Tangkuban Prahu (volcano)
A visit to Tangkuban Prahu provides a unique opportunity to look down into the huge crater of a volcano. A paved road all the way to the top of the volcano and private vehicles can actually be driven right up to the rim of the crater. Tangkuban Perahu is just 40-minutes drive to the north of Bandung.
The name translates roughly to “upturning of (a) boat” or “upturned boat” in Sundanese, referring to the local legend of its creation. The story tells of “Dayang Sumbi”, a beauty who lived in West Java. She cast away her son “Sangkuriang” for disobedience, and in her sadness was granted the power of eternal youth by the gods. After many years in exile, Sangkuriang decided to return to his home, long after the two had forgotten and failed to recognize each other. Sangkuriang fell in love with Dayang Sumbi and planned to marry her, only for Dayang Sumbi to recognize his birthmark just as he was about to go hunting. In order to prevent the marriage from taking place, Dayang Sumbi asked Sangkuriang to (1) build a dam on the river Citarum and (2) build a large boat to cross the river, both before the sunrise. Sangkuriang meditated and summoned mythical ogre-like creatures -buta hejo or green giant(s)- to do his bidding. Dayang Sumbi saw that the tasks were almost completed and called on her workers to spread red silk cloths east of the city, to give the impression of impending sunrise. Sangkuriang was fooled, and upon believing that he had failed, kicked the dam and the unfinished boat, resulting in severe flooding and the creation of Tangkuban perahu from the hull of the boat
From the author
West java is rich in traditions, has spectacular landscape it is the home of the friendly and humorous sundanese. Werever you go you will be greeted with a smile and you will be amazed by what you see. After 15 years of traveling around the province i still am amazed and grow founder of it.
After surfing the net i realized that only little information is available, most of it in indonesian. I felt the need to share some of the knowledge i gained so more people can enjoy visiting this unique piece of the world. I hope the information found at visit west java .com will either inspire you to visit the are or make your visit more enjoyable.
In order to make this website even more complete i am working with pationate local collaborators who share the same love for everything sundanese.
This website is in permanent developpement and still in its infency, If you are looking for some more specific information not featured here feel free to contact me, i will try to help you the best i can.
This is a purely independent venture and as of today completely non profit , the information found here is all from personal experiances(i have actually been there) . References to sites, hotels or restaurents is based on its qualities and raw potential for the traveler and not from endorsment for commercial profit.
You might find some adds in the future(to help cover the cost of hosting) but we will not accept adds from institutions wich do not meet standards of quality and of interests. For exemple we will not place advertisement for a bad hotel or bad restaurent.
Anyhow enjoy your visit in west java !
Pierre
Sunda Highlands
The are south of bandung offers breathtaking landcapes, active volcanoes, misted tea plantations, amazing ricefields terraces, virgin jungles, all still unspoiled by tourism and only a few hours from Bandung. The sunda highlands is one of asia’s best kept secret
Puncak
Renowned for its cool climate since the dutch era, the Puncak (summit in indonesian) area provides a refreshing outdoor experience for nature lovers just a short drive into the hills South of Jakarta. Enjoy the Serenity and peace of this special area as you wander through established tea plantations taking in the sorrounding views of forest clad mountains and misty valleys or as you examine the divers plant species in the Bogor and Cibodas Botanical Gardens. For More adventurous alike through the rich tropical forests of the Gede Forest Park is a treat, while meeting face to face with wild animals in the safari park in an experience not to be forgotten.
Pelabuhan Ratu
The Legendary home of the queen of the south seas, Pelabuhan Ratu offers magnificient views of the rugged southerm Indian Ocean coast. The are is enchanted by the beautiful twinkling lights from fishing boats scattered across the bay at night while the variety of fish they catch makes Pelabuhan Ratu a seafood lovers paradise. For the adventure seeker, the adrenalin rushwhite water rafting on citarik river is a must. For the less adventurous, exploring the secrets of sea turtles as they lay their eggs at Pangumbahan beach or taking your own fishing trip will also be memorable experiences. Seasoned surfers will also find action in Pelabuhan ratu. Finding an hotel is easy with a good choice of rooms from high to low end quality.
Ciater hotsprings
Situated at norh from Bandung on the way to Subang, you can enjoy hot water and cool air at the same time. The hot spring water is good for skin medicating cure and rheumatism or just for relaxing. The area is truly beautiful surrounded by green tea fields. Accomodation is readily available.
Jeans street(Jalan Cihampelas)
A perpect place to find any kind of denim jeans and apparels with good quality at reasonable price. View Fantastic Shopfront designs , find unique apparels and mingle with the younger Bandung crowd.
Be aware that the street is full with visitors during weekend and holidays.
Factory Outlets
Originally meant for export garment factories to sell overstocks to locals at bargain prices, many factory outlets ( without the factory itself)are now open in many places around the city, still with bargain prices tags. The biggest concentration of outlets is on Jl. Martadinata(riau). Cloths, shoes, wallets, handbags are some of items you will find in a factory outlet. Some of the famous designer cloths come with the tag removed not to spoil the official market. The existence of the outlets is drawing more and more attention with tourists from neighboring countries because of the amazing bargain they represent.
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Saung Anklung Udjo
Situated on jalan padasuka 118, saung angklung udjo is an important tourism destination in Indonesia. Watch live tradisional performances such as sundanese gamelan, wayang golek or wooden puppets, traditional dances , or experience yourself to play the angklung together with children. The Saung also has a display room selling handmade craft souvenirs.
