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.