beyond bandung

There are some sidetrips to the mountain range surrounding Bandung:

North: mount Tangkuban Perahu. Lembang is a favourite weekend break destination at the base of the mountain with hiking trail and active volcanic crater. You can stay at Sari Ater [23], a natural hot spring water complex, or rent a villa. In the vicinity, Maribaya park offers a wonderful waterfall traps.

South: tea plantation. Ciwidey and Pangalengan are the main destination to the south mountains. Situ Patenggang lake in the middle of tea plantation in Ciwidey offers you a relax time in a boat, fishing, camping or in a bungalow. A few kilometers from the lake, there is Kawah Putih (white crater), made by sulfuric activity in the area with a camping park, called Ranca Upas.

West: chalk mountain range. There is not much nature destination in the west, except Situ Ciburuy lake at the side of the main road hub to Cianjur and the Saguling dam. You might also want to taste peyeum, a local food made from fermented rice. If you are hungry, there are plenty of good Sundanese restaurants in the vicinity, because the road to the west is the main hub between Bandung to Jakarta.

East: a link of Bandung to the eastern part of West Java and to neighbouring Central Java province. You can go to Cirebon (about 2-3 hours), a coastal city known for fishing and oil industries. To the southeast you can go to Garut (about 1 hour), a resort city in the valley of mountain, well known for dodol snack.

contact information...
Tourist promotion officeDinas Pariwisata Kota Bandung: JL. Ahmad Yani No. 227 Bandung, Telp. (62)(22) 7210768. Website: Tourism Promotion Office.
Jl. Stasiun Timur No. 1, Tel.: (62)(22) 421 6648.

Consulate
Royal Netherlands Honorary Consulate, Jl. Dayang Sumbi No. 3, Tel.: (62)(22) 250 6195, Fax.: (62)(22) 250 6197
France Consular Agency, Jl. Purnawarman No. 32, Tel.: (62)(22) 421 2417, Fax.: (62)(22) 420 7877
Hungary Honorary Consulate, Jl. Padasaluyu Utara II No. 3, Tel.: (62)(22) 201 0354, Fax.: (62)(22) 201 4407
Poland Honorary Consulate, Jl. Bukit Pakar Utara No. 75, Bandung 40198, Tel.; (62)(22) 250 3765.

where to sleep in bandung...

North Bandung / Dago / Jl. H. Juanda:
Holiday Inn Jl. Ir. H. Juanda (Dago) 31-33, ph: +62 22 4211333 (bchibid@bdg.centrin.net.id fax: +62 22 4216666) [7] - lower Dago area. Class: 4 Stars.
Sheraton Inn Jl. Ir. H. Juanda (Dago) 390, ph: +62 22 2500303 (fax: +62 22 2500301) [8] - upper Dago area, close to the dago golf center. Class: 5 Stars.
Jayakarta Jl. Ir. H. Juanda (Dago) 381A, h: +62 22 2505888 (bandung@jayakartahotelsresorts.com fax: +62 22 2505388) [9] - upper Dago area. Class: 4 Stars.
Patra Jasa, Patra Jasa Bandung. Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 132. Tel.: (62)(22) 250 4664. Fax : (62)(22) 250 4995. Close to Bandung Institute of Technology. Class: 2 stars.
Geulis, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda no. 129. Tel. (62)(22) 250 7777 / 250 3600. Fax (62)(22) 250 3086. Class : 3 stars. Garden Permata, Jl. Lemahneundeut no. 7 Bandung 40164. Tel : (62)(22) 2011000. Class : 4 Stars.

Central Bandung:
Aston Hotel and Residence Jl. Braga 99-101, Bandung 40111, ph: +62 22 84460000 (fax: +62 22 84460100) [10] - a new hotel inside the Braga City Walk. Class: 4 stars.
Grand Preanger Jl. Asia-Afrika 81, Bandung 40111, ph: 0-800-182-1112 (toll free) or +62 22 4231631 (preanger@indosat.net.id fax: +62 22 4231631) [11] - alun-alun area, the facade has an art-deco style. Class: 5 stars.
Panghegar Jl. Merdeka 2, Bandung 40111, Tel.: (62)(22) 4232286 (hp@hotelpanghegar.com fax: +62 22 4231583) [12] - at the city center with a revolving restaurant at the roof. Class: 4 Stars.

Hyatt Regency, Jl. Sumatera 51, Bandung 40115, Tel.: (62)(22) 4211234 (bandu.reservation@hyattintl.com fax: +62 22 4210380) [13] - at the city center. Class: 5 Stars. Santika Jl. Sumatera 52-54, Bandung 40115. Tel: (62)(22) 420 3009 (bandung@santika.com fax: +62 22 4239601) [14] - at the city center. Class : 3 Stars.
Savoy Homann Jl. Asia-Afrika 112, Bandung 40261. Tel.: (62)(22) 4232244 (savoy@bdg.centrin.net.id fax: +62 22 4236187) [15]. Bandung's oldest hotel and one-time host to Charlie Chaplin and Yasser Arafat, among many others. The current building is a striking art-deco work from the 1930s. Getting a little long in tooth, but under renovation as of 2007. Class : 4 stars. Vue Palace Hotel Jl. Otto Iskandardinata no. 3, Bandung 40117. Tel.: (62) (22) 4266288 info@vuepalacehotel.com). Class : 4 stars.

Cihampelas :
Nalendra Jl. Cihampelas no. 225 - 229, Bandung 40131, ph: +62 22 2034000([20] fax: +62 22 2033640). Cozy hotel at the center of the shopping area. Try the fish at the restaurant. Class : 3 stars.
Novotel Bandung Jalan Cihampelas No 23, Bandung,40171. Tel: (62) (22) 4211001. ([21]- Fax: +62 22 4212999. Class : 4 Stars.
Aston Tropicana Hotel Jalan Cihampelas no. 125-129, Bandung 40131. Tel (62) (22) 2030101. ([22]. Class : 5 Stars.

Cimbuleuit:
Malya Jl. Ranca Bentang 56-58, Bandung 40142, ph: +62 22 2030333(reservation@malyabandung.com fax: +62 22 2030633) [16] - superb view to the northern hills and try the swimming pool. Class: 3 Stars.

Other:
Arion Swiss Bellhotel (formerly Citra Cikopo), Jl. Otto Iskandardinata no. 16 Bandung 40171, Tel.: (62)(22) 4240000. Fax: (62)(22) 4266270. Class: 4 Stars.
Grand Aquila Jl. Dr. Djundjunan (Terusan Pasteur) 116, Bandung 40173, ph: +62 22 2039280 (reservation@aquila-international.com fax: +62 22 2039282) [17] - nearby the Pasteur toll gate. Class: 5 Stars.
Papandayan Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto 83, Bandung 40262, ph: +62 22 7310799 (papandayanhotel@indocater.co.id fax: +62 22 7310988) [18]. Class: 4 Stars.
Horison Jl. Pelajar Pejuang 121, Bandung 40264. Tel.: (62)(22) 7305000 [19] - in the residential Buah Batu area. Class: 4 Stars.

and many more cheap and clean motel and hotel

eat and drink in bandung...

Bandung is a heaven for food lovers who enjoy new experiences. There are a lot of varieties, not only local cuisine but international ones. You can find any food you want for any kind of taste. Do note, that most eateries in Bandung focus on creating new variations, not making sure it tastes good. Everybody has their own favourites. One page is not enough to list all food stalls, food courts, restaurants and cafes in Bandung. Here are some lists that are popular or have a long history.

