Bandung is also known as “Paris of Indonesia“. It is the capital city of west Javanese province and well known for its cool weather ,gorgeous views and rich heritage.Bandung is a one stop destination for culinary, scenic nature and shopping!The cafes are unique in every corner with best ambiance and cool interiors.There are a lot of factory outlets where you get branded clothes for lesser price!
When we were planning for a short trip,my friend advised to go to Bandung. Frankly that’s the first time I heard about the place!When googled about it, the place looked beautiful and we decided to go there. We went for 3D2N in 2016. Bandung is more beautiful than the pictures!!
Singapore to Bandung is 2 hours on flight. We booked the early morning flight so we can start our trip directly from the airport. I already booked cab for 3 days and the driver is very friendly and informative. He can speak English too.(If you have language problem, better check with the driver if he can speak English as most of them doesn’t speak English)
P.S – Click on the names to know more about the place.
DAY 1
We planned to visit Kawah Putih, strawberry farm and tea plantations.
Kawah Putih:
Kawah Putih is almost 2 hours drive from the city. It looks like a different world!The torquoish water with snowy white shore looks magical. The cliff with trees in the background adds more beauty!
Later we went to the tea plantation.
Tea Plantation:
Tea plantation near Kawa Putih in Ciwidey is vast. As far as you could see, there is tea plantation everywhere! It is picturesque and a must visit for nature lovers!
After viewing this beautiful landscape, we continued the journey to Strawberry farms.
Strawberry farm:
Bandung’s climate is suitable for the strawberry farms. There are many strawberry farms but we went to the one near the kawah Putih. We were asked to pay 10,000 IDR/person to enter the farm and it comes with a small basket and scissors for strawberry picking.Picking fruits with own hands is more fun and satisfying than buying them.
On the way, we had lunch at a hut restaurant ( forgot the name of it). The food is delicious especially the satay but the menu is not in English. Luckily, our driver explained the dishes for us to order.
Later he drove us to some factory outlets and shopping area. There are tons of varieties of clothing for everyone and many food options! I actually didn’t note the street names as I have no idea then that I will start a blog😉
DAY 2
On the second day, we planned to visit Tangkuban Perahu, Ciater hotspring, Floating Market and Kampung Daun.
Tangkuban Perahu:
It is the only crater in Indonesia where one can drive up to its very rim. Tangkuban Perahu means”up-turned boat”. When seen from Bandung, Mount Tangkuban Perahu looks like an upside down boat.The volcanic crater looks beautiful with the steam coming out!Its too cool and windy as you go up.
Later headed to the nearby Hotspring.
Ciater Hotspring:
Ciater Hotspring aka Sari Ater Hotspring Park is about 30 minutes from Tangkuban Perahu crater. It is a little place in the middle of huge tea estate and is a one stop place for entertainment and relaxation.
Noticed the steam? The water is pretty hot!
On the way to floating market, we stopped at a tea plantation but it’s not as beautiful as the one we went the day before.
Floating Market:
The market is more like a food court with local snacks and drinks! We should exchange money for coins to buy the food. It has charming and pleasant scenery. Every corner looks so beautiful! There is a pond with Koi fish.
The food is delicious and we had a lot of local snacks but left some space for the food in Kampung Daun 😀
Kampung Daun:
Sprawling trees, continuous chirping of birds, the sound of flowing water, fresh mountain breeze gives you a soothing environment. The ambiance is excellent with surrounding bamboo trees. It is one of a kind restaurant! The food is a bit expensive but it’s appetizing and the service is good.
As we decided to spent the next day in factory outlets, we asked our driver to show some cheap shopping areas ( not factory outlets but can’t recall the name of the street 😕)and he took us to a place where everything is really cheap!!! There is bargaining too.
DAY 3
Today, we decided to go on a shopping spree! We went to factory outlets!! Wow lot of factory outlets in Bandung. .There will be something for everyone! Various foods, branded clothing, accessories, footwear and many more!
Most of the tourists visit Bandung for shopping! Bandung is one of Indonesia’s largest manufactures of clothing especially the International Brands.Be spoilt for choice!
Rumah Mode Factory Outlet:
This is my favourite..It has many Brands and collections for the entire family. There are a lot of food options, kids section and a spa too..You get expensive brands like Zara, Guess, Burberry for good price.
Address: Jalan Pasirkaliki No.25-27
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Heritage Factory Outlet:
It is one of the first factory outlets in Bandung built in 1800s. The building looks beautiful. Choose from variety of branded wear. I find it a bit over priced.
Address: Jl. Riau No. 63-65 Bandung
Opening hours: 9am – 9pm
EST Factory Outlet:
If you are a fan of branded items, then this is your perfect place! This outlet offers quality products from expensive Brand’s like Polo, Fred Perry.
Address: Jl. Sumatera No.22
Opening hours: 9.30am – 9pm
House of Donatello:
This is the best place for leather goods including shoes, hand bags, wallets, belts, jackets for both men and women. Lovely Interiors and affordable price. Excellent service.
Address: Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 104
Opening hours: 9am – 9:30pm
The Secret Factory Outlet:
Great outlet with low prices and price is fixed. You can find Indonesian fashion here and offers branded attire for men, women and kids. There is a secret garden in the back where you can order food and eat.
Address: LLRE Martadinata St No.47
Opening hours: 9am – 9pm
We enjoyed a lot in Bandung…It’s totally a different experience! The people there are very friendly. Many of them doesn’t understand English but they tried to help!
The airport is so small that we should walk to the aeroplane and that is the only time we did that 😀
