Bandung - Food & Layer Cakes

Eating in Bandung can be a bit of a challange as it can be a little different for some of us. So, if you do not favour Malay type dishes, then there is always fast food, Chinese food and also cafes available throughout Bandung. If you do like trying local dishes, then try the Sundanese dishes there which are very famous. Similar to Malay style dishes, the prices are quite reasonable. Another dish which is popular in Bandung is the Gurame Fish which I did not try.


This was at a restaurant in the Dago Shopping area. We took the package for 4 which was about Rp.270,000 (RM 86.00)


Quite interesting dishes they have. But watch the fried chicken as they serve it with the head intact. The chickens there are seem to be really small in size, like our spring chicken here and are usually deep fried with a goreng pisang type batter.


Nasi Timbel at the hotel. One of the popular Sundanese rice dishes. The rice is in the leaf. Rp.57,000 (RM 18.20). Of course, they are much cheaper outside at the local eating places. Our driver took us to a famous Sundanese restaurant in the city but on seeing the spread there, some of us chickened out so we settled for Dunkin Doughnuts just next door.


But if you are adventurous, then go for it! The local hawker stalls are just about ever nook and corner there. You simply cannot miss them. Just have the 'Poh Cha Yin' on stand by if you have a weak stomach.


And everyone who is local eats there.


Lined up in rows at most times for choices! You can actually have a full meal at these stalls. From starters right up to deserts in just one row.


Desert anyone? I tried their Durian Ice Cream, well just a spoon of it. Actually very nice and about Rp.3,000.


More choices. I swear that there must be at least 1,367,821 stalls like these in Bandung. Maybe more. Who knows huh?


If you are not too keen on the stalls, then there is a nice food court in town. Located in the Hyper Square area (Next to the Hilton), they have all the local foods available but in a much cleaner environment. About 50+ stalls are available. A live acoustic band was also entertaining diners and locals there.


I saw a lot of local stalls, Chinese food, even western food here. You choose your dish, get the coupon and table marker and pay at a counter. From there, place the marker on your table and they will bring the food to you.


I tried some Chinese-Indo noodle dish. Tasted a bit like Hakka Mee in Malaysia but slightly different in a nice way. Char Siew = Fail. Siew Yoke = Not too bad. I also noticed that there were a lot of Indonesian Chinese locals that patron the place. Must be due to the variety of Chinese dishes available.

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The Famous Indonesian Layer Cake (Kek or Kuih Lapis)

While most of you already know that the best Layer Cakes come from Indonesia, it was much talked about on other people's blogs that Bandung has some awesome Layer Cakes there. So, trying it was on top of the list. Kartikasari is one of the famous bakeries in Bandung. Specialising in layer cakes, they do not come cheap at all! Be warned that a brick of layer cake will set you back Rp.140,000 (RM 44.80) For a full sized cake, Rp440,000 (RM 140.00) and per slice, Rp.8,000 (RM 2.50)



The KartikaSari bakery. A popular stop for all Jakarta tourist. For the record, the common locals do not shop here. It is sort of a luxury bakery.


They claim to be only in Bandung, no outlets outside of Bandung, so one can only get them in Bandung. Good gimmick to keep people coming back to Bandung.


The famous layer cake.


A selection of pastries.


The crowd in the outlet. Every outlet we pass, you would see this kind of crown in there. People seem to be buying 3 or 4 layer cakes per person.


Choices are amazing. Pastries, nonya cakes, ice cream and all types of cakes are available here. Other items include Indonesian biscuits and keropok.


Another outlet which sells the layer cakes is called Mayasari. Not that I saw a lot of them in town, but the one at the airport before you leave was pretty stocked up. Last minute shoppers would tend to use up the remaining rupiahs there.




Layer cakes available in slices.


Layer cakes in rolls. Priced at Rp.85,000 (RM 27.00) per roll.



Another chain of bakeries in Bandung called Holland Bakery. They are so prominent, you can easily identify them by the windmills on top of the building.


Durian Ice Cream. Need I say more.

Bandung - Shopping the Factory Outlets

Shopping in Bandung is one of the few experiences that many local Malaysians go through. The place mostly caters to the people from Jakarta that come there for the weekends to buy up everything.

Since AirAsia open the flight route there in 2008, many Malaysians have been there solely to shop or try the famous Sundanese food.

