Jakarta: Trip to Bandung's Tangkuban Perahu (Volcano)

Bandung, A province West of Java Indonesia. It is about a 6 hour long drive (also because of traffic). We kinda went there on a wrong date - a long holiday in Jakarta so families are all going home or in a vacation mode. It feels like the whole of Jakarta are going to Bandung! 

From Jakarta, we were supposed to ride a van in the terminal. But since its long weekend... we ended up renting with another traveler; still not very costly for the long ride. Its like we rented the van to ourselves. Hehe. 

So anyway, when we get to Bandung, we stayed in the hotel a bit and prepared. The hotel we got was pretty decent, it is very spacious, have buffet breakfast and also a pool to help you relax a bit too. 

So from our hotel, off we went to our first destination: Tangkuban Perahu. (Tangkuban Perahu literally means 'upside-down boat'); From up there, the view is breath taking. The atmosphere is cold. There aren't as many people actually and we had a good space for our wonderful photos. 

Kawah Ratu is the biggest crater of Mount Tangkuban

There are a lot of shops here too, and some food stalls, also a passageway is in place where you can go down a bit (its like a small village steps) to take a good shot - few tourists ever went down there. 

Bring sweaters. Its cold up there!! 

Jakarta: City Tour on a Budget

Our City tour of Jakarta takes us to the Old Town, Kota Kua. Here, you can spend some time viewing the Jakarta Museum, picnics, ride bikes, etc.

From the bus station, we walked through an aisle and we were greeted by these colorful bicycles (they can be rented).

The place is great outdoor location if you have kids that wants to run around and just enjoy a day under the sun. :D 

If you feel a bit tired from the outdoors, then get to the side of the Museum and see the Wayang Museum dedicated to the Javanese puppetry. 

Try Cafe Batavia too! This restaurant is the second oldest building in the square, after the City Hall (now the Jakarta Musuem). It is as historical as the whole Old Town! =)

The whole Cafe exudes with a European feel; the walls are lined with several photo frames, and framed movie posters (even the bathroom).

The price is of higher end compared to fast foods or anywhere else we dined in the city... but go and try as they are good! Besides you are there to experience the ambiance. 

Jakarta, Indonesia Getting Around the City

Stayed at Citi M Hotel. It was a budget hotel but it was better than what I have expected. It was also a few minutes walk to the Monas ( one of the must go places if you happen to be in Jakarta. When we were there (November) it was raining, and then the sun would shine... it would be so hot. Ah the weather is a bit unpredictable so better bring your umbrella. 

So Back to the hotel, the accommodation comes with a buffet breakfast, and it sure was good to. The selection is pretty much decent to help you fuel up for the rest of the day's trip. 

We ordered room service, and the Salted Fish Fried Rice is good! It has a very generous serving too.

So in the City, we just went to the town's plaza. Going around the city is easy with the bus lines. Taking a cab is also an option but our friend advice us to just take the blue bird taxis and nothing else. 

See the Bus all lined up; this is the bus lane, and well the loading station. you have to walk the long overpasses like the one in the picture. To go to whichever side you need to be at, depending on your destination. They have a dedicated bus lane, so it sure is a bit reliable to ride one as you won't be with the private cards that can sometimes be stuck in traffic. :P  Information also is available at the stations so you can see which bus is coming already. 

See: Kota Kua (City Tour) and Cafe Batavia