Traveling To Bandung

Get in

By plane

Bandung's Hussein Sastranegara (IATA: BDO airport has a difficult location among the mountains and has only limited services with small planes. The airport is located at the end of Pajajaran Street, 4 km from the centre of the city. A metered taxi costs approximately US$1, but most hotels provide a free airport transfer services.

Some airlines serving Bandung:

• Air Asia [2] - operates thrice daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and daily from Singapore (no-frill airline)
• Merpati [3] - Balikpapan, Batam, Denpasar, Palembang, Surabaya, Tarakan and Ujung Pandang.
• Sriwijaya Air [4] - operate daily flight from Surabaya

There are no longer any scheduled services from Jakarta to Bandung, as both Merpati and Deraya have stopped their flights. Charter plane/helicopter service is still available if you really need a zippy connection.

Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport is about 3 hours away (plus any traffic jams). A number of companies offer direct shuttle services

By bus

Bus services connect Bandung and smaller surrounding cities. Several long-route buses are also available from major big cities. The most convenient way is the air-conditioned bus with the express or non-stop tag. The main bus terminals in Bandung are Leuwipanjang, serving buses from the west (Bogor, Jakarta, Merak, Pandeglang, Tangerang, Depok, Bekasi, Cikarang, Cibinong and Sukabumi.) and Cicaheum, serving buses from the east (Cirebon, Garut, Tasikmalaya, Banjar, Pangandaran, Indramayu, central Java cities, eastern Java cities and also from Bali Island).

By shuttle bus

• 4848. Jl Prapatan 34, Jakarta 10410. Tel.: (62)(21) 381 4488, (62)(21) 386 4848. The service is great, reliable and safe. Price: approx. US$ 25/car (4 persons).
• Cipaganti. Probably the biggest name in the business, they serve over a half a dozen points throughout Jakarta and its suburbs from their terminal at the Bandung Trade Center (BTC) on the western side of the city, with shuttles leaving every 20 minutes or so on most routes. Rp. 75,000 for a shared ride, Rp. 700,000 for a point-to-point charter.
• Baraya. The cheapest travel from Jakarta to Bandung, for only Rp. 48,000 for a shared ride.
• Primajasa, Tel.: (62)(22) 6073992 (Bandung), Tel.: (62)(21) 8009545 (Jakarta). Direct shuttle service from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport to Bandung Super Mall. The trip takes approx. 3 hours and the cost is approx. US$ 7.00/person. Schedule: once every hour from 8 AM to 9 PM.
• Silver Bird Van (Blue Bird Group), Jl. Mampang Prapatan Raya 60, South Jakarta. Tel.: (62)(21) 798 1234. Price: Rp. 750,000 door to door, plus toll fee Rp. 40,000.
• X-Trans, Jl. Blora 1 AB, Central Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 315 0555. Price: approx. US$ 55/car 10 persons.

By car

Bandung is two hours away from Jakarta by car, thanks to the new Cipularang toll road that completes the inter-city highway between Jakarta and Bandung. It is now faster to travel to Bandung by car than by train from Jakarta.

During the rainy season, parts of the Cipularang toll road may be closed because of landslides. On weekends, traffic jams often occur near the toll gates in the Djunjunan/Terusan Pasteur area.

One alternative route is by the slower, but enjoyable, route from Jakarta - Puncak - Cianjur - Bandung. If you travel by car using this route, then make sure to stop at the Puncak Pass, the tip of the highland just on the outskirts of Jakarta. From here, the view of tea plantation with fresh air can be enjoyed. There are plenty of good restaurants and hotels out there.

There is also a beautiful safari park/zoo in Puncak: Taman Safari Indonesia, Jl. Raya Puncak No.601, Cisarua, Bogor 16750. Tel.: (62)(251) 250 000, Fax.: (62)(251) 250 555.

