Bandung In General
Welcome To Bandung.
Bandung is cool, cultural and close to Jakarta that is, via a stunning train, car or indeed plane journey through or over the mountains). As well as being a center of artists and creative types, it is the provincial capital of West Java and Indonesia’s third largest city. Known in colonial times as the Paris of Java because of its European ambience and sophistication, Bandung shares with Miami a fine legacy of Tropical Deco architecture dating from the 1920s.
Situated on a plateau in the beautiful Parahyangan mountains, Bandung’s pleasant climate and lush surroundings have offered an escape from the heat of the lowlands since the mid 19th century when it was then heart of the region’s most prosperous plantation area. Host to the historic Asia Africa conference in 1955, Bandung is now a center for higher education, commerce and aircraft industry, which despite its modern amenities still retains much of its colonial era charm.
Bandung also renowned for it’s shopping, particularly for shoes, textile, clothing and denims, which are found in the colorful Jeans Street. Bandung, with its cool mountain air, is a popular second stop for those visiting the national capital, and an essential stay-over for travelers en route through Java.
Shopping
This is the reason most locals go to Bandung these days. The city has reputation for cheap clothes and shoes and is particularly famous for the dozens of Jeans shops along Jl Cihampelas plus an ever-reproducing swathe of new factory outlets. Jl Cibaduyut attracts tourists looking for good value footwear.
Thundering Hooves
On the slopes of Tangkuban Perahu, not far from the modern city of Bandung, a unique concept in tourism has been born. A functioning cavalry unit has opened its door to the public. For horse lovers, lovers of open spaces and fresh air, or just anyone who wants to try something different, you can come and experience what it’s like to be a soldier in the Calvary; living, working and riding horses on the slopes West Java’s most picturesque mountainside.
Braga
Originally running from the railway tracks, south to the Savoy Homann Hotel, the street called Braga was often described as the Fifth Avenue of Indonesia. In the 1930s most of the luxury goods available in the country were sold here to visiting Dutch weekenders and planters.
Braga was the place to see and be seen, during the era when Bandung considered the Paris of Java. There are about 75 buildings architectural merits on Jl. Braga itself and a number of historic sites within the Braga district. These include the Alun – Alun square with the Pendopo (Mayor’s residence) on the south side, the Grand Mosque on the west and the post office and the banks on the north.
Lembang
Just north of Bandung, the hill town of Lembang is renowned for its pleasant climate and abundance of fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables. It is now also home to several beautiful restaurants, near the flower market and some chic hotels. The town sits on the flank of Tangkuban perahu (upside down boat) volcano. In the Tangkuban perahu Nature Reserve, visitors can view the active creater and follow a number of natural trails. Also in the vicinity of Lembang are the beautiful Maribaya and Cimahi waterfalls and the Ciater hot springs complex. |
