Bandung: City of Flowers
Bandung, City of Flowers, is the provincial capital of West Java and Indonesia's third-largest city. Known in colonial times as 'Paris of Java' because of its European ambiance and sophistication, Bandung shares with Miami a fine legacy of Tropical Deco architecture dating back to the 1920s.
Situated high on the Parahyangan plateau in the beautiful Parahayangan mountains, Bandung's pleasant climate and lush surroundings have offered an escape from the heat of the lowlands since the mid-19th century when it was the heart of the region's most prosperous plantation area. The city gained fame in 1955 as the venue for the first Afro-Asian conference which brought together the leaders of 29 Asian and African nations with the aim to promote economic and cultural relations and take a common stand against colonialism. Today, Bandung is a center of higher education, commerce and aircraft industry. Despite its modern facilities Bandung still retains much of its colonial era charm.
Different from Jakarta, Bandung (the Capital City of West Java province) has its own unique culture and language. They are known as the Sundanese. A soft-spoken and lighthearted people whose love for bright colors and mournful Kecapi (plucked stringed instrument) music is a legend.
Easily reached from Jakarta by train, road or air (the scenic train trip is recommended), Bandung, with its cool mountain air, is a popular second stop for those visiting the national capital and an essential stay-over for travelers en-route through Java.
Shopping in Bandung
The many markets and factory outlets in Bandung bestow the city with another nickname, City of Shopping. Choices are plenty, particularly for shoes, textiles, clothing and denims. While some shops will require your bargaining skills, most of the products sold here are inexpensive. That is why shopping in Bandung is not only fun, but also affordable.
The Markets
The first market in Bandung was built in 1812, located in Kampung Ciguriang. Sometime in mid-19th century, the market was brought down by fire, but later merchants built a replacement called Pasar Baru (New Market). Today, textiles, batiks and clothes in all kinds of prices are available in abundance here. Pasar Kota Kembang (City of Flowers Market) is located on a narrow lane that connects Jalan Asia-Afrika and Jalan Dalem Kaum. Here cheap clothes, leather products (shoes, belts and jackets), and handbags are plentiful. This is a perfect place to test your bargaining skills. Just around the corner a textile shopping center is within walking distance. Pasar Jatayu on Jalan Arjuna is a flea market mixed with motorbike-parts shops. You will find two antique shops in the dark and crammed market. Locating them after much jostling with the crowd makes you feel like discovering a treasure island. Nearby is a row of shops selling military paraphernalia. Just a forewarning though, these three markets are not recommended for those affected by claustrophobia.
Factory Outlets
For most visitors, visiting Bandung means spending a lot of time at the factory outlets. Fendi, Elle, DKNY, Armani, Esprit, Guess, GAP, and Guess are just a few of the many international brands housed within the thirty factory outlets existing in Bandung. The shops carry both Grade A (best quality overruns) and Grade B (second grade clothing with slight flaws that did not pass quality inspection buyers). Depending on the agreements between buyers/factories and factory outlets, the items are often put up for sale three to six months after they are release into the market for full price elsewhere.