By train

See

• Villa Isola, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi 229.
  Architect: C.P.W. Schoemaker. Built in 1932 for an Italian millionaire D.W. Berretty as a villa. It lies in the northern part of Bandung, overlooking the city to south and the Tangkuban Perahu mountain to the north. Villa Isola and its 2 gardens have a magnificent design by its architect, combining the unique landscape and the Indo-European architectural style. This monumental art was later used for a hotel, named Hotel de Luxe. Now it serves as UPI's (University of Education Indonesia) headmastership building.
• Gedung Merdeka, Jl. Asia-Afrika 65 (near alun-alun or city square).
  Architect: Van Gallen Last and C.P.W Schoemaker. Built in 1895 for a club house for rich people, named the Concordia Society. In 1955, this building was famous as the first Asian-African conference venue. Now it is a museum for that conference.
• Savoy Homann Hotel, Jl. Asia-Afrika 112, (+62)-22-4232244. it was built in 1880, renovated in 1938 by a Dutch architect A.F. Aabers with an art-deco style as it is seen today. It still serves a hotel until now. The King and Queen of Siam, The Prince and Queen of Belgium, The Governor General of Indo-China, The Duchess of Westminster and even Charles Chaplin had stayed there three times. You can also still stay in this hotel and enjoying the old colonial time.
• Grand Hotel Preanger, Jl. Asia-Afrika 81.
  It has two sides: the old facade and the modern wing side. The old facade has an interesting story, as C.P.W. Schoemaker designed the art-deco style that is blended with local culture. It was a controversial issue at that time, but that gives a unique style.

• Gedung Sate, Jl. Diponegoro.
  Architect: J. Gerber, built in 1921. It was used as the head of the Dutch Indies Government Companies. The roof has a decoration of a popular satay food as now it is famous for the name, though it was not meant to be like that. In fact, it is a 6 ornaments, symbolizing 6 million guldens, the cost of the building. Now, the complex is the office of West Java governor and the local provincial house of representatives. Interestingly, this building mixes different architectural styles: Spanish Moorish style for the windows, Italian renaissance for the over all building, and between Balinese pura & Thai's pagoda for the roof. The facade faces directly to the Mt. Tangkubanperahu. The building is open for public, and at the end of the journey inside, you can sip a nice hot bajigur drink while watching the city view from the top floor.
• Cipaganti Mosque, Jl. Cipaganti.
  Architect: C.P.W. Schoemaker, built in 1933. It was the only mosque that was built in the European residential area in the northern part of Bandung. The central facade still has the original design, but the mosque has been expanded to both of its side.
• ITB West and East Hall (Aula Barat & Timur ITB), Jl. Ganesha 10.
  ITB is Institute Technology Bandung, the oldest institute of technology in Indonesia. It was built in 1918 by the architect Maclaine Pont. The most prominent Dutch East Indian architecture is the West and East Hall of this institute, where a West Sumatran style of architecture was used

Art & Science

• Saung Angklung Udjo [15]. Angklung is a traditional South-East Asian musical instrument, made by bamboo. Udjo Nalagena, a famous angklung artist, created an Angklung House in the outskirt of Bandung, where angklung is made, learned and played. You can enjoy an angklung orchestra played by 12 year old or less children or even be a part of this orchestra, holding one of the angklung instruments. The place is in the middle of padi terrace and bamboo field, a perfect location to feel the relaxedness of a small village. It is one of the famous travel destinations among westerners and is highly recommended.
  Location: Jl. Padasuka 118, around 7km from Bandung.
  How to get there: The easiest way is to rent a car to go there or ask your travel agent if there is a program to visit this place.
• Bosscha Observatorium [16], built in 1923 by Nederlandsch-Indische Sterrekundige Vereeniging (Assoc. of Dutch-Indies Astronomers) is the only observatorium in Indonesia. It lies in Lembang, a small suburb city in the northern part of Bandung. It is now part of the Dept. of Astronomy, Institute Technology Bandung.
  Location: Jl. Peneropongan Bintang, Lembang 40391. Tel: (+62) 22-2786001. E-mail: administration[at]as.itb.ac.id
  To visit there, ask the department administration first for a reservation. Some visiting notes:
  • Reservation must be made 1 month before.
  • Bosscha is closed on national holidays, Sunday and Monday.
  • Day visit at 9:00, 12:00 (except Friday at 13:00) and 15:00.
  • Public night (17:00-19:30), between April-October, with some presentations and demos. Ask there for a specific date as this public night is open at the 7th & 8th of the lunar month.
  • Special visit can be arranged, subject to their availability.

