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Expat Living in Bandung

This page is generously sponsored by the Bandung Independent School

The slightly cooler climes of Bandung (3-5° less than lower elevations) have been attracting expatriates for centuries. Bandung is the fourth largest city in the country with a population of over 2.67 million (2023).

Expat Community in Bandung

Recent immigration figures showed just under 2,000 expatriates living in Bandung, mostly Koreans, British and Americans. The expat community lives throughout Bandung but 90% of them live in North Bandung where the air is fresher and the traffic more reasonable. There is a teachers' community in Dago Atas, and expatriates with better incomes tend to live in Setra Sari, Setia Budhi, with a few in the Buat Batu and Kopo areas.

Links to community resources for expats living in Bandung:

Bandung Expat Directory and Guide to Bandung, published by the Friends of Bandung Independent School, is an absolute must-have resource for all expats moving to Bandung.

Women's International Club of Bandung

The Center Bandung - Jl. Cihampelas 186 (not far from Ciwalk Shopping Center). There you will find some foreigners and Indonesians who want to improve their English speaking, mostly young Indonesians. On Cihampelas you turn to a short dead end street, go (~70 m) up until near its end, on your left. From Ciwalk you go up Jl. Cihampelas (against the car traffic) some 150 meters.

Church Services in Bandung

Bandung Hash House Harriers - bandung-hash.com

Rotary Club of Bandung Kota Kembang

Bharat Club - social club for Indians in Bandung for more information, please email the club

A few tips from local expat residents:

Kota Kembang Taxi is not recommended. Blue Bird, Gemarih Pah, and Gemah Ripah are the best taxi companies in Bandung.
OBC Guest House is a nice place to stay for a month or more. It’s right behind UNPAR Economics Building.
If you like R&B, Klub Pesta and another at the top of the Lippo Tower are the best spots.
For the best massage in the world, go to the Hyatt Hotel in the fitness room
Most expats live in northern part of Bandung or in Lembang.
Many major fast food chains are present in the food courts of shopping malls.

Shopping

For shopping, Pasar Baru in Pasir Kaliki is recommended. There, you can bargain for clothes. Pasar Baru will be hectic after lunch time. Not only fabrics and clothing are available there, but also a food court, jewelry stores, and bag counters. Another shopping locale is Kings; it sells clothes, bags. For shopping malls, PVJ is nicer than Istana Plaza in Pasir Kaliki. PVJ is in Sukajadi, a little bit farther than Istana Plaza. There is a Carrefour, Gramedia bookstore, Sogo Department Store, Body Shop, Crocs Store, J.Co, Taiwanese Restaurant, Duta Suara Musik, Gelato, Auntie Anne's Pretzel, Lemonade Cafe at the back side, Blitz Theatre, and Papaya Mart (sells many imported product from Japan, Korea, European and American).

Good shopping at Carrefour, Hero, Giant and Toko Setiabudi.
Clothing – Plenty of shopping malls (Bandung Indah Plaza, Bandung Supermall, Instana Plaza) and Factory outlets
Hardware stores – ACE Hardware in Instana Plaza and Sunia Raya street.
Electronic stores specializing in cell phones, laptops, etc can be found in Bandung Electronic Centre in front of CCF. You can bargain on the cell phone prices.
For weekend banking transactions, can go to BCA in BTC-only for deposits and withdrawals. Open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am up to 2pm (CS-021.55.999.888).
For travel to Jakarta, you can use Cipaganti travel in BTC to various Jakarta destinations - South, North, West, East, Bekasi, Depok, Soekarno-Hatta Int'l Airport for reservations call 022.612.6650. From Bandung to Jakarta.