The main attraction there are the Factory Outlets. Locally known as Outlets or FOs, they are spread well around Bandung city. One may think they are like F.O.S here, but they are not, trust me. Much better than what we have here.

Bandung - Shopping the Factory Outlets

Here is the breakdown of shopping in Bandung. If you are super bandy and trendy, then you are better off shopping in HK, BKK or Spore and give this place a miss.

But if you are the normal working class person, who just needs a bit of this and that, then Bandung is the place to explore, especially if you are on a budget. 

To move around, you need to hire a local driver or 'Supir' with a sedan or van to get to some of these places.

The 'Supir' will pick you up and usually the timing is from 9.00 am till 9.00 pm for your shopping. So, where do you go and what will you get? That is is the big question that most people ask. 

Let me just break down the three main areas for you to explore in Bandung for your shopping. 

Dago Factory Outlets

One of the interesting ones where most of the outlets are based in old converted bungalows. There are about 8 to 10 outlets there and once reaching there, you can walk from outlet to outlet as most of them are next to each other.

The thing to look out for is the brands. So if you see Versace and Louie Vuitton , they are most likely fakes put in to spice up the variety. So, one would know by looking carefully at the stuff there. Brands that you will find there.

For Men - Hugo Boss, Burberry, Versace, Timberland, Nike, Manchester United, Armani, DKNY, Old Navy, Billabong, Quicksilver and many others.

However these are all mostly shirts, tees and pants. No shoes or wallets and if you see any, they are mostly local brands.

For Women - Not that I shop much for women, but by browsing around, I saw quite a number of well known brands like; Zara, MNG, Esprit, Gap, TopShop, DKNY, Gucci, Armani, Miss Selfridge, Nike, Old Navy, Victoria Secret and the list just goes on.

Not all the outlets may have the same things so the tip here is if you see something you like, just get it as it will be such a chore to go back to look for it. Anyhow, the prices are anywhere from Rp.20,000 to Rp.80,000 per top. 

For the larger sized men, there are XXXL or Big Size as they are known there. So, if you wander around and cannot find them, just ask one of the assistants where the Big Sized items are. However, there are not much available compared to the common size.

Meaning, most of the stuff there is excellent for people who are no taller than 5' 10". I am 5' 11" and on trying the L size, it just does not fit. I need an XL but most of the choices there go up to L.

Glamour Factory Outlet. I went in and got myself a pair of DKNY Army 3/4 cargos for Rp.69,000 (Rm22.00). The sizes were from 28 right up till 38! So, choices for pants there are quite good. Lots of beachwear too.

The other thing is do not be fooled by the outlook of the entrance. On going inside, it just expands into this large warehouse which cannot be seen from the front.

This one looks very interesting but once inside, they sell their own local brand for leather goods. Shoes, Bags, Wallets, Slippers. Mostly for the working class. So, not too happening.

Working class clothes for men. I saw lots of Hugo and Versace at about Rp.100,000

Rumah Mode - Jalan Setiabudi

One of the more popular places, is Rumah Mode (Pronounced Mo-Dey) as this outlet takes the cake for being the champion factory outlet.

Nicely decorated with excellent landscaping and to please the tired shoppers, they have a foot reflexology centre there. Nice selections of brands available too.

Please note that on weekends, it gets super jammed just to get there and once there, be prepared for long lines to try on the clothes. Seems like half of Jakarta are there shopping on weekends.

The crowd is crazy on weekends so best to visit on weekdays, and go as early as possible. 

Outlet outside of Rumah Mode. I went there to drop off some friends who spent like 6 hours of straight shopping there. 

So, I really did not have a chance to explore the insides but according to my friend who did, she needed a foot reflexology half way through. Cost here something like RM12.00 for 1 hour.

Another outlet next to Rumah Mode. If you are not up to walking and shopping 10 hours straight, then it would be a good idea to do just one area a day. Less stressful on your poor legs.

Jalan Riau Factory Outlets

The first outlet you see when you get there is Secret Factory Outlet. Nice design and very modern. Inside, the decor is one of the best around. The area is divided into three sections. 

The main adult shopping, a courtyard with toilets, free wi-fi and some stalls selling food and drinks. Then they have a kids section.

Shopping for kids is a haven there as there are just so many choices for you. Top brands and for all ages with really nice designs. Not like the ones you get in Tesco or Giant here.