• Geological Museum, houses 250.000 rocks and mineral collection, and 60.000 fossils. There are 3 major rooms in the museums: the geology of Indonesia, the history of life and the geology of human life. The building itself has an art-deco style, built in 1928 by a Dutch architect Wnalda van Scholtwenburg.
  Location: Jl. Diponegoro 57, Bandung. (near Gedung Sate complex). Tel: (+62)-22-7203205.
  Visiting time: every day 09:00-15:00 except Friday. Price: Free. Recommended museum by locals.
• Sri Baduga Maharaja Museum
• Pos dan Giro Museum
• Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum

Do

• Saturday Night at Jalan Dago. Every Saturday night, teenagers and youngsters are hanging around at Jalan Dago. The street stretches from Holiday Inn Hotel in the south and a few blocks to the north until Simpang Dago. The street is crowded with modified cars with loud music. Don't bring your own car if you don't want to get stuck in a traffic jam. Just walk and watch these hip-hop youngsters. There are some cafes and chic restaurants in the street that you can sit in. Don't forget to buy some grilled sweet or hot-chili corn that is sold at the street stalls. The party usually lasts until midnight.
• Sunday Morning at Gasibu Park. After having a party on Saturday night, wake up very early in the morning around 5-7AM. Go to Gasibu park at the front of the Gedung Sate complex and wear your sportswear. At the park, you can go jogging and do some stretching, and after you finish, food stalls are already waiting for you with a lot of food varieties. People's favourites are dim sum ceker (a chicken foot cooked like a dim sum) and nasi liwet (a rice cooked with coconut milk and served with chicken and other vegetables). In the walking distance, there is a famous yoghurt drink cafe with a nice and relaxing setting at Jl Cisangkuy.
• Lembang trip. A trip to the north of Bandung cannot be missed. Rent a car and start to go at the very early in the morning to Lembang, an uphill resort city.
  • On the way to Lembang, you can make a sidetrip to Bosscha, the only observatorium in Indonesia. Please make sure you have made a reservation and take a note on its opening hours.
  • Continue your journey to Lembang and stop at one of the food stall that sells fresh milk. You can drink fresh milk with many flavours. The milk is really fresh.
  • Go to the Mt. Tangkuban Perahu. Go circling around Kawah Ratu (Queen's crater) to see the volcanic activity closely. There are other craters: Kawah Upas and Kawah Domas. Beware of the tourist hawkers who sell many things at unreasonably expensive prices.
  • Continue the journey to Sari Ater, a hot water spring complex. On the way, there is a good Sundanese restaurant, named Sindang Reret, that you can stop by for your lunch.
  • Sari Ater [17] is a resort with natural hot water spring pools, some recreation parks and healthy spas. Stay overnight and have a good dinner at their restaurant.
  • On the way back to Bandung, take a stop at a street food stall and have some grilled 'sweet corns or grilled ketan (sticky rice) while enjoying the view of the tea plantation.
• Ram fighting: Villages around Bandung host ram fights on alternate Sundays. It's a big event for locals who turn out in their hundreds to watch 5-minute bouts between prize fighter male sheep. Tournaments are held in purpose-built rings in outlying villages. Best to hire a motorbike/guide in Bandung who knows when and where the next tournament is on. Fahtur Gunawang is a local ram enthusiast and travel guide, tel 0062-81809878336 or email fahtur_gunawan@hotmail.com. Ram fighting is not a blood sport but animal lovers may be upset at the sight of the fights, which are organised and refereed rather like boxing matches.

Cinema

• Blitzmegaplex, Paris Van Java Mall, Jl. Sukajadi 136-139. Telp (022) 820 63630. 9 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000 - 22,000 - 27,000

• BSM XXI, Bandung Supermall Lt. 3, Jl. Jend Gatot Subroto. Telp: (022) 612 6521. 5 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000 - 25,000

• BTC XXI, Bandung Trade Center Lt. P-2/3, Jl Dr. Djundjunan no. 143-149. Telp. (022) 910 1121. 5 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 10,000 - 15,000

• Braga 21, Braga City Walk Lt. 2, Jl. Braga 99-101. Telp. (022) 844 60121. 3 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 10,000

• CiWalk XXI, Cihampelas Walk Lt. 4, Jl. Cihampelas 160. 8 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000 - 25,000

• CiWalk XXI The Premiere, Cihampelas Walk Lt. 4, Jl. Cihampelas 160. 2 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 50,000

• Empire 21, Bandung Indah Plaza Lt. 3, Jl. Merdeka 56. Telp. (022) 424 0719. 6 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 15,000

• Galaxy 21, Jl. Kepatihan. Telp. (022) 420 8143. 6 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 9,000 - 13,000

• Jatos 21, Jatinangor Town Square, Jl. Raya Jatinangor No. 150. Telp. (022) 8792 0089. 5 screems. Ticket price: 10,000 - 15,000

• Nusantara 21, Jl. Alun-Alun Timur No. 3-7. Telp. (022) 4237 040. 4 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 8,000 - 10,000

