Bandung is not a destination for ordinary backpackers, but its relatively higher altitude promising a cooler climate and being the hub of clothing factory outlets have attracted many tourists from both domestic and abroad.
Bandung airport is really small. 2 immigration counters were located right in front of the arrival entrance. The long queue of passengers may have to stay under the sun or rain outside the arrival hall. For all foreigners, all 10 fingerprints and a photo must be taken for record – first kind of experience in my travelling life. Process was fast somehow. The baggage conveyor belt (only 10m long) is found right next to the counters. Prudent custom officers checked almost each piece of luggage, but foreigners are mostly exempted from this tedious procedure.
The climate, indeed, not really cooling, but just a couple of degrees Celcius lower than Kuala Lumpur. The city is quite tidy, quiet and clean, this was a good start to convince my mom the place is not filthy like India.
Many street entertainers were waiting at traffic light junctions. Mostly have a guitar on hand, a few kids and transvestites were seen. They approached the stopping cars and sang or danced, expecting a few coins of appreciation.
Plenty of clothing factory outlets in Bandung. After visiting several disappointing outlets on Cihampelas Road, we finally found one. Ha… shopping spree commenced! The outlets have lots of signature brands with huge discounted price – some rejected items, some “A” quality imitation, some belong to previous seasons.
Tangkuban Prahu is located 30km north of Bandung. There are several craters in this area, the car park was situated right next to the biggest Kawah Ratu. Scenery was good. Many souvenir and fruit vendors gathered. The sulphuric fume was still emitting, tourists were kept a distance away from the poisonous gas. With my family, I couldn’t trek to other craters. The tourism authorities strictly requested all tourists to be accompanied by official guide to trek to other craters.
p.s. The hotels and taxi are not so cheap. Local foods couldn’t please our taste buds.
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| Tangkuban Prahu's largest volcanic crater - Kawah Ratu. Tourists are not allowed to get closer. |
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| Trekking path to other craters. |
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| I'm on the observing platform but only car park can be seen. |
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| Plenty of souvenir stalls, hard bargain needed. |
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Our rented car broke down on the way back to hotel. |
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| Snake dishes are not uncommon in Indonesia. |
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| Traffic jam is the common problem in city. |
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Gas cylinder is for water heating. |
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| Bandung railway station, small but clean and tidy. |
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| Train "Ladoya", not new but quite comfortable with good service. Executive Class is air-conditioned. |
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| Platforms, some parts stink with ammonium. |
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| Vast green paddy fields. |
