Destination: Java --> West Java

• Culture & Heritage, Sightseeing, Leisure:

1. Bandung

Bandung is the capital of West Java and one of Indonesia's large cities. Surrounded by green hills and mountains, this city was home to many rich farmers who owned vast plantations and soon attracted many elite Europeans, who lived in luxurious houses along Dago Boulevard. It then became known as Paris van Java, or Paris of Java. 

However, Bandung's great heritage did not die after Indonesia declared its independence. It is now Indonesia's center for learning and creativity. This city is home to some of many Indonesia's prestigious universities with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) as the most well-known. It has produced many of the country's top engineers, geologists and other leaders in the business world. This city is also famous for its arts. Young artists who turn their creativities into music, paintings and fashion have also taken part in spicing up the city's atmosphere. 

Gedung Sate

For those of you who want to dig into the city's past, there are a lot of spots that might be able to assist you. First stop is Gedung Sate, an old building that was built during the Dutch Colonialization era that served as the main office. Built in 1921, this building's architecture is a mixture of Moors, Italian, Thai and Indonesia's own Balinese cultures. Now this building serves as the Governor of West Java's office and is open to public.

Next stop is Gedung Merdeka, a building rich in history that was built by Van Gallen and C.P.W Schoemaker, the father of Bandung Art-Deco architectures. It was originally a clubhouse built for the elites during the Dutch Colonialization era named the Concordia Society. This building is also famous for its part as the host of the Asian-African Conference that was attended by Asian and African leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru from India, Gamal Abdul Nasser of Egypt and Indonesia's founding father Soekarno.

Saung Angklung Udjo

If you are curious about how Bandung's art really is, make sure you visit Saung Angklung Udjo located in the outskirt of the city. Surrounded by paddy and bamboo fields, it is a place built by a famous angklung artist named Udjo Nalagena for making, teaching and playing angklung, a traditional Indonesian musical instrument made of bamboo. Here you can listen to an angklung orchestra made up from small children as young as 12 years old, or if you want to be a part of the culture you can join the orchestra and experience your first angklung play. 

Bosscha Observatorium

The Bosscha Observatorium is also a great tourist destination. Located in a small suburb north of Bandung named Lembang, it is the only observatorium in the country. It was built by the Nederlandsch-Indische Sterrekundige Vereeniging (Association of Dutch-Indies Astronomers) in 1923 and it is now a part of the ITB's Department of Astronomy.

Bandung is also a shoppers' paradise, consisting of many shops and boutiques selling products ranging from traditional handicrafts to branded clothings and leatherwears. If you want your own local handmade crafts, you can go to Galeri Cipumanik or Toko Sin Sin where wayang golek (shadow puppets) and other handicrafts are being sold. 

Or maybe you would prefer a local branded clothings, shoes and other accessories sold at reasonable prices? If so, then maybe the Cibaduyut area is the perfect place for you. Here many well-known shoe-makers sell their products. Or you can try visit the Elizabeth bag-maker, a famous local brand in Bandung located in  Otto Iskandardinata street. Another stop you would want to make is Cihampelas street, a street with local denim shops that sell jeans with funky designs. 

There are also factory outlets and distribution outlets (distros) scattered all over the city. which is quite a new phenomenon. Factory outlets sell clothings at a very low price, but beware of damaged items, since things sold here are residual products. Purchase at your own risk! Distros have more products to offer such as books, magazines and indie label records, ll made by local artists.  

Cibaduyut

After a long tour, you can refill you energy by trying the local cuisines. Bandung is a haven for food-lovers, since you can find food stalls, restaurants and cafes in any part of the city. The menu here ranges from traditional to international ones. The city is famous for its nasi timbel, steamed rice wrapped in tube-shaped banana leaf served with many side dishes like fried chicken and roasted goldfish and raw vegetables complete with chili sauce. Another popular dish is batagor, a combination of mixed fish meatball and fried tofu served with a special peanut sauce. 

Nasi Timbel

Don't forget to take an evening stroll through Jalan Dago on Saturday nights. This street is crowded with teenagers with their modified cars parked along the road. here you can see how the local youngsters hang around with their friends in front of foods stalls and cafes. Don't forget to get yourself a nice grilled corn from the stalls. Blend in and maybe you can make new friends. 

• Outdoor recreation:

     1. Pangandaran

Pangandaran is a small village in West Java, 233 kilometers from Bandung and 400 kilometers from Jakarta. It is located on a peninsula on the south coast of the province facing the Indian Ocean. This place offers beautiful beaches and amazing sunsets.

Pangandaran

This fishermen village is a great place for families to spend their holiday, since it offers many things to do: surfing, swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, fishing, cycling and hiking.


If you want to do some water sports, you can go to the beach on the east of the village. The waters there are great for jet skiing. There is a jet ski rental service, and you can also rent banana boats. After you are finished, you can enjoy the fruits of Pangandaran's waters. The fish market there sells you many types of fish and other seafood. 


The opposite side of this beach, the western beach or more commonly called Pananjung beach, is great for swimming and surfing. You can also get on a boat and go some snorkeling spots. If you prefer something more relaxing, you can just lie on the beach. 

Batu Karas

For surfers who are looking for more waves, Batu Karas is another great place. Located just one hour from Pangandaran, the small village offers surfers from around the globe thrilling waves. 

Another great spot that you might want to go is the Pananjung National Reserve. Located south of the village, it has beautiful scenery and a great collection of flora and fauna such as monkeys and deers. There are also natural caves and a Japanese bunker that dates back to the Japanese occupation era.

Pananjung National Reserve