School

Bandung Independent School
Jl. Surya Sumantri No. 61
Bandung, Jawa Barat 40164
Tel. (+62) 22 201-4995
WhatsApp (+62) 811-2142400
Email admissions@bisedu.or.id
Website www.bisedu.or.id

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme
Nursery Program - 2 years old
Primary Year Programme (PYP) for Early Childhood - Grade 5
Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grade 6 - Grade 10
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grade 11 - Grade 12
School Terms / Semesters: August to December & January to June
Accreditations: IB World, CIS, NEASC, and Indonesian Government

Discover Excellence at Bandung Independent School (BIS)! Looking for an extraordinary education? Look no further than Bandung Independent School (BIS). A non-profit school with a 50 year legacy, BIS is renowned for its outstanding educators, IB curriculum, and welcoming community.

Mission and Vision: BIS inspires lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. Equipping students with skills, knowledge, and values, this goal drives academic excellence and compassionate engagement for positive impact.

Inspiring Curriculum: As the sole IB Continuum school in Bandung, BIS sets high standards for academic excellence and holistic growth. Our advanced curriculum melds global perspectives with local insights, cultivating a well-rounded worldview. Across subjects from science to humanities, experiential learning, projects, debates, and hands-on activities foster agency, creativity, critical-thinking, and real-world application.

Thriving Community: BIS stands out for its inclusive community that celebrates diverse cultures to enhance learning. Students, parents, faculty, and staff form a close-knit, supportive family working together to ensure holistic development

Global Awareness: BIS nurtures active global citizens. Fostering cultural appreciation, students develop international-mindedness, embracing the dynamic global landscape with confidence as they approach university and beyond.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: The BIS campus enhances learning and inspires students to push boundaries and discover their passions by nurturing creativity and exploration.

Holistic Development: BIS believes education extends beyond academics. Our robust extracurricular programs, competitive sports, and service clubs develop life skills, like organization, collaboration, and leadership.

Empowering Success: BIS's IB programs are valued by universities around the world and equip students for success. Bridging the gap between high school and university courses through the IB Diploma Programme, BIS minimizes disparity often seen in other paths.

Values: Courage by demonstrating a willingness to make mistakes and try something new; Open-Mindedness by listening to others, inquiring into different perspectives, and celebrating diversity; Balance by appreciating of emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being; Integrity through honesty, responsible decision-making, and a sense of respect and justice; Commitment to service through our vibrant community and beyond.

Become a Dragon! Join the Bandung Independent School family and experience excellence, empowerment, and a strong knit community like no other. Your future begins here.

Restaurants in Bandung

– a variety of rich culinary experiences

Every weekend thousands of people from Jakarta travel to Bandung to visit the many factory outlets and dine out at hotels, resorts and open air restaurants. Hoping to escape the traffic jams of Jakarta, many are disappointed to find that Bandung suffers a similar fate at the weekend, with thousands of B plated cars clogging the roads. In this brief article we would like to share a few ideas on out of town eating places where the traffic is not quite as severe as down town Bandung.

Kampung Daun

One the best known is attractions in the surrounding hills around Bandung is this unique and remarkable place which offers a wide choice of food; perhaps best known for its Indonesian cuisine, it also offers western favorites such as steak, pizza and pasta. This traditional and cultural centre comprises dozens of suang (traditional huts) catering for small groups or larger gatherings. The whole complex sits amongst an array of native ferns and other exotic tropical plants, located in a small canon where the water races over red rocks – this native garden setting is a treat for your eyes. After dining, it is almost irresistible to lie down on the comfy cushions and listen to the cascading water or steady rain – look around; you will be one of many soaking up the tranquility and dosing off – ahhh, just bliss! For directions it is best to look the location up on the net, or hire a local car and driver. Guaranteed not to disappoint. (BH)

Mandarin

If you are traveling through Lembang on way to the volcano or hot springs at Ciater, there is a Chinese restaurant located just up from the small fruit market on the left hand side of the road. Situated on a sharp right hand turn in the middle of town, the Mandarin is an unassuming small rumah makan, run by the same married couple for nearly 30 years and in all that time it has offered some the best food in the Bandung region. Its signature dish is kangkung cha, served in a sizzling plate with tender slices of steak and quail eggs, this is a regional delicacy that all the locals come to enjoy. Other favorites here include the crab and asparagus soup, fantastic frog’s legs, and all the seafood. The decor is plain, but the food; sensational. (BH)

