- Information
- Information
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
From the pre-historic Java man to modern-day Jakartans, the highland city of Bandung is a popular weekender's hangout both for its pleasantly cool climate and for the imposing list of activities for the traveler. Bandung literally means "Flower City" for its abundant blossoms. It also flourishes with architectural jewels and new experiences for food lovers such as dimsum ceker (broiled chicken foot) and mie kocok (noodle soup with beef foot).
Unlike most of Indonesia's seaside cities, Bandung is isolated in the central highlands. Consequently, transport links are limited to buses, hired cars, and a train from Jakarta. Nonetheless, the journey upland is scenic, especially when passing through the lush Parahyangan Mountains. Locals travel by angkot (minibuses) to traverse Jalan Asia-Afrika, the main thoroughfare going to alun-alun (city square) which cradles the city's colonial gems like the villas of Italian millionaires, mosques and halls built in both Indo-European and Sumatran style, and grand Italian hotels where the world's kings and queens, including the comedian Charlie Chaplin, stayed.
Many buildings were built in art-deco style and are reminiscent of the city's bandoeng tempo doeloe (Old Bandung) era. Among these art-deco landmarks is the Geological Museum, which houses a collection of 250 thousand rocks and minerals and over 60 thousand fossils including that of the Java man, which was found in Bandung's Great Lake.
The old ways are also being preserved in art and culture museums like Sri Baduga Maharaja, Pos dan Giro, and Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi. Saung Angklung Udjo, a small village in the middle of a padi (rice) terrace and bamboo field, is where anklung or a traditional Southeast Asian bamboo instrument is made, learned and played. Westerners specifically watch out for an angklung orchestra played by children. Apart from angklung, handicrafts such as silverworks, wayang golek (wood puppet), wayang kulit (leather puppet) and crocodile-skin accessories are also found in local markets.
Contrasting to the city's traditions are modern delights like star-gazing in Bosscha Observatorium, the only one in Indonesia. Other attractions are Saturday night hip-hop parties in Jalan Dago; shopping for Indonesian designs at distros; bathing on a Sari Ater hot spring; and watching ram wrestling in small villages on a Sunday. For hiking and picnics, Juanda Forest Park has WWII caves; Punclut-Lembang has trails, while Kwah Ratu is a crater where one can have a glimpse of an active volcano.
Bandung Landmarks:
- Bars (4)
- Clubs (2)
- Museums (4)
- Parks (1)
- Planetariums (1)
- Restaurants (1)
- Theatres (3)
Bandung Traveler Advice
User blogs:
Travel and Inspire
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” - Jack Kerouac ... Read full Blog post
Moving to Manila
It was about a year ago, when I received phone call from my hubby asking me what do I think about Manila. I wasn't sure, I said I've been there before, memories rush to the surface of my mind. Crowded roads of jeepneys, the smell of exhaust, constant horning, traffic jams, YMCA's hotel, people selling food from small carts....I stayed only a day in Manila before heading down to Boracay about 12 years ... Read full Blog post
Global warming: Not caused by humans?
By Agence France-Presse, Updated: 12/7/2009, originally posted in http://news.ph.msn.com/lifestyle/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737917 Americans cool to human-caused global warming: poll Americans who think global warming is caused by human activity, including vehicle and industrial emissions, are now a minority for the first time in nearly two years, a CNN/Opinion Research Corp ... Read full Blog post
In our Magazine
Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
