Introduction
City of Flowers and Paris of Java (as it was known in the colonial times), Bandung has still maintained its European ambience and sophistication. Situated at a distance of just 175 km. off Jakarta, Bandung is the provincial capital of West Java and third largest city of Indonesia. The outgoing nature and strong belief in their culture of local Sundanese people makes it quite a change from the other cities in the country. Bandung is known more as the place which hosted the first Afro-Asian Conference in 1955 then anything else and it is a pity. It has a pleasant climate and plenty of natural escapes that gives the tourists a break from the hectic schedule they might have anywhere else in the country. The city is also a centre of higher education with Bandung Institute of Technology being one of the most important destination of students in Asia-Pacific.

What to do
Bandung is surrounded by a mountainous region full of cool breeze and natural splendours. A visit to these places should be a must on every tourist's itinerary. Shopping in Bandung is quite an affair and their are many markets around the city to fulfill your shopping needs. Bandung is one of the best place in entire Indonesia to have inexpensive but quality food. Make sure that you have not missed on getting experience of the city life that goes on in Bandung before leaving.

City at a Glance

Latitude 6.55'S Longitude 107.36'E Population 2,056,915 Language Sundanese, Bahasa Indonesia Religion Islam, Christianity Telephone Code 062

History
Though the existence of the city is very old as archeological finds suggest, the first reference to the city dates back to AD 1488 only. Europeans first reached this region in the 18th century and by the end of this century, they had constructed a road that connected Jakarta, Bogor, Cianjur, and Bandung. The city continued to grow in the subsequent decades and by 1880, first rail line between Jakarta and Bandung was completed. The city got tremendous boost due to plantations of tea, quinine, and coffee that were introduced to the highlands around the city. City became a municipality in 1906 and it started expanding from this time. Bandung played an important role in the freedom movement of Indonesia. In 1946, after the end of Second World War when colonial powers were returning to claim their earlier colony, the residents of Bandung burnt down their town and fled away. Today, Bandung is a prosperous and thriving city and it has a vibrant youth culture because of a number of educational institutes that it posses.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
There is not much seasonal variations in Bandung and the time of visit here is determined by the extent of rain. Day and night temperature vary considerably. While the day temperature remains in the range of 26ºC to 33ºC, night temperature can drop to a low of 10ºC. Two seasons are clearly defined, east monsoon from June to September that brings the dry climate while West Monsoon from December to March that brings heavy rain. High humidity is an year round phenomenon in Bandung. June to September being the dry season is certainly preferred over rainy season.

Attractions
Gedung Papak
Built in the year 1920, this building was used as the City Hall in its initial years and later as the office of Bandung Municipality. The structure has been artistically restored recently and now becoming a good tourist attraction.

Bumi Silwangi
The building was constructed in 1825 by a Eurasian millionaire of Italian origin, D. W Berrety. This building is a perfect point from where you can see the beauty of Bandung. It is now being used as Bandung Institute of Teachers Training Education.

Bandung Insitute of Technology
This is the most important and one of the oldest centre of higher education in Indonesia. The institute has provided the country many of its leading personalities such as Soukarno and B. J. Habibie. The building has been constructed artistically that gives it a uniqueness from other institutions.

Places Nearby
Ciator Hot Spring
The hot spring located at the base of Mount Tangkuban Perahu is a favourite picnic spot for the residents of Bandung. The site is situated at a distance of just 32 km north of Bandung and easily accesible by road.

Maribaya
Drive along the Bandung - Lembang - Maribaya route for around 90 minutes passing through flowery mountainous landscape and you would find yourself in Maribaya. The place is famous for its beautiful agro landscape, hot water springs, and waterfall.

Tangkuban Perahu (Capsized Boat)
Situated at a distance of around 28 km north of Bandung, this is a 2000 metre wide volcano. The route to Tangkuban Perahu is a mesmerising introduction to Bandung landscape. Crater can be approached by the bus only while you may have to walk on to reach the Geological Station on the upper rim of the crater. On an active crater you can also see the boiling water jetting out of the ground.

Kawah Putih
These craters are situated at Ciwidey, some 40 km south of Bandung. The craters have been now filled with sulphuric water giving them different hue and colours. Sometime it looks that the craters have been covered by the ice sometime they change colour from blue to green. Quite an experience.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Sundanese people are known for their outgoing attitude and strong belief in their culture. Bandung is a good place to watch cultural performances that are held round the year at major convention centres in the city.

SHOPPING
The shopping in Bandung is an enduring experience full of fun. As the city is capital to Western Java, you can look for traditional as well as imported goods in the market. Pasar Kota Kembang is the best place to shop for cheap clothes and leather products. Kampung Ciguriang is the first market in the city while Pasar Baru, Jl. Pasar Utara, Jalan Pasar Selatan, Pasar Jatayu are some of the good places to look for local products.

WHERE TO STAY
If you have some money to blow then ask for some of the newly restored heritage hotels in the city. They are the best introduction to the past of the city and the future that lies ahead. Most of the accommodation options are inexpensive but the services are certainly good.

WHERE TO EAT

Bandung is the virtual heaven for taste buds. Whether it is traditional Bandung cuisine or international one, you would not find any scarcity in any corner of the city. Jalan Diponegoro, Jalan Merdeka, and Alun - alun are some of the best places to hunt for inexpensive local varieties. Food is tasty everywhere and should give you some new experiences in dining.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
The city of Bandung is connected to Indonesian capital Jakarta and some other places in Java by air. The airlines that connected Bandung with other cities are Merpati Nusantara Airlines and Bouraq. Husein Sastranegara Domestic Airlines is situated just outside the city limits.

Land & Water
The best way to reach Bandung from Jakarta is by trains. The beautiful scenery that you come across in the way is unforgettable. It takes around three hours to reach Bandung from Gambir Station of Jakarta. Cars are also available to take you to Bandung from Jakarta.

Local Transport
Taxis and minibuses provide most extensive service in Bandung. Both of these can be hired through the hotel where you are staying. City centre can be explored on the foot.