This area takes some serious walking as the outlets are not next to each other. towards the end where Heritage is located, it is a traffic junction with all four corners dominated with outlets.

Along the walk from outlet to outlet, you may pass a small nice cafe to take a break and have some local food and drinks there.

Terminal TAS, known for their bags, purses and shoes. Some gentlemen items available. Nothing to shout about in terms of brands.

Heritage main entrance. Apparently, the building is one of the old Dutch influenced architecture and refurbished to maintain its look. It is connected to another outlet.

Easily one can spend a good 6 to 10 hours in this area so be warned.

My conclusion on the Dago / Mode / Riau Outlets

These places are way much better to spend your hard earned money. The varieties available make life so much more interesting for shoppers.

As mentioned above about the brands, just be cautious about the super luxury labels as they are 95% most likely fakes. So, if it floats your boat, then why not? Go for it!

For the parents with kids, you will find these outlets a wonderland! There are just so many choices available for the little ones with prices ranging from Rp.10,000 to Rp.50,000. 

RATINGS

Child Friendly: Yes, but with intensive walking and shopping, your kid is going to hit the sack after lunch.

Pram Friendly: There are walkways connecting most of the outlets.

Elderly Friendly: Because the Outlets are located along the main roads, there is some walking to do.

Wheelchair Friendly: Not really but you can get around.

Food Friendly: Plenty of hawkers around if you must eat. Otherwise, some of the outlet areas may have a restaurant or cafe.

Toilet Friendly: If I am not mistaken, all outlets have toilets inside which are decent and clean. None of that Malaysian style toilets.

Safety: Very safe in the Factory Outlet areas.

Road Crossing: Outlets are opposite each other on the main road so you will need to cross the roads. There is no Zebra Crossing. Anywhere will do.

Smoking: No smoking in the Outlets. But puff away outside if you must.

Rating for shopping: 8.5/10

For the first timer, be prepared to have a shopping time of your life in Bandung. The factory outlets here will definitely keep you busy, day or night. 

So, if you are planning to come here, make sure you bring lots of money. This will be handy for the shopping, food and souvenirs you need to buy for your loved ones, relatives and friends. 

There is also an amazing article published by Malaysia Asia on Bandung Factory Outlets. More accurate information is available there. 

Nothing is more satisfying than going crazy shopping the factory outlets in Bandung. 

Bandung - Shopping - Cihampelas

I am going to start with individual places in Bandung for shopping. Cihampelas (Chi-ham-pa-las) Shopping area is one of the popular places in town. Drivers or hotel staff may recommend this to you. So, with me having lots of time, I took a trip to see what it was all about. And my conclusion is right at the end of this posting with an overall rating.



Cihampelas Walk or Ci-Walk (Chi-wok), a shopping mall. The mall is very modern having a nice outdoor walking F&B area. You get the usual J.Co, Pizza Hut, KFC and the works there. Some local interesting food too. However, for the shopping, it is the main road that is the star here.


This is the main drop off and pick up area and you will most probably be dropped off here by your driver or taxi. Too bad there are no waiting benches or kiosk selling drinks. So, if you are tired from walking, just be prepared to wait it out for a regroup or transport. There were 4 of us here so we split up and headed our own way and met back here at a specific time.


Inside Ci-Walk Mall. General shopping here so don't bother if you are looking for real bargains, unless you get lucky with some store having a major sale. But if you have to go jalan-jalan, give it a visit. The mall looks pretty decent, clean and modern. Nice toilets too.


One of those makeshift areas with a sale going on. Cheap too.


One of the local stalls outside the F&B area selling all kinds of Taufoo (Tahu). Tried it and it was rather interesting. Catch is you need to get a chair to sit and it was pretty crowded on the weekend.


The local coffee. See the 'serbuk' in it.


Taufoo Samosa. Very interesting.


Another Taufoo dish. Was nice too.


MAIN STREET SHOPPING

You are bound to see these huge over sized superheroes sticking out from the shops along the roads. Gimmick? Sure thing. Even I couldn't miss it a mile away! But do not be fooled easily. Go in, have a look. Most of them sell the same items shop after shop.


Catwoman in action


Superman through the roof!


Neighbors in action


Close up of Spidey


Batman!


The latest, Ironman.




This shop was unique. They should have called it Noah instead. But it was called Perahu! Small sign 'Cuci Gudang' heheh


Now it gets interesting. John Rambo in a War Zone.


