Located some 180km from Jakarta is the provincial capital of West Java, Bandung. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch because of its cool climate, European architecture and street layout, Bandung was originally developed as a weekend resort town for Dutch owners of the nearby tea plantations. The Dutch have had plans to move the colonial capital of the Dutch East Indies from Batavia (present day Jakarta) to Bandung, but World War II put paid to the plans. During the Indonesian war of independence, Bandung was the site of fierce battles.
Now the third largest city in Indonesia, Bandung is a favourite weekend getaway of many Jakartans who brave a 3h commute for the cool weather, excellent shopping and the good food in Bandung. Factory outlets are plentiful in Bandung offering inexpensive clothes and accessories, both designer and local brands. A wide variety of international cuisine can also be found in Bandung. Some also take the opportunity to visit the nearby tea plantations or experience Sundanese performing arts.
Shopping, good food, culture, great views. What more can one ask for in a tourist destination? AirAsia flies diretly from Singapore to Bandung daily.
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