How to Plan as a First Timer Visiting Badung

Often described as the “Paris of Java”, Badung is no ordinary travel destination in Indonesia. Having served as a summer retreat for wealthy Dutch families during the first half of the 20th century, the city is no less charming than it was when the comparisons with the French capital were first drawn. From deciding on the timing of the vacation to creating an activity plan, here's how first-time visitors can plan a memorable getaway to the area.

Timing the Trip

The first step in planning a holiday in Badung is deciding when to travel. Just like in most Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia's weather patterns can also be divided into dry and wet seasons. Those who are heading to Badung for the first time should avoid the wet season altogether as the months between October and May are not ideal for outdoor excursions and touring key attractions such as Dusun Bambu and Tangkuban Perahu. Flooding is also quite common during downpours at this time of year, so tourists are better off visiting the city between June and September. This is the official tourist season in Badung and the clear and sunny conditions are perfect for sightseeing and engaging in all manner of activities.

Reaching Badung

Although most travellers can fly directly into Badung's Husein Sastranegara International Airport, a vast majority choose to visit Jakarta or Bali first. Tourists who intend to spend time in the capital before heading to Badung will find that there are a number of carriers offering daily flights to their intended destination. It takes around an hour to reach Badung from Jakarta on a domestic flight while those who prefer to take the train can also hop on a train bound for the city from the Indonesian capital. Mini buses are another affordable and efficient means of transport for those who wish to drive to Badung from Jakarta as the journey will take 2.5 hours at most.

Find a Convenient Base

The next step in organising a getaway to Badung is selecting a base for the holiday. Whether one chooses the POP Hotel Festival Citylink Bandung or any other Bandung accommodation provider with positive online reviews, it's crucial to consider the venue's location when making a booking. Areas such as Sumurbandung, Dago and Jalan Riau are some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in the city as these downtown locales offer easy access to the city's attractions, restaurants and public transport hubs. Additionally, exploring the vibrant local markets and cultural sites becomes effortless when you opt for a centrally located accommodation, enhancing the overall experience of your stay in Badung.

Must-Experience Highlights         

Depending on the duration of one's stay, it may also be prudent to create a daily itinerary. Before crafting the ideal daily travel plans, it is important to do some research into the top highlights in the area and which among these are personally appealing.  A tour of the Bandung Geology Museum and an excursion to the Tangkuban Perahu are non-negotiable items that should be on every visitor's travel itinerary while shopping at the Lembang Floating Market and exploring the region's tea estates are other experiences that first-timers can sign up for. Nature lovers, on the other hand, may prefer feeding the deer at Feed Kampung Cai Ranca Upas or embarking on a strawberry-picking run at a local farm.

Wine and Dine

Foodies who are visiting Badung for the first time will also benefit from noting down some of the best street food venues and local restaurants in the area. Dapur Dahapati is one such signature establishment that's revered for its traditional Indonesian dishes while Batagor Kingsley is where one can order Badung's famous fish paste-infused dumplings. Spicy food lovers can dig into a bowl of delicious noodles at Mie Rica Kejakasaan.