-Siger Tower near Bakauheni Harbor in Bandar Lampung. Source: Agoda.com
The city of Bandar Lampung, the capital of Lampung Province, sits on the southern tip of Sumatra and serves as an important gateway between the island and Java. Overlooking Lampung Bay, the city has long been a hub for trade and travel, connecting visitors to Sumatra’s cultural richness and natural attractions. While often seen as a stopover point, Bandar Lampung and its surrounding areas offer plenty for travelers seeking history, local traditions, and natural beauty.
The city reflects a diverse cultural mix shaped by the indigenous Lampung people and waves of migrants from Java, Bali, and other parts of Indonesia. This diversity is visible in its food, architecture, and everyday life. The Lampung Museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections in southern Sumatra, displaying traditional houses, textiles, carvings, and archaeological finds. Local markets such as Pasir Gintung and Bambu Kuning bustle with activity, selling everything from fresh produce and spices to handicrafts, offering visitors an authentic view of daily life.
For those drawn to the coast, Bandar Lampung provides access to some of Sumatra’s most scenic islands and beaches. Just off the city’s shoreline lies Pahawang Island, a well-known destination for snorkeling and diving thanks to its clear waters and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Other nearby islands, such as Kelagian and Tegal Mas, are popular for day trips and offer opportunities to relax on white sandy beaches. Closer to town, Mutun and Sari Ringgung beaches are frequented by locals and provide easy escapes for swimming, boating, and fresh seafood.
Adventure seekers can travel from Bandar Lampung to the famous Krakatau volcano. Located in the Sunda Strait, Krakatau is remembered for its devastating eruption in 1883, one of the largest in recorded history. Today, tours from the city take visitors by boat to see Anak Krakatau, the “child” volcano that continues to grow and reshape the landscape. The surrounding islands and waters provide dramatic scenery and a reminder of the region’s powerful geological forces.
Lampung Province is also known for its wildlife. About 110 kilometers from Bandar Lampung lies Way Kambas National Park, one of Indonesia’s oldest reserves. The park is dedicated to the conservation of Sumatran elephants, offering visitors the chance to observe these animals up close. Way Kambas is also home to endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros, making it an important center for biodiversity. Birdwatchers will find the area rewarding, with hornbills, kingfishers, and migratory species inhabiting the park’s forests and wetlands.
Within the city itself, hills such as Bukit Sakura and Bukit Sindy provide panoramic views over the bay, particularly striking at sunset when the city lights begin to glow. Cafés and food stalls across town showcase local flavors, including Lampung’s famously fiery sambal and a variety of seafood dishes. With its position as a major transit point, Bandar Lampung is well connected by road and ferry to Java and serves as a base for exploring southern Sumatra.
Bandar Lampung may be best known as a gateway, but the city and its surroundings offer a compelling mix of cultural heritage, coastal beauty, and natural adventure. For travelers seeking to combine urban comforts with easy access to islands, wildlife, and one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, Bandar Lampung stands as a destination worth discovering.
The city is served by Bandar Udara Internasional Radin Inten II, located about 28 kilometers from the center of Bandar Lampung. The airport is the main gateway to Lampung Province and operates regular domestic flights to major Indonesian cities. Airlines serving the airport include Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Batik Air, Lion Air, Wings Air, Indonesia AirAsia, and Super Air Jet. Although the airport is designated as international, direct international connections are currently limited, and most international travelers will need to transit through Jakarta or other major hubs before reaching Bandar Lampung.
For convenient onward travel, a range of transportation options are available at the airport. Online ride-hailing services such as Grab, Gojek, and Maxim provide easy and reliable transfers, which can be booked directly through their mobile apps. In addition, airport taxis are available, operated by companies including Puspa Jaya Taxi, Trans Lampung, and Taksi K3 Bandara. The cost of a taxi ride from the airport to the city center is typically around IDR 200,000, depending on traffic and the exact destination.
Travelers seeking more affordable options can use public bus services. Trans Lampung and Trans Bandar Lampung operate routes connecting the airport with different parts of the city, offering a budget-friendly alternative for those comfortable with local public transport. Car rental services are also available for visitors who prefer greater flexibility to explore the city and surrounding attractions at their own pace.