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)

Our Top 5 Attractions & Must - Sees in Rome, Italy

1. The Colosseum a.k.a. Colosseo

One of the 7 Wonders of the Medieval World

You have never been to Rome if you have never paid a visit to one  of the greatest works of Roman architecture, built in the 80AD, known as the Colosseum.

Rooms for Gladiators

During the olden days, the Colosseum was once an amphitheatre used to host gladiatorial shows as well as dramas, mock sea battles and animal hunts which could accommodate more than 50,000 spectators at a time. Its huge capacity made it essential that the venue could be filled or evacuated quickly. Its architects adopted solutions very similar to those used in modern stadiums to deal with the same problem, such as having a huge number of entrances and exits at calculated points.  According to some historians, around five hundred thousand people and millions of wild animals were killed as part of the games in the Colosseum during the period when it served as a place of entertainment. 

Inside the arena

The Colosseum today is one of the most popular attractions in the world receiving millions of visitors each year. When visiting the Colosseum, do remember to get your ticket online beforehand to avoid long queues. A daily pass of Colosseum + Palatine Hill (mentioned in more details below) + Forum  (mentioned in more details below) can be bought in many online sites. If possible, spend a few more € and take a guided tour inside the arena. This will give you a chance to learn more about the history of this wonderful place.

Warning! When you're outside the Colosseum, beware of some barbarians who dress like gladiators offering photo-shoots. They can be very persistent and rude at times and a photo with them will cost more than your 3-in-1 daily pass.

Open daily :
   - October - January 15 (9am - 3pm) 
   - January 16 - February 15 (9am - 4pm) 
   - February 16 - March 17 (9am - 4.30pm)
   - March 18 - April 16 (9am - 5pm)
   - April 17 - September (9am - 7pm)


2. Palatine Hill a.k.a. Palatino

Stadium of Domitian

Rome was built on seven hills, and the Palatine Hill is situated in the central hill on the site of the oldest parts of the city. It is believed that this hill is the birthplace of the glorious Roman Empire.

Fountain

Ruins Villas

Standing above the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill is a large open air museum which contains the ruins of ancient palaces, buildings and several large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. The southern end of the hill contains the remains of the palace of the Roman emperor, Septimius Severus. Close to the Palace lie the huge bath ruins of the emperor. The northern section of the palace of Septimius Severus houses the stadium. This stadium was built together with the adjacent palace of Domitian. Domitian’s palace forms the largest, oldest and most domineering tourist attraction in the whole of the Palatine hill site. 

Entrance from Colosseum

Arch of Constantine

It will only take you about 5 minutes walk to get to the Palatine Hill from the Colosseum. Along the way, you will pass by the famous Arch of Constantine (excellent backdrop for picture taking) before reaching the stairway entrance to the Paletine Hill.

3. Roman Forum a.k.a. Foro Romano

Ruins of the Forum

The Forum was the marketplace of Rome and also the business district and civic centre. It was expanded to include temples, a senate house and law courts. When the Roman Empire fell, the Forum was forgotten, buried and destroyed.

Rostra (large platform for speakers to stand on)

The Arch of Septimius Severus

Although what is left today are just columns and stone blocks, the first view of the Forum will always leave you breathless and give you a brief glimpse of how great the Romans once were.

Palatino (far top) & Foro

Spectacular view of Foro from Palatino

To truly enjoy these 3 places, allow yourself a whole day to slowly walk and experience the beauty of each architecture and understand the story behind every building. There are 2 ways to walk this tour; either start from the Colosseum and end at the Forum or vice versa. If you missed the online ticket, it's advisable that you start at the Forum instead to avoid the long queue at the Colosseum. The nearest Metro station to this area is the Colosseo station.

4. Trevi Fountain a.k.a. Fontana di Trevi 

Fontana di Trevi

The Trevi Fountain is Rome’s most beautiful and famous fountain and it attracts hundreds to thousands of visitors per day. The fountain is so beautiful that it has been used  for some movie scenes such as Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn. The location of this fountain is a little difficult to find and you should try to get your hands on a full map of Rome (some hotels and B&Bs will provide a full map of the city depicting landmark tourist attractions for free when you check-in) to keep you from getting lost because this beautiful picturesque city is full of narrow streets and quaint little alleys. The Trevi Fountain is situated in the heart of the city centre, crammed in among a maze of narrow streets and alley ways along Via Del Lavatore.

Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio Church opposite Trevi Fountain

Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss it over your shoulder with your back towards the fountain. The money will then be used to subsidise a supermarket for Rome's poor population.

Sea God

You will find many artists sketching and painting the attractions of Rome in the Trevi area. Try to bargain for a good deal if you're interested to make it a souvenir for yourself or friends. For those you who are planning to visit this fountain, the best time would be late evening to enjoy both the day and night views of this magnificent Trevi Fountain. The closest Metro station is at Piazza Barberini.


5. The Pantheon a.k.a Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres

Perfect Dome

The Pantheon is one of the greatest spiritual buildings in the world. It was built as a Roman temple and later converted into a Catholic Church. Due to this conversion by Emperor Phocas, the Pantheon was saved from complete destruction.

Tomb of Raphael

Tomb of King Umberto 1

The perfectly-shaped dome building is the burial place of several important Italians including the artist Raphael. Today, it remains an active church, a major tourist destination and also a popular place for wedding for the Romans.

Oculus

The wonder of this building is due not only to its perfectly symetrical round-shaped dome  (43m wide and 43m height) but also to its only source of natural light from the open centre of the dome, known as the Oculus. The circular hole measuring 30 feet in diameter, allows sunlight to flow through the interior of the Pantheon symbolizing the linking of the temple and the heavens on high. As the sun moves, striking patterns of light illuminate the walls and floors made of yellow marbles, granite and porphyry.

Verdict :

 Sandal says :

• Trip Experience - 9/10 (Love all the attractions)

• Value for $$$ - 8/10 (€9 for 3-in-1 (Colosseo + Palatino + Foro) daily pass? worth it!)

• Recommend to a friend? - Definitely (where else can you find a big open air museum?)

Toothpick says : 

• Trip Experience - 9.5/10 (Love the architecture and the history)

• Value for $$$ - 9/10 (Value for money if you appreciate old historic buildings)

• Recommend to a friend? - Absolutely (Buzz me if you are going =), I would be delighted to visit Rome again)

Island Safari Tour - Phang Nga

Phuket is known to offer plenty of great tour excursions at very affordable prices, just like Krabi. On our recent visit to Phuket, we found that the tours offered were more or less the same as the ones in Krabi.

Welcome to Island Safari

In Phuket, you will find many tour operators trying to promote the common tour packages such as snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi, kayaking in James Bond island and jungle safari in Khao Sok. Since the both of us had experienced Koh Phi Phi and kayaking during our trip in Krabi, we decided to go for something more adventurous. We took the 'All-in One Adventure' which included elephant trekking, elephant show, monkey show, fish spa, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), flying fox and white water rafting. Oh! and before I proceed, FYI this trip we were accompanied by 3 of our friends; the Powerpuff girls or better known as Watermelon, Raspberry and Coconut.

Refreshment

Our trip started off with a pick up transfer from our hotel in Patong to Phang Nga in a seat-in coach (provided with the package). After about an hour and a half's journey, we arrived at Island Safari Phang Nga where the ATV, fish spa and all the elephant and monkey activities were conducted.

Feed me!

To understand more about this place, first you need to know how it functions. Tour operators from all around Phuket and Phang Nga will gather all their customers who took the similar package, here for registration before being split into a few groups. The reason for this grouping is to ensure that all activities will be occupied and run concurrently; leading to less or zero waiting time.

Disappointing ride

For our group, our first activity of the day was the 30 minutes elephant trekking. To be honest, the ride was quite a big let down especially for the both of us, as the elephant ride we experienced in Krabi was much better organized. Here, riding time was cut short by half (15 minutes instead of the advertised 30) and the elephant caretakers didn't even bother to help us take any photos (Again, unlike the one we had in Krabi). Some of the caretakers were even seen spending much of the 15 minutes talking on their phones, instead of properly guiding our elephants on the trail.

