Bandar Lampung is the capital of Lampung Province, located on the southern tip of Sumatra, right along the coast of the Sunda Strait. It’s a city where daily life blends quietly with nature—where seaside villages, urban neighborhoods, and hills in the distance all coexist.
While it might not be as well-known as other tourist cities in Indonesia, Bandar Lampung is a solid starting point for exploring the wider region. From here, you can reach beautiful beaches, offshore islands, cultural sites, and natural parks that showcase the best of what Lampung has to offer.
What to Do & See in Bandar Lampung
At first glance, Bandar Lampung might feel like just another busy urban city in Indonesia—bustling, crowded, and fast-paced. But slow down a little, and you’ll start to see a different side. There’s actually a lot to discover, both within the city and in the stunning natural surroundings just beyond it. After all, this city is the gateway to exploring the natural beauty of Lampung Province.
So, here are the best things to see and do in Bandar Lampung.
If you want to explore Lampung province in more detail, you can read Lampung: Explore South Sumatra’s Coastal Region
Explore The City Center of Bandar Lampung
On your first day in Bandar Lampung, take some time to explore the heart of the city. The downtown area is home to several cultural and historical landmarks that give you a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
Lampung Traditional House
For those interested in local traditions, don’t miss a visit to Rumah Adat Lampung Lamban Dalom, the traditional house of the Marga Balak clan. This beautifully preserved structure reflects the philosophy and social order of Lampung’s indigenous nobility. It’s often used for traditional ceremonies and features classic Lampungese architecture—wooden carvings, elevated floors, and steep pointed roofs.
You’ll also find other traditional houses around Lampung, such as Lamban Sai and Jajar Intan, each marked by their iconic siger-shaped gates—a crown-like symbol representing Lampungese women.
If you’re interested in exploring other cities in Sumatra that feature unique architecture, also check out Padang Travel Guide: Things to Do and See in West Sumatra
Thay Hin Bio Temple
Just about 1.4 kilometers away, you can visit Thay Hin Bio Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Bandar Lampung. This serene and colorful place of worship reflects the city’s multicultural roots. It’s especially vibrant during local festivals, when the temple comes alive with offerings, incense, and traditional rituals.
Lampung Museum
Another important stop is the Lampung Museum, the largest in the province. It houses a fascinating collection of traditional textiles, heirloom weapons, ancient ceramics, and cultural artifacts from across the Lampung region. It’s a nice place to start if you want to understand the broader history and heritage of the area.
Explore Market and Pasaran Island (Basaran)
If you’re in the mood to go even more local, take a walk through one of Bandar Lampung’s traditional markets, where you’ll find everything from tropical fruits and snacks to colorful fabrics and daily essentials. Or, head slightly south to Pasaran Island (Basaran Island), the closest island to the city, connected by a 200-meter bridge.
This small but densely populated fishing village is known for its anchovy production—a local industry that dries and preserves small fish. The island is quite unique, with stilt houses jutting out into the sea and floating fish cages dotting the shoreline.
Islands and Beaches in Bandar Lampung
Even though Bandar Lampung is a coastal city, I wouldn’t really recommend exploring the beaches right around the city center—unless you want to risk having your expectations of Lampung’s natural beauty quickly shattered.
Take your time and go a bit further south—that’s where you’ll find the kind of beautiful, unspoiled beaches that actually match your travel dreams.
Mutun Beach
The closest option is Mutun Beach, located about 20 km from the city, or roughly a 30-minute drive by car or motorbike. From Mutun, you can also take a short boat ride to Tangkil Island, a small island with clean white sand and clear water. At Mutun Beach itself, there are also plenty of fun water sports activities to try.
The Mutun coastline is not far from Marriott Hotel Lampung, which has its own private beach, and it’s also close to Kyokko Beach Club—a nice spot to relax with a seaside view.
These beaches are easy to reach and offer calm waves, scenic views, and plenty of warungs selling local snacks and grilled seafood.
