Question 1

What is the "Overpriced Volcano Tour Packages" scam in Bandung?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed tour operators in Bandung's Braga Street tourist area and near guesthouses in the Dago district sell packages to Tangkuban Perahu crater and Kawah Putih that include fake entrance fees, unnecessary "guide" services, and vehicle hire at inflated rates. Legitimate entry to Tangkuban Perahu requires purchasing a ticket at the official gate; no advance ticket purchase from a third-party agent is necessary or valid. Book volcano day trips through your hotel or a licensed operator with verifiable reviews on TripAdvisor or Google. Do not purchase entrance tickets in advance from travel agents or guesthouses. Entrance fees are paid directly at the official ticket gates managed by Perhutani (state forestry authority).

Question 2

What is the "Inflated Entrance Fees at Tangkuban Perahu" scam in Bandung?

Accepted Answer

At the entrance to Tangkuban Perahu volcano park, informal "facilitators" and ticket touts position themselves before the official gate and collect "parking fees," "conservation fees," or "registration fees" from arriving visitors, pocketing the money before visitors reach the legitimate ticket counter. This double-charging is common on weekends when the gate area is busy and confusing. Drive or be driven directly to the official Perhutani ticket gate without stopping for anyone who approaches your vehicle before the gate. Official fees are collected only at the marked government ticket windows. Refuse to pay any person who approaches your car before you reach the official gate.

Question 3

What is the "Fake VIP Outlet Store Guides" scam in Bandung?

Accepted Answer

In the Dago factory outlet area, touts approach tourists on foot and claim to offer a "VIP discount card" or access to a "members-only outlet" that guarantees lower prices. They lead tourists to specific stores where they receive commission on sales, and prices in these stores are actually higher than comparable non-commission stores. The "discount card" has no real value. Ignore all offers of special discount cards or VIP access from people who approach you on the street. Walk directly into the stores that interest you without an intermediary. Prices in legitimate factory outlets are marked on tags and do not require a card or guide.

Question 4

What is the "Jalan Braga Fake Art Gallery Commission" scam in Bandung?

Accepted Answer

On the heritage street of Jalan Braga, touts approach tourists with invitations to free art exhibitions or cultural displays. After the tour, visitors are pressured to buy overpriced local artworks at many times the genuine market value, with commission splits going to the guide who brought you in. Declining becomes socially uncomfortable as sellers follow visitors out. Do not follow strangers offering unsolicited gallery tours on Jalan Braga. Enter galleries independently and compare prices at multiple shops before purchasing any artwork.

Tour & Activity Scams in Bandung

Overpriced Volcano Tour Packages

Inflated Entrance Fees at Tangkuban Perahu

Fake VIP Outlet Store Guides

Jalan Braga Fake Art Gallery Commission

Experienced a scam here?