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