BANDUNGThe
City of Flowers was designated as such not just its prominent flowers -
in the 1920s and 1930s, colonial Bandung blossomed as the hub of
economic and social activity. Also known as the Paris of Java, Bandung
has still sustained its European sophistication. Set 175 km off Jakarta,
Bandung is the provincial capital of West Java and the third largest
city of Indonesia. The native inhabitants are the Sundanese who live in
gregarious personality and strong belief in their culture - these
distinguish the people from others of the country. Bandung also
well-known as the host of the first Afro-Asian Conference in 1955, and
the center of higher education with Bandung Institute of Technology -
one of the most prominent destination for Asia-pacific students.
Moreover, Bandung has a lovely weather and abundance of natural getaways
- a perfect break from daily hustle and bustle.The capital is situated
on a plateau 768 meters above sea level with a cool climete throughout
the year.FAST FACTS:
Latitude : 6.55'S
Longitude : 107.36'E
Population : 2,056,915
Language : Sundanese, Bahasa Indonesia
Religion : Islam, Christianity.
The
best time to visit Bandung is determined by the extent of rain. The
temperatures of day and night are significantly varied, though there are
not much seasonal variants around the city. The day temperature remains
in the range of 26ºC to 33ºC, while night temperature can drop to a low
of 10ºC. There are two seasons breeze around the year; the east monsoon
from June to September bringing dry climate and west Monsoon from
December throughout March bringing heavy rain. Around the year, high
humidity weather covers the city, however the dry season of June -
September is preferred rather than the rainy season.
One of the most
remarkable attractions in Bandung is the 2,076 m high volcano, called
Tangkubanparahu (overturned boat). It is so called since its peak
resembles an overturned boat. The road to the peak of Tangkubanparahu
was first established in 1906 on the initiative of "Bandung Vooruit" -
an organization found by Dutch men to help the government develop
Bandung especially in tourism sector.
My Home(Lembang)
LEMBANG
Another
resort town some time ago influenced by the Dutch is Lembang and the
Bosscha Observatory. Situated just 16 km north of Bandung, Lembang
features magnificence nature’s beauty. Just wear your casual costumes,
and take a walk around tea plantations. Then, your journey continues on
through main woodland for a hike to the crater of Tangkuban Perahu, the
only crater in Java accessible all the way by car as far as its rim. It
is an aweinspiring sight of emanating of sulfur fumes. Descent into all
the volcano's 12 craters is only possible with the aid of an experienced
guide, because of the presence of suffocating gases at certain spots.
Just a 15 minutes drive from Tangkuban Perahu is a hot springs resort.
Here you can swim in warm mineral water pools, good for healing skin
problems. You can also trek other routes, one which starts from Lembang
to Cimahi waterfall, as well as the one begin at Dago waterfall to reach
Maribaya. Through the later-mentioned route you will witness the past
caves used by the Japanese troops on World War II along the Cikapunding
River. A superb 6-km walk will bring you to a small park at Maribaya,
just 5 km east of Lembang.
While in Lembang, you should not miss
‘colenak’ - one of the street-side stalls’ delicacies made of fermented
cassava topped with palm sugar, shredded coconut and peanuts. Meanwhile,
the attractive yellow color cooked chickens hang in warung window
fairly ”beg” you to drop by and dine in.
Being known as producers of
fresh milk, sweet corn, black rice and organic vegetables, Lembang also
hosts several spas and peak restaurant overlooking dazzling nighttime
views of Bandung.
Since long known for its hot water springs,
Maribaya lies north of Bandung which be reached within 30 minutes. The
trip itself is worthwhile making, as you will pas through a picturesque
road dated with flowery hills and lovely villas all the way. The
mountain air is cool and the sulphur-laden water just comfortably hot
for swimming as well as for just seaking in. Part of the scenery is a 25
m high waterfall set against a steep mountain cliff.