Bandungan

Bandungan is a small mountain town on the shoulder of Mount Ungaran, an easy day trip from Semarang. It is well known for as a centre for horticultural produce, and flowers. It is also one of Semarang's night-time playgrounds, with a swathe of karaoke bars.

By car

Allow an hour from Semarang or Salatiga. The road to Bandungan is narrow and winding, but you can see beautiful scenery on the way.

• Gedong Songo temple complexA group of restored Hindu temples that was built during the early period of the Medang Kingdom which controlled Central Java during the 8th and 9th centuries. Similar to the temples on the Dieng Plateau, they are some of the oldest Hindu structures in Java, predating both Borobudur and Prambanan. They are placed across the mountainside, and in clear weather there are good views down across the surrounding plain and neighbouring volcanoes, thanks to the 1,200 m above sea level elevation. Go early in the day to get the best chance of good views. On site there is a volcanic fumarole with hotspring bathing, and horserides.

• Fruit farms, vegetable gardens and flower gardens.

• Umbul SidomuktiThere is a swimming pool that offers beautiful views of the mountains, since it is 1,200 m above sea level. You can do flying fox, rappelling down the valley, ATV, trekking and horseback riding.

• Pasar BandunganThe traditional market of Bandungan. It is clean and neat, unlike dirty markets in other parts of Indonesia. Primarily sells vegetables, fruits, and local foods.

• Organic tofu sweet pudding

There are some villas for rent.

All of the following places are accessible in less than an hour by car, as well as having bus services that connect.

• Semarang, the capital of Central Java
• Salatiga, a small University town
• Ambarawa with its railway station and the Rawa Pening lake 8 km away