8 Amazing Reasons Why Bandung Is The Best Hidden Place To Teach English In Indonesia

3rd January 2025

Are you eager to escape your daily routine and see stunning islands and beaches? Do you wish to surf in some of the world's top locations and take in the rich cultural heritage? Then you should go to Indonesia, particularly Bandung, best hidden place to teach English in Indonesia. Perhaps the most admirable aspect of Indonesia is its populace: gregarious, extroverted individuals of all racial and religious backgrounds who contribute to the country's uniqueness and diversity. Let's examine what teaching English in Bandung, Indonesia actually entails and what you need to know to succeed as a TEFL student in one of the most TEFL destinations.

Why Bandung is the Perfect Place to Teach English in Indonesia?

Here are few reasons why Bandung should be high up on your TEFL destinations list:

1. A Cultural Paradise at Your Doorstep

Step into a world where ancient Sundanese traditions dance with colonial Dutch heritage. Besides being a teaching destination, Bandung is a hub of authentic Indonesian culture.

You can start your day with the ethereal sounds of traditional Angklung music and end it at a local gamelan workshop. The city's art scene thrives in countless galleries and performance spaces, where local artists showcase everything from traditional batik to contemporary installations.

Moreover, Bandung's colonial architecture is something that you should not miss! It tells stories of the past at every corner. The stunning Gedung Sate, with its spire designed like ‘satay skewers’, is a proud symbol of the city's architectural heritage. Villa Isola, perched on a hillside, offers panoramic views that have inspired artists and photographers for generations.

And if you want to feel the city's pulse, join the locals at the dazzling Bandung Festival of Lights or dive into the mouth-watering delights at Braga Culinary Night. These events are your ticket to becoming part of the community. Throughout the year, cultural celebrations like the Bandung Arts Festival and International Food Festival provide endless opportunities to experience local traditions firsthand.

2. Live Like Royalty on a Teacher's Salary

Here's the best part – your teaching salary goes incredibly far in Bandung. How about a cozy, furnished studio apartment for just $230-300 monthly in neighborhoods like Dago or Riau, where cafes and shopping are just steps away? Also, many apartments own modern amenities like swimming pools and fitness centers, making daily life both comfortable and convenient.

How about getting around? Monthly transportation costs around $10- $30. The city's extensive network of 'angkot' (public minivans) and reliable ride-hailing services means you are never far from your next adventure. Many teachers also like to rent motorbikes, which cost around $50 monthly.

Bandung is a heaven for food lovers. You get ‘nasigoreng’ for $1. You can also indulge in Western cuisine for $6-15. Monthly grocery bills, along with the imported items, typically range from $100-150.

Even gym enthusiasts can stay fit without breaking the bank. Memberships comprising many facilities offering yoga classes and personal training sessions cost around $20 monthly.

3. Nature's Playground in Your Backyard

In Bandung, surround yourself with nature's finest masterpieces.

Picture yourself spending weekends exploring the mystical turquoise waters of KawahPutih Crater Lake or hiking the trails of TangkubanPerahu volcano. The surrounding mountains offer countless opportunities for adventure, from paragliding at Punchak to camping under the stars at RancaUpas.

The region's tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, offering perfect spots for photography and peaceful relaxation. Ciwidey's strawberry farms and flower gardens provide colorful escapes from city life. For the more adventurous, secret waterfalls like Curug Dago and CurugOmas offer refreshing retreats just a short drive from the city center.

The weather? It is like nature's air conditioning – a pleasant 22-28°C year-round. No more sweating through your lessons like in other tropical destinations! The mild climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable year-round, whether you wish to explore weekend markets or hike mountain trails.

4. A Food Scene to Make Your Taste Buds Dance

Forget everything you know about Asian cuisine – Bandung's food scene is in a league of its own. Start your culinary adventure with 'crispy batagor' dumplings drowned in rich peanut sauce, or savor the sweetness of 'sate maranggi.' Street food adventures await at every corner, from the legendary Sudanese ribs at WarungNasiAmpera to the innovative fusion dishes at Upstairs Cafe.

For coffee enthusiasts, trendy cafés like LerengAnteng and Two Hands Full serve up Instagram-worthy views with your morning brew. The city's modern coffee culture blends perfectly with traditional 'warung' coffee shops, where you can experience authentic Indonesian coffee ceremonies and local hospitality.

5. Living the Bandung Life

You can spend your free time at Bandung by:
 

• hunting for fashion bargains in Jalan Riau's factory outlets,
• nurturing your creativity in local pottery workshops,
• unwinding in rooftop bars with spectacular mountain views.

The city's creative spirit manifests in regular art markets, music festivals, and craft workshops where you can learn traditional skills like batik painting or bamboo crafting.

Weekend markets like PasarBaru and Cihampelas Walk offer everything from traditional crafts to modern fashion. Movie theaters show international and Indonesian films, while live music venues like Noordpost regularly host local and international artists.

You are never alone at Bandung. The city's warm expat community welcomes newcomers with open arms, making it easy to find your tribe through regular meetups and events. Social groups organize everything from language exchange sessions to hiking expeditions, helping you build lasting friendships with locals and fellow expatriates.

6. Growing Your Teaching Career

Indeed, Bandung is a career accelerator among English teaching job-seekers. The growing demand for English teaching jobs in Bandung means plenty of opportunities at international schools, language centers, and universities. Besides teaching, you learn innovative techniques, work with diverse students, and build an impressive international teaching portfolio.

Many schools offer professional development workshops and training sessions, helping you stay current with the latest teaching methodologies. The competitive job market means schools often provide additional benefits like health insurance, flight allowances, and annual bonuses. Some institutions even sponsor teachers for CELTA or DELTA certifications, investing in their professional growth.

7. Your Key to Asian Adventures

Bandung's location is a traveler's dream. With the upcoming high-speed rail to Jakarta, you will be in the capital in just 45 minutes.

Pristine beaches at Pangandaran, cultural immersion in Yogyakarta, or spiritual awakening at ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan- take your pick for weekend trips.

The city's international airport connects you to destinations across Southeast Asia, making regional travel affordable and convenient. For long weekends, you can explore Bali's beaches, Singapore's modern attractions, or Malaysia's historic cities– all just a short flight away.

8. The Heart of Bandung: Its People

What truly sets Bandung apart is its people. The legendary Indonesian hospitality is not just a tourist brochure promise– it is in practice. Your students become your family, their parents invite you for traditional meals, and locals eagerly help you navigate city life. Language barriers? They melt away as residents enthusiastically practice English with you while helping you learn basic Indonesian phrases.

The Sundanese culture emphasizes community and mutual respect, creating an environment where foreign teachers quickly feel at home. Local colleagues often become cultural guides, introducing you to traditional ceremonies, family celebrations, and little-known local spots that tourists rarely discover.

Bottom Line

Be it the affordable lifestyle or its rich cultural tapestry, Bandung provides the perfect setting for professional growth and personal discovery. Whether you are a seasoned educator with teacher training courses in Indonesia or just starting your teaching journey, this city offers the perfect blend of opportunity, culture, and adventure.