Bandung Fam Trip 29/12/2008-1/1/2009
Indonesia Tourism “ONLINE QUIZ” 2008
Bandung Familiarization Trip December 29, 2008 – January 1, 2009
I am very honoured to be one of the winners of the Indonesia Tourism “ONLINE QUIZ” 2008 contest organized by the Indonesia Tourism Ministry. I would like to share my experience during my stay on the 4 days 3 nights Bandung or ‘Parijs Van Jaya’ Familiarization Trip.
The lucky winners – all six (6) of us, four (4) from Malaysia and two (2) from Singapore were warmly welcomed by the representatives from the Tourism Ministry at Soekarno Hatta Airport, Jakarta. The original plan, as I believed, was that we proceed to Bandung City via Punchak Highland. But because it was a holiday, route via Punchak Highland was expected to be congested and the road closed by the local authority, we traveled via the high-way for Bandung City.
Bandung or ‘Parijs Van Java’ is a Shoppers’ Paradise. I was amazed by the numerous shopping outlets, including factory outlets along Dago Road, Riau Road etc, and the wide variety of products sold there are indeed very comprehensive clothings, leather shoes, leather handbags, accessories, you name it – they have it! It takes a lot of self-control not to indulge in the wonderful shopping experience. None of us could resist!!
Apart from the shopping, we visited two (2) life Volcanic Mountains, namely: Tangkuban Parahu, or flipped boat and Kawan Putih, Volcanic Crater. We head for Tangkuban Parahu, near to the mountain; where the smell of burnt objects or the sulfur, fill the air. At the tip of the Volcanic Mountains, it was crowded with visitors. The big Crater is amazing. I do not know how to describe; I only can say God is the greatest creator. The water is boiling deep in the Crater, be careful while watching it and at the tip of the mountain, you feel the cold and chilling air. Whereas at Kawan Putih, it looks like you are entering into the legendary, is full of mystery for you to explore and be ready with rain coat or umbrella. We were there early in the morning, it was misty and we could not see each other at the certain distance. Anyway, we were all soak and chilled by the mist. We had instant ‘pop mie’ and hot drinks which all of us enjoyed very much. It is difficult to elaborate the atmosphere in both Volcanic Mountains. Just come and visit those Mountains and feel it yourself. A must visit destination in Bandung.
Nearby to the Tangkuban Parahu Volcanic Mountain, is Ciater Hot Spring Recreation Centre. Many people bath there as it is good for the skin. Unfortunately, we have no chance to bath there as we are not prepared to do so. It is recommended to put up one night at the Hot Spring Resort in order to feel the nature of the surroundings. It is an ideal place to retreat and rejuvenate you.
Another fascinating place is the Tea Plantations. In North Bandung, Chinese Tea is planted there and South Bandung, they plant Indian Tea, is it because China is in the North and India is in the South?? Each Tea Plantation has its own beauty. Seeing is believing. Come and see for yourself.
We have tasted different types of cuisine in Bandung. There are Sudanese, Javanese and other local cuisines. Restaurants where we have dined are Kampung Daun, The Valley (On the Hill Top to view the night scenery) and Saung Sawah.
We had a wonderful dinner hosted by Ms Ratna before heading for an excited count-down for year 2009 at ‘Paris Van Java’ Shopping Mall.
We attended the Angklung and Sudanese Traditional Art Shows performed by a group of cute little children aged 2 – 15 and were happy to be presented with a gift of an Aunglung – the musical instrument made from bamboo which I like very much.
The only adverse comment is the traffic jam in Bandung city, the road is too congested along the shopping destination. Perhaps, the local authourity could find solutions to solve this problem. Also, our stay is too short there; there are more attractive places yet to be seen, as we were told.
I must thank Ms Ratna, Mr. Hanif, Budi, Nobel, Ifran, Deddy, Tour Guide – Teiss, Coach Driver and the rest for them for their hospitality throughout our trip. It is a fantastic familiarization trip and there are lots of things for us, especially as a tour agent, to learn from Indonesia ground operators.
Not forgetting to thank our Tunku Iskandar of Malaysia Tourism Industry - Friends Bulletin for forwarding the “ONLINE QUIZ 2008” to its members.
Last but not least, the fellow winners of the Quiz; Stanley, Sophia, June, Amanda and Stefany, though we do not know each other, we are able to click together so well throughout the trip.
By Joanne Kong