• Regent 21, Jl. Sumatra 2. Telp. (022) 423 6370. 3 screens. Ticket price: Rp. 8,000 - 10,000

Outdoor Activities

• Alun-alun Bandung or city square. Alun-alun is the classical central core of the democratic city in Indonesia, since the 15th century. It is typically a square of grass field with 4 sides are the city major residence, pendopo (a place to meet between citizens and the government), a mosque and a prison. The grand mosque is still visible, though it has been renovated 7 times. Now, it has undergone a major renovation and expansion with two 81 m high minarets and a Taj Mahal interior design. The pendopo is also still there, behind a high wall. The prison has been transformed into a mall with one block is preserved as a museum, a cell block where Soekarno, the first president of Indonesia, spent some time in there. The major transition is that now alun-alun serves as an entertainment park, where shopping mall buildings are surrounding the square.
• Bandung Zoo, built in 1930.
  Location: Jalan Kebun Binatang No. 6 Bandung 40132. Tel: (+62)-22-2502770.

• Mt. Tangkuban Perahu. You can see it at almost anywhere in Bandung, but it is not complete before you see its crater. If you're in Bandung, take a look at the north side and find an unusual shape of mountain. The name itself comes from the local Legend of Sangkuriang ("Legenda Sangkuriang") about a disobedient son who kicks his boat upside-down and then cursed into stone. Hence the name of this mountain. Tangkuban = flipped and perahu = boat mean the shape of the mountain looks like a flipped boat. It's still an active volcanic mountain. The crater is reachable by car, though it is fun to do hiking to the top by foot from Lembang. Its elevation is 2084 m above the sea level and the path from Lembang is not too steep. At the crater, it is a touristic spot. Near the main crater is another amazing site, 'Kawah Upas', where you stand between two big craters, left and right.

• Juanda Forest Park or Dago Pakar. The official name is Taman Hutan Raya ir. H. Juanda. It is a forest park, serves as a water reservoir for the city. There are some interesting parks for children or to have a picnic there. There are also some old WW II caves during the Japanese era. Some people walk through the forest to reach Maribaya park in Lembang.
  Location: at the end of Jalan Dago.
  Angkot routes: Abd. Muis-Dago and followed by walking or take a ride by motorcycle.
• Punclut-Lembang Hiking trail. Started from Puncrut, Jalan Kiputih, North Bandung.

Buy

Local Handicraft and Souvenirs

• Wayang Golek is a Sundanese puppet show. Unlike Javanese wayang puppet, wayang golek is made from wood. Find wayang golek at Galeri Cupumanik, Jl. Haji Umar.
• Angklung is a Sundanese ethnical music instrument
• Leather handicraft, that includes shoes, bags and other accessories. A well-known local shoe handicrafts are centered in Cibaduyut area. The Elizabeth bag maker is famous and it is located at Jl. Otto Iskandar Dinata 520, Tel. (+62)-022-5201125.
• Jean street, which is Jl. Cihampelas. A lot of denim shops decorated with funky designs. Do not be surprised to see giant models of Superman, Goku, Rambo and others, standing guard over the shops.
• Souvenir Shop, in Jl. Cihampelas no.39.Tel.(+62)-022-4205427. Very good quality and inexpensive local souvenirs. The shop is hosted in a lovely old Dutch colonial style.
• Toko Sin Sin, in Jl. Braga 59 Tel (+62)-022-4238574. Sells various high quality handicraft and souvenirs, including wayang golek (wood puppet), wayang kulit (leather puppet), angklung, leather and crocodile skin handicraft (mostly bags, wallets, and belts), wood carvings, Indonesian traditional silverworks, paintings, and even Indonesian furniture. This is a shop with very long history, started even before Indonesia gained independence.

Shopping Malls

• Alun-alun/Centre of the city. In the alun-alun area there are many shopping malls, but they are rather old.

• Cihampelas Walk (Ciwalk), Jl. Cihampelas. [18]. Shopping, dining and hanging out in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.

• Bandung Electronic Center (BEC), Jl. Purnawarman 13-15. Specializing in computers and cellphone.

• Bandung Indah Plaza (BIP), Jl. Merdeka 56. Food court, cinema.

• Bandung Supermall (BSM), Jl. Gatot Subroto 289. Food court, cinema. Also offers you high class clothes store such as Hugo Boss, Raoul, Next, Mango, Guess, Esprit, and many more.

• Bandung Trade Center, Jl. Terusan Pasteur 143. Food Court.