Fish Spa

Next up, was the fish spa. After the short elephant ride, we were all hot, sweaty and excited to dip our feet into the cooling aquarium. However, the moment we tried to dip our feet in, we were stopped by one of the staff who informed us that our legs had to be cleaned before we could enjoy the fish spa.

Hygiene first

Baby Piranha

So we sat back, relax, and let the lovely staff cleaned up our feet. They also served each of us a simple refreshment (provided in the package) which consisted of a syrup drink, a mandarin orange and two rambutans whilst our legs were being treated by the little fishes. It was relaxing and enjoyable, unlike the disappointing ride.

Return to base @ 20kp/h

We then moved on to the next adventure; all-terrain vehicle or commonly known as ATV. The 30 minutes ride was quite fun, but it could have been better if the management looked into investing more, to keep the vehicles in tiptop condition. Safety, should always be top priority. Unfortunately, this was not the case as we found that the brakes in all our 5 vehicles did not function properly. One of the Powerpuff girls had to change her vehicle not long after leaving the base as her brakes totally failed to respond. Talk about terrifying!

Posing

The ATV ride was followed by the least-awaited activity of the day; the monkey show (Toothpick & I are not big fans of monkeys). In this show, two monkeys were used to perform acts such as weightlifting, cycling, basketball and plucking coconuts.

Poor monkeys

Although we are not big fans of monkeys, seeing them being chained up all the time  (even when they're performing) was very sad and cruel. Furthermore, using them to ask for tips was just as inappropriate. I seriously doubt the money collected will be used to upkeep these poor monkeys.

I'm not gonna do it!

The biggest disappointment of the day had to be the elephant show. The moment we were introduced to "Ladyboy" the elephant, we knew there was something amiss. Apart from the normal greeting acts, Ladyboy was told by the caretaker to perform an obscene act. This poor elephant was forced to erect its penis. Lucky for us, Ladyboy was reluctant to perform on that day and that segment of the show had to be called off after a few failed attempts. God knows what punishment Ladyboy received after we left. I have personally written to the management of Island Safari and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) about this issue. We hope that action will be taken before more animals are treated unfairly and inappropriately in Thailand.

Lunch

Following the show, we adjourned to a new destination where the flying fox and white water rafting activities were operated. It was located about 30 minutes away from where we were coming from. Lunch (provided in the package) was served upon arrival and we were given an hour's break before we continued on to our next activity.

Warning! The following activities can be very addictive and it is not suitable for the faint hearted as well as the elderly, and children.

First, we had to keep all our belongings in the locker including my camera (that was why I didn't get any shots of this), and then moved to the counter to get our safety gears. Next, we had to climb up a steep 100 feet pathway to the flying fox station. If half way up you start questioning whether you should proceed, don't worry because you can still make a U-turn. But I think riding the flying fox down is actually safer than turning back and walking down the steep pathway. The ride down was really fun and exhilarating, and there is basically no other words to  adequately describe the feeling better, other than your own experience.

Dam - where they release the water

Then came the last activity of the day which was also the most-awaited one; the 5km white water rafting (Class II-III). Each of us were required to wear a crash helmet and life jacket for safety purposes. Don't worry if you can't do rafting as each raft will be guided by two experience staffs. All you need to do is just follow what they say and paddle hard OR you can just let them do all the hard work but reward them with a big tip at the end of the trip.

For first timers, this ride is more than sufficient for an adrenaline rush.

Verdict :

Other than the disappointing animal shows, the activities in this tour is definitely one of the best around. For the price of 1300THB per person, it was a pretty good deal and worth every Bath. In Malaysia, RM130 couldn't even get you a return transfer to a Water Rafting activity alone in Gopeng. 

Sandal says :

• Trip Experience - 7/10 (Banned the animal shows!)

• Value for $$$ - 9/10 (totally)

• Recommend to a friend? - Maybe (only the second half)

Toothpick says : 

• Trip Experience - 6/10 (Good except for the way they treated the animals)

• Value for $$$ - 9/10 (So many different activities, Where else can you find such a deal?)

• Recommend to a friend? - Conditionally (Only if they stop the indecent and cruel animal shows)