I've seen this bus tour so many times while in Bandung but only recently found out enough information to be able to join it. Turns out, it makes a great, alternative enjoyable activity. Or perhaps an option if you have family staying and they want a quick trip around town.
Firstly, I should mention that I always call it the Bandung City Tour but the company name is Bandros.
The old style bus for the city tour
There are around three buses in different colours and they all start from the Taman Dewi Sartika park. The pickup point is also known as the Bandung City Hall Garden. Each bus holds around 30 people but there's supposed to be a double-decker bus but I haven't seen this one. The buses can be found near the entrance close to Vanda Park – I'll mention about these parks a little more in a second.
Example uniform of the Bandros team
When you arrive, you need to look for one of the coordinators who will be wearing a version of the above. Even the park security officers were able to point me in the right direction. Only one of the gentlemen I have met so far has spoken and understood English.
Basically, you need to put your name on a list with the number of people in your party. They 'll then give you a rough time to return. When the bus arrives they then call out names in order and you board the bus. If there isn't enough room you have to wait for the next bus. It may not be the best organisation I've ever seen but just relax and go with it as it all works out. The buses are supposed to run every hour, but there are normally about three buses so waiting times can be shorter. We only had to wait about half an hour.
As you can see from the picture they're similar to an old-style tram. You'll find a few small, but steep, steps to enter the bus and the seats are not padded. Once onboard the co-ordinator then takes the money for the tickets – not before. The commentary is in Bahasa and my toddler, family members and other passengers really seemed to enjoy it. Laughing away and even singing songs at one point. Sure, I didn't understand most of it but the ride was interesting anyway.
Bus and route plan
The duration is supposed to be around 1 hour but I think they are allowing for traffic as ours was only around 40 minutes. I really expected to be hot and bothered with all the traffic and air pollution but the tram just seemed to sail through it all and the breeze was nice. The route is as pictured but basically, they did four loops that kept them close to the starting point. One route covered the north, then the south, east and west, but you never ventured too far from the park so the traffic didn't really bother us.
The price of the ticket, which was very cheap, included a free drink. On days when they are having a sponsored event, you can buy the product in question and get free tickets (according to the website). Also, if you want to you can contact them and charter the bus, which is what a lot of local people do.
Combine your ride with a walk around this park
Now it wouldn't seem right to travel to the centre of Bandung just for this bus, as much as we all liked it. With that said, the good point is that its starting point - the Bandung City Hall Garden – is a fantastic park. So either before, after or while you're waiting for your bus, be sure to take a stroll around it. It's a very well-manicured park with lots of pretty flowers.
As you walk around it clockwise, you'll first come across a small animal area with a few little birds and rabbits. They also have an allotment-style garden and from time to time you'll find special event tents there too. Towards the top of the park, there are a few fountains and statues. I always find this area has people simply hanging out while children paddle and play in the shallow waters. As you make your way down the other side there are a few playground items but they are not very well maintained. However, the pathway is lovely and winding. I really enjoy this large park. Even though it's surrounded by traffic, it always feels fresh and clean and you can't really hear the cars.
Taman Dewi Sartika AKA Bandung City Hall Gardens
Another option in this area, but perhaps for later in the evening, is Vanda Park. This is a very small area. Not worth a visit in its own right but if you are nearby pop over the road and enjoy the water fountains. The Bellagio in Vegas it is not, but when it gets dark they do have some lighting effects within the fountains making it a pleasant place to just chill out.
The day we visited we played in the park, did the bus tour, played in the park a little more then wandered across to Vanda whilst we waiting for our pick up. Throw in a couple of snacks and it was a perfect morning out.
I really hope this write up helps you, as all of the information on this bus tour is in Bahasa and it seems a shame to miss it if you're in the area.