Local Delicacies

BatagorBakso 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 [5] at Jl. Burarangrang 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

Have been around for years and still famous for their delicious food:
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 nice hawker open tent, favourite place not only for students from many universities in Bandung, but also for youngster in Bandung. Open since '60s. Try the fried kway teow/noodle/rice. They are using a special wok to enhance the taste. Located opposite of kotamadya office, near KONI Jabar dorm.

Chic Restaurants

For those who want a breathtaking view, eat in a local Sundanese village or have romantic international cuisine. Don't expect the taste to be half as good as the view and experience though.
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. Blackpepper resto & cafe, Jl. Maulana yusuf no 10 ( dago area )phone : 022-4206147. Western and indonesian cuisines. Try the special blackpepper jeng tutut ( snail ), original blackpepper oyster. Nice atmosphere , excellent service and delicious food and mocktail also. 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

Sunda is the ethnic name of the local people living in West Java. Sundanese food has some distinctive features than other ethnics. It mainly consists of fried fish, pepes ikan (steamed fish in a banana leaf), raw vegetables and chili pastes. To try these type of foods, there are numerous Sundanese restaurants. Some with famous name has many branches in Bandung and the vicinity. Some of the popular ones are:

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 [6]. 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. Tamani Cafe, Jl. H. Juanda 7-9, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 422 2696. Fax: (62)(22) 422 2697. International fast food. Menu: chicken cordon blue, egg and tofu, soup, salad, onion ring. Price: approx. US$ 8/person.

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. 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's, 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. McDonalds, american 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.

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,

Mexican Restaurants

Amigos Restaurant at Le'aries Garden Hotel. Jl. Terusan Pasteur Annex, Bandung. Telp: (62)(22) 200 5401 Fax: (62)(22) 200 7406 Website: Amigos Price: approx. US 6/person

Seafood Restaurants

Mustika Jaya Sari Jl. Ciumbuleuit No. 39, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 203 8539. Menu: fish, prawn, crab, salad, fried chicken. Price: budget.

Ice Cream and PastryFood

in Bandung does not stop at the restaurants/cafes. There are plenty of bakeries in the city that you can buy some pastries. Some of them have high popularities that you must take a queue even before the shop is open in the morning.

Pastry
Brussel's Spring, it is located at Jalan Sumatera next to Exsport Station, bag store. It's steaks and waffle ice creams are very tasteful and it's a must try culinaire. The prices are quite expensive compared to local food, which range between 20,000 and 75,000. Kartika Sari, try the famous cake: pisang molen, a cake stuffed with banana. Very delicious.There are 6 stores: Jl. Kebon Jukut 3C, Jl. Buah Batu 165A, Jl. H. Akbar, Jl. Kopo Sayati 111A, Jl. Terusan Jakarta 77E, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda (Dago).

Brownies Kukus Amanda, Jl. Rancabolang 29, Jl. Lodaya 8, Jl. Purwakarta. Try brownies kukus, steamed brownies with melted chocolate inside. Soft and very delicious. It's very popular that you might have to queue before it opens. Brownies Primarasa, Jl. Kemuning 20, Jl. Buah Batu 169A, and Jl. Peta 169. Its speciality is the chocolate brownies. Dunkin Donuts, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 51, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 4208617. Airport Hussein Sastranegara. Bakery chain. Menu: donuts, croissant, sandwich. Price: approx. US$ 3/person. Sus Merdeka, Jl. Merdeka (in front of Bandung Indah Plaza). Famous for its Choux/Puff pastry with rum butter filling. J.Co Donuts & Coffee, domestic well known donuts shop with fascinating flavor, located at : Paris Van Java Mall GF, Istana Plaza GF, Bandung Supermall GF, Cihampelas Walk GF.

Ice cream

Braga Permai (formerly Maison Bogerijn), Jl Braga 58, Bandung 40111, Tel.: (62)(22)420 1831. Famous ice cream parlor in Bandung. Baskin and Robbins, Jl Sukajadi 232, Bandung 40153. Tel.: (62)(22) 203 8457. JL. RE Martadinata No. 225, Tel.: (62)(22) 720 8122. Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 289, Bandung 40273. Tel.: (62)(22) 910 1404. Istana Plaza, Jl. Pasir Kaliki 121-123 Bandung, Tel.: (62)(22) 6000403. Website:

Baskin Robbins. Ice cream parlor. Rasa Bakery, visits Rasa bakery means visits one of best ice cream, place in Bandung. It is located at Jalan Tamblong which is intersected with Jalan Asia Afrika. The traditionally made ice cream's prices ranged between 10000 to 20000 rupiah. I Scream for Ice Cream, Jl. Hariangbanga.

Drink

As the sale of alcoholic drinks is to be banned at public restaurants (although you can find them in upscale public restaurants), it will be difficult to find liquor, except at bars, night clubs, hotels and 24-hour mini markets. However, drinking fresh icy yoghurt or juice is very tempting, especially after spending a day in a hot sun.

These are some famous drinking places to try:
Yoghurt Cisangkuy, Jl. Cisangkuy (near Gedung Sate complex). It has many flavours of fresh yoghurt with fresh fruits. Very suitable as a resting place after walking in the hot weather. Es Cendol Elizabeth, in front of the Elizabeth bag shop at Jl. Otto Iskandar Dinata and Jl. Cihampelas. Cendol is an Indonesian drink made with coconut and coconut milk, served with ice cubes and sweet brown sugar.

Bandoengsche Melk Centrale (BMC), Jl. Aceh 30, in an old Dutch colonial house. It's speciality is a fresh milk. Rumah Kopi, Jl. Awiligar (near baso Lela). It literally means "coffee house". They serve many kinds of coffee at cheap prices. Susu segar Lembang, at many street vendors in Lembang. It is outside the city, but it can be nice to stop if you do a sidetrip to Lembang. Es Sekoteng Bungsu, Jl. Bungsu 29.

Es sekoteng is a grated ice cube with avocado, young coconut and kolang-kaling (some local preserved fruit). for alcoholic drink you can buy it in these store: these store are already famous in bandung for it drinks. Dago 34, Jl. Dago no. 34. it located in the heart of dago.

Warung Internasional, Jl. dago. it located near dago 34. it located next to pribadi advanced school. Taurus, located near alun-alun, it's easy to find.. those store sole various kind of drink, from cheap local alcohol to expensive imported drink.

In Malaysia and Singapore, bandung is also known as a drink, but it is not related to the city of Bandung at all. From an unconfirmed story, the pink rosewater-and-syrup concoction bandung drink was named after banned and dung by a British official during the colonial time, because of the bad taste as he said.

what to buy in bandung..

Fashion shopping and its accessories is the main reason for many weekend travellers from around the world, because those items are expensive in another part of the world. Starting with denim (jeans) stores along Jln. Cihampelas in the 90s with unique facades to attract people, fashion stores grow rapidly into sisa exports (rejected export products), then factory outlets, now with the new trend is the distro (distribution outlets).

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 (see at See section).

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.

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. Website: Cihampelas Walk. 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.
Bandung Trade Center, Jl. Terusan Pasteur 143. Food Court.
Braga City Walk, Jl. Braga. Website: Braga City Walk. Shopping complex at the heart of the famous Braga Street.

Istana Plaza, Jl. Pasirkaliki 121 - 123. Website: Istana Plaza. 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 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, 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. [edit] Factory Outlets

Sisa Export

In the textile industry, it is very common for a textile product made in, for example Indonesia, exported to other countries, such as Singapore, South Korea, etc., and re-labeled by their own label and change the made-in tag into their country. Some branded names, such as GAP, have their factories in Indonesia. Since the production costs in Indonesia are very low, they can gain a big profit by this way.

