Each Indonesian city has its own charm. When it comes to Bandung, a zestful ethos is reflected in the city’s creativity, streaming through gastronomy, arts, and, of course, greenery. Every facet of the city, including its people, embodies mindfulness. At least, that’s what I’ve gathered from my previous escapades in this part of West Java.
Serene greens called me one Friday morning. Grey hues swiftly disappeared, transforming into landscapes of intense green shades outside. My eyes lulled as the rest of my body comfortably soared above the grounds on the smooth high-speed railway, WHOOSH. In a heartbeat, the end of the line was announced over the speaker, signalling that I had discarded the concrete jungle of the capital (woefully, if only for a moment). It wasn’t the higher points of the city that satisfied my dire need to bask in nature’s embrace.
Bandung City has a leafy haven amidst urbanisation: The Papandayan Hotel.
This five-star hotel, exuding classic elegance, has remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering unparalleled comfort, luxury, and warmth to every guest since its inception in 1990. Positioned at Jl. Gatot Subroto 83, in the spirited heart of Bandung’s business district, the hotel offers both business accessibility and the tranquillity of an escape from the city’s hubbub—more gentle and inviting than ever before.
The Classic, The Premier, The Ambassador, The Suite, and the Presidential Suite comprise the 172 elegantly appointed rooms at The Papandayan. Rejoice in the new carpets, wallpaper, sofa covers, lighting, the addition of a daybed in suite rooms, and refreshed interior designs in every room. Vintage essence paints every corner of the premises, seamlessly integrating natural elements such as stone, wood, and local art, all reflecting the region’s abundant culture.
Do work matters require you and your team’s undivided attention? Are your bundles of joy itching to splash in a pool? Is your tense body crying for relaxation? The Papandayan Hotel is “Where You Can Experience A Balance In Life”—a retreat for all backgrounds and purposes.
Business travellers, like myself, can retreat to the Tropical Garden, a cool accent surrounding the hotel for anyone needing to inhale Bandung’s renowned crisp, fresh air. Listen to the sound of droplets thundering down into a cascade of water amidst tropical plants. Take a seat on one of the benches and find your zen. Engage in stillness.
A row of traditional Indonesian fare, such as onde-onde and other jajanan pasar, was laid out amongst iced and hot coffee sourced from West Javan coffee beans that the hotel uses. Waves of laughter and increasing excitement serenaded a series of icebreaker games over the midday breeze for my travel group. Finally, I returned to my senses. We were told that yogis are recommended to join diverse classes while relishing in the garden’s atmosphere every Sunday morning, and I can see why.
Our first lunch was nothing short of Indonesian classics, served buffet-style at Pago Restaurant. The Papandayan spoils one’s tastebuds with an array of exceptional dining experiences. Although, truthfully, my stomach remained quiet due to the hotel’s famed and beloved onde-onde—chewy in milky goodness (a true hit amongst my travel group), Pago Restaurant has a new look without neglecting its alfresco culinary excellence. Black and white dominate the indoor and outdoor seating areas, where the latter now features a retractable canopy for when the rays of sunlight become unbearable or simply to stay dry from wetness.
My wristwatch showed at half-past noon. Puffs of air were witnesses to the flowing conversations until we eventually parted ways to our designated rooms. As a fully-fledged luxury destination, The Papandayan underwent an extensive revamp leading to a temporary closure for a year. Reopened in 2011, the hotel unveiled a refreshed design, blending timeless elegance with a contemporary twist. The transformation didn’t stop there. In late 2024, The Papandayan completed a comprehensive renovation of all guest rooms and several key facilities, elevating opulence and sophistication to new heights.
Natural light poured into my room on one of The Classic floors. One word to describe it? Vintage. But the classic kind. The expansive 32m² room elegantly marries modern design with timeless sophistication. Adorned with custom wall coverings in serene, earthy tones and thoughtfully furnished with exclusive pieces that ooze warmth and charm, my room overlooked the scenic city vista beyond, while every detail splendidly fused comfort and style.
Families on the go can benefit from the versatile interconnecting room options across all categories. Discreet internal doors link these thoughtfully designed rooms suitably as the ideal mix of privacy and shared moments. One room boasts a plush king-sized bed, while the other has two restful single beds, ensuring ample space and comfort for everyone.
