visitwestjava.com » Bandung

Tangkuban Prahu (volcano)

Pierre — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 05:10:13 +0000

A visit to Tangkuban Prahu provides a unique opportunity to look down into the huge crater of a volcano. A paved road all the way to the top of the volcano and private vehicles can actually be driven right up to the rim of the crater. Tangkuban Perahu is just 40-minutes drive to the north of Bandung.

Local Legend of the mountain

The name translates roughly to “upturning of (a) boat” or “upturned boat” in Sundanese, referring to the local legend of its creation. The story tells of “Dayang Sumbi”, a beauty who lived in West Java. She cast away her son “Sangkuriang” for disobedience, and in her sadness was granted the power of eternal youth by the gods. After many years in exile, Sangkuriang decided to return to his home, long after the two had forgotten and failed to recognize each other. Sangkuriang fell in love with Dayang Sumbi and planned to marry her, only for Dayang Sumbi to recognize his birthmark just as he was about to go hunting. In order to prevent the marriage from taking place, Dayang Sumbi asked Sangkuriang to (1) build a dam on the river Citarum and (2) build a large boat to cross the river, both before the sunrise. Sangkuriang meditated and summoned mythical ogre-like creatures -buta hejo or green giant(s)- to do his bidding. Dayang Sumbi saw that the tasks were almost completed and called on her workers to spread red silk cloths east of the city, to give the impression of impending sunrise. Sangkuriang was fooled, and upon believing that he had failed, kicked the dam and the unfinished boat, resulting in severe flooding and the creation of Tangkuban perahu from the hull of the boat.

Ciater hotsprings

Pierre — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:36:26 +0000

Situated at norh from Bandung on the way to Subang, you can enjoy hot water and cool air at the same time. The hot spring water is good for skin medicating cure and rheumatism or just for relaxing. The area is truly beautiful surrounded by green tea fields. Accomodation is readily available.

Jeans street(Jalan Cihampelas)

Pierre — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:31:24 +0000

A perpect place to find any kind of denim jeans and apparels with good quality at reasonable price. View Fantastic Shopfront designs , find unique apparels and mingle with the younger Bandung crowd.

Be aware that the street is full with visitors during weekend and holidays.

Factory Outlets

Pierre — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:27:09 +0000

Originally meant for export garment factories to sell overstocks to locals at bargain prices, many factory outlets ( without the factory itself)are now open in many places around the city, still with bargain prices tags. The biggest concentration of outlets is on Jl. Martadinata(riau). Cloths, shoes, wallets, handbags are some of items you will find in a factory outlet. Some of the famous designer cloths come with the tag removed not to spoil the official market. The existence of the outlets is drawing more and more attention with tourists from neighboring countries because of the amazing bargain they represent.

Saung Anklung Udjo

Pierre — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:15:50 +0000

Situated on jalan padasuka 118, saung angklung udjo is an important tourism destination in Indonesia. Watch live tradisional performances such as sundanese gamelan, wayang golek or wooden puppets, traditional dances , or experience yourself to play the angklung together with children. The Saung also has a display room selling handmade craft souvenirs.

The Bandung zoo (Kebon binatang)

Pierre — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:01:40 +0000

Near the Bandung Institute Of Tecnology is The Bandung Zoo (Located on Jl. Taman Sari). On display are a number of Indonesia `s endangered animals. Cultural performances are often held at the zoo in coorperation with the university. It also features a zoology museum and play area for the kids.

D.Juanda national park

Pierre — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:00:15 +0000

This pleasant park is a good spot to escape the city and walk in the forest. Quite and cool, it also features caves used by the Japanese during World War II. You can enter the cave and exit on the other side of the mountain. You could either bring your own flash light or hire a local guide who will have many interesting stories to tell. Once on the other side of the cave to the right a paved path brings you back to the entrance of the cave, to the left the path continues trough the forest along a river and will bring you to a small waterfall and a recreation area.

Gedung Sate

Pierre — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:52:03 +0000

Once the Headquaters of the Ducth East India Company, Gedung Sate on Jl. Diponegoro is now an important city landmark and also serves as the office of the west java administration . It`s name is taken from the shape of it`s roof –which is actually meant to represant six guilders, the cost of the buildngs. It mixes several architectural styles and is open to the public, with a pleasant café offering a good view on the top floor.

Jalan Braga

Pierre — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:49:46 +0000

Jl. Braga is one of the oldest and most important streets in Bandung. Originally running from the train tracks to the south, it is now a busy shopping and cultural area. There are several interesting antique shops along the road, as well as traditional craft stores and exellent shop selling leather and snakeskin products. Important historic sites on this street include : The Alun-alun square ( where the mayor`s residence lies); The gran mosque (on the south side); jl. Bancey ( a prison cell in which Soekarno was held by the Dutch). On the other side of the river , behind the art deco PLN buildings, is an exiting night market. A stroll down Jl. Braga will also give you a good tour of the city`s architecturally important buildings. Don`t miss City Hall, ST Angela`s School, The Preanger Aerowisata and Savoy Homann hotels ( both now restored to their former glory), and of course , The Gedung Merdeka.

Bandung

Pierre — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:02:19 +0000

Bandung is the capital of West-Java. The city is located around 180Km southeast of jakarta. Heritage building from the days whem Bandung was known as “the Paris of Java” are still very much evident, several art deco building can be seen giving Bandung a unique feel and athmosphere. With a relatively high elevation above sea level, Bandung has a cooler climate than other cities in indonesia making the city’s weather pleasant all year round. It’s shopping, excellent dining scene, friendly people and proximity to natural attractions makes Bandung a must stop on any visit to West-Java.