Bandung, Indonesia

Bandung (GMT +7) is the third largest city and second largest metropolitan area in Indonesia. Due to its topology, the weather here is relatively cooler than other Indonesian cities ranging from 17°C - 29°C.

Bandung is a shopping heaven for Indonesians just like what Bangkok is, to the Thais - which makes it a popular weekend getaway among the Jakartans. If you are planning a visit to Bandung, I’d suggest you avoid the weekends or holiday season as you wouldn't want to spend most of your time getting stuck in the middle of a bustling jam.

Bandung is not just famous among the Indonesians. In recent years, it has also become a shopping and eating destination among the Malaysians and Singaporeans.

Bandung Shopping :

Factory outlets are the main shopping concept in Bandung. There is a huge variety of designs for you to choose from, and Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and Polo Ralph Lauren are some of the brands you can find here. However, do take note that 99.9% of them are not genuine.

Although there are plenty of factory outlets around in Bandung, not all are worth visiting. The list below introduces the ones that are worth visiting :

Rumah Mode

Located in Jalan Dr. Setiabudi, Rumah Mode (mo-the) is Bandung's most popular factory outlet and the most crowded one as well. You can easily find something to buy here regardless of gender or age. The  quality of the clothes here are better and the selection huge as compared to the other factory outlets around. If you are planning to visit Bandung, make sure to include Rumah Mode into your list of 'Must Visits' or your trip will not be complete. My only advice for visitors is to avoid this place during the weekends and public holidays if possible.

The Secret

 

There are at least 10 factory outlets along Jalan Riau and most of these outlets sell the same type of clothing and design. However, The Secret is a rarity as you will be able to find a mixture of past and also current trends all under one roof. Due to its popularity among the locals and tourists, my advice to you is the same; try to visit this place during the weekdays.

Heritage

Heritage is another popular factory outlet located in Jalan Riau. They offer plenty of choices but most of the designs here can also be found in Rumah Mode and The Secret.

For Men

 

Located in Jalan Riau, the For Men outlet only sells goods for men. Not only is this place a shopping heaven for men, but also for their female counterparts as they can just drop their husband, boyfriend, partner or guy friend off here while they take their own sweet time shopping in the nearby outlets such as Heritage and The Secret.

Bandung Food :

Besides shopping, another reason to visit Bandung would be for their food. Make sure to try out their famous and delicious Sundanese food in Sambara, and if you are craving for Nasi Padang, you might want to give Restoran Sederhana a try. 

Sajian Sunda Sambara

Sundanese food is one of the most popular delicacies in Bandung. Ask the locals for the best Sundanese restaurant in Bandung and they will probably tell you to give Sambara a try. We ordered Nasi Putih (white rice), Ayam Sambara (Sambara fried chicken), Tahu Goreng (fried beancurd), Iga Bakar Lada Hitam (black pepper beef rib), Tempe Mendoan (fried battered tempe), Gurame Bakar (Grilled Gurame fish), Pepes Ayam (banana leaf chicken) and a glass of Juice Alpukat (Avocado juice) The total bill only cost us Rp132,825 (approx. RM46.80) which was very reasonable for a very lovely meal.

Restoran Sederhana

After a long day of shopping at Rumah Mode, you can head to Restoran Sederhana which is located just a few shops away, for its masakan Padang. Most of the the dishes here were spicy and tasty. However, it would have been better if the dishes were also served hot. For Indonesian standards, we considered the prices for the dishes here on the high side due to the  small portions and lack of presentation in the food and also the restaurant ambiance. We ordered Nasi Putih (white rice), Ayam Gulai (chicken curry), Perkedel (potato croquette), Sate Padang (beef satay drenched in some special Padang sauce), Ayam Bakar (grilled chicken) and Kentang Telur Puyu (potato with quail egg), and the damaged done was Rp105,600 (approx. RM37).