Surprises kept coming. The multifaceted 14 meeting rooms, including the Cimanuk Room (hosting 200 standing and 150 seated), are just one example of the hotel’s exceptional offerings. Nearby is Edelweiss Spa, a gateway to cater to one’s holistic wellness desires, featuring a jacuzzi, beauty salon, and fitness centre.
We then ascended the stairs, entering a space of splendour. Spanning 30 x 18 metres and pillar-free, the hotel’s iconic Suagi Ballroom now accommodates up to 2,000 guests for receptions and 400 for seated events. Its newly updated wallpaper, carpeting, ceiling, and lighting contributed to the ballroom’s elevated modernisation and utmost grandeur. What’s more, the ballroom is now equipped with four large permanent LED screens for an immersive visual experience.
Across the glass doors lie the favoured swimming pool. Bandung’s weather can sometimes be a little too chilly for a nice swim, even in the city centre. The pool has been enhanced with heated water of 38 degrees Celsius, ensuring a long-lasting time of joy for families.
Just a few steps beyond it lies Huru Batu Grill Garden. The sun-kissed courtyard boasts a sweeping mountain vista, embodying a chic yet laid-back atmosphere. Dispersed clouds began merging over twilight. Order a cocktail or beer to accompany a selection of finger foods while watching the sky turn colours. Or comfortably lounge on the vivid, plush sofa with a coconut-infused mocktail in hand, as the pleasant breeze casts shivers across your skin.
Dinner time approached. We made our way back to Pago Restaurant, where we were presented with a menu of five distinctive main courses, while appetisers and desserts were served at the buffet corner. I opted for the roasted lamb shoulder, accompanied by beef sujuk, sautéed garlic potato cubes, onion sauce, and vegetable ratatouille.
“Different selections of main courses are served for dinner every Friday at Pago so that you won’t be eating the same dish twice,” said one of the waiters. This Friday happened to feature the lamb, along with beef schnitzel, minced beef steak, Indian chicken rogan josh, and stir-fried beef yakiniku. Contain your cool when the waiter serves your selected dish—portion-wise, you won’t be foraging the city for a late-night snack because of the generous spread of nutrients in hand.
Pago Restaurant, after all, epitomises an engaging and sophisticated open live cooking kitchen concept, where the kitchen's energy meets a more laid-back, yet stylish, ambience. Think delightful fusions of Asian and international flavours—a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
But if one is keen for a more intimate experience to celebrate or simply gather together, book a table at Cantigi Wine & Dine, infused with the allure of modern renaissance décor—ideal for indulging in haute cuisine. Looking for lighter options? Mirten Lounge is a sanctuary of warmth and intimacy, home to the finest West Java-style coffee from SIKI Coffee, complemented by a curated selection of beverages and irresistible pastries from The Deli.
My wristwatch showed at eight o’clock. Over at the lounge, the jazz live performance of the night commenced. Subdued, rhythmic tunes played as my wristwatch continued to tick. By 10 PM, everything was quiet. Yet, the Tropical Garden was still flocked with selfies and chatter as I took one last stroll before calling it a night, watching an animal documentary on TV, in the comfort of my cocoon.
The nightly embrace surpassed as the sparkling morning rays streamed through a corner of my room. A simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and a cuppa at the Pago Restaurant patio was partnered with Bandung’s natural allure. The universe was indeed on our side to explore the heart and soul of Bandung aboard the eye-catching, retro-inspired open-air bus called Bandros.
Short for Bandung Distro Tour, this enchanting way to traverse the city is a delightful sightseeing experience that’s equally leisurely and immersive. Our charming journey was led by an enthusiastic guide who was not only insightful but also comedic. He whisked us away through Bandung’s iconic landmarks, picturesque parks, and rich historical sites. Gusts of zephyr blew across our faces. We stopped at Gedung Sate for pictures before the Bandros plunged into the cool highlands and eventually back to The Papandayan.
Bobby Renaldi, the General Manager of The Papandayan Hotel, enthused that the hotel is more than ready to offer a sublime stay experience, capturing comfort and elegance. Convenience, luxury, and tranquillity seamlessly fuse at The Papandayan Hotel—truly the recipe for a healthy balance in life. Undeniably, my desire to be surrounded by cool, serene greens was satisfied.
The Papandayan Hotel
Jl. Gatot Subroto No.83, Malabar, Kec. Lengkong, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40262
Tel: (022) 7310799
