BANDUNG

the idea came while we were having breakfast at hoi yin last december. i had been jobless for the last 6 months. holidaying sounds good to me. so the process of organizing started as soon as i got home.

Flight ticket with Air Asia = RM305 return per person
Hotel & Transportation 4d3n = RM 217 per person (there were 10 of us)
Food +- = RM 50 per person
Entrance to Tangkuban + Hotspring = RM 15
TOTAL = RM 587 per person

8th May 2010

We gathered at KL Sentral at about 11am. Took the ERL to Salak Tinggi and boarded a coach to LCCT (airport for low cost airlines)

Everyone was anxious wondering if they could go abroad (study loan, etc). Crossing the custom was a challenge. Some prayers was chanted to make sure they could cross the personnel without any hassle. Alhamdulillah, all of us manage to cross over.

Next, we were informed that our flight was delayed. We went to the surau to pray and wait till we were called. Boarded the flight at 4.45pm. As we didn't book the tickets together, we didn't get to seat together.

The last time i traveled on a plane was when i was coming back to Malaysia from UK. so i was pretty emotional as the plane about to take off from Kuala Lumpur. Luckily i was seating alone :)

The flight took 2 hours. Bandung from the sky looks like sea full of stars. so bright, so tempting. i have never seen any city like this before. very enchanting. unfortunately my camera was unable to capture it.

I booked hotel and transportation from Orange Home's. They provided us with 2 drivers and itinerary. Recommended!

We arrived at Bandung at about 6pm (local time). It was already dark. We were greeted by Pak Rama (one of our driver). Everyone by now was feeling depressed. Flight delayed, it was dark, and no... no shopping could be done today (the main purpose of the trip was to shop til we drop)

As we reach the hotel, Pak Rama asked what time shall we go out? Everyone jumped with excitement. We checked in, within 10 minutes everyone was at the lobby. We headed to Rumah Mode to shop. It is the best quality factory outlet in Bandung. After that we had dinner at d' cost seafood.

9th May 2010

Due to the time difference, i was pretty much up by 5am (local time). Spent some time at the huge balcony attached to our room. the sun was already rising, i loved the cool weather. very refreshing!

Had breakfast at the hotel and left by 8am. We went to Tangkuban Parahu, an active volcano 30 km north of the city of Bandung. On the way up, we saw a lot of local people cycling up the hill. They didn't look tired at all. Apparently, cycling and motocross are some of local favourite pass time activities. There were also stalls selling rabbits. Curious why? It is for satay. They get it 'done' for you as and when you want it. Fresh from the cage.

At Tangkuban Parahu the weather was chilly with strong smell of sulfur. Entrance fee was Rp35k + car entrance fee Rp5k.

Next, we went to Sari Ater to dip our feet in the hot spring. Walked around while people watching. The crowd was awesome. When we were about to leave, almost 20 packed buses just arrived. Entrance fee Rp16k.

We head to the Rumah Stoberi (strawberry house). Unfortunately tickets to visit the farm was sold out. We went around the compound and took some pictures.

Had lunch at Kampung Daun. A superb place. Would have been nicer if we were to go at night.

After lunch, we head back to town to spend some good earned money at the factory outlets along Jalan Dago.

10th May 2010

When i first came out with the itinerary, a friend of mine said she needs more time at the Pasar Baru. I didn't trust her. After experiencing first hand, i gotta agree. We need more than 2 days to cover this place.

We arrived at about 8.30am. Shops were about to open. It is a huge mall with loads of small shops filled with interesting and cheap stuff. I was flat broke after 2 hours! We hardly had enough time to take pictures as all of our attention was taken by the place.

We had a short break for nasi padang lunch and prayers, before continuing at Pasar Baru. Left only when it was closing time. Cool eh?

Next, not fully satisfied with Pasar Baru, we went to Jalan Riau to shop at the Factory Outlets. This is the last stop before heading back home. We went crazy looking for souvenirs. Some locals took advantage by marking up their prices.

After a long day, we had dinner at Karamba Sudanese Food. It was almost closing time. However, in Bandung, as long as there is customer, they have to remain open. Love that idea!

Our car was in a total mess. Plastic carrier was everywhere. The worst part was carrying it to our rooms and packing.

11th May 2010

 

Last day in Bandung. Our flight was at 12 noon. Lots of time to waste. Everyone was ready pretty early. We had breakfast and went around the hotel to explore. Funny eh, after 3 nights only we find the time to explore. Anyway, there was a futsal court and fish pond. Take more pictures, bought more stuff from the locals and we were off to the airport.

What i like about Bandung
1. It is so much cooler than Malaysia, and fresher
2. The people are so friendly
3. They are very creative. As the city is crowded with people, job is in high demand.
a) there's always someone at any parking lot to help you park
b) when you stop at traffic lights, there will be someone with a guitar singing by your car and surprisingly people do give them money
c) there is people selling stuff almost everywhere.
d) despite all that, it is so safe that i could leave my stuff on the table, walk away and come back - it is still there.
4. everything is cheap

Air Asia www.airasia.com/my/en/home.html
Orange Home's Bandung www.orangehomesbandung.com