FOR NATURE LOVERS Tangkuban Prahu is a
stratovolcano shaped like an upturned boat located approximately 30kms from Bandung. Hike up the mountain for an amazing view of the surrounds but come prepared with the right gear. The mountain is 2,076m above sea-level and temperatures can get a bit chilly.
Kawah Putih is a scenic crater lake at the base of Mt Patuha, located about 50kms south of the city. The changing colours of the lake make for a pretty picture if you can brave the strong sulphuric smell that wafts up from its waters!
CULTURAL With only two and a half days in the city, and with just enough hours to fit in one last item on my itinerary, I visited Saung Angklung Udjo ( 118 Jl Padasuka +62 22-7101736 www.angklung-udjo.co.id) in the eastern reaches of the city. Founded by Udjo Ngalagena, this performing arts centre is dedicated to the preservation of Sundanese culture, particularly its traditional music and dance. The angklung, a musical instrument made of bamboo, is the star of the show here. Look out for the daily angklung orchestra performance, followed by a wayang golek (puppet) show and Sundanese dances. The centre caters to tourists and includes an angklung workshop where you can watch craftsmen expertly turn tubes of bamboo into a musical instrument! It is interesting to note that this centre gives back to the community – local kids from as young as two years perform in the orchestra and dance troupes. During my visit, I watched the children, just after school, rehearse for the evening concert. Even the little ones exhibited a professionalism that stems from a passion for their culture. From art to architecture, fashion to food, Indonesia’s third largest city has a lot to offer and is best explored at a leisurely pace.
GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Bandung from Medan, Bali, Surabaya, Singapore, Pekanbaru and Kuala Lumpur. Go to www. airasia.com for details.
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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Children performing a dance that celebrates a boy’s circumcision ceremony at Saung Angklung Udjo; Kawah Putih crater lake shrouded in vapour; superheroes like Ultraman are all the rage along Jl Cihampelas.