• Braga City Walk, Jl. Braga. [19]. Shopping complex at the heart of the famous Braga Street.

• Istana Plaza, Jl. Pasirkaliki 121 - 123. [20]. Free wireless internet, assisted taxi stand, cinema, shopping reward programs, and ice skating ring.

• Kings Shopping Center 1 & 2, Jl. Kepatihan. Food court, fashion, cinema.

• Setrasari Plaza, Jl. Surya Sumantri 120. Food court. Near universities.

• Paris Van Java Mall, Jl Sukajadi. Offers you the quite attractive atmosphere, a mix and match environment between outdoor and indoor mall. From Carrefour, a mega supermarket to Gramedia, a giant bookstore, from cafe to bistro, from a simple shop on the island of the mall to the high class clothes store such as MNG, GUESS, H.O.B., and ESPRIT can be found here.

• Kepatihan Plaza, Jl. Kepatihan. Fashion, Supermarket and Food Court.

• Istana Building Commodities Center, Jl. Jendral Ahmad Yani. Building materials, electronics, computers.

• Bandung Electronic Mall, Jl. Naripan. Electronics, Computers, Cellphones and Food Court.

• Planet Dago, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda. Cellphones, Bowling Court.

• Plaza Dago, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda. Fashion, Ice Skate Court, Food Court.

• Metro Indah Mall, (former Metro Trade Center) Kompleks MTC Jl. Soekarno Hatta No. 590, Tel. (62)(22) 7538448, 7537577.

• Mall Lingkar Selatan, Jl. Peta. Supermarket, Food Court.

• Jatinangor Town Square, Jl. Raya Jatinangor. The complete shopping mall in eastern Bandung.

• Plaza Pajajaran, Jl. Raya Jatinangor.

• Cimahi Mall, Jl. Gandawijaya. The first shopping mall in Cimahi.

• Mall IITC Kopo, Jl. Kopo. Cellphones and Food Court.

• Bandung Trade Mall, Jl. Kiaracondong.

• Lucky Square, Jl. Terusan Jakarta.

• Plaza Cimahi, The newest shopping mall in Cimahi located at Jl. Raya Cibabat.

Factory Outlets

During the quality inspection, some of the products might be rejected, or they may overrun the production quota. These residual products are sold with sisa export tags, because they were made for export, but couldn't pass through. Some of these items have Grade A (best quality, but overrun product) or Grade B (export quality, but do not pass QC) qualities. Don't be surprised to see made in Korea or made in Singapore in their tags. Sometimes you will see the original price, such as USD$65, but they sell it for Rp. 45.000,00 (US$ 4.50).

Enjoy bargain hunting! Take a careful inspection yourself. Check for below-standard/damaged items. Beware also for the fake products with branded name.}}

It was originally meant for export garment (textile) factories that open a store directly in their area so that they can sell with bargain prices. Since it was a big success, many factory outlets without the factory itself were opening in many places in the city, also with bargain price tags. To attract people, they decorated the store with many styles: the colonial style, an old Chinese dynasty, etc. Some stores even have a small food court.

Most of factory outlets are concentrated in Jl. Riau, Jl. Dago (Jl. Ir. H. Juanda) and around Jl.Sukajadi-Jl.Setiabudi area. Some of them are listed below:

• Factory outlets in Jl. Riau: Heritage (inside an old historical building), Cascade, Summit, Oasis, Metropolitan, Renaritti, Secret, Terminal Tas, Edward Forrer, Stamp.
• Factory outlets in Jl. Dago: Rich & Famous, Coconel, Glamour, Blossom, Uptown (also opens a cafe that sells good chicken noodle and famous for the strawberry juice), Dago Stock Centre, M&M, Justine.
• Around Jl.Sukajadi-Jl.Setiabudi: Rumah Mode (Jl. Setiabudi 41F), Diaz (Jl. Sederhana mostly shoes).
• Other places: Batian (Jl. Otto Iskandardinata 535, you can find used and new items), Stock Center (Jl. Sukarno Hatta), Cargo (Jl. Diponegoro), Cosmo (Jl. Pelajar Pejuang 45), The Big Price Cut (The first factory outlet in Bandung) (Jl. Aceh)

Distros (Distribution Outlets)

Distros are a new phenomenon in Bandung where a shop sells stylish products that were made by local designers. They are served as a distribution store, because these local designers do not have their own marketing label yet. The products that are sold are books, indie label records, magazines and also other fashion products and accessories. After their products receive large attention, then they make their own clothing company. Now, there are more than 200 local brand names in Bandung. One thing that makes distros stand out from factory outlet is that distros come from individual designers and young entrepeneurs, while factory outlet products come from a garment factory.

