Bandar Lampung is the capital city of Lampung province, located on the southern tip of Sumatra island in Indonesia. It is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a blend of culture, history, nature, and adventure. Whether you are looking for relaxing beaches, exotic wildlife, scenic hiking trails, thrilling surfing spots, or fascinating museums, Bandar Lampung has something for everyone.
In this guide, we will show you how to get to Bandar Lampung, how to get around the city, when to visit, where to stay, and what to do in this amazing destination.
How to Get to Bandar Lampung
Bandar Lampung is well-connected to the rest of Indonesia and the world by air, train, and bus. Here are some of the transportation options to reach Bandar Lampung:
By air:
The Radin Inten II international airport is the main airport serving Bandar Lampung and the surrounding areas. It is located about 28 km from the city center and has flights to and from Jakarta, Palembang, Batam, and other domestic and international destinations. You can take a taxi, an ojek (motorcycle taxi), or a bus from the airport to the city.
By train:
The train station is located in the heart of the city, near the Rajabasa bus terminal. It has trains to and from Palembang, Lubuklinggau, and other cities in Sumatra. The train journey is comfortable and scenic, as you can enjoy the views of the countryside, mountains, and forests along the way.
By bus:
The Rajabasa bus terminal is the main bus station in Bandar Lampung, located about 7 km from the city center. It has buses to and from Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and other cities in Java and Sumatra. The bus journey is cheaper than the train or the flight, but it can take longer and be less comfortable.
How to Get Around Bandar Lampung
Bandar Lampung is a relatively small city that can be explored by various modes of transportation. Here are some of the ways to get around the city and its surroundings:
By angkot:
Angkot is the local name for the public minibus that operates on fixed routes throughout the city. It is the cheapest and most common way to get around Bandar Lampung, but it can also be crowded, noisy, and slow. You can hop on and off the angkot at any point along the route, and pay the fare to the driver or the conductor.
By taxi:
Taxi is a more comfortable and convenient way to get around Bandar Lampung, especially if you are traveling with luggage or in a group. You can find taxis at the airport, the train station, the bus terminal, or the major hotels and attractions. You can also book a taxi by phone or online. Make sure to use a metered taxi or agree on the fare before you get in.
By ojek:
Ojek is a motorcycle taxi that can take you to your destination faster and cheaper than a car taxi. You can find ojek drivers at the airport, the train station, the bus terminal, or the main streets. You can also use online apps such as Gojek or Grab to book an ojek. You will need to wear a helmet and negotiate the fare before you ride.
By car rental:
Car rental is another option to get around Bandar Lampung, especially if you want to explore the outskirts of the city or the nearby attractions. You can rent a car with or without a driver from the airport, the train station, the bus terminal, or the major hotels. You will need to have a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit if you want to drive yourself.
Best Time to Visit Bandar Lampung
Bandar Lampung has a tropical climate with two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season lasts from October to March, and the dry season lasts from April to September. The average temperature is around 27°C throughout the year, with slight variations depending on the month and the altitude.
The best time to visit Bandar Lampung depends on your preferences and activities. If you want to enjoy the beaches, wildlife, hiking, and surfing, the dry season is the best time to visit, as the weather is sunny and dry, and the waves are high. However, the dry season is also the peak season, so you can expect higher prices and more crowds.
If you want to experience the culture, history, and festivals, the wet season is the best time to visit, as the weather is cooler and greener, and the city is more lively and colorful. However, the wet season is also the rainy season, so you can expect frequent showers and thunderstorms, and some roads and attractions may be closed or inaccessible.
Some of the festivals and events that you can enjoy in Bandar Lampung
Krakatau Festival:
This is an annual festival that celebrates the culture and tourism of Lampung province. It is held in August or September, and features various activities such as cultural performances, art exhibitions, culinary festivals, and a boat parade. The highlight of the festival is a trip to the Krakatau volcano, which is one of the most active and iconic volcanoes in the world.
Lampung Bay Festival:
This is an annual festival that showcases the beauty and diversity of Lampung Bay, which is one of the largest bays in Indonesia. It is held in November or December, and features various activities such as sailing competitions, fishing contests, beach games, and live music. The highlight of the festival is a fireworks show that illuminates the bay at night.
Sekura Festival:
This is an annual festival that celebrates the harvest and the new year of the Lampung people. It is held in March or April, and features various activities such as traditional dances, rituals, ceremonies, and competitions. The highlight of the festival is the sekura parade, which is a procession of colorful and decorated vehicles that carry the local products and symbols.
Best Places to Stay in Bandar Lampung
Bandar Lampung has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can find hotels, resorts, homestays, and hostels in the city center or near the attractions. Here are some of the best places to stay in Bandar Lampung:
Novotel Lampung:
This is a four-star hotel that offers a comfortable and luxurious stay in Bandar Lampung. It is located in the city center, near the train station and the Rajabasa bus terminal. It has 220 rooms and suites, equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and minibar. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, a pool, and a business center. The price ranges from $50 to $100 per night.
