Bandung Institute of Technology

Bandung


Opened in 1920, the ITB was the first university open to Indonesians – Sukarno studied here, and it has a reputation for political activism. In 1998, in the lead-up to Suharto’s downfall, up to 100,000 students rallied daily. Set in spacious grounds, the complex contains some bizarre hybrid Indo-European architecture. Visit the art gallery (admission free; opens on request) as its fine-arts school is internationally famous.

To reach the ITB, take a Lembang or Dago angkot from the train station and then walk down Jl Ganeca.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bandung attractions

1. Governor's Residence

1.53 MILES

One of Bandung's most beautifully restored period buildings, though you can only gaze at it from behind the railings.

2. Museum Konperensi

2.14 MILES

The Museum Konperensi inside the Gedung Merdeka (Freedom Building) is dedicated to the Asia-Africa conference of 1955, which Bandung hosted and the echoes…

3. Alun-Alun

2.19 MILES

Overlooked by the Grand Mosque, the city's main square is a grassy expanse and a hub of bustling activity at almost anytime.

4. Villa Isola

2.26 MILES

Around 7km north of the centre, Villa Isola is a landmark art deco building, a four-storey villa built by a Dutch media baron in the 1930s as a private…

5. Selasar Sunaryo Art Space

2.83 MILES

Just outside town in the pretty rural district of Ciburial is this sleek contemporary art gallery. It exhibits both Indonesian and international artists…

6. Tangkuban Prahu

8.97 MILES

This volcanic crater, 30km north of Bandung, has a flat, elongated summit that resembles an upturned boat (prahu). It's a huge attraction and certainly a…

7. Tahu Sumedang

15.22 MILES

A traditional tofu factory where you can watch tofu being made and fried in coconut oil and then, the best bit, devour it in the cafe. It's a half-hour…

8. Malabar Tea Estate

22.9 MILES

If you want to visit a tea plantation, head for the Malabar Tea Estate, where you can tour the grounds and stay at the creaky, colonial guesthouse, the…