Bandung Landmarks and Monuments

(Bandung, West Java, Indonesia)



There really is quite a mixed bag of landmarks and buildings in the city of Bandung, ranging from historical structures and monuments, to modern suspension bridges and shopping malls. Many beautiful landmarks were constructed during the 18th century and the 19th century, and the most important of these structures are now watched over by the recently established Bandung Heritage Society.

Built in 1921 and dominating the Jalan Diponegoro, the Gedung Sate really is a very imposing local landmark and appears rather like an opulent palace. The Gedung Sate is actually decorated with six ornaments of 'satay' food, which were added to symbolize the cost of the actual build - some six million guldens.


Dago Hill

Address: Jalan Juanda, Bandung, Indonesia, ID
The Dago Hill is located at the far end of the Jalan Merdeka and off the Jalan Juanda, where it enjoys inviting city panoramas, overlooking the endless jungle of radio masts and power lines. A number of notable landmarks are scattered around the hill itself, such as the Dago Tea House (Dago Thee Huis), which features an open-air theatre and subsequent indoor theatre space close by. Just a short stroll from the Tea House is the popular Dago Waterfall (Curug Dago), which leads to the pleasant riverside trail, connecting the forest park of Taman Hutan Raya Ir H Juanda and its various caves.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for admission to the Dago Thee Huis

Villa Isola

Address: Jalan Doktor Setiabudi 229, Bandung, Indonesia, ID
A very noteworthy building in the city of Bandung, the Villa Isola dates back to the early 1930s and was originally built as a luxury villa for a resident millionaire from Italy. Located on the northerly side of the city, which is well known for its wealth and affluence, the Villa Isola enjoys impressive vistas of both the southern side of the city and the Tangkuban Perahu mountain. The villa itself is rather European in appearance and features beautifully landscaped gardens, and at one stage operated as a hotel. However, these days, the Villa Isola serves as part of the University of Education Indonesia (UPI) complex.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Gedung Sate

Address: Jalan Diponegoro, Bandung, Indonesia, ID
This grand complex was formerly used as the headquarters for the Dutch Indies Government Companies and is now used as office space for the governor of West Java, as well as being home to the provincial house of representatives. The architecture of the Gedung Sate is especially interesting, since it is a successful fusion of Italianate renaissance, Spanish Moorish and Balinese, with elements of Thailand also thrown into the mix. Members of the general public are permitted to enter the building and from the upper floor, the views across Bandung and Mount Tangkubanperahu are excellent, while the topiary in the adjoining formal gardens adds further interest.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cipaganti Mosque (Masjid Cipaganti)

Address: Jalan Cipaganti, Bandung, Indonesia, ID
The Cipaganti Mosque is better known locally to the Indonesians as the Masjid Cipaganti and was completed in 1933. With fairly angular and straight architecture, the Cipaganti Mosque is sited on the northern side of the city, within the European residential neighbourhood, being the only mosque to be built there. Although the mosque was been extended and altered somewhat over the years, the central facade remains true to the original plans.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free