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, nice to see also the building), Cascade, Summit, Oasis, Metropolitan, Renarity, Secret, Terminal Tas, Edward Forrer, Stamp.

Factory outlets in Jl. Dago: Rich & Famous, Coconel, Glamour, Blossom, Uptown (with a small kiosk selling a 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 and in the whole world 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: EAT347, Jl. Trunojoyo 4, Invictus,Jl.Pager gunung 13 and Jl.Trunojoyo 6, Ouval Research, Jl. Buah Batu 64, No Label, Jl. Sumatra 24, Blackjack, Jl. Trunojoyo, Screamous, Jl. Trunojoyo, Badger, Jl. Trunojoyo, Airplane, 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.

what to See in bandung...

Architectural JewelsIn the late 18th and early 19th century, as locals called it the bandoeng tempo doeloe (old Bandung) era, there were many buildings built with an art-deco style. The city that had served as a weekend resort for European rich men has made these type of buildings possible. Unfortunately the city administration has a tendency to create a modern look of the city with suspension bridge, banks, malls and commercial areas, instead of preserving old historical buildings. The non-profit organization Bandung Heritage Society has been formed recently to save these jewels forever.

Make sure you see these buildings before they're gone.
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, Bandung.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

Bandung has been the melting point between the local Sundanese culture and the high-end technology developed at the Institute Technology Bandung. There are some interesting places to visit:

Saung Angklung Udjo, Angklung is a traditional Indonesian 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 [4], 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.

Bandung Geological Museum.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.

Sri Baduga Maharaja Museum

Pos dan Giro Museum

Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum

any many colonial building around Bandung

what to do in bandung..

There are many activities that you can do in the city or outside the city. As Bandung highland is surrounded by a string of mountains, activities in the outskirt of the city are mainly mountain resorts, adventures and outdoor sports. In the city, you can have culinary activities (see the Eat section) as there are so many food varieties, shopping with many clothing outlets and distros (see the Buy section) or just hanging around.

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. My 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). Very yummy. 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 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.

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. Tangkuban Perahu main crater Tracking in Tangkuban Perahu areaMt. 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. You can smell the sulfur, watch the hot water springs very closely or even buy a boiled egg from the hot surface.Location: northern side of Bandung, the closest city is Lembang.Angkot route: St. Hall-Lembang.

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.

Puncrut-Lembang Hiking trail. Started from Puncrut, Jalan Kiputih, North Bandung.

travel around Bandung...

Get around
By angkot

This city transport has only origin and destination names on top. Sometimes with via description if there are more than one angkot route for a certain origin-destination route. There is no route description anywhere. For locals, it is somewhat amazing that they only memorize where and how the route of each angkot route.

Although there is an official price for angkot from organda (the local organization of these private city transport), sometimes price is based on how far you travel. It's better that you ask the driver or kernet (driver assistance) about the price to go to a location. To ask for an angkot to stop and pick you up, just raise your hand and they will stop. When you're inside and want to stop, just ask the kernet to stop. Or say 'kiri' (key-reey) or simply 'stop' out loud. It was easy to find a bell that you can press to stop but not anymore. Most angkot fare are ranging from 2000-3000 rupiah (about 25 cents USD) depends on the route and distance.

By taxi

If you don't know which angkot routes to take, then you can take a taxi. Officially, taxis use meters, but some taxi drivers may refuse to use meters and will charge you a fixed price instead. Don't be afraid to refuse and walk away, even locals are annoyed by this behaviour. Metered cabbies may also take you the long way to get more money. So be careful when travelling by taxi. The most reliable taxi company (i.e always use the meter, go straight to the destination) in Bandung is Blue Bird.

By bus

There are also some bus lines, but they don't cover the whole city. City buses usually cover long routes across the city from end-to-end; for example, from the north to the south and from the west to the east. The city bus is called DAMRI.

By car

Using your own car or renting a car is probably the easiest and the most convenient way to travel around Bandung and surrounds. If you don't have a valid driving licence, then you can also rent a car with a chauffeur, which is very common for western travelers. Perhaps it is even better to rent a car from Jakarta. You can stop for one night in Puncak, Bogor or Sukabumi.
World-wide Car Rental companies are now available in major cities in Indonesia:
EuropCar Rental in Bandung (also in Jakarta and Semarang)Location: Bandung Airport (Hussein

Note that traffic in Bandung is so complex and the city administration likes to make experiments about the traffic. There are lack of traffic signs and directions. Most major roads are one-way, which makes it difficult to turn around if you are lost. Be careful to enter a street that it might be a one-way street from the opposite direction and there is no no-entry sign. Then, there is a police hiding somewhere and at once he will pop up instantly to stop you, which finally you will have to pay him some money.

Travel in Bandung...

Alone among Indonesia's large cities, Bandung is not by the seaside, but in the central highlands. Direct transport links are thus limited, and the easiest way to go to Bandung is via Jakarta, the Indonesian capital. On the upside, the connections are excellent and the trip up through the Parahyangan mountains is quite scenic.

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 - operates twice daily flights from Kuala Lumpur (no-frill airline)

Merpati - Balikpapan, Batam, Denpasar, Palembang, Surabaya, Tarakan and Ujung Pandang. Sriwijaya Air - operate daily flight from Surabaya
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; see the next section for details.

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

With 7-10 seater minivans leaving every few minutes, the shuttle bus market between Jakarta and Bandung is fiercely competitive. Roughly speaking, services can be categorized as either door to door (chartered car or van that takes your group exactly where you want to go, for c. US$50-75) or point to point (from a terminal to another, for under US$10). Many companies offer both.

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.
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.

By train

State operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia offers frequent services between Jakarta and Bandung, as well as connections onward to Surabaya. Evem the fastest services take almost three hours, making this a slower option than the shuttle buses, but the scenery between Jakarta and Bandung is beautiful. The railroad passes mountains and padi terraces. Don't miss this view when traveling by train. Use the AC (air-conditioned) coach if you cannot cope with the tropical heat. Most hotels in Bandung provide free transportation from train station to the hotel.

Bandung = shopper's paradise..

Bandung the capital of quality inexpensive brandede fashion in the whole world...

knowing bandung...
Bandung is a city in West Java, Indonesia. Located in the central highlands at an altitude of 768m, the city is known for its many universities, textile industry and many roadside cafes. Called Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch, its high altitude location makes the weather pleasantly cool. The food in Bandung is also well known for its wide variety. Thanks to all of this, Bandung is a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans and foreign tourist, who crowd into the city on weekends and national holidays.
Bandung's nickname is Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City. However, this has nothing to do with horticulture: Bandung's "flowers" are its famously beautiful girls in the whole world.. prove and see it your self !

Understand
Although the oldest written reference to the city dates back to 1488, there are numerous archaeological finds of Australopithecus (Java Man) living on the banks of Cikapundung river and the shores of the Great Lake of Bandung.

In the 17th-18th century, the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) created small plantations in Bandung, with a road to Batavia (today's Jakarta) completed in 1786. In 1809, Louis Napoleon, the ruler of the Netherlands and its colonies, ordered the Dutch Indies Governor H.W. Daendels to improve Java's defenses against the threat of the English, who occupied the nearby Malay peninsula. Daendels responded by building the Great Post Road (Postweg), which stretched about 1000 km between the west and east costs of Java. As much of the north coast was impassable swamp and marsh at the time, the road was diverted through Bandung along what is now Jalan Asia-Afrika.

Daendels liked Bandung's strategic location so much that he ordered the capital to be moved there. Military barracks were built and Bupati Wiranatakusumah II, the chief administrator of that area, built his dalem (palace), Masjid Agung (the grand mosque) and pendopo (meeting place) in the classical Javan alun-alun (city square) stule near a pair of holy city wells (Sumur Bandung) and facing the mystical mountain of Tangkuban Perahu.

