As famous as Bandung is for its wealth of shopping and dining options, this is not all that the city has to offer. Indonesia's Flower City is a fantastic holiday destination in its own right, combining the best of natural attractions with plenty of fun activities available for the family.
When international tourists book a trip to Bandung, the first thing on their visit list is the Tangkuban Perahu, whose majestic structure is visible from anywhere in Bandung. Malaysian tourists often liken the weather at Tangkuban Perahu to that of Cameron Highlands in Pahang. Visitors can look down upon Kawah Ratu (Queen's Crater) and check into Ciater's hot springs while around here.
Another famous crater in Bandung, the Kawah Putih or White Crater is set atop an inactive volcano about an hour south of the city. The spot is known for its idyllic scenery and is also a great place to drink fresh juices or nibble on some highland snacks (mostly dipped in a chocolate fountain!).
Next up, in the heart of Bandung lies Saung Angklung Udjo, a bamboo sanctuary built by great angklung master Udjo Ngalagena (saung means house in Sundanese). The venue is a celebration of the craft and music of angklung (bamboo instrument) with daily music, dance and other cultural performances. It is popular among domestic and international travelers alike.
While walking around town, one can see remnants of Bandung's colonial grandeur - a testament to the name "Paris van Java" - through Dutch-inspired architecture such as that of the Sate Building, Savoy Homan Hotel and Jalan Braga.
Then, after completing your "obligatory" shopping on Jalan Dago, Riau, Rumah Mode and Cihampelas (all of which no longer need any introduction!), it's time to move on and find some fine dining and local cuisine options.
It is rewarding to know that aside from the thousands of carts selling meatballs, noodles and other snacks on Bandung's busy streets, visitors will never run out of new chic and hip eateries that seem to spring up almost weekly in this city.
Rest assured, however, that local specialties like serabi (Sundanese pancake), batagor (crispy fried fish/tofu with spicy peanut sauce) and cendol (coconut drink with jelly beans) can be found both at most street-side stalls as well as top hotels.
What about the kids? What are they to do while in Bandung, aside from tagging along while their parents shop and explore exotic Sundanese heritage? The first item on the checklist is playing cowboys.
De'Ranch, a property with horse trails set in Lembang, offers an all-in-one theme park with ponds to play and fish in, climbing walls and various outbound facilities. In addition to riding horses, children can also go on a horse-drawn carriage ride that goes across the ranch. Be sure to visit in the morning to avoid traffic and the hot sun.
For those who prefer to recuperate at their respective lodgings, a number of Bandung's first-class hotels also have a kids' club for the benefit of the young ones. Some even go to great lengths in making sure that children have the ultimate fun this holiday season.
Situated within Kota Baru Parahyangan, Mason Pine Hotel features a complete set of sports and recreation facilities including an Olympic infinity pool, children's pool with water slides, foot reflexology track, a rock-climbing wall and various sports courts for the family.
Weekends are even more special at Mason Pine thanks to the hotel's Weekend Children's Carnival, where kids get to enjoy water games, flying fox rides, horse riding, go on a field trip to the Kota Baru Parahyangan sundial, or even milk some cows!
Plenty of hotels, including Marbella Suites Bandung, Aston Primera Pasteur, The Luxton, Arion Swiss-Belhotel and Novotel, are also offering special holiday rates on accommodation on top of running a number of F&B promotions to keep guests nourished and sated.
So, see you all in Bandung?
