Discover Island Java in Indonesia!

The Republic of Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world and has over 17,000 islands.

Hallo semuanya apa kabar!? Finally a post about Indonesia :). Even though we were not born here but every time we visit Indonesia it feels like homecoming.
The country of our ancestors. We feel truly blessed that we already have visited this country many times. We usually go for family visits but of course in between we do make sightseeing trips. Indonesia has a beautiful scenery (mountains, volcanoes, beautiful beaches, jungle) and rich in culture and tradition. There are around 300 distinct native ethnic groups in Indonesia, and almost 742 different languages and dialects.Wow! (Yes, we googled it and were amazed too hihi!) . Friendly people and of course delicious food. Indonesia has a tropical climate, best time to visit is in the month of June till October the rest of the year its rain season.

After independence day ( 17 august 1945) they have known hard times economically. But gradually Indonesia has shown the world that they have grown. The country is now the largest economy in Southeast Asia and a member of the G-20 major. When we visited the big cities like Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya we were really surprised of how far Indonesia has come, if you talk about buildings (architecture) malls, tourist activities, technology etc. We don’t even come close to it here in the Netherlands hihi. Sadly besides all these beautiful modern cities, you do still see a lot of poverty. The contrast between rich and poor is big.  But still rich or poor the people  are so generous, they will always welcome you with open arms and a big smile.

Indonesia has a lot to offer, so much to see and do. A great place from diving, surfing , hiking  and trekking to shopping and doing cultural activities.  We ‘ve only been to Java and Bali . But hopefully in the future we can visit other islands like Sumatra , Sulawesi , Papua , Maluku and Kalimantan.

Our list of where to go.

* Bandung:

Definitely one of our favorite city in Java. Most of our family members lives here. Bandung also known as “Paris of Java” or “kota kembang (flower city)”. It’s the third largest city in Indonesia and is surrounded by volcanic mountains which is why the climate in Bandung is cooler than most of the Indonesian cities. The native people are called Sundanese, and besides Bahasa Indonesia they speak Sunda too. Bandung is a popular weekend destination for people from Jakarta. Bandung / Sundanese are known for their music, famous artists, traditional instruments (Angklung, suling bambu etc), fashion and culinary food.
When you come to Bandung  make sure to visit these places.

Sundanese restaurants:

* RM AMPERA
Address:             Jl. Arcamanik Endah No. 38, Bandung, West Java
Worth a stop if you are a foodie!  Walk in and you will see a long display of seafood, chicken, vegetables, beef, tahu/tempe, salads (lalap) etc. All you have to do is pile up a plateful of whatever you like and they’ll fry it up for you so it’s nice and hot when it reaches your table.

* BUMBU DESA
Adress :               Jalan Pasirkaliki 160, Bandung
Jalan Laswi 1, Bandung
Traditional food with elegant surrounding.

* BALE GAZEEBO:
Address:             Jalan Surapati 49
Traditional food and if you want you can eat while sitting on the floor without chairs. And for parties you can hire a live band or do karaoke together for fun.

* SARI SUNDA
Address :            Sari Sunda Soekarno Hatta,
Jl. Soekarno Hatta no 479B, South Bandung
Is a restaurant chain in Bandung that serve typical West Java’s Sundanese food in elegant surroundings.

* 499
Address:             Jl. Ahmad Yani No. 687, Bandung, West Java 40121
They serve delicious Mie goreng!

Shopping:          

–          Paris van Java
–          Cihampelas mall (ciwalk)
–          Bandung Indah Plaza (BIP)
–          Jalan Braga
–          Pasar baru trade center
–          Rumah Mode Factory Outlet
–          Instana Bandung Electronic Centre (BEC)

Culture:

–          Saung Angklung Udjo
–          Mount Tangkuban Perahu
–          White Crater (kawa putih)
–          Sari Ater Hot Springs Resort
–          Situ Patenggang
–          Kampung Sampireun

* Jakarta:

Jakarta, formerly known as Batavia, the capital of the Republic of Indonesia. Jakarta is a huge metropolitan city with a population of more than 9 million people. You think about Jakarta, you automatically think TRAFFIC (macet haha). For people who love to shop, JKT is a real shopping paradise. The Plaza Indonesia, Plaza Senayan, Pondok Indah Mall, Pacific Place. While for bargain rates, Tanah Abang wholesale center, Mangga Dua and Kelapa Gading are favourite shopping haunts. Don’t forget to visit Dunia Fantasie (amusement park), Ancol Dreampark ( Sea world, waterpark etc), Taman Mini Indonesia ( miniature park), Monas ( The national monument).

* Jogyakarta:

• Borobudur is an impressive 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang  and is about 40 km from Jogya a real must see! This Temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.
•  Prambanan temple, is located not far from the Buddhist Borobudur temple. The difference between these two is that the Borobudur temple is Buddhist, and this one is hindu.
• Again for the shopaholics, Malioboro is the most famous street to go. Located in the heart of Yogya.

* Surabaya

* Probolingo

* Malang

Afcourse there are many other sightseeing to visit 😀