Note that now distros are getting famous in Indonesia. The local branded name with free and independent motivation has been shifted. Be careful when buying in distros as the prices are increasing to a level almost the same as at boutique shops.

Some of Bandung distros: unkl347, Jl. Trunojoyo 4, Invictus,Jl.Pager gunung 13 and Jl.Trunojoyo 6 [21] Ouval Research, Jl. Buah Batu 64, No Label, Jl. Sumatra 24, Blackjack, Jl. Trunojoyo, Screamous, Jl. Trunojoyo, Badger, Jl. Trunojoyo, Airplane,"starseeker","oglea", "Blankwear" Jl. Sultan Agung, Cosmic, Jl. Trunojoyo, Green Light, Bandung Indah Plaza Lt. 2 and Jl. Buah Batu, Temple, Jl. Dipatiukur, Skaters, Bandung Indah Plaza Lt. 2, Jl. Cihampelas and Jl. Raya Lembang, Black ID, Jl. Lombok and Paris Van Java Mall.

Eat

Local Delicacies

• Bakso Tahu / Siomay is a steamed meat with/without tofu. It is served with peanut paste, sweet soy sauce and a lime. It is suitable for a snack, eat at anytime. In almost all streets you can find somebody selling this food with a wheeled stall (gerobak). The popular place is called Siomay Pak Lili at Jl. Geger Kalong Girang that has sold this food for 15 years.

• Batagor is similar to bakso tahu/siomay but it is fried instead of being steamed. It is served similar with peanut paste and sweet soy sauce. Served also as a snack. Legends are Kingsley at Jl. Veteran, selling this food already for 28 years, Batagor Riri [22] at Jl. Burangrang 41 (in front of the BCA building), Batagor Haji Isan at Jl. Bojongloa, and Batagor Haji Darto at Pasar Simpang Dago.

• Martabak is a fried stuffed pancake. There are two types: sweet and savory. Sweet martabak is a thick pancake stuffed with chocolate/cheese/banana/sugar. The savory martabak is a thin fried pancake stuffed with eggs, some vegetables, mushrooms, chicken/beef. The most popular ones are Martabak Lodaya and Martabak San Fransisco at Jln. Lodaya. Another recommended place is Martabak Andir at Jln. Jendral Sudirman, near the Andir wet market. My personal favourite is the one filled with sweet corn and cheese. One more best martabak which should not be forgotten is Martabak Canada at Jalan Kebon Kawung near the gas station.

• Soto Bandung is a soup with beef meat, soy beans and some vegetables. The old food stalls selling this food is at Soto Ojolali, Jl. Cibadak (near alun-alun), since 1940s.

• Lotek is a mixed boiled vegetables, served with peanut paste and some chillies, similar to gado gado. The hotter the better. The famous place is Lotek Kalipah Apo, Jl. Kalipah Apo, every day 9AM-16PM. Have been selling this food for already 48 years. One plate is about Rp. 4500, very cheap.

• Mie Kocok is a noodle soup, served with beef foot, beef skin and tauge or mung bean sprout. If you don't fancy with these parts of beef, then you can ask not to have it and you can still taste its appetite. The famous place is a street vendor, Mie Kocok SKM, at Jl. Sunda.

• Mie Ayam is a noodle soup served with chicken and it comes with a variety of toppings. The famous place is at Mie Naripan in Jl.Naripan, they serve varieties of good noodles there. Another good place is at Bakmi Mangkok Mas in Jl. Setiabudhi.

• Nasi Timbel is the famous Sundanese dish. It is a tube-shaped rice that has a distinguish flavour, because it is cooked inside a banana leaf. It is usually served with lalapan (raw vegetables), fried tofu & tempe, fried chicken and chili paste. You can find this type of dish in most of Sundanese restaurants. The well-known timbel food stall is located nearby Istiqomah mosque. Another good place is at Nasi Timbel Dago at Jl. Dago. One plate cost about Rp. 20.000.

