Travel stories: Of Bandung, Mt. Tangkuban Perahu and Cihideung

We came here three years ago when Hubs first relocated to Jakarta. It was also my first trip, after having delaying it for almost 4 months because Hubs was busy familiarising himself in the new environment - finding new apartment, getting a new car, settling down and etc. At that time, we weren't sure if we could make an overnight trip to Bandung/Mt Tangkuban Perahu, because Hubs wasn't sure if his new car would be available by the time I arrived. Luckily it did and so off we went on Friday.

Our first stop is Bandung, which is a well-known factory outlet haven. The most "reputable" of these outlets is Rumah Mode, which is located along Jl. Setiabudi. With patient digging, one can often find very decently priced rejects. In fact, along Jl. Setiabudi, there are quite a number of these factory outlets, and so far, on both my trips to Bandung, I have pretty much concentrated my shopping efforts around here. Some of the brands that we have bought are CK, Burberry, Prada, Zara, MNG, Esprit and even Baby Phat. Some friends have cautioned that not all these outlets are genuine, which I'm inclined to believe as well. However, I figure that as shoppers, it's really up to each discretion. For me, I tend to be selective and assessed my picks based on quality of material and the tailoring.

The next day, we made our way to Mt Tangkuban Perahu Conservation Park, roughly 30km north of Bandung. Navigating the roads from Bandung to here proved to be another test of patience due to heavy traffic as a lot of Jakartans love to get away from the city on weekends and Bandung is often the default choice due to its proximity to Jakarta. Having reached the foot of the mountain or main entrance, it was another 30 minutes drive on rocky, bumpy road before we finally reach the carpark area. Pity Hubs's car because it was only 3 days old and we have put it to such gruelling journey. ;p

There are three craters that are open to tourists, i.e. Kawah Ratu, Kawah Domas and Kawah Upas. The nearest crater from where we parked is Kawah Domas which is another 30 minutes trek through the jungle. As we were rather short on time, we only went to Kawah Domas because to go to Kawah Ratu, also the biggest crater, is another 1 hour hike uphill.

On our way down, we came upon a local artisan who was carving away on a piece of wood with unique grain marks.

Up close and personal with a tiny geyser. No zoom effect here.

Tourists, us included, literally walking on hot grounds spewing off sulphurous gas.

A markedly different experience when I went to Hokkaido earlier that same year. Admiring Jigokudani or Hell's Valley from a safe distance.

On our way back to Jakarta, we passed through Cihideung which is well-known for its cultivation of all sorts of flowering plants. I mean, literally every household here is a nursery and the drive along the main road is very pleasant and pretty :)

That is until we hit the freeway which is another bumper to bumper traffic all the way back to Jakarta.