Bengkulu Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Bengkulu, Indonesia, with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, where to stay, and much more.


Introduction to Bengkulu

Bengkulu, the capital city of Bengkulu Province, is one of the hidden gems of Indonesia. Nestled on the west coast of Sumatra Island, it boasts a rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. Bengkulu has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was a significant port of call for traders in the 17th century, attracting the Dutch East India Company to build a fortress here. Today, it remains a significant cultural and economic center of Sumatra Island.

List of Places to Visit in Bengkulu

Bengkulu offers a unique blend of historical and natural attractions that visitors can enjoy. Here are the must-visit places in Bengkulu:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Fort Marlborough: Built-in 1713, this is one of the most remarkable historical landmarks in Bengkulu. The fort was originally built by the British East India Company but was later captured and expanded by the Dutch.

  2. Bung Karno’s Exile House: the former Indonesian President, Sukarno, was exiled to a house in Bengkulu from 1948 to 1949. The house has been renovated and serves as a museum displaying his personal collections.

  3. Thomas Parr Monument: Thomas Parr was an Englishman who lived for 152 years, and his monument is located in Bengkulu. It’s worth a visit for history enthusiasts.

Natural Attractions of Bengkulu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Tabek Indah Park: This is a beautiful park on a hill with an excellent view of Bengkulu city and the Indian Ocean. The park has a small zoo, playgrounds, and jogging tracks.

  2. Pantai Panjang: Bengkulu’s most famous beach offers a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean with calm and clean waters. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

  3. Bukit Daun: This is a stunning hill located in Bengkulu’s inland area, offering an eye-catching view of the tropical rainforest.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bengkulu

  1. Bukit Daun Trekking: This beautiful hill offers an exciting trekking adventure, with a route of about 3 km.

  2. Pantai Panjang Biking: This is a bike-friendly beach, with bicycle rentals available for tourists to explore the coastal area while enjoying the sea breeze and scenic views.

Best Things to Do in Bengkulu: Activities and Tours

  1. Rafting on Sungai Musi: Rafting on the Sungai Musi river is an adrenaline-pumping activity that tourists can enjoy in Bengkulu.

  2. Forest Trail Adventure: This is an excellent way to explore Bengkulu’s lush forest and discover its flora and fauna. The trail involves walking through the forest and experiencing the sounds, smells, and sights of the jungle.

  3. Bengkulu City Tour: This guided tour explores the city’s rich history, the local markets, and the cultural landmarks.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bengkulu

Day 1: Visit Fort Marlborough. Day 2: Explore Bukit Daun. Day 3: Visit Pantai Panjang. Day 4: Rafting on the Sungai Musi. Day 5: Bengkulu City Tour. Day 6: Nature Trail Adventure. Day 7: Relax at Tabek Indah Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Bengkulu

Bengkulu’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its history and cultural diversity. Here are a few must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Rujak: A traditional spicy fruit salad with peanut sauce.

  2. Sate Padang: Grilled meat skewers served with thick and spicy sauce.

  3. Kerupuk: A popular Indonesian snack made from various ingredients like fish, shrimp, or vegetables.

Local Beverages

  1. Teh Bengkulu: A blend of red and green tea leaves mixed with orange peel, cinnamon, and pennywort.

  2. Es Kacang Merah: A refreshing sweet dessert drink made from red beans, coconut milk, and shaved ice.

Where to Stay in Bengkulu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bengkulu has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are the top-rated hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Bengkulu:

  1. Swiss-Belhotel Bengkulu: This luxury hotel offers excellent amenities, breathtaking views, and easy access to popular landmarks.

  2. Hotel Santika Bengkulu: A mid-range hotel with clean and spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.

  3. Hotel Queen Bengkulu: A budget-friendly option located in the city center, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to nearby attractions.

What to Buy in Bengkulu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Keripik Sanan: This is a savory snack made from cassava chips and Sanan leaves, creating a unique taste for the buds.

  2. Batik Bengkulu: Batik is a traditional fabric art in which local artisans have their unique patterns made for Bengkulu.

Local Culture and Customs of Bengkulu

Bengkulu is a melting pot of various ethnic groups in Indonesia resulting in a rich and diverse culture.

Best Time to Visit Bengkulu

Bengkulu has a tropical climate, hot and humid throughout the year, with an average temperature of 28C. The best time to visit Bengkulu is from June to September, when the rains are less frequent.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bengkulu

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and dress modestly. Avoid wearing revealing clothing.

  2. Try the local delicacies and drinks.

  3. Greet people with “salam” or “assalamualaikum,” which is a sign of respect.

Don’t:

  1. Avoid the use of offensive language.

  2. Don’t engage in public displays of affection, as it is not well-received in Islamic culture.

  3. Do not litter and pollute the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bengkulu

Bengkulu is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it is always good to take basic precautions, such as safeguarding personal belongings and not carrying large amounts of cash.

Health in Bengkulu

Bengkulu has basic healthcare facilities, but tourists are advised to take comprehensive health insurance. It is advisable to carry medications for common ailments and to drink only bottled water.

Getting to Bengkulu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bengkulu is accessible through air, land, and sea. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Bengkulu

Fatmawati Soekarno Airport (BKS) is the city’s main airport, serving domestic flights from Jakarta and other Indonesian cities.

Bus Stations Near Bengkulu

Bengkulu’s main bus terminal is located in Pulau Panjang, which serves buses from various destinations in Sumatra.

Other Options

Ferries from other popular seaside cities like Padang and Palembang regularly dock at Bengkulu’s port.

How to Get Around in Bengkulu

The most convenient way to travel around Bengkulu is by taxi, which are readily available and affordable. Tourists can also opt for the local transportation means, such as ojek (motorcycle taxi), bemo (small public vehicles), or rent a bike or car.

Where to Go Next from Bengkulu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations that are worth visiting from Bengkulu include:

  1. Lampung: a province in southern Sumatra that is known for its beautiful beaches.

  2. Padang: the capital of West Sumatra province, which offers great cultural landmarks and beautiful scenery.

Conclusion

Bengkulu is a beautiful province with a rich cultural and historical heritage, natural wonders, and delicious cuisine. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be better prepared to make the most of your visit to this unique destination in Sumatra, Indonesia.

European women in Malay attire walking in front of Fort Marlborough European women in Malay attire walking in front of Fort Marlborough Entrance gate of Fort Marlborough, shown on picture the bridge over the fort's moat Entrance gate of Fort Marlborough, shown on picture the bridge over the fort's moat Casuarina grows abundantly along the coast of Bengkulu, making all of its beaches looks distinct from other Indonesian beaches Casuarina grows abundantly along the coast of Bengkulu, making all of its beaches looks distinct from other Indonesian beaches