Sheraton Lampung Hotel:
This is a five-star hotel that offers a relaxing and elegant stay in Bandar Lampung. It is located in the outskirts of the city, near the Bumi Kedaton National Park and the Museum of Lampung. It has 110 rooms and suites, equipped with deluxe amenities such as air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and coffee maker. It also has a restaurant, a lounge, a spa, a gym, a pool, and a meeting room. The price ranges from $80 to $150 per night.
Emersia Hotel & Resort:
This is a three-star hotel that offers a cozy and affordable stay in Bandar Lampung. It is located in the city center, near the Lampung Bay and the Museum Sang Bumi Ruwa Jurai. It has 140 rooms and suites, equipped with basic amenities such as air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and refrigerator. It also has a restaurant, a cafe, a spa, a pool, and a ballroom. The price ranges from $30 to $60 per night.
Whiz Prime Hotel Ahmad Yani Lampung:
This is a two-star hotel that offers a simple and budget-friendly stay in Bandar Lampung. It is located in the city center, near the train station and the Rajabasa bus terminal. It has 140 rooms, equipped with essential amenities such as air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and shower. It also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a parking lot. The price ranges from $20 to $40 per night.
Lampung Homestay:
This is a homestay that offers a homey and authentic stay in Bandar Lampung. It is located in the outskirts of the city, near the Kampung Ulok Gading and the Kampung Kedamaian. It has 5 rooms, equipped with basic amenities such as fan, TV, Wi-Fi, and shared bathroom. It also has a kitchen, a living room, a garden, and a terrace. The price ranges from $10 to $20 per night.
Top Things to Do in Bandar Lampung
Bandar Lampung is a city that has a lot to offer to its visitors. You can enjoy the natural beauty, the cultural heritage, the adventurous activities, and the local delicacies of the city and its surroundings. Here are some of the top things to do in Bandar Lampung:
Visit the beaches:
Bandar Lampung has some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Sumatra, such as Sari Ringgung Beach, Mutun Beach, Klara Beach, and Pasir Putih Beach. You can relax on the white sand, swim in the clear water, enjoy the sunset, or join the locals for a picnic. You can also try some water sports such as snorkeling, diving, surfing, or jet skiing, or take a boat ride to the nearby islands.
Explore the wildlife:
Bandar Lampung is home to some of the most diverse and endangered wildlife in Indonesia, such as elephants, rhinos, tigers, orangutans, and birds. You can visit the Bumi Kedaton National Park, which is a conservation area that protects and rehabilitates the animals. You can also visit the Way Kambas National Park, which is a natural habitat for the wildlife. You can join a safari tour, a trekking tour, or a camping tour, and see the animals up close.
Hike the mountains:
Bandar Lampung is surrounded by some of the most majestic and active mountains in Sumatra, such as Krakatau, Anak Krakatau, Rajabasa, and Pesagi. You can hike the mountains and enjoy the panoramic views of the city, the bay, and the islands. You can also witness the volcanic activity and the geothermal features of the mountains, such as craters, lakes, and hot springs. You can join a guided tour, a group tour, or a solo tour, depending on your level of experience and preference.
Surf the waves:
Bandar Lampung is a paradise for surfers, as it has some of the best and most consistent waves in Sumatra, such as Karang Nyimbor, Way Jambu, Krui, and Ujung Bocur. You can surf the waves and enjoy the thrill, the challenge, and the adrenaline rush. You can also meet other surfers from around the world, and share your passion and stories. You can rent a surfboard, a wetsuit, or a surf instructor, or bring your own equipment and skills.
Visit the museums:
Bandar Lampung has some of the most interesting and informative museums in Sumatra, such as Museum Sang Bumi Ruwa Jurai, Museum of Lampung, and Museum Krakatau. You can visit the museums and learn more about the culture, history, art, and science of Bandar Lampung and its surroundings. You can also see the exhibits, artifacts, and collections that showcase the heritage and identity of the Lampung people. You can join a guided tour, an audio tour, or a self-guided tour, and enrich your knowledge and appreciation.
Experience the villages:
Bandar Lampung has some of the most charming and authentic villages in Sumatra, such as Kampung Ulok Gading, Kampung Kedamaian, and Kampung Sumber Jaya. You can experience the villages and immerse yourself in the local life, customs, and traditions. You can also interact with the friendly and hospitable villagers, and learn more about their daily activities, crafts, and cuisine. You can join a homestay program, a cultural exchange program, or a volunteer program, and make a lasting connection and contribution.
Bandar Lampung is a city that has a lot to offer to its visitors. It is a city that combines the best of both worlds: the modern and the traditional, the urban and the rural, the natural and the cultural. It is a city that will surprise you, delight you, and inspire you. It is a city that you will never forget.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Bandar Lampung today, and discover the southern gem of Sumatra.