BANDUNG
The City of Flowers was designated as such not just its prominent
flowers - in the 1920s and 1930s, colonial Bandung blossomed as the
hub of economic and social activity. Also known as the Paris of Java,
Bandung has still sustained its European sophistication. Set 175 km
off Jakarta, Bandung is the provincial capital of West Java and the
third largest city of Indonesia. The native inhabitants are the Sundanese
who live in gregarious personality and strong belief in their culture
- these distinguish the people from others of the country. Bandung
also well-known as the host of the first Afro-Asian Conference in
1955, and the center of higher education with Bandung Institute of
Technology - one of the most prominent destination for Asia-pacific
students. Moreover, Bandung has a lovely weather and abundance of
natural getaways - a perfect break from daily hustle and bustle.The
capital is situated on a plateau 768 meters above sea level with a
cool climete throughout the year.
 FAST
FACTS:
Latitude : 6.55'S
Longitude : 107.36'E
Population : 2,056,915
Language : Sundanese, Bahasa Indonesia
Religion : Islam, Christianity.
WHEN TO VISIT
The best time to visit Bandung is determined by the extent of rain.
The temperatures of day and night are significantly varied, though
there are not much seasonal variants around the city. The day temperature
remains in the range of 26ºC to 33ºC, while night temperature
can drop to a low of 10ºC. There are two seasons breeze around
the year; the east monsoon from June to September bringing dry climate
and west Monsoon from December throughout March bringing heavy rain.
Around the year, high humidity weather covers the city, however the
dry season of June - September is preferred rather than the rainy
season.
GOING THERE AND AROUND
The city of Bandung is linked to Indonesian capital Jakarta and some
other places in Java by air. Husein Sastranegara Domestic Airlines
set to host some inbound flights. The best way to get to Bandung from
Jakarta is by trains, witnessing fabulous scenery enroute. Regular
trains depart from Jakarta's Gambir station, and it takes around three
hours trip to reach the city. The executive class is recommended,
while cars are also available to take you to Bandung from Jakarta.
The best way to get around Bandung is by taxi or minibus hired via
anywhere you stay, while the city centre can be explored on the foot.
WHERE TO STAY
Bandung remains some heritage hotels which have been newly refurbished.
Should you got more cash, it would be good to experience these historical
lodges. They will bring you to the city’s past time. In general,
accommodations in Bandung is fairly reasonable and the services are
fine.
WHERE TO EAT
Dining would not be a problem in Bandung. Whatever your belly wishes,
you will definitely be able to satisfy it. A number of cuisine options
- ranging from traditional delicacies sold by the street vendors up
to the international foods in fancy restaurants are plenty in any
angle of the city. If you want to experience the inexpensive local
foods, some spots around Jalan Diponegoro, Jalan Merdeka and Alun
- alun are the best places to hang up. But, wherever you go, you will
find that foods are tasty and giving you some new dining experiences.
ATTRACTIONS
Bandung remains several tourist attractions - mainly comprising historical
building with awesome architecture. Gedung Papak is one of them. This
building was constructed in 1920 and used to be the City Hall. Later
it is utilized as the office of Bandung Municipality. Lately, the
construction has been attractively refurbished. Other building is
the Bumi Siliwangi which was built by D. W Berrety - an Eurasian millionaire
of Italian origin - in 1825. Just come over this building and you
will find a perfect spot to experience the fabulous scenery of Bandung.
Recently, this building is also used as Bandung Institute of Teachers
Training Education.
Other important building
in Bandung is the Bandung Insitute of Technology - the most important
and one of the oldest centre of higher education in Indonesia. From
this institute, many leading personalities came up, among others the
Indonesian founding father - Soekarno, and the former President of
Indonesia - B.J. Habibie.
One of the most remarkable
attractions in Bandung is the 2,076 m high volcano, called Tangkubanparahu
(overturned boat). It is so called since its peak resembles an overturned
boat. The road to the peak of Tangkubanparahu was first established
in 1906 on the initiative of "Bandung Vooruit" - an organization
found by Dutch men to help the government develop Bandung especially
in tourism sector.
SHOPPING
Don’t miss the fun enduring experience of shopping around Bandung.
Whatever you wish, either traditional or modern style goods are available.
The problem might be not on finding the items, but the more on deciding
of where you will go to shop. It is because Bandung is really haven
for shopping-lovers. Should you look for clothes and leather products
with reasonable prices, Pasar Kota Kembang is the best choice. Other
places to shop local products are Pasar Baru, Pasar Jatayu and Pasar
Selatan. But, these three markets will be a nightmare for a claustrophobic.
The rather wacky 'Jean Street', on Jl. Cihampelas, offers all sorts
of jeans and T-shirts while offering fantastic shopfronts to view.