Burgundy Restaurant

Not far from Lembang on the road to Marabaya, this is a complete contrast to the Mandarin. Located on ridge overlooking a beautiful green valley, it offers a wide range of cuisine in a delightful setting. One of the many food offerings here is the tempura – a tasty combination of prawns and local vegetables in a light batter, or you can choose from a variety of western dishes, washed down with a glass of fine wine, of which there is quite a good selection. The Burgundy Restaurant is a cool place, and I mean this in both terms – it is a great place to hang out and enjoy the view, but it can get cold, so bring a light jacket, particularly if dining in the evening. (BH)

Congo Restaurant & Wood Gallery

This is a favorite day & night spot for visitors who want to enjoy the mountain air and indulge in a good variety of food. Like many other restaurants in the Dago area, its surrounds are tastefully done, including the old wood mill and gallery, which has on display some magnificent pieces of furniture highlighting beautiful wood grains and colors. As with the Burgundy restaurant mentioned above, evening dinner guests at Congo can enjoy live entertainment, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. (BH)

Mountain View Golf Club

as mentioned earlier Dago has many wonderful restaurants and coffee houses, but not many offer better food than the Mountain View Golf Club. Visitors are very welcome and food has greatly improved since the introduction of a new Italian chef. Whether you drop in for lunch or a simple drink, the view from the open balcony is breathtaking. (BH)

Sapulidi Resort and Dining

Bandung Mall Eateries

For good coffee you can try Excelso which is at the Bandung Istana Plaza and the Bandung Super Mall. Excelso has light meals too. And for tasty and fast Chinese style dishes there’s The Rice Bowl which is at the Bandung Istana Plaza, the Bandung Super Mall and the Bandung Indah Plaza. The Bandung Paris Van Java Mall requires a lot of footwork. It is vast, and there are some nice eateries there. If you’re a Netherlander, try the H E M A restaurant - lots of Belanda/Dutch memories and an enjoyable little spot of Europe in the tropics with low prices!

Sapulidi Resort and Dining Bandung Sapulidi is just a little way out of town. Using Jalan Setiabudi in the direction of Lembang, turn left at the Ledeng Bus Station. About 3- 4 kms along this road there is a turn right to Sapulidi. Plenty of photo opportunities here as the eating area is vast and contains traditional “Sundanese style” huts. Little lakes with wooden boats and fish. You can even eat on board a raft. My suggestion is to try the hot ginger and palm sugar drink “Bandrek” - .a most refreshing “cure-all” brew. If you’re not sure of what to order, the English-speaking manager will surely assist and guide you. Prices are reasonable. There’s a souvenir shop with low priced gifts and postcards, and as Sapulidi is a resort, you can also stay there for a night or more.

Check out also the traditional Sundanese restaurants can be found around Kings, Kota Kembang and in Pasar Baru.

Hotel Dining

The Luxton Hotel is located within walking distance of the Bandung Indah Plaza, the Luxton has an Exquisite Lunchtime Buffet Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday from 1200 until 1500 (3 pm). Drinking water and fruit juices are included, there’s traditional, western, and Pasta dishes and some mouth watering sweets. If you require Tea or Coffee this is extra. The price USD 7.50 USD (equivalent) per person (7/2011). On weekends there’s a late night supper for just over 3 dollars per person (equivalent) The Luxton is a non-smoking hotel but there is a special room for those who enjoy the habit. This is a video of the lunchtime buffet at the Luxton Bandung

