Formerly Tanjungkarang-Telukbetung, Bandarlampung is the provincial capital of Lampung in southern Sumatra. It is the main gateway to Sumatra and has good connections with East Java and Krakatau.
Bandarlampung is a sizeable city of three quarters of a million people and presides over the beautiful Lampung Bay. There is a major harbor here at Bakauheni, with boats coming in left, right and center, making it easy to get to and from Java.
There are several museums and galleries in Bandarlampung as well as one or two stunning parks and gardens, while Way Kambas Elephant Training Center is good for those with kids. Hotels, shopping malls and eateries are located in downtown Bandarlampung.
The trans-Sumatra highway runs from Bandarlampung all the way up the coast to the north, taking in many places of interest. In addition, boat tours to Krakatau (Krakatoa) Island to the south are popular.
Getting There & Away
You can get to Bandarlampung by air and sea, with 40-minute flights from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport and 2-hour flights from Bali as well as 6-hour ferries from Jakarta. Ferries arrive and depart for Merak (Java) from Bakauheni every 30 minutes.
Things to Do
Bandarlampung Attractions
- Way Kambas Elephant Training Center
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A popular attraction in bandarlampung sees elephants playing football and offering rides.
Side trips from Bandarlampung
- Krakatau
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Lying 100kms south of bandarlampung in the sunda strait, this famous volcanic island blew its top spectacularly in 1883 and has good hiking today.
Events
- Bandarlampung Durian Festival
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Taking place every january, this fun festival sees the king of smelly fruit being consumed to excess and games such as durian hunting.