Having grown up in Singapore, I am very much a city kid who doesn’t really understand my country at all. This Bandung trip is a reality check on how little I know about Indonesia.
Being a stranger in my own country, I am awed by the culture and tradition of West Java. For the first time in my life, I had some locals telling me that Riau (my birth place) does not belong to Indonesia, it is part of Malaysia. I started doubting my identity right there and then…Who am I really? With my mind in a whirl, I continued exploring Bandung and at the same time find my sense of belonging in the process.
As Indonesia was under the rule of Dutch powers for a few hundred years, it is not surprising to spot Dutch colonial buildings dotting the city. They are very well-maintained with immaculately clean and extremely grand exterior. However, looking at these European architecture standing proud and tall amongst the shop houses and street stalls, an unexplainable uncanniness crept up on me.
During our 4 days 3 night here, we were very fortunate to be accommodated at Hilton, one of the high end hotels in Bandung. Renowned for its state of art architecture, the place has an intimate and charming ambience with great Indonesian hospitality. In addition to the great exterior, the huge rooms offer excellent views with soft fluffy queen size beds perfect for business travellers and family.
Kawah Putih
On the second day, it took us around 2 hours from Bandung city to get to White Crater (Kawah Putih), which is located near Ciwedey town. Even though it was a long ride, the journey up this active volcano was made interesting with a magnificent rolling landscape of tea plantations, forests and mountains.
True to its name, the crater is surrounded by a pale white mist which emits a mythical ambience. The milky turquoise water that filled the dormant crater appears to change colours according to the amount of light it gets. Honestly, no words can describe its splendid beauty accurately.
Since Kawah Putih is located at a high altitude, its temperature can get as low as 15 degree Celcius! Dressed in a thin blouse and shorts, I was definitely not prepared to face the cold.
Though it is a famous tourist destination, the sulphur present at Kawah Putih doesn’t allow us to stay long as the smell can be overpowering and some people may feel nauseous. Usually you will be advised to stay up to 15 minutes for photo-taking before leaving.
Overall, it is a good experience for everybody as you get to learn about the wonders of nature.
Traditional Market Town
Not far from Kawah Putih, there is a small village town near lake Patengan. Lining the uneven pebbled road are small stalls selling fresh picked berries, roadside eats and handmade items. It makes a good visit if you are interested in knowing more about the local cultures.
Dusun Bambu
We set off early in the morning on the third day with our Masterchef Indonesia guide, Ardi (not joking) and the driver. I was very surprised that my half-past-six Bahasa Indonesia could get us on our way!
Our first stop was Dusun Bambu, a highly recommended place by my dear sister. Embracing the concept of nature and knowledge, Dusun Bambu is a family-friendly leisure park that provides recreation and education for both young and old.
Situated just a few steps from the main entrance, we were greeted by the sight of a huge bamboo playground. Since learning and playing are inseparable, these two elements are incorporated into the bamboo playground to allow children to have fun and learn about the wonders of nature at the same time. This is where creativity takes flight…
Another attraction that grabbed my attention is the lake lined with traditional Sundanese lesehan-style houses. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this spectacular view is to grab a canoe and paddle out into the calm water. Floating in the middle of the lake against the backdrop of the Burangrang foothills while breathing in fresh mountain air is definitely an experience of a lifetime!
Along the way, we came across a flower garden at the foot of the mountain housing different types of flowers. It is an eye-opener! Swept away by the beauty of the flora and fauna, we were charmed into taking the long footpath up the slope to explore the garden and learn more about each flower species.
Being a city-dweller, I was really awed by the many plantations in Bandung. To experience the life of farmers, the paddy field in Dusun Bumbu provides us the opportunity to learn more about agricultural production, which we usually won’t get to see in a city setting. This is really good exposure for anyone who wants to experience a slice of country living.
Another highlight of Dusun Bambu is the variety of activities it offers such as rifle shooting and ATV. Each of us paid around 100k rupiah which is equivalent to only SGD$10 for both activities.
Air rifle shooting was not that difficult to master despite missing my first 5 aims. ATV was the killer that drained my energy as I had a hard time taming the ‘beast’…
Floating Market Lembang
Floating Market Lembang is a wonderful place where the heartbeat of the local livelihood takes place. The authenticity of this market is not to be questioned as for the first time, we felt the cultural richness of the Javanese lifestyle. Unlike the one in Bangkok, Floating Market Lembang has stationary boat stalls floating at the edge of the lake selling all kinds of local Sundanese favourites.