Powered by its plantations of cinchona (for malaria drug quinine), tea and coffee, Bandung prospered and developed into an exclusive European resort style with hotels, cafes and shops. Many of Bandung's landmarks, including the Preanger and Savoy Homann hotels as well as the shopping street of Jalan Braga, date to this time. The Concordia Society, now Gedung Merdeka, was built with a large ball room as a club for rich Europeans at the weekends.

In 1880, the first major railroad between Jakarta to Bandung was opened, boosting light industry and bringing in Chinese workers. The first of Bandung's universities, the Technische Hogeschool (TH) was established on July 3, 1920. Now known as the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), TH's alumni include independence leader and first president Soekarno.

In 1942, after Japanese soldiers landed in coastal areas of Java, the Dutch retreated from Jakarta to Bandung, but were driven out from there as well and surrendered soon after. After the end of the war, the Dutch returned with a vengeance and on March 24, 1946, during the struggle for Indonesian independence, the city of Bandung was burned down by its own residents (Bandung Lautan Api), with over 200,000 people leaving the city.

In 1955, the Asia Africa Conference (Konferensi Asia Afrika) was held in Bandung, paving the way for the creation of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961 The Indonesian parliament was held in Bandung from 1955 to 1966, but was moved back to Jakarta in 1966.

Orientation

Today's Bandung is a sprawling city of 2.7 million people and suffers from many of the same problems as other Indonesian cities. Traffic is congested, old buildings have been torn down and once idyllic residences turned into supermarkets and banks.

Jalan Asia-Afrika, the former Grote Postweg, remains one of Bandung's main thoroughfares and connects together the alun-alun (city square) with many of the city's colonial landmarks

komodo island..

Komodo National Park is in Indonesia...

knowing Komodo..

Komodo National Park lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area, and is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of more than 1,800 km2. As well as being home to the Komodo Dragon, also known as the Komodo Monitor, or Ora (to Indonesians), the park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments.

HistoryKomodo National Park was established in 1980 and was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986, both indications of the Park's biological importance. The park was initially established to conserve the unique Komodo Dragon and its habitat, first discovered world in 1910. Since then conservation goals have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial. The majority of the people in and around the Park are fishermen originally from Bima on the island of Sumbawa, and from Manggarai, South Flores, and South Sulawesi. Those from South Sulawesi were originally nomadic and moved from location to location in the region of Sulawesi to make their livelihoods.

Descendents of the original people of Komodo, still live in Komodo, but there are no pure blood people left and their culture and language is slowly being integrated with the recent migrants. Little is known of the early history of the Komodo islanders. They were subjects of the Sultanate of Bima, although the island’s remoteness from Bima meant its affairs were probably little troubled by the Sultanate other than by occasional demand for tribute.
Landscape
Flora and faunaThe number of terrestrial animal species found in the Park is not high, but the area is important from a conservation perspective as some species are endemic. Many of the mammals are Asiatic in origin. Several of the reptiles and birds are Australian in origin. These include the orange-footed scrubfowl, the lesser sulpher-crested cockatoo and the nosy friarbird. The most famous of Komodo National Park's animals is the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)(also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komodo_dragon).

It is among the world's largest reptiles and can reach 3 meters or more in length and weigh over 70kg. Other animals include the Timor deer, the main prey of the Komodo dragon, horses, water buffalo, wild boar, long-tailed macaques, palm civets, the endemic Rinca rat, and fruit bats. Also beware of the snakes inhabiting the island, including the cobra and Russel’s pit viper, both of which are extremely dangerous. As far as the marine fauna is concerend, Komodo National Park includes one of the world's richest marine environments. It consists of over 260 species of reef building coral, 70 different species of sponges, crustaceans, cartilaginous (incl. manta ray and sharks) and over a 1,000 different species of bony fishes (over 1,000 species), as well as marine reptiles (incl. sea turtles), and marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and dugongs).
ClimateTropical all year round, and both extremely hot and dry (> 40 degrees Celsius) during August and September.

travel in komodo...

On land: On foot, only, as there are neither roads nor motor transport. On sea: By chartered boat, only, as there are no regular connections.

what to See

The unique Komodo Dragon in their home, of course, the most noteworthy reason for travelling to Komodo National Park.

what to Do

Depending on the time you have available, one or more guided tours on the islands of Rinca and Komodo itself. Please note that it is neither permitted nor advisable to do any tours without local guides, as the Komodo Dragons are dangerous when they attack. This area is inhabited by more than a thousand different fish species, making it one of the world’s richest marine habitats, Dive Komodo

Buy

you can not buy anything unless you go to the village

where to Sleep

Lodging

Camping

Backcountry

or you can sleep back in lombok or sumbawa or bali of course

Stay safe

The Komodo Dragon has a history of attacking humans. Beware of getting too close, and if you are visiting via the park's office (which you should), ask for a guide and stick close to him. Do not wander off or do anything without his consent. Komodos may approach the guest rest area during annual feeding time, but in this time, find a building (which are usually elevated) and stay clear from the railings. Komodos can and will jump to obtain food if necessary. Park rangers are usually present at these events and will deflect and Komodos trying to get in (which they can do).

You may be given a large pole with a split on the end, forming a "Y" shape. This can be used as a walking pole or for moving things on your path - however, if wild animals threaten, it can be used as a last form of defense (despite being hardly useful against komodos). Overall, try keeping a watchful eye and steer clear of any wildlife. Komodos are extremely dangerous if close enough. They can run faster than humans (and accelerate very quickly), so best not approach if necessary.

Jumping into water (as Komodos are often found near the beach too) doesn't help either, as they can swim faster than humans, can dive, and can also swim against strong currents (in fact, sometimes Komodos are found on neighboring islands, suspected of swimming there). Their saliva is poisonous and will require immediate medical treatment (which is usually not possible), and their jaws can mean instant death. It may also charge at its victims. It's tail is equally deadly and may be swung dangerously, knocking victims off their feet. Younger Komodos may live in trees. While not as dangerous as their parents, they can still jump off suddenly and cause panic. Snakes, monitor lizards, and other animals are also present and may cause minor problems.

food and accommodations...

Eat

Given that the very word lombok means "chili pepper" in Bahasa Indonesia, the local cuisine isn't quite as spicy as you might expect. Probably the best known local dish is is ayam taliwang, although nobody seems to be able to agree on the exact recipe: most interpretations involve chicken topped with or stewed with a rich red sauce flavored with galangal, turmeric and tomato, which can be either mild or searingly hot.

In general, though, prices and food are much the same as anywhere else in Java or Bali. Senggigi has a few upscale international restaurants, the Gili Islands serve up banana pancakes and other backpacker favorites, and Mataram has Indonesia's easternmost McDonalds and KFC, but elsewhere it's Indonesian food all the way.

Drink

Alcoholic drinks are not available everywhere throughout the island, as Lombok is mostly Muslim. However, local supermarkets offer a variety of local as well as international beers. Note that beer is relatively expensive: a small bottle costs at least the same as a full meal in a "local" eatery.

The island's most touristic city, Senggigi, has numerous bars and clubs with the usual international favorites. The local favorite, though, is tuak, a red or white fermented palm wine with 2-5% volume.

Sleep

Nearly all of Lombok's better-quality accommodation can be found in Senggigi. Backpackers tend to travel to Gili Islands. See those articles for details; the following covers only accommodation elsewhere in Lombok.