On Jalan Braga, you could find souvenir and antique shops, as well
as great range of English books and magazines.
LEMBANG
Another resort town some time ago influenced by the Dutch is Lembang
and the Bosscha Observatory. Situated just 16 km north of Bandung,
Lembang features magnificence nature’s beauty. Just wear your
casual costumes, and take a walk around tea plantations. Then, your
journey continues on through main woodland for a hike to the crater
of Tangkuban Perahu, the only crater in Java accessible all the way
by car as far as its rim. It is an aweinspiring sight of emanating
of sulfur fumes. Descent into all the volcano's 12 craters is only
possible with the aid of an experienced guide, because of the presence
of suffocating gases at certain spots. Just a 15 minutes drive from
Tangkuban Perahu is a hot springs resort. Here you can swim in warm
mineral water pools, good for healing skin problems. You can also
trek other routes, one which starts from Lembang to Cimahi waterfall,
as well as the one begin at Dago waterfall to reach Maribaya. Through
the later-mentioned route you will witness the past caves used by
the Japanese troops on World War II along the Cikapunding River. A
superb 6-km walk will bring you to a small park at Maribaya, just
5 km east of Lembang.
While in Lembang, you
should not miss ‘colenak’ - one of the street-side stalls’
delicacies made of fermented cassava topped with palm sugar, shredded
coconut and peanuts. Meanwhile, the attractive yellow color cooked
chickens hang in warung window fairly ”beg” you to drop
by and dine in.
Being known as producers
of fresh milk, sweet corn, black rice and organic vegetables, Lembang
also hosts several spas and peak restaurant overlooking dazzling nighttime
views of Bandung.
GARUT
Garut is situated just 60 km southeast Bandung. Being surrounded by
five volcanoes, this highlands town is an agricultural center where
apples, oranges, tobacco and tea are grown. The fabulous nature of
the region provides brilliant chances for trekking to waterfalls,
craters with steaming geysers and sulphurous lakes. White water rafting
lovers may take adventure on dry season, rather on rainy season. You
can hire a guide to the Curug Citiis waterfall and climb up to the
peak of Mount Guntur to witness steam geyser firing up the air with
massive force. While in Garut, spare your time to taste “dodol”
- a concoction of sticky rice flavored with palm sugar and coconut
milk, rolled into a tube. Dodol usually brought home as a gift.
BOGOR
Preciously known as "Beuitenzorg" (Sans soucis or Without
worries) during the Dutch colonial era, Bogor actually lies closer
to Jakarta (50km) than it does to Bandung (120 km) . Approximately
named by the Dutch as a town "without worries", they chose
Bogor to be the site for constructing the first palace of the Dutch
Governor General way back in 1745. Later restored in 1832, the palace
still stands solid and elegant today with its stretched out gardens
where deer room freely on the grass under majestically tall old trees.
 However,
Bogor is famous because of its Botanical Garden which borders the
palace Grounds, covering an area of 87 hectares with thousands of
species of plantlife from all over the world, including towering age
old trees and the rarest kinds of orchids. See the original "Havea
Brazilliensis" rubber tree formerly imported from Brazil, and
stemless as well as leafless plant. When visiting this Garden, arrange
for a permit to visit the neighboring Presidential Place which belonged
to the Dutch Governor General before Indonesia's independence. Doing
this may be day-long visit by leaving Jakarta in the morning and spend
the night in the Puncak mountainous region on your way to Bandung
the next day. Here again, the whole car trip will be memorable as
scenic tropical beauty all around is really astonishing. You will
also pass bay another smaller presidential Palace at Cipanas, the
seting of whish is in a colourful and flowery vast garden around this
wooden by stylish palace.
MARIBAYA
 Since
long known for its hot water springs, Maribaya lies north of Bandung
which be reached within 30 minutes. The trip itself is worthwhile
making, as you will pas through a picturesque road dated with flowery
hills and lovely villas all the way. The mountain air is cool and
the sulphur-laden water just comfortably hot for swimming as well
as for just seaking in. Part of the scenery is a 25 m high waterfall
set against a steep mountain cliff.
KRAKATOA
VOLCANO
 With
devastating effects this volcano erupted just over a century ago in
1883, bringing its fine ashes with the windstreams as far away as
over New York City, whereas the eruption's tidal waves reached the
American West Coast. At that very instant, Krakatoa vanished as if
devoured by the sea, cousing formidable tidal waves which in the turn
swept off just about everything alive from the surrounding coastal
areas. However, the dissapereance of the gigantic Krakatoa also meant
the birth of small islands in its palace, one of which called
"Anak Krakatoa" or Krakatoa's Child which is at present
an extremely active young volcano. From both West Java's West Coast
and from Sumatra's Lampung Provinces, this young and active volcano
is clearly visible. A boattrip to this place may be worth making.