It is well suited for family as there are many activities for children such as mini train and boat ride. Additionally, children can also feed animals such as birds, fishes and geese at this market.
Instead of using cash to buy food, visitors are required to exchange the local currency for special coins before enjoying the facilities and food.
Farm House Susu Lembang
As time was tight, we did not spend much time at the floating market. Before we knew it, we were on our way to the next destination.
Opened last year, Farm House Susu Lembang is crowded with local students. Interestingly, the place is modeled over the European architecture with buildings seen in classic films
If you fancy some close-up interaction with farm animals, Farm House Susu Lembang provides you this opportunity to interact and feed the animals such as sheep and rabbit. There is no doubt the kids will love it!
Outlets Shopping
The last day of our trip was concluded with a trip to the outlet stores! Surprisingly, Bandung is home to many textile mills, manufacturing most of Indonesia’s fashion wear and linen. Unknown to many people, some luxurious sports brands also outsourced their production to Bandung, thus giving it the name Fashion City.
Rumah Mode
One of the largest shopping outlets in Bandung, Rumah Mode carries many brands such as H&M, Zara and Forever 21. There is also an extensive collection of kids’ items ranging from clothing to toys.
Heritage House
As compared to Rumah Mode, Heritage House carries lesser brands but wider selection. The quality of the clothing may not be as great as those sold at the former. However, if you are interested in traditional Batik, there is a whole section selling it at very affordable prices!
Food
Unknown to many, Bandung is actually a food paradise with many hipster cafes and mouth-watering street delicacies.
Lawangwangi Creative Space
The idea of marrying art and food can never go wrong. Lawangwangi Creative Space interweaves contemporary art into its café interior. This concept is unique as it shows how art influences our everyday life.
The first thing that caused our jaws to drop when we reached the second level was the fabulous view – definitely the highlight of the place.
Kerak Telor
Usually eaten as snacks, this Betawi delicacy, Kerak Telor, is made from glutinous rice and eggs, topped with dried shrimps and fried shallots.
Serabi
Serabi is a type of pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk. According to our guide, Serabi was not a popular dish in the past due to its blandness. It only became a favourite among the youngsters when creative vendors started adding it with flavoured toppings such as cheese and chocolate.
Baso Tahu Goreng
This is one of the most popular street snacks in Bandung comprising tofu, potatoes, eggs and fish cakes mixed together, rojak-style! The peanut sauce is absolutely yummy!
Overall, Bandung has really treated me very well. I will definitely go back again and explore the places I have not been too.
Fare breakdown of 4 days 3 nights:
| Transport | Duration | Cost |
| Two-way Flight to Bandung | 1.5 hours | SGD$235 |
| Hired Car | 4 days | Rp. 450.000/day inclusive of driver (SGD$46) |
| Accomodation | Duration | Cost |
| Hilton Bandung | 4 days 3 night | SGD$500 |
| Activities | Address | Cost |
| Kawah Putih | Ciwidey, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia | Shuttle Bus: Rp. 30,000/pax two-way (SGD$3.15) |
| Dusun Bumbu | Jl. Kolonel Masturi KM 11, Situ Lembang, Cisarua, Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat, Indonesia | Rp. 15,000/pax (SGD$1.60) |
| Farm House Lembang | Jalan Raya Lembang No.108, Lembang, Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat, Indonesia | Rp. 20,000/pax (SGD$2.15) |
| Floating Market Lembang | Jl. Grand Hotel No. 33 E, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat, Indonesia | Rp. 15,000/pax (SGD$1.60) |
| Restaurants/Cafes | Address | Cost |
| Lawangwangi Creative Space | Jl. Dago Giri No. 99A – 101, Mekarwangi, Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia | Rp. 20,000-85,000 |
| Kampung Daun | Villa Triniti, Jalan Sersan Bajuri KM. 4,7, Desa Lembang, Kecamatan Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat, Indonesia | Rp. 20,000-85,000 |
| Street Food | Address | Cost |
| Kerak Telor | Villa Triniti, Jalan Sersan Bajuri KM. 4,7, Desa Lembang, Kecamatan Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat, Indonesia | |
| Serabi | Jl. Grand Hotel No. 33 E, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat, Indonesia | |
| Baso Tahu Goreng | Ciwidey, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia |
Visit Wonderful Indonesia for more information.