Hotels

Mid-rangeNovotel Lombok, Mandalika Resort Pantai Putri Nyale Pujut, Central Lombok, tel. +62-370-653333, Fax +62-370-653555. Best hotel on the south coast & friendly for travelling with children - with interesting swimming pool design, good playing and sport areas for kids. The resort is located approx. 1h drive from Mataram. Rates: US$66-77/night.

Splurge

The Oberoi Lombok, Medana Beach, Tanjung West Lombok, Tel. +62-370-638444, Fax +62-370-632496, email: gm@theoberoi-lombok.com, [2]. The most expensive hotel in Lombok. An ideal hideaway due to its 'secluded' area. Rates: US$270-952/night (discounts available).

Hotel Tugu Lombok, Sire Beach, Email: lombok@tuguhotels.com or bali@tuguhotels.com [3]. . The upcoming Hotel Tugu Lombok is located on the northwest coast of the island. Neighboring the site is an 18 hole-golf course and virgin landscapes, traditional village houses and empty green fields where local life continues in today’s age much the same as it has done for centuries.

Tugu Lombok land comprises of approximately six hectares of mature palm plantations, facing the open ocean and the sunrise of Mount Rinjani. The clear blue water in front of Hotel Tugu Lombok is most ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving during the day.

Qunci Villas, Mangsit Beach, (email: stay@quncivillas.com), [4]. Qunci Villas: Peace, Tranquility and Style. Picked as Lombok's Hippest Hotel by Lonely Planet and called "Le Reve!" ("A Dream") by France's largest guide (Routard). A small resort where the staff know and greet you by your first name. Two swimming pools directly on beachfront which look as if they are part of the sea. The rooms dont have TV, in order to 'detach' the guests from the outside world. The restaurants serve very good food at reasonable price, and dinner can be enjoyed directly on the beach. Rates: US$70-95 for the hotel rooms to $135 for rooms with personal pools to $300+ for

luxury private villas.

Imaj Private Villas, Batu Layar, Sengiggi Currently has an amazing anniversary special which will save you hundreds of dollars, gorgeous villas from as little as US$10.00 per night, hurry and visit the website, special started 01/11/08 and will run until the allocated vouchers have been purchased and paid for.

Private villas

One accommodation option for which is becoming more popular, emulating what has has happened on its sister island of Bali, is private villas complete with staff, although not every place sold as a "villa" actually fits the bill. Prices vary widely: some operators claim to go as low as $30/night, but realistically you'll be looking at upwards of $200/night for anything with a decent location and a private pool, and at the top of range rents can easily go north of $1,000/night.

-Villas can also be found in Senggigi and, increasingly, the Gili Islands; see those articles for more listings. The following covers only accommodation elsewhere in Lombok.

The Anandita, Private luxury villa over 3 acres in size next to the Kosaido golf course and five minutes by boat from the Gili Islands. Nearby is the Lombok Oberoi. It boasts a 27 meter private swimming pool and a volleyball court. The villa includes four bedrooms, private pool and garden - comes with a full complement of 16 staff (private chef, maids, security, etc). Prices vary from US$830-1270 depending on season, for the entire villa.

Stay safe

Although Lombok is a safe and stable place, these tips may help you along the way: There is no written curfew, but when travelling in villages or non-tourist areas you are best to stay indoors after dark (if you're afraid of the dark, if you're not the whole world is still out there). Always have locks on the zips of your bags. Not only do they keep thieving hands out they also prevent people slipping prohibited substances in. Dress modestly in villages and religious sites; long pants or sarongs are suggested and a blouse that covers the woman's bust and shoulders should do the trick. This is not so much a safety measure, but it does save you and onlookers from embarrassment.

to do and see..

Tanjung Aan, a beautiful area near the Kuta Beach. The sand is very unique that it looks like pepper. There are beach guards are on the beach early. They prevent hawkers hasseling tourists, but essentially the hawkers are mostly children trying to make a living and quite good natured.

See the local handicraft and weaving process in Desa (village) Sukarare. The price should be cheaper than in Sengigi shops.

Narmada Park (Taman Narmada). Located 10 km east of Mataram, this park was the relaxation place for the king during the time of feudalism. This park has a Hindu temple and swimming pool. Also it has a fountain which called "Youth Fountain" which is believed to give long life to a person that drink water from the fountain. Entry fee for this park is cheap. It will cost around Rp 5000.

what to Do

Traditional massage. There will be a lot of women offering the massage service. For more professional service, ask the hotel staffs.

Snorkeling. There are several good sites between the Gili Islands. If lucky, you can spot and swim with turtles.

Hiking. There are several good treks around the island Islands, Including multi day hikes up the mountain (3000 meters high) and around the crater. There are several short treks to see water falls and other island attractions.

travel in lombok...

Get in to
By plane

Lombok's only airport is Mataram's Selaparang Airport (AMI), which occasionally also shows up in flight schedules as "Ampenan" (hence the seemingly odd airport code). There are frequent connections to Denpasar on Bali (20 min) and Surabaya (1 hour) on Garuda, Merpati and Germania Trisakti ("GT Air") but lately Merpati cancelled ocasionally some flights so check upfront. Garuda flies daily to Jakarta. A flight offered from and to Yogyakarta (on Garuda) is currently not being scheduled anymore. Sometime flights to Sumbawa are scheduled. New Airport is being constructed. International flights are limited to Kuala Lumpur daily on Merpati (via Surabaya) and Singapore thrice weekly on Silk Air, with visas available on arrival. Lombok Network maintains a useful, mostly-updated flight schedule listing all flights to the island.

By boat

Slow boats from Padang Bai on Bali leave about every hour( 24 hours )for the four- to five-hour trip to Lembar (Rp 32,000). The slow ferries are a bit rusty and dusty, with minimal restroom facilities, and are used mostly by locals, with few tourists on board. Access to the passenger deck is usually from the vehicle deck via steep and narrow stairs, so maneuvering heavy luggage is a challenge. Would-be porters wait by the docks, and will happily carry your stuff for Rp 10,000 per item. Sometimes they insist on doing so even when you don't ask. They can be a bit intimidating, and sometimes try to overcharge. Lots of Kuta travel agents offer end-to-end transport, including a van ride from your Bali hotel to Padang Bai, the ferry ticket, and a ride from the dock on Lombok to your ultimate destination, for Rp 130,000 and up depending on where you are going in Lombok. If you're going to the Gili Islands, there are many speedboat services directly from Bali; see Gili Islands for details. A few services continue on towards mainland Lombok. Direct fast ferries from Benoa to Lembar have stopped running.

Get around

By bemo
Bemos (converted passenger-carrying minivans) are the main means of long-distance transport on Lombok. They can be hailed down on all larger streets, and will happily take you even short hops around Senggigi. Fares are cheap: for example, as of November 2005 the official fare from Mataram to Senggigi is Rp. 1500/person, but tourists tend to get charged a bit extra and empty bemos will expect you to charter them for a higher price yet. Travel agents can also get you on semi-regular shuttle services, which connect Senggigi, the airport, and the harbors of Lembar (for Bali) and Bangsal (for the Gilis).

By taxi

Metered taxis are a fairly new development on Lombok, but they have become quite common in Mataram and Senggigi. The largest operator is Blue Bird, although there are a few other companies competing for your custom. As of November 2005, flag fall is Rp3,850 and the meter ticks up a few hundred rupiah for every hundred meters past 2 km. Figure on Rp10,000 for hops around town and around Rp30,000 from Senggigi to Mataram.

By car

Renting a car is also an option and there are several places in Senggigi and Mataram to rent from. Expect to pay 150,000 (low end Suzuki mini jeep) to 400,000 (Toyota 4x4). Petrol is not cheap but it is less expensive than in some countries.

