Located just up from the market town of Ambarawa in Central Java, Bandungan is a pretty mountain village, although is only really for those who appreciate nature and landscapes.
Bandungan makes the ideal escape from hot Jakarta, and other low-lying Javan destinations during the height of the dry season, with its cool mountain air and get away from it all feel. There is a tourism infrastructure here but it is, thankfully, minimal with just a few resorts and hotels.
The main sight in Bandungan is the hilltop Gedong Songo temples. They are beautifully located just out of town and feature fine examples of Hindu/Buddhist art. The views from the temple are the big draw, with volcanoes Sumbing, Sindoro, Merbabu and Merapi all clearly visible.
Getting There & Away
The gateway to Bandungan is Semarang Airport, an hour to the north. It receives flights from Soekarno-Hatta Airport (the closest major airport) in Jakarta in under an hour and is around 40kms to the south. Ambarawa is 15 minutes from Bandungan.
Things to Do
Bandungan Attractions
- Gedong Songo temples
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The main sight in bandungan, these nine temples have a superior location above town with ancient art and fantastic views.
- Bandungan Flower Market
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Vendors gather from villages all around bandungan to sell their flowers and vegetables in a sea of color.
Side trips from Bandungan
- Rawa Pening Lake
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Lying just to the south of bandungan and south again of ambarawa, this lake is surrounded by high hills and is as pretty as they come.