Information
Landmark: Saung Angklung UdjoCity: Bandung
Country: Indonesia
Continent: Asia
Saung Angklung Udjo, Bandung, Indonesia, Asia
Overview
In Bandung, West Java, Saung Angklung Udjo is a lively cultural center and performance space devoted to keeping the angklung alive-a bamboo instrument that rattles and sings when shaken.Locals and visitors alike flock here to experience Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, especially the vibrant rhythms of its traditional music and the swirl of dancers in bright, handwoven cloth.Saung Angklung Udjo, founded in 1966 by Udjo Ngalagena on Jalan Padasuka No. 118 in Bandung, West Java, was created to keep the Angklung tradition alive and share Indonesian culture with the world.Known for its vibrant performances, the center blends the warm, bamboo tones of the Angklung with traditional dances, familiar folk tunes, and even popular songs from across the globe.Guests don’t just watch-they’re often handed an Angklung and invited to join in, filling the air with a lively chorus.The workshops, open to all ages, offer hands-on teaching from skilled instructors, guiding beginners through the simple, rhythmic shake that brings the instrument to life.It’s a lively, hands-on way to explore this traditional instrument, usually played in ensembles where the warm, bamboo tones blend together.After the workshop, visitors often join a group performance, deepening their feel for the music.Saung Angklung Udjo also stages colorful traditional dances-from the graceful moves of West Java’s Sundanese culture to vibrant routines from across Indonesia.At the center, performances play a key role in the cultural experience, with traditional dances often set to the bright clang of Gamelan, the lively steps of Jaipongan, and other Indonesian instruments that fill the air with rich, layered sound.Saung Angklung Udjo invites visitors to join in-clapping along, dancing, or even trying their hand at playing the bamboo Angklung.One big reason tourists-especially families and school groups-love it is the chance to get hands-on, like trying an Angklung for themselves.The center regularly hosts cultural tours for students, giving them a lively introduction to Indonesian arts, from the gentle clatter of bamboo instruments to intricate local crafts.Alongside the music, Saung Angklung Udjo showcases vibrant displays of traditional Sundanese art and handmade pieces.Visitors can browse and buy handcrafted treasures-bamboo carvings, rich woven textiles, even delicate Sundanese puppets-then step into the Angklung Museum at Saung Angklung Udjo, a cozy space tracing the instrument’s history and evolution.Visitors can explore the Angklung’s deep roots in Indonesian culture-its place in ceremonies, the way it’s changed over the years, and why it still matters today.The museum lines its walls with Angklungs of every kind, from weathered bamboo pieces that creak softly when shaken to sleek modern designs used on stage.Made of bamboo tubes fixed to a wooden frame, this traditional instrument produces a bright, resonant chime with every shake.They shake the tubes to make them sing, and in a group, each angklung rings out its own clear note.This instrument belongs to the cultural heritage of West Java, cherished especially by the Sundanese people, who’ve played its bright, ringing notes for generations.In 2010, UNESCO honored the angklung as part of humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrating its deep roots in Indonesian culture and its joyful role in bringing neighbors together to make music, bamboo tubes clattering in unison.Saung Angklung Udjo keeps this rare musical tradition alive and shares its lively, bamboo tones with the world.Saung Angklung Udjo welcomes visitors every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with lively performances scheduled at set times-like the soft beat of drums drifting through the courtyard.Workshop and performance times can change, so it’s best to check in advance-yesterday’s drum class started half an hour later than expected.Your ticket usually covers the Angklung performance, but prices shift if you join a workshop or take part in special activities.For foreign visitors, expect to pay anywhere from IDR 50,000 up to IDR 100,000 or more, depending on the package.Indonesian citizens usually pay lower fees.You’ll find Saung Angklung Udjo in Bandung’s east, about a 30-minute drive from the city center if traffic’s light, and you can get there easily by car, taxi, or a ride-hailing app.For the best experience, go during the day when an Angklung performance or workshop fills the air with music.If you’d like to learn the instrument or join a cultural tour, book ahead-spots fill fast when the tourist season peaks.Saung Angklung Udjo offers a lively doorway into Indonesia’s rich culture, especially the warm, rhythmic traditions of the Sundanese.You’ll hear lively Angklung melodies, join hands-on workshops, and dive into rich cultural experiences, making it a must-visit for music lovers, families, and anyone curious about Indonesian arts and traditions.By focusing on learning and hands-on involvement, the center leaves visitors of every age with vivid, lasting memories-like the feel of clay between their fingers in a pottery workshop.