Amanda

Amanda is famous for their Brownie Kukus (steamed brownie). At  just Rp24,000 (approx. RM8.40) a box, the portion is substantial enough to feed 4 people in one tea seating. However, if you are expecting good quality, rich, creamy, and buttery chocolate brownies, this will not cut it for you. In fact, the steamed brownies tasted rather healthy, light and airy; which has its own good points as you can eat more without feeling 'jelak'.

Mayasari

We saw this Mayasari snack stall in the Paris Van Java mall. Mayasari is famous for their layer cakes, and they also sell a bunch of snacks like cheese sticks and brownies. In the event, that you do not see a Mayasari during your trip, do not fret, as you can still buy them at the airport =)

Durian Ice-cream 

 

One of the most common stalls you will see on the streets in Bandung are these Durian Ice-cream sellers. Although these stalls were a dime a dozen, we dared not venture our fragile little tummies to try them as we felt that there were some hygiene issues.

Getting around :

Travelling around in Bandung can be quite frustrating, especially for first timers. There is no proper roadside pavement to walk nor mass rapid transit system, metro and tram.

Taxi

Taxi remains the simplest way to travel around for tourist but you have to be careful of the non-metered taxis. Some of these drivers may refuse to use a meter and will charge you a fixed price instead. If you encounter such a driver, don't be afraid to say NO and wait for more reliable taxi companies such as the Blue Bird or Garuda. The taxi fare is relatively cheap in Bandung compared to other countries, but do take note that there is a minimum charge of Rp20,000 (approx. RM7) for taking a ride. So, for short distances, a taxi ride is not as economical.

Call this number for taxi

The most reliable taxi company

Angkutan

If you are a little more adventurous and on the budget, do what the locals do by using  their local public transportation known as 'angkot' or 'angkutan'.

They are everywhere

Airport Information :

Bandung Airport (also known as Bandara Husein Sastranegara Bandung) is one of the smallest international airports I've ever visited.

Due to its limited immigration counter, it may take up quite some time to clear the immigration and stringent custom check. If you're not the patient type, get out from the plane as soon as it  lands to skip the long queue.

For those of you who did not pre-arrange for airport transfer, you can proceed to this counter (above picture) to purchase your taxi ticket. Just inform the operator of your destination and he'll give you a coupon with the price listed on it, which is to be paid to the driver when you get off. As I stated earlier, taxi fares are cheap and it only cost me Rp35,000 from the airport to my hotel and Rp20,000 + Rp3,000 (compulsory airport drive-through fee) for the ride from my hotel back to the airport.

Departure guest, do remember not to spend all your Rupiahs away and keep some for your departure tax. Just like the other airports in Indonesia, tax is not inclusive in your flight ticket. You need to make this payment at the tax collection counter right after you check-in. The fees for the domestic flight is Rp25,000 while international is Rp75,000. Try to give them the exact amount if possible, to avoid any shortchange.

For more information about Bandung, you can always drop us a message in the comment box or email us @ toothpickandsandal@gmail.com.

Verdict :

Sandal says :

• Trip Experience - 7.5/10 (good and most importantly, people here are friendly)

• Food Overall - 8.0/10 (loved the Sundanese food)

• Cleanliness - 5/10 (too many vehicles - too much pollution)

• Value for $$$ - 7.5/10 (most of the things are reasonably-priced)

• Recommend to a friend? - Yes (only during off-peak season)

Toothpick says : 

• Trip Experience - 6.0/10 (It would have been a better trip if it didn't rain so often..)

• Food Overall - 6.0/10 (The food was tasty but I question their hygiene as Sandal had severe diarrhea after the trip)

• Cleanliness - 5/10 (Dusty)

• Value for $$$ - 7/10 (shopping was value for $ as the quality was much better than Bangkok)

• Recommend to a friend? - Maybe (for friends who enjoy cheap, but good quality clothing)

Balinese Temples

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Kecak Dance Arena @ Uluwatu

Uluwatu temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali - located on top a cliff at 250ft above sea level facing the spectacular view of the Indian Ocean. The famous Uluwatu temple is also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu by the locals and is regarded as one of the six most important temples in Bali. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, its location on the south westernmost of this magical island guards the Balinese from the evil spirit of the ocean. This is a must visit temple in Bali.