• Laksa Bandung is the famous old traditional dish. This dish is kind of chicken soup using coconut milk with turmeric for the stock, and in side is contains rice cake (cooked inside a banana leaf), bean sprout, vermicelli, shredded chicken and for the finishing is garnished with holly basil and Oncom Bandung the traditional fermented soy bean cake. The well-known Laksa vendor is located at the junction of Jl. Pungkur and Lengkong Pondok Laksa. Its cheap and very appetizing. One plate cost about Rp.7000

Legendary Eateries

• Sate Kardjan, Jl. Pasirkaliki, every day 24h. Lamb satay speciality, since 1970. Try sate buntel (a grilled minced lamb meat), tongseng (lamb meat in a coconut milk soup), nasi goreng kambing (fried rice with lamb) or sate cempe (satay from 10 month old lamb).

• Bubur Ayam Mang Oyo, Jl. Sulanjana (near Gasibu) and several branches. It's a chicken porridge. Nice for starting your day.

• Kedai Ma' Uneh, Jl. Terasana I No. 132 Pajajaran. It's in an alley in front of Pajajaran sport complex. Delicious Sundanese food.

• Baso Lela, Jl. Awiligar, everyday open until 9 PM. It's new but getting popular. It's in the hill side of Bandung with a nice view to the city. Try yamien, a dried boiled noodle, mixed with soy sauce. There are sweet yamien and salt yamien. Try also chicken noodle and the strawberry juice as a dessert.

• Santosa, Jl. Aceh, everyday open from 5 PM until 9.30 PM. It's a hawker with open air eating experience. Opened since '60s. Try the fried kway teow/noodle/rice. They are using a special wok to enhance the taste. Located opposite of the municipal office, near KONI Jabar dorm.

Chic Restaurants

• Kampung Daun, Jl Sersan Bajuri Km 4.7 No 88 Villa Trinity Complex (you need to drive with your own car there). Sundanese food. Designed with natural elements as you eat at a hut in the middle of padi field, small waterfall and river. At night it's really amazing to walk along candlelit pathways. Eating out really means eating out here.

• Sierra Cafe & Lounge, Jl. Bukit Pakar no 33. Located on the hill of Dago Pakar in Bandung, Sierra delivers a relaxing and indulging ambience with a breathtaking view of Bandung's city light. International cuisines (Western, Japanese and Thailand).

• N Cafe, Jl. Sutra Duta Kencana II/11, Bandung. Balinese & European cuisines, with great scenery surrounding really make u feel comfortable.Great Coffee comes with special brew, try our balinese fried duck speciality then you will never forget the taste.

• Kedai Nyonya Rumah, Jl. Naripan 92. Indonesian cuisines. The interior design is very relaxing, giving a nice eating experience.

• Tizis Restaurant, Jl. Kidang Pananjung 3. European dishes with homemade bread and pastries. A well-known expats place to dine.

• Atmosphere Cafe, Jl. Lengkong Besar No. 97, Tel. : (62)(22) 4262815.

• The Peak Resort Dining, Komplek Girandah Desa Karyawangi, Ciwaruga, Parongpong Bandung, Tel. (62)(22) 2705429

• The Valley Bistro, Jl. Lembah Pakar Timur No. 28 (Dago) Bandung , Tel. (62)(22) 2531052.

• The View Restaurant, Jl Resort Dago Pakar Raya No. 28 Bandung, Tel. (62)(22) 2531198 , Fax (62)(22) 2531196

Sundanese Restaurants

• Sindang Reret, Jl. Surapati No. 53, Tel. (+62)-22-2501474. The other branche is outside the city in the north: Jl. Raya Cikole Km.22 Lembang, Tel. (+62)-22-2786500. The good one is the branch restaurant (see the Lembang Trip).

• Ponyo, Jl. Malabar 60, Tel. (+62)-22-7301477. There are many branches outside the city.

• AA Laksana, Jl. Soekarno Hatta 494, Tel. (+62)-22-7509303. There are 2 other branches: Jl. Jakarta 21 and Jl. Cihampelas 30. A big self-service eatery with long tables already filled with plates of food. Take what you want and ask the server to count the plates when finished.

• Ampera, The famous Sundanese restaurant in Bandung with cheap price and lot of branch. Can be found at Jl. Sukarno Hatta (Cigereleng), Jl. Sukarno Hatta (Sanggar Hurip), Jl. Sukarno Hatta (Metro), Jl. Pajajaran, Jl. Pungkur, Jl. Dewi Sartika (Kebon Kalapa), Jl. Taman Citarum, Kepatihan Plaza and Jl. Raya Lembang.

• Saung Kabayan, Jl. Dr. Djunjunan.

• Raja Sunda, Jl. Dr. Djunjunan.

• Sambel Cibiuk, Jl. Merak.