Tarzan. Check out the promo banner.


Stuff they sell by the road.


And Arnie, who could forget him! Right in front of the store entrance.


Anime characters being sold just about everywhere.

My conclusion on the Cihampelas Shopping - Nothing worthy unless you don't mind wearing common el cheapo stuff. The prices range from Rp.5000 to Rp.30,000 there. In other words, most of the stuff is under RM10.00. But they are really nothing to shout about. I wouldn't buy or wear any of the stuff there. Personally even for gifts or souvenirs.....nah! It's like walking in a nicer Chow Kit shopping area. So only if you got time to kill, then go there. Otherwise, straight to the FOs!

Then again, if you are a low income earner having saved up for this trip, then it would be alright to come here. Meaning you will wear anything that cost under RM10.00 and doesn't fuss. But don't regret after spending hundreds here and move to the next place.

Also do not be fooled by the Factory Outlet signs around/along the Cihampelas road. They are substandard normal goods. The real stuff (branded) is NOT here. I saw many jeans there but none of the brands ring a bell in my head. Strange...

However, there are some small specialty shops along the road but nothing to shout about. A Tattoo parlor is also smack centre of the area for those who enjoy collection a tatt at every destination.

RATINGS

Child Friendly: Mall - Yes, Roadside Shopping - Keep an eye on your child.

Pram Friendly: Mall - Yes, Roadisde - No way in hell! (but you can try)

Elderly Friendly: Depends if your folks tire easily, then not a good place to bring them. There is intensive walking along the main road.

Wheelchair Friendly: Only in the mall please.

Food Friendly: In the mall (Ci-Walk), yes yes and yes. Roadside stalls, No

Toilet Friendly: Mall, Yes - Roadside Shops, most have decent toilets.

Safety: Safe from general crime but when you walk the main road, you got to keep your eyes on the traffic. They seem to be everywhere. When you are walking along the road, they will be passing inches from you.

Road Crossing: Shops are opposite each other on the main road so no one is going to stop for you. You need to wait for that moment and put your hand out and brave across. This ain't Singapore.

Smoking: Similar to Malaysia, not in the malls or stores.

Rating for shopping: 2/10

Happy Travels

Bandung, Indonesia

Bandung, Indonesia - Located about 3 hours from Jakarta and accessible by flights and road..blah..blah..blah..population blah..blah.. weather..cooling..blah... ok ok. I will cut the boring BS and get straight to the main event there...Getting around and shopping your hearts out!

Money tips:

1. Change your Rupiah in Malaysia if you can.
2. If you are bringing US Dollars, make sure they are brand new, crisp clean and non-folded! Mint if possible. The Indonesians have this thing about quality of the dollar bills. Even a very mild fold will give you 20% less of the market rate. No kidding, I personally went through that. I had six US$100 bills which were flat and clean but the money changer ran his fingers through the notes several times and only 2 of them made the full rate!
3. US$100 = Rp.1,105,000 (based on market rates and high quality notes)
4. Credit Cards accepted there so hallelujah! There are ATM's throughout town.
5. Money changers there do not open on Weekends. Except the one at the airport.
6. Hotels give you sucky rates! Serious, US$100 = Rp.900,000 from Hotel.


Seriously, our airport in Langkawi is bigger than the Bandung Airport. Their arrival hall takes the cake. The plus point is that is located in the heart of the city. How about that! Takes only about 5 to 10 minutes to town by cab. Well, please be prepared for a wait when you depart from the plane as it may take a while to clear immigration.

They only have about 2 counters for the immigration. After you pass, you need to u-turn and get your bags scanned. From there, the same scanner used for your hand luggage is used for your check in luggage. Only one miserable conveyor belt which ends in a small little cramped place. So if you dilly dally around all excited about Bandung and stand far back, you will have to make your way through people standing around and dig through piles of bags.

Airport Tip: After passport/scan hand luggage, go wait at the end of the conveyor for your bag to come. Also a good trick is to check in your luggage in LCCT and ask them to label your bags 'Fragile' so it comes out first.


So, right after you get your luggage, you will be greeted by the taxi table guy which would probably be Pak Rudy. He will sell you taxi tickets to your hotel and usually priced about Rp35,000 (RM11.20). He will also ask you if you want to hire a van for daily use and will probably give you his number. His price is Rp.350,000 for a sedan (4 pax) 9am - 9pm and Rp.450,000 for a mini MPV (4-6 pax) per day. The bloody hotel offered a Rp.700,000 price for a van per day!