Uluwatu temple from far

Warning! When visiting this temple, please make sure to keep all your belongings inside the bag or leave it in the vehicle. As I mentioned in my earlier post, monkeys can be rather aggressive and may bite or scratch. So be cautious as the last thing that you would want to endure is a Rabies infection during your holiday. My cousin had a bad experience here with these monkeys and ended up spending the rest of her holidays in a local clinic. Additionally, she had to fork out over a thousand ringgit for 4 tetanus jabs.

View from Uluwatu

Pura Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot

About 20km from Denpasar, sits a beautiful temple on a huge offshore rock surrounded by the sea known as Pura Tanah Lot. Built in the 16th century, Tanah Lot is also regarded as another important sea temple where poisonous sea snakes are believed to be guardians of the temple, standing virgil against evil spirits and intruders. This is also a must visit temple in Bali.

Clear view from far

Tips! Visit this temple in the late afternoon to enjoy the magnificent sunset view of Tanah Lot.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Entrance to Ulun Danu

If you happen to be in Bedugul, be sure not to miss the beautiful temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Standing at more than 1200m above sea level, this temple is probably one of the most photographed temples in Bali. Built in 1633 by the King of Mengwi - I Gusti Agung Putu, this temple is dedicated to the lake goddess "Dewi Danu" and is constructed on small islands of Lake Bratan. Both pilgrimages and ceremonies are held at here to ensure that there is a supply of water for farmers for irrigation all over Bali. This is another must visit temple in Bali.

11-tier meru @ Ulun Danu

Main temple "Pura Teratai Bang"

Pura Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul temple

Built around a sacred spring in Tampak Siring. An inscription dates the founding of a temple at the site to 926 AD. The name "Tirta Empul" signifies a crystal clear stream which is used as the holy water for various religious ceremony even until today. This temple has two bathing areas which are famous among the Balinese worshipers for thousand over years for healing and spiritual merit. Worshipers first make an offering at the temple, then climb into the main pool to bathe and pray. Many collect the holy water in bottles to take home. 

Main pool - Holy Spring

Market outside Pura Tirta Empul

Tips! Please take note that the way out is not the same as the way in. Remember to have your tour guide or taxi driver meet you at the entrance of the exit which is also the market area where the locals sell their handicrafts, clothes and souvenirs.


Pura Taman Ayun

Merus in Pura Taman Ayun

The name Pura Taman Ayun means the "Temple of the Beautiful Gardens". It was built by I Gusti Agung Anom, the founder of the Mengwi kingdom, a powerful kingdom in the district of Mengwi, in central Bali, until 1891. The temple is surrounded by a moat with lotuses, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Beyond the moat, the temple lies on a slightly raised ground.

Entrance to Pura Taman Ayun

Moat surrounding the temple

Verdict :

Sandal says :

• Trip Experience - 6.5/10 (too much time wasted on traveling from one place to another)

• Value for $$$ - 7/10 (ok for first timer)

• Recommend to a friend? - Maybe (only choose a few temples to visit)

Toothpick says : 

• Trip Experience - 5.5/10 (lousy tour guide who lacked historical knowledge of the temples)

• Value for $$$ - 7/10 (worth it if you like historical and archaeological buildings)

• Recommend to a friend? - Maybe (pick the top 3 and skip the rest)

Bali, Indonesia

toothpickandsandal in Bali

Road to Kintamani

Bali from the sky

Kuta Beach Road

Things you need to know :

