Bandung

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• 2 Bandung Hostels

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• zags (41%)
  from http://zags.travellerspoint.com
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  from Tea Blog

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Introduction

Malya hotel, Bandung

© All Rights Reserved zags

Bandung, the city of flowers and the capital of West Java province, is one of the favourite weekend getaways for Jakarta citizens. Unsurprisingly, it tends to be crowded during weekends and holiday seasons. Located as it is on a plateau, Bandung enjoys a relatively cool temperature.

Bandung can be reached by bus, car, or train - it took about 2 hours from Jakarta.

Sights and Activities

Bandung is especially popular amongst young people, though its attractions are pleasing to the palate of any traveller: famous tea fields and gorgeous mountain scenery make Bandung a stunning location. Be sure to leave the city one night to view it from one of the mountains nearby, as the view from above is quite beautiful. Local travellers usually come to Bandung for its good food and fashion outlets.

Events and Festivals

Getting There

By Plane

Indonesian airline, Garuda Indonesia, flies to and from Bandung:

By Train

Between Jakarta and Bandung

© All Rights Reserved zags

The train trip to Bandung is worth the effort, if just for the beautiful view as you approach the city.

From Jakarta
From Gambir train station, take an ArgoGede train or a Parahyangan train:

Argogede
This train only stops at the departure/destination stations, Gambir (Jakarta) and Bandung. All coaches are air-conditioned and classified as Executive Class. You get a small pillow to use during the ride, and a box of snack & drink. You can also order some food like fried rice etc. on board. The price from Jakarta to Bandung is Rp 75,000 (one-way), that is less than US$10 per person, and it takes about 2.5 - 3 hrs.

Parahyangan
Stops at many train stations along the way, so it takes more time to get to the destination (about 2-3 hours). Economy and Business class coaches available. You can even get a ticket without seat - that means you stand during the ride. Ticket price is of course cheaper than Argogede.

For more information, see this website.

By Car

Bandung is reachable by car, from Jakarta it takes about 2-3 hours. You can take the Puncak or Sukabumi or Jonggol routes. You'd better go by car with someone who knows the way.

Another option: Now there is the new Cipularang toll road to Bandung from Jakarta.

Beware...
On your way, you might be stuck in a traffic jam. Be wary of people offering an alternative way, trying to direct you through a small street. Again, you should be with someone who really knows the field, because that might not be a better way to go. And those people expect some money in return.

Traffic jams are common in Padalarang, a small town near Bandung.

Be careful of scams on the road especially during traffic jams. Someone might try to do something with your car tire, for example, then 'lure' you to their workshop and try to drain your pocket by charging unreasonably high service costs.

But other than that, you are likely to see beautiful view along the way.

By Bus

There are many buses that have routes to Bandung.

Getting Around

By Car

Car Rental:

• Cipaganti Car Rent
• Adira

By Public Transport

Taxi: Blue Bird Bandung (022)756-1234

By Foot

Walking down the Dago (Jalan Juanda) is nice, with fashion outlets and mini cafés along the street.

By Bike

Eat

Bandung is well-known for its eating experience since it usually sells its cozy atmosphere and beautiful city and natural scenery. The food ranges from local food, European food, and some also offer traditional and colonial snacks.

The price varies, but is generally medium to cheap. There are many road-food stalls that offer cheap good food.

When eating many local foods, you may have to use fingers to eat them.

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Keep Connected

Internet

internet is widely use in Bandung as it also known as educational city. Internet is mainly used by students and also other people and can be found at warung internet (warnet) / internet cafe. There are also some wifi hotspots.

Phone

Like other cities in Indonesia, people usually bring their own cellphone (GSM/CDMA). Other choice are on warung telepon (wartel) / phone café which is similar to public phones.

Post

Postal service and packaging can be found in many places in Bandung, from national postal service to FedEx and UPS. The service and value varied. National Postal Service is usually the cheapest and has medium to slow speed on its packaging service. If you're going to be in Bandung for more than a month it's wise to use monthly member offered by FedEx especially when you do exchanges regularly.