By horse cart

Horse-pulled carts known as cidomo are very common on Lombok, and while a bit touristy in Senggigi, they're still a serious method of transportation. Make sure that you bargain the rate before the journey. In the Gilis there are no cars or motorbikes, so cidomo or bicycle is the only way to go.

By boat

Traditional fishing boats known as perahu ply the waters around Lombok, and are instantly recognizable due to their outriggers, two logs attached by bars on both sides like a catamaran, for greater stability in heavy swells. They can also be chartered, either directly from owners (in which case some knowledge of Bahasa will come in handy) or via any travel agent, who will of course take their cut.

By bicycle

Traffic is relatively light throughout the island so travel by bicycle is quite possible, and provides a very different cultural experience to other means of transport. You should bring your own touring bike, as local bikes are of a very basic quality although there is one biking tour operator (Lombok Biking)that has decent bikes and guides.

understand lombok....

Located just east of Bali, Lombok has been promoted as "an unspoiled Bali" for quite some time, with beautiful beaches and the large, looming volcano of Mount Rinjani. However, an impending tourism boom was severely disrupted by riots in 2000, when mobs of Muslims and ethnic Sasak people, ostensibly protesting sectarian violence in Maluku, attacked and looted churches as well as homes and businesses owned by Christians and ethnic Chinese. The ensuing years have been quieter, but tourists have continued to stay away.

The more Islamic culture in Lombok compared to Bali may explain the reason why Lombok is quieter than Bali in terms of parties and nightlife, which can be either a positive or a negative depending on your point of view. Lombok is also becoming increasingly popular for honeymooners.

CultureLombok's people are 85% Sasak, culturally and linguistically closely related to the Balinese, but unlike Bali's Hindu they are Muslims. A notable non-orthodox Islamic group found only on Lombok are the Wektu Telu ("Three Prayers"), who as the name suggests pray only three times daily, instead of the five times required in the Quran.

ClimateWhile tropical, hot and humid, Lombok is drier than neighboring Bali, which makes it a particularly attractive option during the October-December rainy season (it rains on Lombok too, but rarely for more than an hour). The peak of the tourist season, though, is May through August.

TalkThe main local language is Sasak. Bahasa Indonesia is universally spoken and English is common in the resort areas.

next destination.. lombok

where is lombok...

The island of Lombok is Located in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours.
cities

Bangsal - little harbor servicing the Gili Islands Kuta - a surfing mecca like its Bali namesake, but that's where the similarities end Lembar - for boats to Bali Mataram - the largest city by far Senggigi - the main tourist strip, including the neighboring beach of Mangsit
other Destinations

Gili Islands - three islands off the west coast, popular with backpackers

Gili Sulat - two off-the-beaten-path small islands off the east coast

Mount Rinjani - large, active volcano looming over the island

komodo National park - is located in the east of lombok, in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar

PRICES AND COSTS

Accommodation in Bali is very reasonably priced compared to other top tourist destinations around the world. Rooms in basic 2-star hotels (perhaps US$20 or so in Bali) can easily compare with Travelodge accommodation which can cost e.g. in North California US$150 per night, and there they don't provide ANY service at all.

At the high end, the accommodation offered at the RITZ CARLTON BALI, FOUR SEASONS and BVLGARI BALI resort for instance can be US$800 or US$1,200++ per night. At the new ST.REGIS BALI resort, 1-bedroom suites and villas are between US$950 and US$2,500++, and 2- ond 3-bedroom residences can be around US$5,000 and more but the same standard of accommodation would cost you somewhere else still more.

Generally speaking, hotel rates in Bali range from about US$20 for a basic but clean, air-conditioned room with private bathroom and a small terrace to US$2,500 + 21% tax & service charge per day for beautiful Balinese 1-bedroom cottages and villas with private plunge pool set in a walled tropical garden and offering stunning views and polished 5-star service around the clock.

Private villa rental has become very popular in all parts of the world because it offers MUCH more space, personal service and better value than 5-star resorts. Prices for fully staffed villas in the Caribbean can be about two to three times higher than in Bali. In Europe, on the other hand, you pay only 30% to 50% more than in Bali, but then this is kind of a self-service vacation as in most countries NO STAFF is included. You can view the range of villa accommodation offered in Bali with trained, full-time staff to take care of everything by visiting the Balivillas.com web site.Last Minute Offer

The bottom line is that accommodation of any kind in Bali is still a great bargain, and in every category you get more than you pay for.

Transportation in Bali was always cheap by any standard. The metered radio taxis start with a flag fall of 5,000 Rupiah (plus 4,500 Rupiah per kilometer), and most trips cost Rupiah 20,000 to 90,000. Most reliable and polite are the drivers of the blue taxis, and you should avoid most other taxis as they often refuse to use their meter and over-charge foreigners.

If you brought an International Driver's License, you can rent motor bikes from Rupiah 55,000 to Rupiah 85,000 per day, and five to ten year old self-drive cars (Jimmy or Toyota "Kijang") cost from 250,000 Rupiah to 400,000 Rupiah per day. Newer models are more expensive, and luxury cars such as a Volvo limousine or a new Toyota "Land Cruiser" will cost US$150 to US$250 and more per day. Gasoline prices have been raised several times in the past, and Premium leaded gasoline is now 6,000 Rupiah per liter (per May 24th, 2008).

Everywhere in tourist areas you'll be offered "transport, transport", and the rates are negotiable. However, the cars of many of these guys are quite old. Radio, tape and even the air-conditioning are often out of order. Although most drivers initially seem to be very friendly some are real con artists and waste hours of your precious vacation by bringing you to shops you never wished to visit because they want to earn a commission on your purchases.

We think, however, it's much more relaxing to have someone who knows his way around behind the wheel than to drive yourself through Bali's traffic. You can fully enjoy the sights, don't have to worry about getting lost, and there's always somebody to watch the car and your belongings when you go for a meal or sightseeing. Therefore, Balivillas.com is providing for all villa guests a FREE air-conditioned car with a reliable English-speaking driver during their whole stay. Even gasoline is included.

Food and drink at Bali's top hotels cost about the same as in the same category of hotel anywhere else in the world. Breakfast is US$8 to US$45, lunch and dinner US$20 to US$100 and more per person – and that does not include any wine which can be very expensive. On the other hand, restaurants outside the large hotels are often 40% or 50% cheaper, and at the open food stalls you can still get a tasty meal for a few thousand Rupiah.

If you've rented a private villa for your stay in Bali, your house staff will do the shopping at the local "warungs" and supermarkets and prepare delicious meals according to your instructions. Your savings on food and beverage will be about US$40 to US$60 per person per day compared to what you'd spend in a good hotel. This way you can enjoy delicious meals and all your favorite snacks and drinks – at unbelievably low prices.
from baliguide.com

BALI ACCOMMODATION

list of The accommodation by area

Kuta incl. Tuban, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu
* Villas in Bali & Indonesia
* Alam Kulkul Resort, Kuta
* Aneka Beach Hotel, Kuta
* Bali Dynasty Resort, Tuban
* Balihai Resort & Spa, Tuban
* Bali Padma Hotel, Legian
* Bolare Beach Bungalows, Berawa Beach
* Casa Padma Suite, Legian
* Discovery Kartika Plaza, Tuban
* Downtown Apartments, Seminyak
* Grand Bali Sani Suites, Seminyak
* Green Garden Hotel, Tuban
* Hard Rock Bali Hotel, Legian
* Inna Kuta Beach, Legian
* Jayakarta Bali Hotel, Legian
* Kuta Lagoon Resort, Kuta
* Kuta Sea View Hotel, Kuta
* Kuta Paradiso, Tuban
* Le Meridien, Tanah Lot
* Legian Beach Hotel, Legian
* Legian Paradiso Hotel, Legian
* Matahari Bungalow, Kuta
* Pelangi Bali Hotel, Seminyak
* Poppies Cottages, Kuta
* Ramada Bintang Bali, Legian
* Ramayana Hotel, Kuta
* Resor Seminyak, Seminyak
* Sahid Bali Hotel, Legian
* Santika Beach Hotel, Tuban
* Satriya Cottages, Tuban
* Sofitel Seminyak, Seminyak
* The Legian, Seminyak
* The Oberoi, Seminyak
* The Samaya, Seminyak
* The Sofitel, Seminyak

Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa & Jimbaran

* Aston Bali Resort, Tanjung Benoa
* Ayodya Resort (Previously Bali Hilton), Nusa Dua
* Bali Intercontinental Resort, Jimbaran
* Bali Royal Suites, Tanjung Benoa
* Bali Tropic, Tanjung Benoa
* Bvlgari Bali, Uluwatu
* Conrad Bali Resort, Tanjung Benoa
* Four Season Resort Bali, Jimbaran
* Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua
* Grand Mirage Bali, Tanjung Benoa
* Jimbaran Puri Bali
* Keraton Bali, Jimbaran
* Karma Jimbaran, Jimbaran
* Karma Kandara, Uluwatu
* Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua
* Melia Benoa, Tanjung Benoa
* Melia Bali, Nusa Dua
* Nusa Dua Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua
* Puri Bambu, Jimbaran
* Sekar Nusa Resort, Nusa Dua
* St. Regis Bali, Nusa Dua
* The Bale, Nusa Dua
* The Calyx, Uluwatu
* The Ritz Carlton Bali, Jimbaran
* The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua

Sanur
* Bali Hyatt Resort
* Inna Grand Bali Beach
* Inna Shindu Beach Hotel
* La Taverna
* Puri Santrian
* Santrian Resort
* Sanur Aerowisata
* Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites

Ubud Area
* Alila Ubud, Ubud
* Bali Spirit Hotel, Ubud
* Cahaya Dewata Hotel, Sayan
* Four Seasons Bali, Sayan
* Fibra Inn, Ubud
* Kamandalu Resort & Spa, Ubud
* Klub Kokos Bungalows, Ubud
* Komaneka
* Kori Ubud Resort
* Panorama Hotel, Ubud
* Pertiwi Resort
* Pita Maha Resort, Ubud
* The Viceroy, Ubud
* Ubud Hanging Gardens

North Bali
* Jepun Bali Resort, Tejakula
* Krisna Beach Cottage, Lovina
* Lovina Cottage, Lovina
* Matahari Beach Resort & Spa, near Permuteran
* Mimpi Resort Menjangan, near Gilimanuk
* Menjangan Jungle & Beach Resort, near Gilimanuk
* Rambutan Beach Cottage, Lovina

East Bali
* Candi Beach Cottage, Candidasa
* Kubu Bali Bungalow, Candidasa
* Mimpi Resort, Tulamben
* Rama Candidasa
* The Watergarden, Candidasa

Nusa Lembongan
* Bali Hai Tide Huts
* Coconut Beach Club
* Gili Gede Resort
* Nusa Lembongan Resort
from bali.com

VISA REGULATIONS

The government of Indonesia has changed its visa policy for foreign tourists effective February 1st., 2004.

Visiting Indonesia Without Any Visa
Entering Indonesia without any visa is possible now only for nationals of the following 11 countries and territories: Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Citizens of the above countries will be issued on arrival a stay permit for 30 days free of charge upon presentation of a passport which is valid at least for another 6 months. This stay permit cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa.

VISA on ARRIVAL (VoA)
This facility is now available for nationals of the following countries: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Libya, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, People's Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Quatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Citizens of these countries will be able to apply for a VoA valid for either 7 or 30 days upon arrival by air in Bali, Jakarta and a few other international airports or by ship at a limited number of Indonesian sea ports. A 7-day visa costs US$10 and a 30-day visa costs US$25.
The VoA cannot be extended or converted into any other kind of visa. Also be aware that Immigration officials calculate the 30-day period as follows: your arrival day is counted as your first day, and you must leave the country on the 30th. day!

How to Obtain the "VISA on ARRIVAL" (VoA)

Travelers from the above countries must be in posession of a passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and the completed embarkation/disembarkation card they received from their airline. They must also be able to prove they have sufficient funds for their stay in Indonesia.

Arriving travelers with Visa-On-Arrival status have to go first to one of the 'VoA Counters' to pay the appropriate fee and have their passports stamped with the VoA before proceeding to the Immigration Clearance Desk. An official bank is part of the VoA service counters. Payment of visa fees can be made in all major currencies or by VISA or MASTERCARD.
Visa On ArrivalRequirement and Types of Visa Before Arrival

Citizens of countries neither on the VoA nor Visa-Free lists are required to apply for a visa overseas before travelling to Indonesia. Nationals of ALL countries planning to stay for more than 30 days in Indonesia also have to apply for the appropriate visa (tourist, business, social-cultural, etc.) at an overseas Indonesian Consulate or Foreign Mission before departing for Indonesia. For details of various types of Visa, please visit the page Visa of the Republic of Indonesia.

from baliguide.com

TRAVELLING TO BALI

BALI FLIGHT INFORMATION

Don't look for "Bali" in airline time tables. It's listed as "Denpasar" (DPS) which is the name of the island's capital. However, from Bali's international Ngurah Rai Airport it takes you just 15 to 30 minutes by car to Kuta, Legian, Sanur and Nusa Dua, and in about 50 to 60 minutes you can be in Ubud.

Today there is an increasing number of direct flight connections between Bali and Adelaide, Amsterdam, Auckland, Bangkok, Brunei, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Frankfurt, Fukuoka, Guam, Honolulu, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Munich, Nagoya, Osaka, Paris, Perth, Rome, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Vienna, and Zurich.

To check the Flight Schedules of the World's Major Airlines (not only flights to Bali but wherever you want to go), please click here. You might even wish to bookmark this page for all your air travel and flight information needs.

PRIVATE FLIGHTS TO BALI
Private Aircraft Charters, i.e. all non-scheduled commercial air transportation, is certainly not cheap but can be under certain circumstances the most economical means of travel. Look at the information for flights to Bali, check the airfares for different aircraft, and make your reservations on-line.

BALI TRAVEL BOOKS AND GUIDES - RECOMMENDED READINGS

Bali Handbook, by Bill Dalton. Very detailed and well researched travel information for everybody seriously interested in Bali, its people, and all things Balinese. However, not much help for those looking for fine dining or luxury accommodation. Second edition revised in 1997.

Knopf Guide Bali. Beautiful layout of photography and artworks complement short essays on everything from detailed explanations of complex Hindu ceremonies to food preparation. The information here is amazingly accurate, and well presented with cross references to basic travel information.

Bali, Island of the Gods, Periplus Editions. In our opinion the best all-round Bali travel book with up-to-date information, detailed maps, and beautiful photographs. New edition expected in August 1999.

Insight Guide Bali, 16th. edition (March 1999) of this popular coffee table book with many beautiful photographs.

Lonely Planet Guide Bali & Lombok, by Paul Greenway, James Lyon, and Tony Wheeler. 7th. edition (February 1999) of this popular guide for the budget traveller.

BALI - the Ultimate Island, by Leonard Lueras and Ian Lloyd. The "ultimate coffee table book" on the "Ultimate Island".

Bali Style, by Barbara Walker and Rio Helmi. Photographs and descriptions of some of the most beautiful private residences in Bali.