Also explore other underrated beach in south of Sumatra, also read Belitung Island: What to Do, Where to Go + Local Tips
Sari Ringgung Beach
About 8 km from Mutun Beach, in the southern Pesawaran area of Bandar Lampung, you’ll find Sari Ringgung Beach—another popular starting point for island-hopping adventures around Lampung. One of its most unique landmarks is the Al-Amanah Floating Mosque, which stands in the middle of the sea.
From Sari Ringgung, you can continue your trip to Tegal Mas Island, a scenic island known for its floating cottages along the beach. It’s a great spot for snorkeling, and if you’re lucky, you might even encounter green sea turtles or blacktip reef sharks. Tegal Mas also has a shark breeding area, offering a unique opportunity to see marine conservation in action.
Still in the same area, there’s also the Pasir Timbul (Emerging Sand Island), a small white sandbank with very calm waves. Surrounded by bright blue seawater, it’s an ideal place to relax or snorkel around the island in crystal-clear shallows.
📍Download the Map of Lampung📍
All the places we mention in this article — plus a few extra tips and nearby trip ideas — are saved on a Google Map you can use right on your phone.
After purchase, you’ll get a private link and the map will show up in your Google Maps across all your devices.
Pahawang Island
Pahawang Island is famous for its vibrant underwater beauty. The marine life here easily rivals that of Amed or Nusa Penida in Bali. You’ll find plenty of sea anemones, often home to clownfish, along with many other colorful tropical fish. The waters around the island are relatively shallow, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for snorkeling. You can also try the water walker activity for an easier, beginner-friendly diving experience.
Getting to Pahawang takes about one hour by road from Bandar Lampung city to Ketapang Port in Pesawaran. From there, you’ll need to rent a boat and sail across the sea for another hour or so to reach the island.
Before arriving at Pahawang, you’ll pass by Kelagian Island and Tanjung Putus—both of which are among the most visited and popular for quick island getaways.
Animal Attractions
When exploring places that involve animals, keep in mind that animal welfare in Indonesia isn’t always approached the same way as in other countries. What you find on-site may be quite different from what you expect.
It’s not unusual to come across attractions offering elephant rides, photo ops with wild animals, or enclosures that don’t allow for natural behavior.
That’s why it’s worth doing a bit of research ahead of time. In Lampung, there are three well-known animal-related spots you might come across — and each offers a very different kind of experience.
Lembah Hijau
Located just 15 minutes from Bandar Lampung’s city center, Lembah Hijau is a popular family-friendly destination that combines a water park, green open spaces, and a small animal park. If you’re looking for an easy day out close to the city, it ticks a lot of boxes — there’s plenty of shade, picnic areas, and even a few bird species flying around the trees. Kids will especially enjoy the splash zones and slides at the water park.
However, there’s one part of the park that raises concern: they offer elephant rides. While these might seem like a harmless holiday activity, they’re actually painful and stressful for the animals. Elephants used for riding often undergo harsh training and spend long hours carrying visitors, which takes a toll on their health and well-being.
So while Lembah Hijau can be a fun, easygoing stop for families — especially if you focus on the water attractions and green space — it’s worth avoiding the elephant rides and encouraging others to do the same.
Gita Persada Butterfly Park
Gita Persada Butterfly Park, located about 15 km from the city center, lies just outside Bandar Lampung and is a peaceful haven for nature lovers. This conservation area is home to over 100 species of butterflies, many of which are native to Sumatra. Surrounded by forest and walking trails, the park was established in the 1990s and has become one of the oldest butterfly parks in the region.
Kiluan Bay (Dolphin Watching)
If you’re planning to go a bit further from Bandar Lampung, Kiluan Bay is absolutely worth the journey. This small coastal village is best known for its early-morning dolphin watching — and unlike more touristy spots like Lovina in Bali, Kiluan offers a much quieter, more natural experience. Most days, your boat might be the only one out there, which not only feels more special but is also far less stressful for the dolphins.
Boats usually leave just after sunrise, so it’s best to stay nearby the night before.
The road to Kiluan Bay is mostly in good condition, but the final stretch can be a bit rough. It’s better to travel with a local guide or driver who knows the area well.
