West Java and Bandung
The Land of Sunda
Much of the enchanting and beautiful land of Parahiyangan or Sunda (West Java) is mountainous with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of the province, Bandung. The people of this region, the Sundanese, are soft-spoken and colourful, with a rich and fascinating history. The powerful and ancient kingdoms of Tarumanegara, Pajajaran and Cirebon have all risen, ruled and fallen in this province and provide fascinating studies for students of archaeology and history.
Bandung, the Paris of Java
Bandung was developed by the owners of the tea, quinine and coffee plantations that were sited in the surrounding mountainous area. In its heyday, Bandung became a dream weekend retreat for the planters and given the name “Paris of Java.” Even today, there are still some productive tea and quinine plantations in the area surrounding Bandung and several of these have become tourist spots. The planters built up the city of Bandung and even today we can enjoy the beautiful Art Deco style architecture of times gone by. These architectural
monuments include Gedung Sate, which was used for the Asia Africa Conference in 1955, as well as the Savoy Hoffman and Preanger hotels. Bandung has also become a city of conferences and boasts outstanding convention services for both domestic and international events as well as a full range of MICE facilities at the many star-rated hotels.
Mountains & Hot Springs
The city of Bandung is almost completely surrounded by mountains. Less than an hour’s drive by car will bring you to the edge of an active volcano, either Tangkuban Perahu to the North or Mount Papandayan or Mount Kawan Putih to the South. There are also several hot springs and spas close to the city of Bandung. Both Ciater and Maribaya have been fully developed and are very popular. At Ciater you can also enjoy hydro therapy which is said to have healing properties. In the mountainous area to the South of the city, you can visit the beautiful volcanic lake of Situ Patenggan as well as the hot springs nearby. Sixty kilometres to the east of Bandung are the hot water baths of Cipanas Garut. This is a very popular resort, especially at weekends, and there are lots of hotels as well as villa-style accommodation here.
The Royal City of Cirebon
The historical royal complex of Keraton Sultan Kasepuhan or the Sultan’s Palace is certainly worth a visit. To the west of the palace, there is a mosque known as the Masjid Agung which was built in 1498 by Raden Sepet. Not far from the Kasepuhan Palace, there is the Kanoman Palace built in 1527 by Panembahan Girilaya, next to the Kanoman market. The Keprabonan Palace was originally the residence of Prince Raja Adipati Keprabonan, the eldest son of Prince Kertawijaya, the founder of Pengguron Prabonan. The Kanoman and Kasepuhan palaces have become museums, which are open to the public. The royal city of Cirebon is a meeting place of many different cultures, a unique mix of Sundanese, Islamic, Chinese and even Hindu and pre-Hindu cultures. Just a short journey from Cirebon is the spa resort of Sangkanurip where you can relax and enjoy the therapeutic hot springs of Ciremai. These are just some of the delights for visitors to the royal city of Cirebon area.
The Magnificent Puncak Pass
One hour’s journey by road south of Jakarta, Puncak has been the traditional weekend retreat for generations of the capital city’s residents. As well as the fresh mountain air, there are many attractions nearby; the unforgettable Bogor and Cibodas botanical gardens; the beautiful Gede and Pangrango national park; the historical Bogor Palace, originally called Buitenzorg, which means free from any burden, and the many tea plantations; these are just some of the delights for visitors to the magnificent Puncak Pass area.
The Legendary Pelabuhan Ratu
Pelabuhan Ratu, the home of the legendary Ratu Kidul, the queen of the South seas, is only three hours by car from Jakarta. When you visit this exciting beach resort area, there’s lots to do: you can pay a visit to the fish market; see the unique marine ceremonies; watch sea turtles laying their eggs at Pangumbahan beach; and if you’re looking for adventure, a white water rafting trip on the Citarik river will be an unforgettable experience; these are just some of the delights for visitors to the legendary Pelabuan Ratu area. The famous beach resort of Pelabuhan Ratu is located on West Java’s southern coast, and here there are many hotels as well as bungalows and villas.
The Pangandaran Experience
Just seven hours by car from Jakarta or four and a half hours from Bandung, the beautiful Pangandaran region is a truly unforgettable experience. Here you can swim safely and enjoy the beautiful beaches, visit the Panunjang natural reserve with its amazing green canyon, go back in time at the historical Cangkuang Temple or see the bamboo craft centre at Rajapolah. Mount Papandayan is truly one of West Java’s natural wonders. On the border of the Bandung and Garut regencies, about 74 km south of Bandung, Mount Papandayan is one of the most spectacular volcanoes in the province. The top of the mountain is easily reached, via the special road leading to the crater. Pangandaran Beach is located 223 km from Bandung and is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist beaches in Indonesia, outside of Bali. There are many water recreation facilities at Pangandaran including windsurfing, boating, swimming and camping as well as fishing and the nearby Pananjung Nature Reserve.
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