Bandar Lampung

The gateway to Sumatra's southern tip, for boat trips to Anak Krakatau, snorkelling off Pahawang Island, or Sumatran elephants in Way Kambas National Park.

Bandar Lampung is the capital of Lampung, Sumatra's southernmost province, facing Java across the Sunda Strait. It is about 50 minutes from Jakarta by air, or reachable via the Merak–Bakauheni ferry (about 2 hours) plus the toll road, making it a popular weekend getaway for visitors from Java. The city itself has few sights: Lampung Museum displays tapis ship cloths and traditional headdresses, the old Teluk Betung district has the Thay Hin Bio temple and Chinese snacks, and Puncak Mas on the western outskirts overlooks Lampung Bay. The real draws are in the surroundings: in Lampung Bay to the south are Mutun Beach, Sari Ringgung, Tegal Mas Island and the most popular, Pahawang Island, ideal for island-hopping and snorkelling; Kiluan Bay, about 80 km southwest, offers spinner dolphins in the early morning, with the Gigi Hiu (shark's tooth) rocky coast nearby; about 2.5 hours' drive east is Way Kambas National Park, where you can see Sumatran elephants at the Elephant Training Centre; and offshore to the southwest is the world-famous Anak Krakatau volcano, which has been very active in recent years, so whether boat trips go ahead depends on the alert level. Next to Bakauheni Port at Sumatra's southern tip stands the golden Siger Tower. Best season: the May–Sep dry season brings good sea conditions and easier mountain roads; the Nov–Mar rainy season is wet, and boat trips are often cancelled. Hired cars are the main way to get around, and ride-hailing apps work in the city. Plan to stay 3–4 days: 1–2 days for the city and bay, 1 day for Way Kambas, and at least 1 day each for Kiluan Bay or a volcano boat trip.

Top sights

• Anak Krakatau – The 'Child of Krakatoa' volcano, which rose from the seabed after the great 1883 eruption of Krakatoa. It is one of the world's most closel…
• Way Kambas National Park – A protected area for Sumatran elephants, famous for its elephant training centre and Sumatran rhino sanctuary. It is one of the earliest el…
• Pahawang Island – The most popular island-hopping snorkelling spot in Lampung Bay. Coral in the clear shallows and the 'Finding Nemo' underwater statue are t…
• Kiluan Bay – A bay where you can take a small boat out at dawn to see schools of spinner dolphins leaping. The white sand beach on Kiluan Island is good…
• Gigi Hiu Beach – Rows of sharp black rocks rise from the waves like shark teeth, making this Lampung's most photogenic coastal scene.
• Tegal Mas Island – A holiday island in Lampung Bay, with over-water wooden huts and white sand beaches. It is a popular photo spot and a good choice for a day…
• Mutun Beach – The popular beach closest to the city, with calm water and gentle sand. Small boats can take you to Tangkil Island across the bay.
• Sari Ringgung Beach – A beach known for its floating mosque over the sea and the white sandbar that emerges at low tide. It is also one of the departure points f…
• Lampung Museum – A provincial museum displaying Lampung's traditional clothing, ship-motif textiles and prehistoric artefacts. It offers insight into the cu…
• Vihara Thay Hin Bio – The oldest and largest Chinese temple in Bandar Lampung, built in the 19th century. It is dedicated to Guanyin and is the spiritual heart o…
• Menara Siger – A golden landmark on a hilltop at Bakauheni Harbour, at the southernmost tip of Sumatra. Its shape is taken from the traditional Lampung we…
• Puncak Mas – A hilltop viewpoint park on the western outskirts of Bandar Lampung. It overlooks the whole city and Lampung Bay, and its night-time light…

Where to eat

• Mie Khodon – A long-established handmade noodle shop in Teluk Betung, opened in the 1960s and now run by the third generation, famou…
• RM Pindang Dea – A popular pindang restaurant opposite Panjang Port, famous for its sour and spicy catfish and patin soups and Way Kanan…
• Bakso Sony (Pemuda Branch) – The best-known local meatball brand in Bandar Lampung, founded in 1996, with firm, springy beef meatballs in a rich bro…