PANGANDARAN
KARANG NINI and BATU HIU
This is the second beach resort area on the Indian Ocean after Pelabuhan
Ratu. It certainly equals the latters's awe-inspring natural beauty,
however, it has the disadvantage of being so far off from Bandung
(233 km) and event more so from Jakarta (400 km). Road conditions
are good, thus making the trip by car or bus recommendable. However,
if you prefer to take the train, get into the Bandung Yogyakarta Espress
train and get off at the Banjar railroad station about 4 hour later.
From here it will be another 50 km by bus to Pangandaran. The beach
is called Penanjung, where most of the cottagges and  hotels
are located, however, of modest ratings. Nothing luxurious should
be expected.
Pangandaran is specially of interst to nature lovers, as there is
a wildlife reserve in the vicinity where wild birds and another indigneous
animals live about freely to be enjoyed by visitors. Here too, the
white beaches are fine, the ocean ever so blue and the seafood superb.
Twelve kilometres before arriving at Pangandaran you will sea a huge
rock on the beach which is called Karang Nini. A forest Conservation
Park is located right here, which is another place of special interest
to nature lovers. Neearby is camping ground which has basic facilities
suitbale for the younger set. Somewhat further out, west of Pangandaran,
diving 23 km on the way perigi, lies Batu
Hiu, meaning Shark's
Rock, which is a coastoal rock having the shape of a shark. Closebya
recreation park is found where you can have an andless open ocean
view and enjoy nature at its best. PELABUHAN
RATU BEACH
Formerly just a plain fishing village it has now grown in to a lovely
holiday resort, more and more visited by holiday makers from Jakarta
and Bandung, a mere three-hour drive from either city through cool
 mountain
village with picturesque sceneries. Gradually but surely this area
will catch up with the pace of development as is the case with Carita
on the extreme West coast of Java. Pelabuhan Ratu-Cisolok is a 15
km stretch of breathtaking beauty with hills, mountains and very wide
sandy beaches everywhere around you, set against the deep blue Indian
Ocean. Truly rare is the fact that thick tropical forests on rolling
hills are found right next to stretches of white beaches. Taking walks
uphil unable the visitor to look down on the horseshoe shape of the
boy's coastline, whereas at night hundreds of fishermen's boatlamps
are seemingly competing and romantic. There is one four-star hotel,
the Samudera beach, about 6 km from Pelabuhan Ratu, but several other
smaller hotels and cottages are available at moderate rates
BADUY CULTURAL
CONSERVATION
The Baduy community in Banten is an utterly unique and closed society
which can be reached via a 10 km village road from either Cibolegar
village or Cibungur village in the Leuwidamar district. The 50 km
road from Rangkasbitung is steep. In April and May, the Baduy Community
is closed to outsiders, as during this time it commemorates certain
ceremonies among ceremony, called Seba, is the offering of port of
their agricultural products to the Head of the District, Sub-Regent
and the Chief resident. During this ceremony the "Puun of Baduy"
sends out a group of representatives of Baduy Dalem people as well
as Baduy Luar to act as the community's spokesmen. When conducting
this Seba ceremony the Baduy Dalam members refuse to ride any vehicle,
instead, the distance of 150 km is traveled on food as proof of their
perseverance. To enter this very special Baduy area, one should obtain
written permission from the Rangkasbitung District Office stating
the purpose of the visit which my take on whole week process.
UJUNG KULON
On the southern tip of West Java is a wildlife reserve of 51.000 hectares
covering the Ujung Kulon peninsula and the nearby islands of Panaitan
and Peucang. The reserve is a dense forest and is the home of the
last surviving one-horned rhinoceros of which only 50 remain. Ujung
Kulon is accessible by boat and the closest departure point is Labuan
on the west coast.
An entry permit is needed, issued by the Forestry Service (Perlindungan
Hutan dan Pelestarian Alam) at Labuan. The dense forest provides a
natural habitat for many species of rhinoceros, wild ox, deer, wild
boar, phanters, crocodiles, snakes and birds. Visitors are only allowed
to the buffer zone where rustic accommodation is available on Peucang
island where towers are erected to be able to observe the animals
undisturbed.
Marine life in the surrounding seas is a kaleidoscope of colours.
Beautiful sea gardens are found off Peucang and Panaitan islands and
the south coast just below Tanjung Layar offer spectacular deepdiving
for scuba facilities in Ujung Kulon. On the western tip of the peninsula
is a lighthouse built by the Dutch which stands near the site of the
ruins of old one.
A stay at least two days on the reserve is recommended where food
provisions should be taken along. |