Bandung

Bandung, City of Flowers, the capital of West Java province and Indonesia' s third largest city, is located about 180 km (112 miles) southeast of Jakarta. Its elevation is 768 metres (2,520 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by up to 2,400 m (7,874 ft) high Late Tertiary and Quarternary volcanic terrain.

Known in colonial times as the Paris of Java because of its European ambiance and sophistication, Bandung shares with Miami a fine legacy of Tropical Deco architecture dating from the 1920's.

Geography

At 750m (2460ft) above sea level, Bandung is the cool and comfortable capital of West Java. It's an unhurried place (despite being the third largest city in Indonesia), which makes it a welcome respite from the relentless din and bustle of Jakarta. The majority of the population are the native Sundanese from west Java, who not only have a reputation as extroverted, easy-going people compared with the extremely refined Javanese, but also as zealous guardians of their own ancient culture.

Now, Bandung has growth more than its city core with the Bandung Raya plan. Traffic in Bandung is infamous with its complex, congested and chaotic nature. The city core is practically uprooted, old faces are torn down, lot sizes regrouped, and what was idyllic residence is now bustling chain supermarkets and rich banks. However, Bandung still has its charm to attract people, esp. from Jakarta, to come during the weekends. From various and unique food to eat while watching the cityview from the hillside to the hip youngsters pack in the major Jalan Dago area during the Saturday night fiesta, Bandung becomes the major tourist destination in Indonesia.

Situated

Situated on a 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. Host to the historic Asia Africa conference in 1955, Bandung is now a center of higher education ,commerce and aircraft industry which despite its modern amenities still retains much of its colonial era charm.

Bandung is also renowned for its shopping, particularly for shoes, textiles, clothing and denims which are found in the colourful Jeans street . 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 travellers enroute through Java.