Hailed as “Parijs van Java" (Paris of Java) by the Dutch during its colonization in the eighteenth century, this beautiful city lies in a river basin surrounded by volcanic mountains. Its history lies in the adjoining tea plantations which Bandung owes to for its successful development. The Dutch East Indies government found the area idyllic and strategic, and wanted to move the capital from Batavia (Jakarta today) to Bandung. However, the plan was abruptly interrupted by World War II, after which the Dutch were unable to reinstate their colonial presence.
Today, Bandung bears its rich colonial heritage proudly in its prominent Art Deco architectural style. Many historic buildings were designed by popular Dutch architects such as Henri Maclaine-Point, who combined the Art Deco style with the local culture. Still standing in its art-deco grandeur and operating successfully are the two hotels, the Savoy Homann and Grand Preanger, built in a neighbourhood still bearing its wealthy high society past. Take a walk on Jalan Braga where the hotels are, and you’ll be transported into an open air museum. You will almost feel like instead of four-wheeled cars, you can imagine the galloping of horse drawn carriages through its streets.
Just off Jalan Braga, on Jalan Banceuy is a quaint boutique coffee factory which has been around for over 70 years. Here, visitors are welcomed into Koffie Fabriek Aroma to experience old-fashioned coffee roasting on an antique and still functioning iron rubberwood-fire roaster. The aromas are amazing and a not to be missed experience. Also found in this neighbourhood worth visiting is an old Dutch bakery serving almost authentic delights. Sumber Hidangen, or formerly "Het Snoephuis" has been operating since the 1920s, and hasn’t changed much. It is said that even Dutch tourists who come here are delighted to find traditional Dutch cookies that are no longer found in the Netherlands.
Another more urban attraction in Bandung, especially to Jakartans, is its amazing shopping! Scattered all over the 2 million populated city, are factory outlets selling rejected export brand names at a steal. Begin at the famous jeans street along Jalan Cihampelas and pay attention to its outrageous of a larger than life gorilla, Superman or any Japanese anime superhero signages beckoning you to shop where they are. The factory outlets can be found on tourist maps, since the city is also nicknamed “Kota Wisata Belanja” or Tourist Shopping city, as Bandung attracts large crowds from its neighbouring cities to buy local fashion wears at huge bargains.
Or if you have a preference for more boutique styled clothes, have a go at the uniquely Bandung distros. An acronym for distribution outlets, they’re tiny boutique stores selling clothes proudly designed and made by Indonesian fashion designers.
The artistic ambiance of Bandung is no less in its modernity than it is in its history. Lining itself on the beautiful steep Bandung hillside, Dago Pakar is home to art galleries and boutique coffee cafés galore. While serene and relaxing in the daytime, this area turns into a scenic hotspot overlooking the cityscape at night.
Bandung is a home to artists, a city that embraces art and culture in every way, indiscriminately. And either driving or walking through its city streets, it is no surprise why. The city will take your breath away, whether you’re an art lover or a fashion bargain hunter.
Getting there
By train – From Jakarta, take a scenic two hour 45 min journey on the Agro Gede, express train for Pr 75,000 (approx USD $8).
By bus - Bus services connect Banding and smaller surrounding cities from Jakarta. There is also a shuttle bus service from Hatta International airport to Bandung. The trip takes approx. 3 hours at approx. US$ 6.50.
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