• Bumbu Desa, newer and more prestigious sundanese traditional restaurant, branch in Bandung can be located at Jl. Laswi No. 1, Tel. (62)(22) 7100539, Jl. Pasirkaliki No. 160, Tel. (62)(22) 4234330 and Rumah Mode Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 41, Tel. (62)(22) 91147980.

• Ibu Haji Ciganea, famous sundanese food restaurant from Purwakarta, Bandung branch can be located at Jl. Lodaya No. 29, Tel. (62)(22) 7314291

Asian Restaurants

• Coca Suki, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda (Dago) 173. A branch of Thailand restaurant Coca [23].

• Hoka Hoka Bento, Jl. Merdeka 47 Tel.: (62)(22) 424 5494. Japanese Restaurant. Menu: ekkado, chicken katsu, sukiyaki, koori kon nyaku, shrimp ball, beef yakiniku, shabu-shabu, teriyaki, udon. Opening hours: 10.00 - 22.00. Price: approx. US$ 4/person. Other branch : Bandung Electronic Center 3rd Fl., Bandung Trade Center 3rd Fl., Istana Plaza 3rd Fl., Mall IITC Kopo GF., Borma Jl. Terusan Jakarta No. 53E, Metro Indah Mall GF., Kings Shopping Center 1, 4th Fl., Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 61, Stasiun Bandung Jl. Kebon Kawung, Hero Jl. Buah Batu No. 237, Yogya Jl. Sunda No. 60 4th Fl.

• Hanamasa, Istana Plaza. Jl. PasirKaliki. Jl. Merdeka 39-41 Telp: (62)(22) 4204426. Japanese restaurant. Menu: yakiniku, shabu-shabu, robatayaki, beef, chicken, seafood. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 22/person.

• Sushi Tei, Jl.Sumatra No.9. Telp : (62) (22) 4223181

Western Restaurants

• Glosis Restaurant at Cihampelas Walk (Ciwalk). Jl. Cihampelas, Bandung. Price: approx. US 8/person

• Cafe Venezia. Jl. Sukajadi 205, Bandung. Telp.: (62)(22) 2031277. Italian restaurant. Menu: pasta, pizza, fried chicken, salad, soup. Opening hours: 09.00 - 23.00. Price: approx. US$ 15/person. Nowadays the name has been changed to Vienna cafe & resto which give more variative foods.

• Tony Roma's Jl. Sumatra 1, Bandung 40000 West Java Tel: (62)(22) 422 4656. Fax: (62)(22) 422 4660. American Restaurant. Menu: ribs, steaks, soup, salad. Price: splurge.

• Sadewa Steak Near Pajajaran, 5 minutes from Airport, 10 minutes from Railway Station. Jl. Sadewa 24, Bandung. Specialize European Steak and Pasta, Unique menus, Cozy place. Open daily at 16.30 - 22.00. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

• Canary. Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 28, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 423 8928. International Restaurant. Menu: hamburger, steak, fried chicken, sate, soup, salad. Opening hours: 07.00 - 21.00. Price: approx. US$ 7/person.

• Pizza Hut, well known international brand for Pizza, there are a lot of it branch in Bandung such as in Bandung Indah Plaza GF, Mollis GF, Kings Shopping Center 2 GF, Bandung Supermall, Istana Plaza GF, Carrefour Kiaracondong, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi, Jl. Buah Batu, Jl. Kopo Bihbul, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda.

• McDonald's, American fast food restaurant mainly in Burger and Fried Chicken, you can find McD branch in Bandung at Bandung Indah Plaza GF, Premiere Plaza GF, Kings Shopping Center 2 GF, Kepatihan Plaza 3rd Fl, Istana Plaza Parking Ground, Istana Plaza 3rd Fl, Dago Boutique Apartment, Griya Jl. Buah Batu, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi, Jl. Jendral Gatot Subroto. Delivery number: 14045.

• KFC, best brand for fried chicken, located at Jl. Pajajaran No. 68, Jl. Buah Batu No. 189B, Tel. (62)(22) 7321887, Jl. RE. Martadinata No. 72, Tel. (62)(22) 4261465, Jl. Sukarno Hatta No. 423, Tel. (62)(22) 7562076, Jl. Kepatihan No. 19A, Tel. (62)(22) 4208660, Bandung Supermall, Bandung Trade Center GF, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 169, Tel. (62)(22) 2017616, Jl. Merdeka No. 27, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 40-42, Tel. (62)(22) 4218965, Jl. Kopo No. 599, Paris Van Java Mall GF, Metro Indah Mall GF,