• Majority of the population here are Hindus and therefore, pork is widely served in many restaurants.
• Dress appropriately when you visit any of the puras (temples)
• Most of the locals do understand a bit of Bahasa Melayu.
• Bali is UTC +8 time zone, same as Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore.
• Denpasar is the capital of Bali where the Ngurah Rai international airport is located.
• Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai, claim your baggage as soon as possible to avoid the authority scam. Some airport officials insisted to take our bags for us, walk through the custom  (less than a 10 meter walk) and of course demanded a big tip.
• Take note that airport tax is not included in your departure fare. Prepare some cash in their local currency Rp 150,000/pax to be paid when you arrived at Ngurah Rai international airport.
• Weather in Bali is hot and humid. Wear something light and comfortable when you are there.
• The peak season in Bali is from July - September and December. Traveling in April or May is highly recommended as it is less crowded and things are much cheaper.
• If you are at Jimbaran for the seafood, only dine after the sun has set, otherwise be ready to feast with hundreds of flies.
• If you intend to take a tour, do avoid the full-board tour. It can be very lengthy and our tour brought us for Chinese food instead of Balinese food most  dinners. Furthermore, many of the tours' itineraries involve cramming in 3 temples in a day which is  tiring and can get boring as it involves many hours of traveling just to see a temple for 30 minutes. Do look for a guide that has a good sound knowledge of the history and story behind each temple as it would make the visit there much more meaningful.
• Stay in Kuta or Legian if you are seeking for nightlife, entertainment and shopping. Choose Nusa Dua if you want a cleaner and quieter beach. For more privacy, book yourself a luxury villa in Seminyak or Uluwatu area and spa relaxation in Ubud.
• Although we didn't get a chance to, do try to go on the Bali Dolphin tour. Word around is, it is a great and fun experience, especially if you have kids or happen to be a Dolphin lover.
• The famous Kintamani tour (Kintamani is Bali's active volcano) is overrated. The tour involves going up to a hill opposite the volcano to have buffet lunch in one of the many restaurants there, while enjoying the view of the volcano. In actual fact, the view of the volcano seems incredibly far away and the buffet meal is packed with flies. The visit was really nothing special. Additionally, the walk up to the restaurant was very dusty and dirty.
• Visiting 3 temples during your entire trip is sufficient. If I had to narrow it down, I would say visit only Tanah Lot, Uluwatu and Ulun Danu.
• Beware of the monkeys in Bali. They can get rather aggressive and may scratch or bite you. Like most aggressive monkeys, they may sometimes steal your sunglasses or etc. 

The quiet side of Kuta

2002 Bali Bombing Memorial

Jimbaran Seafood

Indonesian cuisine usually consists of large portions of rice accompanied by a few side dishes. Balinese food is no exception, except that pork is also part of their diet such as the infamous Babi Guling (roast suckling pig) and Urutan (spicy pork sausage). Other notable dishes include; Bebek Bertutu (duck topped with herbal paste), Sate Lilit (minced seafood satay) and Ayam Panggang Bumbu Merah (grilled chicken with red chili and shrimp paste).

Grilled Seafood at Jimbaran

Nasi Ayam Penyet

Local brew "Bintang"

Barong Dance

Kintamani Volcano

Kuta Beach

Verdict :

Sandal says :

• Trip Experience - 6.5/10 (could be better)

• Food Overall - 5.5/10 (can find better Balinese food in KL)

• Cleanliness - 6/10 (on par with KL)

• Value for $$$ - 7/10 (i guess)

• Recommend to a friend? - Maybe (only if you got nowhere else to go)

Toothpick says : 

• Trip Experience - 6.0/10 (shouldn't have gone with the full-board tour)

• Food Overall - 5.0/10 (Plain! but Jimbaran seafood is worth a try)

• Cleanliness - 6/10 (Kinda dirty around Kintamani area)

• Value for $$$ - 7.5/10 (only during low season)

• Recommend to a friend? - Maybe (no comment)