The Lodge Maribaya is our final tourist stop right after lunch (and an earlier visit to the Cibuni Rengganis Crater. Somehow, the journey was fortunately not too rushed, given the distance we needed to travel up north of Bandung. After our driver arrived and parked near the base, we took another shuttle up the slope where the entrance lies. I was already feeling excited, entering a higher-up, nature-filled space.
We paid the entrance fee of Rp 65,000 per person for access to The Lodge Maribaya + the Fairy Garden. As we walked through the wooden archway, the view opened out into tree-dotted slopes. There were flowers all around and curated photo-friendly installations were enlivening. The place truly felt like a “mini nature photography theme park” – every angle could be a photo opportunity. The cool air, the green backdrop, the elevation all combined to give the sense of a nature escape.
Rides & Photo-Spots
Inside The Lodge Maribaya, the design is very well blended with nature. Despite the entrance fee giving us access to the site, but most of the “special photo rides/ spots” carry separate fees. Here is the list of key rides/ photo-installations at The Lodge Maribaya, along with their pricing:
Funicular (Rp 20,000 per person)
The glass-elevator-style funicular ride we bought that ascends/descends the slope). It gave a lovely panoramic view of the grounds and beyond.
Hot Air Balloon Photo Spot (Rp 20,000 per person)
Not a true flying balloon, but a styled “balloon” installation/platform that gives the illusion of being up in the air! It was a pretty fun experience as we did a few poses within 3-5 minutes, while the photographer took our photos.
Zip Bike (Rp 25,000 per person)
A bicycle-type ride suspended or set atop a platform overlooking the valley, giving a dramatic photo vantage point. Definitely an interesting experience where you could cycle the “sky bike” above the forest. More for the photo thrill which my friend took.
Bamboo Sky / Sky Tree (Rp 20,000 per person)
Elevated platforms or standing space built in/ around trees or bamboo to get high above the surroundings. Both offers great platform to shoot the panorama.
Valley Swing (Rp 25,000 per person)
A large swing over the forest or valley, giving you a “swinging out over nature” view and a photo moment.
Fun Swing & Hammock (Rp 30,000 per person)
More relaxed-type rides or installations (hammocks in tree-clearing, fun swings) for lounging and photo time rather than extreme thrills.
New Hot Air Balloon (Rp 35,000 per person)
It was stated as under maintenance when I was there.
Our Experiences & Highlights
Because we arrived later in the day (after lunch and after visiting Rengganis Suspension Bridge), the light was already leaning toward afternoon. It worked well for softer lighting and fewer crowds than midday. We took the funicular first, which helped us orient the layout and appreciate the sheer hill-location of the park. From the glass-type lift, we got wonderful vantage points of the forest slopes and the various installations.
We then proceeded to the Fairy Garden and the cafe which was free access to all. The entrance fee also includes a cup of tea and a small cookie as snack. I felt the cafe would make a perfect place to chill while overlooking the flowers and greenery. Unfortunately, the swarming annoying houseflies everywhere killed my mood to hang around longer.
As for the photoshoots, both my friend and I took the Hot Air Balloon as it seems the most interesting. My friend also went to the Zip Bike which was also quite popular among visitors. At the end of our ride-and-photo time, we proceeded to the photo counter. We decided to pay for 2 of our digital photos, featuring the hot air balloon and the zip bike. Finally, we headed back to Bandung for dinner, feeling satisfied we had made the most of our last destination.
In conclusion, our stop at The Lodge Maribaya was a memorable finale in Bandung. Even though we arrived after midday, the location, scenery and the variety of photo-friendly rides made the visit well worth it. The feeling of being elevated above the forest, and be surrounded by nature, was so refreshing. If you are looking for a place that blends nature, relaxed thrills and photo opportunities, The Lodge Maribaya is it. Do check out my other travel reviews too!