So, we settled for the mini MPV. Our driver was Pak Harun and he was totally amazing. He drives a cab full time when he is not driving for tourist. So, he knows the places pretty well. He is also super polite and soft spoken. Also always 30 minutes early for pick up from your hotel. They will send you to your destination and wait for you while you shop. When you are done, they will take you to your next destination. I really admire their waiting spirit.

Tour Van Info:
Pak Rudy (+62 085 6215 1705) - Boss
Pak Harun (+62 813 2224 2435) - Driver

Taxi Tips: If you choose to move around by Taxi, I would recommend you take only 2 taxi companies.
Bluebird or GR as these taxis use meters.
Other taxis like the picture above do not use meters so prices may vary from the initial price offered.

General Tips

Bandung is one hour behind Malaysia. So, it is actually good if you do not change the time on your watch. You will be waking up at 8am and rushing for breakfast and next thing you know, you woke up too early which is awesome. For me that is. Shopping closes at 9pm throughout Bandung.

Bandung is also relatively a safe area and the people are very nice and polite. Traffic is utter madness there on the weekends and if you are faint hearted, just keep your eyes off the traffic while being driven around. They literally inch their way next to your van. I personally think the traffic there is so much worst compared to us here so be thankful for our traffic and system. Oh, they just love tooting their horns every now and then.


I wanted to try the local beca, but apparently these two were too busy that time. Tons of them around town so if you are up to it, then give it a shot for a nearby ride.


The local Angkut bus service. A small mini van bus for the locals. Priced anywhere from Rp1,000 to Rp.3,000 depending on the distance. There must be thousands of them running around town.


Most of them are packed and occasionally you will see a local 'busker' at the door of the van singing away while strumming on his guitar for some spare change. They are just about everywhere in the traffic jams. Buskers, Beggers, Sellers of many kinds of things.


Bubble seller in town.


In sizes from Small to XXL.


Begging for change is a common sight too. Surprising enough, when a few of them approached me, I politely said no and they walked away. They do not harass you like they do here in Malaysia. Hmm...


Hotels are abundant there and some even offer extre extra services too. We just booked the 'Go Holiday Package' and stayed at the Arion Swiss-BelHotel in town. Very nice 3-Star Hotel. Large rooms and excellent service.


Friendly hotel staff too. They speak basic English too and are always smiling. Tips are up to you. I just gave the bell boy for carrying the bags up to the room. Rp.1,000 or Rp.2,000. Anyway, Rp.1,000 = RM0.32 cents. So, no biggie.


King size bed, 52 channels on TV, Room Service and the works! Spa available too with excellent service (no, not that type!) They offer room visit for massages as well. But you need to pre-book in advance. We tried the 3 hour full package at the spa. Priced at Rp.800,000 for two. Massage, Scrub and Sauna. Absolutely fantastic!


Me calling Pak Harun the driver.

The weather is pretty cooling compared to Malaysia but don't go bringing your Genting Jackets as the weather in the city is just nice. Averaging around 28 Celcius to 31 Celcius it is such a feeling compared to back home in Malaysia. A good pair of walking shoes as you WILL be walking a lot. Don't try too hard to be trendy and fashionable in your MNG and high heels. No one is going to look at you. They can understand our basic Malay but pay attention to the Indonesian Malay. Ibu = Maam and Pak = Mr.

Finally, I would advise to travel just before the weekend. Reason being, it gets so major jammed up on weekends everywhere. Money changers aren't open and tons of local tourist from Jakarta who come there. From Wed to Sat would be nice. Yes, you need about 3 nights minimum there if you plan a shopping frenzy. This excludes the sightseeing out of Bandung. You know, the Volcano and Tea Plantation....hehe. I didn't bother to go for those as it would take up half the day. Maybe my next next trip. Who knows.

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If you noticed, I did not post anything about Pasar Baru. Reason was that it had absolutely nothing for me. I passed by many times and my friends made a quick visit to only be disappointed. So, from what I saw, it was like a huge Mydin outlet in Masjid India. Lots of cheap souvenirs and Muslim headscarfs. With a few 'Bandung' t-shirts. Most probably, the Malay people would appreciate it better.