Holiday in Bandung and Jakarta

At last, after being 'grounded' for a few years, I managed to 'take off ' for a short holiday of three nights in Bandung and two nights in Jakarta with my family during this Chinese New Year.

Just to share some photos and perhaps some advice for those who are planning for a holiday to Bandung.

A VIP welcome by my driver, Mr.Robert from Mulia Car Rental service which was arranged prior departure. It is advisable to arrange such service for comfort and convenience to move around Bandung: from the volcano sites to the many Factory Outlets for shopping. Oh yes, and not forgetting the professional service provided by my driver. Thanks, Roberts!

Highly recommended to stay at Novotel Bandung with its spacious room and friendly service. However, the room in Hotel Ibis Jakarta Tamarin is much smaller.

It is a new experience shopping in the many Factory Outlets in Bandung. These outlets are big shops by itself, unlike in KL, where we normally shop in complexes. There are a wide selections of branded names for both male and female. Generally, most prices are affordable and are quite cheap.
The main Factory Outlets are located at Jln.Dago, Jln. Rhiau and Jln. Setiabudi and most probably it needs two days for the shopaholics to finish their shopping in these areas. So, make sure you bring some empty luggage to stuff all your new clothes.
For the jean buffs, there is Jln.Cihampelas where the whole street is devoted to selling jeans. I was told by Robert that most are fake brands. So, he took me to another shop that sells original Levis (sorry, can't remember the name of the shop/street). Like the jean street, Cibaduyut street specializes in selling shoes. I suggest you do not waste your time here as most are locally made shoes that are mainly sold in shops and stalls. We left the place in less than half an hour.
Due to the 'excessive' shopping of my daughters, we missed the Anklung Udjo cultural performance.

For dinner, we tried the local Sundanese and western food which are reasonably priced at the many hilltop restaurants with all overlooking Bandung city: The Stone Cafe, The Peak, The Valley and Kampung Daun. Do not forget to bring your jacket as it can be very cold at night.
A beautiful night view of Bandung city from The Valley restaurant.

This is what mother nature has created after a volcanic eruption: Kawah Ratu on Gunung Tangkuban Perahu

We can still hear the hissing sound of the smoke billowing out from the crater and from it, the smell of sulfur. There is another crater nearby call Kawah Domas where you can see the hot water bubbling from the crater. Unfortunately, due to the rain, we couldn't make the trip. Deeply regretted.
However, you need to pay a guide IDR250000 (MR85.00) per hour to take you there.

Another stunning view of Kawah Ratu.
This is Kawah Putih, another volcano site north of Bandung. Its greenish white water and the solid rock background makes the crater truly beautiful.