The enchanting land of Sunda streches from the Sunda strait in the west to the borders of Central Java in the East. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of the province, Bandung.
The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices and the rise and fall of
powerful kingdoms. In the late 1500’s this region was ruled from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate, although a shadow of its former glory. West Java was one of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences. It was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago.
The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices and the rise and fall of
powerful kingdoms. In the late 1500’s this region was ruled from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate, although a shadow of its former glory. West Java was one of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences. It was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago. One of the famous cities worth visiting is Garut, a characteristic Sundanese town located in the highlands. Garut is surrounded by volcanic mountains and vast tree plantations. Nearby, you can see Mount Papandayan, often dubbed as having the most spectacular mountain scenery in Java.
Others area like Puncak, the place is known for it’s cool climate. The Puncak provides refreshing outdoor experience for nature lovers just a short drive into the hills south of Jakarta. Enjoy the serenity and peace of this special area as you wander through tea plantations taking in the surrounding views of forest clad mountains and misty valleys, or as you examine the divers plant species in the Bogor and Cibodas Botanical Gardens.
Kampung Naga(Dragon Village) offers you an experience of a lifetime. Despite its proximity to modern society, the inhabitants choose to retain its traditional customs over the centuries. This small village is located in beautiful mountains, 30 km away from Tasikmalaya.
West Java is the home of Pangandaran, one of Jave best’s secret as far as international tourist concerned. A small fishing town, it possesses one of Java;s finest beaches and the Pangandaran Nature Reserve. Tsunami hit Pangandaran a few years ago, but it recovered successfully. Pangandaran can be reached by bus about 5 hours from Bandung and 8 hours from Jakarta.
And along the Jakarta-Bandung route you can stop by the Taman Safari(Safari Park). Animals from all continents roam frelly in this 35 hectares park, located 75 km southeast of Jakarta. The park also provides recreational grounds with swimming pools, tennis courts, amusement parks, and a unsurpassed program of Night Safari
Bandung
Located in highland, the city often Parijs van Java has rapidly grown into one of the most varied cosmopolitan cities in Indonesia. At 1990’s, local designer opened clothing stores along jalan Cihampelas which gave Bandung another nickname, the shopping city. BAndung gained even more popularity when textile factories in the outskirts of Bandung oponed fashion stores that sell their products directly from the factory named factory outlets.
About 25km north of Bandung you can find Tangkuban Perahu mountain, seen from Bandung the mountain has a distinctive shape like an upside down boat. This spectacular shape has stimulated the fantasy of the Sundanese people from early times as expressed in the Legend of Sangkuriang.
On the south of Bandung you can find the road that leads to Ciwidey, a town full of strawberry patches. From there, you can find visit Kawah Putih, a volcanic crater with a beautiful turquoise lake. Don’t forget also to visit the workshop of Mang Udjo’s Angklung (traditional musical instrument made of bamboo) in Padasuka . Visit also Maribaya waterfall and the distribution stores, walk along the Braga and see the quaint buildings.
