Indonesia • Bandung

Oh goodness, it has been almost a month since my last post. What happened to a post every week? I guess I have set unrealistic expectations for myself. How about one post a month or more, if there're travels? Sounds better.

Update: Read 2 books so far, the first two of the Harry Potter series. Happy that I'm doing well for my new year's resolution - so far so good!

Back to the topic, we traveled to Bandung to celebrate the Chinese New Year, 17 - 20 February 2018. To sum it up, the scenery was gorgeous, food was so-so and factory outlets are definitely overhyped. I'll use visuals to tell the story, enjoy!

Day 1
Itinerary: City Tour + Factory Outlet (FO) Shopping

• Rumah Mode FO

• Cihampedas Skywalk - this is similar to an outdoor open-air market

• Chibadak market for lunch

• Secret FO

• Heritage FO - just beside Secret FO

• De Arum Manis FO

• Toka Tigi Jeans

• Trans studio mall - we had dinner here too.

Day 2
Itinerary: Kawah Putih - Cidiwey Tea & Strawberry Plantation - Paskal 23 - Paris Van Java
Day 3
Itinerary: Sari Ater Resort Hot Springs - Tangkeran Volcano - The Lodge Marinara - Floating Market

• 1.5-hour flight from Singapore to Bandung, SilkAir (Two-way ~SGD$180)

• Accommodation at Aryaduta hotel, buffet breakfast included (~SGD $80/night)

• SIM cards are available at almost every roadside handphone stalls (~SGD $5 for 3 GB)

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I did not take many photos but I'll list the places we visited here -

Now for the scenic photos!




It's as blue as it looks!
Luckily, the place crowded with locals when we visited. Remember to bring a mask and jacket as it gets chilly at higher altitudes.





We walked through the plantations and hunted for strawberries at the local farms. It is on the way down the mountain but nothing extremely special, if you're rushing for time, you can give this a miss.
After the scenic trip, we headed to Paskal 23 and Paris Van Java for more shopping in the evening.
Best day of the trip!

Our family treated ourselves to a refreshing foot massage (SGD $4 for 25 min, SGD $7.50 for45 min) with our feet in the hot springs. It's an eye-opener to see how the locals earn a living from tourism.

A candid shot of a massage-in-progress.



This is the highlight! I can't emphasize how amazing it feels to be standing on the grounds of a once-active volcano, looking down at its crater. Breathtaking, both literally and figuratively, because of the sulphuric air and obviously, the magnificent aerial view.
In awed by nature's beauty.


And we got ourselves a local drink, hot ginger tea with milk in bamboo. Feeling satisfied, this warms my tummy up when the cold mountain wind blows.


More au naturel snapshots of life on the Tangkeran Volcano.




Had Sudanese zi char roasted chicken for lunch at Gubug Makan, nice place for insta-worthy photos but the food was meh.



Me looking a deer in the headlights. The Lodge is filled with activities, countless photo opportunities like the ones above. I think most people come here to take photos.
And finally the floating market! Rowing a boat while we bought snacks off the floating market stall owners was fun, unfortunately it rained and we had to return to the dock before we could even take a bite on our oh-so-delicious goreng pisang!



For souvenirs, I'd recommend Amanda brownies ~SGD$3.50 for a huge block of fluffy and moist chocolate brownie cake. It's suitable for everyone, there're other flavours too if chocolate is not really your thing. Our family got 25 boxes in total.
Other information:
Probably wouldn't visit Bandung anytime soon, but I'd say it's a lovely place to go for a short getaway from Singapore!
Can't wait for my next vacation, now that I have submitted my final year project!