Bandung, Indonesia: The Flower City

January 28 - 29, 2012

Since i got back from my holiday trip, i was still bitten by the travel bug that i planned on spending a weekend away from Jakarta within the same month. So, i invited my friend (hola mi amiga, rome!) to join me for a rest and relaxation weekend in Bandung.

 a well - deserved breather

Why Bandung? 1) Bandung is neither near nor far from Jakarta so the distance is just right 2) the first time i went here was only for a day and was spent most of the time shopping. so i want to experience spending more than a day 3) it's time to overwrite memories

GETTING TO/FROM/AROUND

Jakarta to Bandung via X-Trans - 70,000 idr

*we took the 10am trip going to Bandung. It took 3 hours to reach the place. Whole ride was pleasant. The only stopover was when the shuttle had a gasoline stop. We were conveniently seated at the back of the driver so more leg room for us. 

Bandung to Jakarta via Daytrans - 60,000 idr

*it was a mistake not to buy ticket in advance for our way back to Jakarta the following day. almost every trip was full and the only available that time was the 8pm trip back to Central Jakarta. after 3 hours, we arrived in Jakarta at 11pm.

ACCOMMODATION

this trip's goal was to rest and relax so i looked for a hotel that was cozy enough to actually spend the whole day instead of going out to explore the city. i booked Sukajadi Hotel through Agoda as i have read good reviews about the hotel.

1 night with buffet breakfast for 2 pax - 700,000 IDR

PROs

• homey ambiance (the pool area was a lovely lovely sight!)
• easy check - in
• strategically located
• friendly and attentive staff
• vast choices for buffet breakfast
• room was clean and comfortable

CONs

• old room was given to us
• hotel bar only provides beer (no other alcoholic drinks available)
• receptionists were not very informative
• too crowded during breakfast time

our room

bathroom

floor plan of the hotel building

my favorite spot at the hotel. very relaxing ambiance

a traditional look of the hotel

FOOD

For the duration of this trip, we had our lunch, dinner and breakfast at the hotel. we were too lazy to go out and look for somewhere else to dine. 

Tip: best spot to dine at the hotel is at their cabanas at the pool area

their version of Bandung Chicken

traditional food for dinner

best spot to dine

buffet breakfast

TOURIST SITES/DESTINATIONS

Rumah Mode

one of the must-go shopping sites in Bandung. We were only here for a bit to check out the outlet stores. 

The Secret Factory Outlet

This is an outlet store BUT inside the store has an indoor garden. When i saw this spot the first time i went to Bandung, i was smitten. I promised myself that i have to drop by the next time i go back. So here it is....

my favorite spot in Bandung!

Paris Van Java Mall

a 5 minute walk from Sukajadi Hotel. There you can find restaurants, outlet stores, bar/pub, coffee shops, ice skating rink and a lot more. we only went there after dinner to see if we can look for a bar or club to drink. we found Pure Lounge.

Pure lounge is a rooftop bar at Paris Van Java. When we went there, it was almost empty and it's a saturday night! haha! we just ordered 1 cocktail drink and 2 tequila shots before we went back to our hotel. Drinks were a bit expensive and the music was not really my type. but hey, i just needed a booze in my system that time so that worked for me.

Final Thoughts about Bandung

Bandung was the first out-of-town trip i had since i started living here in Jakarta. My first time experience was short but memorable. It's actually nice to go back again after almost a year. 

The only activities i've done on this trip were to EAT and SLEEP. It was truly a relaxing getaway. 

Hopefully i can get to spend another weekend in Bandung to relax or maybe add a little bit of shopping next time (read:winter stuff shopping). i'm crossing my fingers and toes for that!