Things To Do
in Metro
Metro is a small planned city in Lampung province on southern Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its tree-lined streets, parks and a relaxed, provincial atmosphere. The city serves as an administrative and educational center surrounded by agricultural landscapes and small-scale plantations. Visitors often use Metro as a calm base for exploring nearby national parks, coastal beaches and rural villages.
Compared with larger Indonesian cities, Metro offers low-key local life, friendly residents and easy access to nature within an hour or two by road.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Metro City Hall, where you can admire its unique architecture and learn about the city's colonial past. Stroll through the nearby traditional market, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere filled with local vendors selling fresh produce and handmade crafts. Grab a traditional breakfast at a local warung, enjoying dishes like Nasi Uduk and Tempe, while mingling with the friendly locals.
In the afternoon, head to the Museum Metro for a deeper understanding of the region's diverse history and cultural heritage. Participate in a guided tour that showcases local art, artifacts, and stories that have shaped the community over the years. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a quaint café nearby, savoring local delicacies while reflecting on the morning's discoveries.
As the sun sets, take a scenic walk around the city center, where you can find beautifully lit streets and friendly street performers showcasing their talents. Dine at a popular local restaurant, where you can try traditional Indonesian dishes like Sate and Gado-Gado. Cap off the evening by enjoying a local dessert, such as Es Campur, while soaking in the vibrant night atmosphere.
Begin your morning with a refreshing hike at the nearby Taman Hutan Raya, a lush botanical garden showcasing the rich biodiversity of Indonesia. Wander the picturesque trails, where you can spot exotic plants and vibrant flowers, and take a moment to breathe in the fresh air. After your walk, enjoy a picnic breakfast surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature.
After lunch, join a guided tour focusing on the unique flora of the region, learning about medicinal plants and their traditional uses. Participate in a hands-on workshop to create natural remedies or herbal teas using local ingredients. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the garden, taking photographs, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Return to the city for dinner at a charming open-air restaurant that specializes in organic, farm-to-table cuisine. Relish the flavors of fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared in traditional Indonesian style, all while dining under the stars. As the evening winds down, visit a local café to sip on a cup of Kopi Lampung, a regional coffee known for its rich flavor.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Cup of coffee at local cafe | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi / ride-hail fare | $1-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $15-35 |
| 🚌Local angkot / bus ride | $0.20-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Calm, friendly provincial atmosphere with easy access to nature
- Affordable food, transport and accommodation
- Good base for exploring nearby national parks and Lampung coast
- Less crowded than major Indonesian cities
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist services compared with larger cities
- Public transport options are basic; private transport often needed for day trips
- Fewer international dining options and boutique accommodations
- Heavy rains in the wet season can disrupt outdoor plans
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Di mana kamar kecil?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
Places to Visit in Metro
Visit one of these nice places.
A focal point for daily life: morning activity, street vendors, local events and evening lamp-lit scenes — great for candid street photography.
Colorful stalls of produce, flowers and prepared foods; excellent for close-up and documentary-style shots of local commerce.
Surrounding agricultural landscapes offer sunrise/sunset panoramas, rural roads and farmers at work — best early or late in the day for soft light.
Way Kambas (elephant conservation) and foothill edges of Bukit Barisan Selatan provide wildlife, forest scenes and dramatic landscapes — check access and permits ahead.
Short drives connect you to beaches and coastal vistas ideal for golden-hour seascapes and fishing-village life.
Food in Metro
Metro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fish cake served with sweet-tangy cuko sauce — often available at street stalls and casual restaurants around Metro.
Must-Try!
Spicy, sour or coconut-based fish curry reflecting Sumatra’s love of bold flavors; find it in local eateries and family-style restaurants.
Rice with a selection of small side dishes (meat, fish, vegetables) — excellent for sampling multiple regional flavors in one meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, snacks and local coffee; ideal for photographing colorful stalls and trying fried snacks and kue basah.
Small clusters of street vendors open in the evening selling grilled skewers, fried noodles and desserts — great for casual late dinners.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Metro is a conservative, largely Muslim area — dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural villages. Women should cover shoulders and avoid revealing clothing in public spaces.
Remove shoes when entering homes and some small shops or prayer areas; follow hosts’ cues.
A handshake is common between men; when greeting women, wait to see if they offer a hand. Use a slight nod or 'salam' for respectful greetings.
Avoid public displays of affection, and be mindful of prayer times and Ramadan practices; it’s respectful to be quieter near mosques and religious gatherings.
Safety
Tipping in Metro
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Metro; small tips are appreciated for good service. Hotels and higher-end restaurants may add a service charge (5–10%), so check your bill before tipping extra. For local drivers or guides, a modest cash tip is common if you had a good experience.
Cash (Indonesian rupiah, IDR) is widely used — carry small notes for markets and transport. ATMs and banks are available in town; major restaurants, hotels and shops may accept cards and Indonesian e-wallets (GoPay, OVO) but always confirm first. For intercity transport and smaller vendors, cash is often required.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect frequent heavy showers, high humidity and occasional road surface issues; some rural tracks and park trails can become muddy or impassable. Bring quick-drying clothing, waterproof footwear and a rain jacket; plan wildlife visits around dry spells.
Drier, sunnier days with lower immediate risk of heavy rains — best time for hiking, beach trips and outdoor photography. Temperatures remain warm; pack sun protection and stay hydrated.
Shorter, unpredictable rain bursts can occur; mornings may be clear and afternoons showery. Keep flexible schedules and check local forecasts before day trips.
Metro at Night
Hiking in Metro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible sections of the Bukit Barisan range offer forest hikes, wildlife viewing and scenic viewpoints; some trails require permits or guides.
A popular regional hiking destination with panoramic views over Lampung; reachable within a few hours by car and suitable for day hikes or overnight treks.
Short coastal walks and headland trails near the Lampung coast provide easy hikes with sea views and sunrise/sunset photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Metro by plane.
The main airport serving Lampung province, located near Bandar Lampung about a 45–90 minute drive from Metro depending on traffic; offers domestic flights to Jakarta and other hubs.
A regional airport on nearby islands (longer travel required) — not the main access point for Metro but listed for regional context; check routes and schedules before planning.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous people of Lampung with distinct cultural traditions and local languages; many live in and around Metro.
A significant group in Lampung due to historical transmigration programs; contribute to local agriculture and urban life.
Smaller communities including Malay, Sundanese and others who add to the cultural mix; Islam is the predominant religion.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally — community matches, youth leagues and strong local support for regional teams.
Widely played recreationally and competitively; many local halls and courts host social games and small tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Metro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small warungs; ask for 'tanpa ikan' (without fish) and 'tanpa daging' (without meat). Choose vegetable sides, tempeh, tofu and simple rice-and-vegetable plates at Padang or Sundanese venues.
Vegan choices are less common — rely on plain rice, vegetables and tofu/tempeh; clarify ingredients (many sauces contain shrimp paste). Gluten-free travelers should watch out for soy sauce and batter-fried items.
Most food outlets serve halal food in Metro; look for Muslim-run eateries or ask the vendor if unsure.