While you’re in the area, make time for Shark Teeth Beach (Pantai Gigi Hiu) — a dramatic, rocky coastline where jagged stone formations rise from the sea like actual shark teeth. It’s not for swimming, but the views are unforgettable.
You can also visit Pulau Wayang, a small island filled with giant limestone rocks covered in greenery. The scenery there is often compared to Palawan in the Philippines.
Must-Try Food in Bandar Lampung
Typical food from Bandar Lampung is often made from various fish-based ingredients, such as kerupuk kemplang (grilled fish crackers), pempek, and more. In addition, Lampung is well known for its rich, bold robusta coffee—a favorite among coffee lovers. You can bring home Lampung coffee as a souvenir, or try banana-based snacks like crispy banana chips, which come in a variety of flavors.
How to Get to Bandar Lampung
There are several ways to reach Bandar Lampung depending on where you’re coming from and how much time you have.
By Plane
The easiest and fastest way to get to Bandar Lampung is by air. Direct flights are available from Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport – CGK) to Radin Inten II Airport (TKG) in Bandar Lampung. The flight takes about 50–60 minutes and operates several times a day. If you’re flying from other major cities like Medan, Surabaya, or Bali, you’ll usually need to transit in Jakarta first before continuing to Lampung.
From Radin Inten II Airport, it takes about 40 minutes to reach the city center of Bandar Lampung. You can continue your journey by DAMRI bus, take a taxi, or rent a car with a driver for more convenience.
By Ferry
If you’re traveling from Java, you can cross over to Sumatra via Merak Port in Banten. Ferries run regularly from Merak to Bakauheni Port in South Lampung. The crossing over the Sunda Strait takes approximately 2–3 hours, depending on weather and ferry type. Ferries operate every day, so you’ll have flexibility with timing. Once you arrive in Bakauheni, it’s a 2–3 hour drive to Bandar Lampung, depending on traffic and your chosen transportation.
Yes, you can bring a motorbike or car on the ferry. There is an extra charge based on vehicle size. For motorbikes, the additional fee is affordable and worth it if you want to ride around Lampung freely without needing to rent locally. Tickets can be bought at the port or online in advance to avoid long queues during busy periods.
Backindo Tip: If you’re planning to take a motorbike on the ferry from Java to Sumatra, make sure to discuss your route with the rental company beforehand. Not all rentals allow ferry crossings, and it’s better to sort that out before you’re at the port.
By Train
Bandar Lampung is also accessible by train, with its main station located at Tanjung Karang. This can be a convenient option if you’re coming from Palembang, as there’s a direct daily service from Kertapati Station. The journey takes around 10 hours on the Raja Basa economy train, which runs once a day.
How to Get Around Bandar Lampung
Getting around Bandar Lampung is relatively simple. For most travelers, renting a motorbike or car is the best option as it offers the flexibility to explore beaches, natural attractions, and nearby villages at your own pace. Within the city, you can also find local taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab, although their availability might be limited in more remote areas.
If you’re planning to visit offshore destinations like Pahawang or Kiluan, you’ll need to rely on local tour operators or boat rentals, which are typically arranged from beach departure points or through accommodations.
Where to Stay in Bandar Lampung
Staying in or around Bandar Lampung is the most practical choice — the city is well-connected and makes a great base for exploring both the southern coast and the mountains up north.
For comfort and convenience, Radisson Lampung Kedaton is a solid pick. It’s right next to a shopping mall and offers modern, well-maintained rooms — ideal if you want everything within easy reach.
Holiday Inn Lampung is another great option, especially for families. It has a gym, pool, and indoor playground, and it’s close to the train station, making it a smart choice whether you’re traveling for leisure or business.
Final Thoughts
Bandar Lampung isn’t a major tourist hotspot — most visitors here are local, and the city itself feels more practical than picturesque. But as a base for exploring the region, it works surprisingly well.
From dolphin watching and dramatic coastlines, there’s a lot to see around here. This guide covers the highlights to help you get started — and if you’re up for something a little different, Bandar Lampung might just surprise you.