The Bandung Hyatt - The main dining room of the Bandung Hyatt serves up a western style buffet every Wednesday and Thursday evening starting from 6 pm. Drinking water is included and the staff speak English and are very courteous. Now here’s THE tip, if you live within Indonesia you can obtain a “Club at the Hyatt” card at the Bandung Hyatt PR office. Miss Tasha will help you here. The cost of the card is around 140 dollars per year. For this you will have amazing discounts as well as a free dinner, entrance to the Hyatt swimming pool, low room rates, and when dining at the Hyatt for two people the cost using the card is half price, for three people there is a reduction per person of 33 and 1/3 percent. So you can pop into the Bandung Hyatt any time of day or night, order a meal A La Carte and for two people it is half price. There’s about a ten percent discount on the drinks. The “Club at the Hyatt” card can be used in Hyatt Hotels in much of SE Asia including Australia. The Hyatt Bandung has a list of applicable Hotels and the discounts. Applies also to parts of the Grand Hyatt Jakarta. In Bandung the Hyatt has a coffee and cake shop and even a traditional style eatery. We sometimes pop in for a breakfast at the Bandung Hyatt.

The Bandung Hilton - As far as food is concerned the Bandung Hilton is the ultimate of hotel buffets perhaps in all of Indonesia! Each and every night from 6 pm there is a huge spread. Drinking water is included, but for other drinks there is a charge. There are different themes each week night - eat as much as you can and the charge per person is all of USD 17 (equivalent). The building itself is unique, a pleasure for the eyes! There’s an Italian styled restaurant at the Bandung Hilton which is A La Carte and reasonably priced.

One more very nice Hotel Eatery that should not be overlooked, if you’d like a beautiful tropical jungle setting and sometimes live music, try the Padma Bandung. Great food and friendly English speaking staff and the décor is unique.

Thanks to Stephan J Fleay and Bob Holland for sharing info on their favorite Bandung restaurants!

Transportation

City public transportation is easy to get around with. The Angkot public transport costs are very reasonable. If you prefer to travel by taxi, just use Blue Bird by phone (022-756-1234). It will come to your place 5 minutes before your time, but expect delays during rush hour.

Sports

Labs Baseball Softball Club

Baseball, Softball or Slow pitch: We practice every Tuesday at 3 to 5 P.M and Sunday at 2 to 4 P.M
at Baseball & Softball Field UPI, Jl. Setiabudhi No.229 Bandung, West Java. Kids from 4 years old are welcome. Interested? contact Tuti at +62 896 9184 3399.

The owner of Toko Setiabudhi is a good contact for Taekwondo groups.

Foreign Consulates

Honorary Consulate of Austria
Honorary Consul, Eduard Eddy Sugiri
JL. Padasaluyu Utara II/ 3
Bandung, West Java 40154
Tel. (+62 / 22) 201-1632, 201-1633
After hours (+62 / 22) 201-0354
Fax (+62 / 22) 201-4407
Email eesugiri@indo.net.id
Hours Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

Honorary Consulate of France in Bandung
Centre Culturel Français
Jalan Purnawarman No. 32
Bandung 40117
Phone (022) 421 2417
Fax (022) 420 7877
Email ccfbdg@rad.net.id

The French Consulate has a small cafe, a library with books, CDs and DVDs and courses to learn French.

Honorary Consulate of the Republic Hungary
Honorary Consul : Eduard Eddy Sugiri
JL. Padasaluyu Utara II/ 3
Bandung, West Java 40154
Tel. (+62 / 22) 201-1632, 201-1633
After hours (+62 / 22)201-0354
Fax (+62 / 22) 201-4407
Email eesugiri@indo.net.id
Hours Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

Things to See

Tangkuban Perahu Volcano crater (road is in bad condition, best to have 4WD
Nearby hot springs area, Ciater. Sari Ater Hot Springs Resort offers paid access to public or private bathing pools.
Tea Plantations
Strawberry plantation in Lembang
Curug Dago waterfall
Curug Cibareubeuy Waterfall and Pasar Mingon
Saung Angklung Udjo - angklung (traditional West Javanese bamboo instrument) performances are held in the afternoons.

Great article on travel to Bandung - At the Crater's Edge

If you live in Bandung and would like to assist us to provide more information to newcomers to Bandung ... please contact us.

Our thanks to Bob Holland, Stephen Fleay, Nissi Roring, and other great community members for sharing the information above!

Partially updated - August 18, 2023