The Food of Bali, by Heinz von Holzen. Introduction to Balinese food - followed by photographs and recipes of many local delicacies.

Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Bali and the Komodo Region, by Tim Rock. The name says it all.
Diving Indonesia: a Guide to the World's Greatest Diving, by (photographer and Indonesia expert) Kal Muller. Published in June 1999 with great photographs.

Fielding's Surfing Indonesia, by Leonard Lueras, Lorca Lueras, and Kathy Knoles (editor). In-depth travel guide to boarding on the world's largest archipelago.

Indo Surf & Lingo, by Peter Neely, 20th. edition (September 1998). Describes all of Indonesia's sensational surf spots in detail including Bali's 27 incredible breaks. With photos, maps and insider info.

from baliguide.com

INTRODUCTION TO BALI, INDONESIA

WHERE IS BALI?
The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours.

GEOGRAPHY

The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of this it's no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.
Located only two kilometers east of Jawa, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbour. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with gray or black volcanic sand.

FLORA

The wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. You'll see huge banyan trees in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the North, clove trees in the highlands, acacia trees, flame trees, and mangroves in the South. In Bali grow a dozen species of coconut palms and even more varieties of bamboo.
And there are flowers, flowers everywhere. You'll see (and smell the fragrance of) hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. Flowers are also used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and even the flower behind the ear of your waitress seems natural in Bali.

FAUNA

Elephants and tigers don't exist any more in Bali since early this century. Wildlife, however, includes various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer, and 300 species of birds including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and starlings. You can watch schools of dolphins near Lovina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai. Divers will see many colorful coral fish and small reef fish, moray eels, and plankton eating whale sharks as well as crustaceans, sponges, and colorful coral along the east coast and around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk.

CLIMATE

You can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. From December to March, the West monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings. During this time of the year, you'll have hardly any rain in the coastal areas.
Even when it rains in most parts of Bali you can often enjoy sunny days on the "Bukit", the hill south of Jimbaran Beach. On the other hand, in Ubud and the mountains you must expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year (this is why the international weather reports for "Denpasar" or "Bali" mention showers and rain storms during all times of the year). In higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you'll also need either a sweater or jacket after the sun sets.

POPULATION

Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigration of people from Java, Lombok and other areas of Indonesia who seek work in Bali.
Most people live in the coastal areas in the South, and the island's largest town and administrative center is fast growing Denpasar with a population of now over 370,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including Jimbaran, Tuban, and Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa, etc), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions, and before long the whole area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa/Canggu in the West, and Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanized.

ECONOMY

This southern part of Bali is where most jobs are to be found, either in the hotel and tourist industry, the textile and garment industry, and in many small scale and home industries producing handicrafts and souvenirs. Textiles, garments, and handicrafts have become the backbone of Bali's economy providing 300,000 jobs, and exports have been increasing by around 15% per year to over US$400 million. Textiles and garments contribute about 45%, and wood products including statues, furniture and other handicrafts 22% to the province's total income from exports. Silver work is ranked third (4.65%) with 5,000 workers employed. Main buyers are the US and Europe with 38% each, and Japan with 9%.
Important agricultural products besides rice are tea, coffee, tobacco, cacao, copra, vanilla, soy beans, chilies, fruit, and vegetable (there are now even vineyards near the northwest coast). Bali's fishing industry and seaweed farming provide other products which are important exports.
The new free-trade regulations will create some problems for Bali's exporters as they do not allow to employ children. Most children here work for their parents, and this is part of the process of acquiring professional skills and kind of an informal education which has been very important in the Balinese society for centuries.

WHAT MAKES BALI SO SPECIAL..

There is the combination of the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and the absence of security problems. And then there is Bali's special "magic", which is difficult to explain.
As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference. In the villages you'll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the young's. Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple. There is the smell of flowers, and in the distance you hear the sound of gamelan music.
Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung – Bali's holy mountain – is internationally regarded as one of the eight "Chakra" points of the world. This may be more than an coincident. Watch out, the moment you feel the magic of this island, you're addicted for the rest of your life.
To quote the "BALI travel FORUM" contributor "Si Badak" who posted the following message on September 4th, 2000:

"The intricate patterns of Batik. A walk on the beach at low tide,near where a stream flows into the ocean at, for instance, the bottom of Jl. 66 in Seminyak, will show you where some ideas originate. Because of different coloured minerals in the sand, swirling patterns are intermingled by the action of the tide meeting the out-flowing stream very reminiscent of Batik design. For many years it was forbidden to depict human or animal forms so that people had to look to other natural forms for ideas. It would be good to hear on this from the real experts.

Shining delight upon the faces of newly arrived visitors, "baru datang" to local people, as they forge ahead into the great unknown that is Bali. Confronted by a sea of golden faces, the visiting children are the first to smile and reap emotional profit as they are cosseted and cuddled by every Balinese woman or man they meet : sale or no sale, children are all adored as spirits newly returned from the after-life. Giving a happy smile in the direction of Balinese children is a very rewarding pass-time also ; the proud Mum or Dad are only too willing to stop for a chat, even without a language in common !

Boys and girls who are there to Party, Party, Party ! These are no different to the Party Animals to be met on the Costa Brava, in Baja California, at Blackpool, Bondi or anywhere people go for a good time. Doesn't matter which nationality, although loud they are seldom obnoxious unless you attempt to impose your ides of decorum upon them. A smile and a snippet of badinage works well. Even WE were young ! Do you remember ?

An erect old lady on her 1940s bicycle, pedalling through traffic while carrying 1000 eggs, in cartons 60cm square, balanced precariously we think, upon her head of old, honorable grey. Thoughts of very large omelets pass through tourists' minds but seldom has one of these ladies of remarkable poise been seen to provide entertainment by falling over. Carrying heavy buckets of water on their heads, from an early age, has given them a balance and strength to be envied by olympic gymnasts.

Pairs of men on motor-bikes who deliver newly made, wooden beds on their heads and shoulders from town to country. Sometimes they can be seen carrying as many as three mattresses in the same way, or even a bundle of pillows larger than themselves, buffeted by the slip-stream of passing trucks : the man on the pillion is responsible for load security while the driver controls the bike and attempts to keep them both steady. One wonders if this merchandise gets tested along the way, maybe at about 2pm ?

The "8 Ps" are not often in evidence ON this blessed isle, i.e. "proper prior planning & preparation prevents pathetically poor performance". How many more time are we to see the streets of Kuta being excavated for the installation of yet another public utility ? To date we have had : drains at roadside dug and covered up, asphalted a week or two later : footpaths to be paved and raised above drains : excavations for telephone lines followed 6 months later by excavations for more cabling and each time asphalting carried out when the pot-holes have been allowed to mature to their full, axle-shattering width and depth : oops ! Then ? "The drains are not deep / wide enough, let's do it all again !" Town planning ?

Early morning on the beach at Legian towards Seminyak. A light breeze wafts aromas of the morning's rice to the fisherman, sarung and basket tucked up near his waist, casting his net into the surf in the hope of some extra food for his family. Old ladies and gentlemen appear for a bath, cautiously dipping into the water, fully clothed, at its shallowest. Tourist joggers and power-walkers come thundering sweatily along, ( to the amusement of locals from a less punishing lifestyle), to be joined by a few enthusiastic dogs, barking happily, who add to the fun by companionably running between their legs.

Gunung Agung can be seen raising his mighty head above his vassal clouds to see what his subjects are up to. Having made his ritual inspection he draws his court around him and, usually, hides for the rest of the day: he doesn't go away, the Balinese people know he is still there, unseen but all-seeing as he ponders upon the doings of everybody, even the stupid tourists!"

from baliguide.com