Bandung: History, Museums and Sundanese Culture

Bandung offers various ways to explore history and culture: historic buildings, museums and Sundanese performing arts each provide a different perspective. Those interested in the city can combine exhibitions on the history of Indonesia with architecture and traditional performances. Which of these themes you want to shape your stay is also a useful starting point when choosing a holiday apartment.

History and Exhibitions in Bandung

Several colonial-era buildings line Jalan Braga. These include Gedung Merdeka, formerly Societeit Concordia and the venue for the 1955 Asian-African Conference. The Museum Konperensi Asia Afrika is located inside the building. Its permanent exhibition features three-dimensional objects and documentary photographs relating to the Tugu meeting, the Colombo Conference, the Bogor Conference and the 1955 Asian-African Conference. The different types of exhibits bring the subjects to life in different ways: alongside photographs, objects are displayed in the space.

Another focus is Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat Jawa Barat, also known as Monpera Jabar. This historical monument and museum is dedicated to the fighters and people of Jawa Barat—their role in achieving, defending and shaping Indonesia’s independence. The offerings include educational visits for schools and universities, guided tours, screenings of historical documentaries, seminars and workshops on history and culture. If you are planning a visit, check the current programme in advance.

Museum Sri Baduga caters to different visitor groups with general visits, educational visits for schools and universities, guided tours, and permanent and temporary exhibitions. Bandung therefore offers different ways to explore history, from exhibitions on international encounters to activities focusing on Jawa Barat. For practical details, it is best to check the latest information before your visit.

Gedung Sate and Sundanese Art

Gedung Sate is a historic Bandung landmark. Built during Dutch colonial rule, the building now serves as the seat of the Jawa Barat provincial government, including the offices of the governor and deputy governor. The Gedung Sate Museum is also located within the complex. It presents the building’s construction history and the history of the city of Bandung. The garden around Gedung Sate is open to the public free of charge; check the latest access information before visiting.

Saung Angklung Udjo is a centre for traditional Sundanese art. It was founded in 1966 to preserve traditional Sundanese art and culture in Jawa Barat. The performance “Kaulinan Urang Lembur” features Wayang Golek, traditional dances, an angklung orchestra and interactive angklung playing with audience members. This shift between puppetry, dance, music and audience participation is what sets the performance apart from a visit to an exhibition alone. Check the current programme before your visit.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can weigh these cultural highlights against one another: are museums and historic architecture your main focus, or would you like to plan for a traditional Sundanese art performance? The offerings mentioned here give you different points to consider when making your decision. The best location to use as a base depends on the places you particularly want to visit during your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bojongsoang, Rancabali, Soreang, Cileunyi, Ciparay, Pacet, Cimenyan.

Back to the main travel overview: Bandung.