Market Lembang.
- Mount Tangkuban Perahu: One of the few active volcanoes where you can drive right up to the rim of the crater to see the sulfurous smoke rising.
- Jalan Braga: A historic street lined with Art Deco buildings, trendy cafes, art galleries, and bars. It is the heart of Bandung’s social life.
- Saung Angklung Udjo: An essential cultural stop to watch a traditional Sundanese bamboo musical performance that is interactive and high-energy.
Practical Travel Tips
- Getting Between Cities: Use the Whoosh High-Speed Train. It departs from Halim Station (Jakarta) and arrives at Padalarang or Tegalluar (Bandung) in approximately 30–45 minutes. From Padalarang, a free feeder train takes you directly to Bandung City Center.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season between May and September is ideal.
- Avoiding Traffic: Avoid traveling to Bandung from Jakarta on Friday afternoons or Saturdays, as the traffic and crowds can be overwhelming due to weekend holidaymakers.
- Apps to Download: Use Grab or Gojek for easy transportation and food delivery, and Tiket.com or the Whoosh app for train bookings.