Rain in Bandung has a charm of its own: the air turns cooler, the trees look greener and a cup of coffee tastes even better. When you are on holiday, though, a downpour can also wash away your sightseeing plans. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor things to do in Bandung that are just as enjoyable when the weather turns.
Below are ideas for indoor activities during the rainy season, from museums and a cultural show to shopping malls and a slow afternoon at the hotel. Opening times and schedules can change, so always check the latest information before you set off.
Museums: Indoor Things to Do in Bandung with a Story
Museums are the classic rainy-day choice: they are dry, they are interesting and they suit every age. These three make a good starting point, and each has a different feel.
Museum Geologi
Close to Gedung Sate (about 4.8 km from the hotel), Museum Geologi holds a collection of rocks, minerals and fossils that tells the story of the earth and of the Indonesian archipelago. It suits families with children who are curious about fossils and volcanoes, as well as adults with an interest in science. Give yourself enough time to explore each room without rushing.
Museum Konferensi Asia Afrika
This museum is housed in Gedung Merdeka on Jalan Asia Afrika, where the 1955 Asian-African Conference took place. Inside, photographs and documents bring that historic moment to life and show Bandung's place in world history. It is close to Jalan Braga, so it pairs nicely with a walk around the city centre once the rain eases.
Museum Srihadi Soedarsono
The nearest option to the hotel is Museum Srihadi Soedarsono, only about 600 m away. This art museum shows the work of the painter Srihadi Soedarsono and makes a calm way to spend an hour or two while you wait for the rain to pass.
An Angklung Show at Saung Angklung Udjo
Saung Angklung Udjo is a centre for Sundanese culture, known for its performances of the angklung, the bamboo instrument of West Java. Audiences are usually invited to play along, which makes it great fun for children and adults alike. It is a good choice if you want to get to know Sundanese culture rather than simply watch it.
It is on the eastern side of the city, so allow plenty of time for the journey, particularly in the rain when the roads can be slower. Check the latest performance schedule and book ahead if needed. If it is still raining after the show, carry on to a mall or head back to the hotel to unwind.
Shopping Malls Near the Hotel
When it rains all day, a mall is a safe bet for a meal, some shopping or simply a wander, without stepping back out into the rain. Three options are close to the hotel:
- Cihampelas Walk (Ciwalk), about 2.8 km away
- Paris Van Java, about 3.3 km away
- Rumah Mode, a factory outlet about 1.9 km away
Parts of Ciwalk and Paris Van Java are semi-open, so keep a small umbrella handy as you move between sections. If you are planning a proper shopping trip, read our guide to staying near Ciwalk and Paris Van Java.
A Slow Afternoon at the Hotel and Artisan Coffee
Sometimes the best plan on a wet day is to stay put. Artisan Coffee on the 2nd floor has a rooftop terrace overlooking the trees of Ciumbuleuit, and inside you can sit back, listen to the rain and sip a Butterscotch Coffee or an Es Kopi Susu Pandan.
Hungry? Nasi Goreng Merah is ideal on a chilly afternoon, and the whole menu is halal. Artisan is open from 8 am to 10 pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 8 am to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Find out more in our piece on coffee at Artisan.
Your room makes a cosy retreat too, with a smart TV for a film, an electric kettle for a hot cup of tea and a hot shower after you have been caught in the rain. The pool is open 24 hours, but stay out of the water during thunderstorms and wait until the weather is safe. Bring a good book and enjoy an afternoon with no agenda.
Practical Tips for Rainy Days in Bandung
A little preparation makes a wet day far more comfortable. Keep this list in mind before you head out:
- Pack a folding umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
- Wear non-slip shoes that dry quickly.
- Keep your phone and wallet in a water-resistant bag.
- Allow extra travel time, as traffic can slow down when it rains.
- Book ride-hailing trips a little earlier, as many people have the same idea when it rains.
- Plan outdoor activities for earlier in the day, and keep an indoor alternative ready if the weather changes.
- Ask the front desk for a hair dryer to dry off after a soggy walk.
The weather can change quickly in the rainy season. Plan open-air activities for the morning and keep museums and malls as your back-up plan.
The rainy season is no reason to postpone a holiday. With good indoor plans, a wet day can turn into the most relaxed day of your trip. If you'd like a cool, comfortable base close to museums and malls in north Bandung, have a look at our rooms and choose the dates that suit you. When the sky clears, north Bandung is ready to be explored again.
