"Bandung, a carefree and amazing weekend getaway" Bandung by tracyskf

~This write up (condensed version) is published on AirAsia's in-flight magazine Travel 3Sixty (Jan 2009 issue)~

BREATHTAKING BANDUNG
A carefree and amazing weekend getaway...
Words & Images: Tracie Sue

If you have got a long weekend and was wondering how to spend it doing something different – fly to Bandung! Only 1 hour away from KL you can have an amazing weekend getaway.

Our first stop was at The Peak – check out www.thepeakresortdining.com for lunch. After about 30 minutes on the hilly rides up, we were amazed with the 3 storey restaurant on the top of the hill. It reminds me of those traditional English cottages near wineries only that this structure is probably taller. On the rear of the ground floor, it was an extension of the restaurant with simple yet elegant settings creating really soothing ambience. Overlooking the mountains, we could see fluffy clouds like cotton candy and it was greeneries everywhere. The wind gently brushes my hair and the air was most refreshing.

After a sumptuous meal – we lingered on for coffee and tea – it was so peaceful I could hear the sounds of birds chirping from afar and the sound of leaves brushing against each other. On closer look, I could see the volcanic summit of Tangkuban Perahu, which is where we would explore the next morning. How I wish I could have the luxury of escaping to this place anytime I want to break free from the hectic lifestyle.

What better next to do other than shopping! We made our way back down to the Bandung outlet malls. A trip to Bandung is never complete like nasi lemak without sambal belacan until a few hours stop at Jalan Dago and Jalan Riau. Go crazy over the outlet malls here! My personal favourite are Rumah Mode, Heritage and Cascade – there are many more smaller ones but I think these are already sufficient for the discounted branded clothes, shoes and bags.

Few hours later with a few big shopping bags and a few hundred bucks poorer we came out smiling. That would probably take care of my retail therapy needs for a few months. Satisfied, we checked in the hotel, we rest.

In the evening, dinner was yet another amazing place at The Valley. The setting is romantic yet perfect for family dining too. The nightview of Bandung was simply breathtaking. Overlooking the entire Bandung, the lightings lit up the area and for a moment I felt like in Christmas mood.

The next day we embarked on the journey to Tangkuban Perahu – the name originates in Sundanese and means “upturned boat” based on a local legend of an unfortunate tale of a women and her son. In the legend, the sun apparently kicked the an unfinished boat which resulted in severe flooding and hence the upturned boat which then turned into a mountain.

This was my first experience to see a life volcano – I could almost feel the heat of the smoke coming from the volcano. I had always wanted to satisfy my curiosity in geography classes many years back to step my foot on a life volcano. Looking down at the huge crater it amazing how such natural creation can be so beautiful yet dangerous. Visitors could opt to go for a walk in the trails and walk on the volcanic grounds but for us, we think it is better of to stay at the safe side.

This place is also great for souvenirs and so-claimed volcanic rock bracelets which are quite a bargain. We grabbed a couple of keychains and local crafts to bring back for our friends. On the way back, we stopped by a local hot spring to relax and have a dip and stop by a local small hut-restaurant for a late lunch.

Finally it was time to make our way to the airport and head back to home sweet home. Bandung is great not just for the shopping and escape from it all. But great for taking time out to smell the roses as well!