Bandung part 2

I always realise that I'm a procrastinator and shouldn't do a job in parts, I'll do the first and leave the rest untouched for good. Should make a note on that. Later maybe.

The plan to visit Bandung dated back in June when a friend and I wanted to take advantage of the AirAsia promo fares and make full use of our passports before they expire on January next year. We booked a hotel via agoda.com, Unique Guesthouse located not far from Pasar Baru.

However we weren't aware of another accommodation, Unique Hotel located a few km away from the guesthouse. That took us for a spin that night in the silent Bandung town and cost us another IDR20k for the ride. Clearly wasn't our fault since we gave the right address just the driver thought he knew every nook and cranny of Bandung he didn't take a good look at the address. But in the tiredness and unfamiliarity, we obliged.

The guesthouse was a bed and breakfast. There was a TV, a standing fan, a chair and a coffee table in the room. More like a hostel, it provides a bathroom outside at the end of the corridor. Really a budget accommodation.

I didn't like the channels cos there were too many variety shows and no interesting content at all. But I changed my mind later when I turned the TV on and to my surprise a live EPL match was going on. Stayed up late to watch Liverpool against Norwich, very won by the Reds with 5 goals against their goalless opponents. 

We were served with nasi goreng with telur dadar and coffee in the morning. Not tasty but filled my empty tummy duly. Since Pasar Baru was the nearest attraction, we decided to go there on foot. On the way we saw a few street food stalls and swung by at one to taste nasi uduk. Actually I first heard nasi uduk in an indo sinetron a few days before flying here so when I saw it on my own, I was more than tempted to have a bite. Cost me IDR8000 for what was essentially a plate of rice with a splash of gravy, tempe, a boiled egg, plus a cuppa tea. Cheap.

After the second breakfast, we went straight to Pasar Baru to of course, shop. Haha, full with Malaysians. We didn't spend much and I was forced to buy a sim card at IDR30000. That was markdown from the IDR50k the kid seller was offering me. Tip no. 8 : beware the hawkers. They usually sell overpriced items. The same can be said about the shops too but they don't tail you to sell their goods.

Then we went to Cihampelas, this was where I bought a few shirts because they looked of better quality then those at Pasar Baru. Also where I bought a can of Pepsi blue, one of the rarest varieties of Pepsi in the world. I think Malaysia was the last country that stopped selling Pepsi blue. I still keep the can as a memento.

Travelling around should be easy around Bandung. We moved from a place to another with either a cab or angkut or by foot. For the taxi, take Bluebird, the drivers use meters or else the fares will skyrocket. A cheaper option, angkut. They function like a shuttle bus just that they aren't buses instead modified Toyota Unsers that each can scram around 7 adults at a time. We took angkut from Cihampelas to Dago and then to Pasar Baru. Each trip was for IDR3000 (roughly RM1). Tip no. 9 : Unless you have a lot of stuff to carry, use angkut.

Food wasn't a problem too. Street food is everywhere and cheap, but we had to inquire to determine the food was really halal. Once, I almost ate a pork rice, thought it was chicken. Tip no. 10 : for Muslims, always ask if the food contains non-halal ingredients.

I also didn't see any cats wandering in the city, unlike here. My wild thought was that the people eat cats but I digress.

We also didn't miss mount Tangkuban Perahu. It's a must go. Beautiful scenery, very cold so wear thick clothes. The souvenir sellers are very persuasive and in my instance, cheating too. Kept asking us to buy keychains for heavily marked up prices. Almost ruined the wonderful experience. Went there with a van provided by the guesthouse at a cost, IDR350000 for two persons going to places like Tangkuban Prahu, strawberry farm, Sari Ater hot spring, and another one or two places for shopping. Quite affordable since we have the whole van to our two selves.

Now I'm trying to find a way to end this post not abruptly. Tip no 11 : If anyone intends to go to Bandung, always check the airport taxes too. Bandung airport charges its international passengers IDR75000. Pay the tax first before proceeding to immigrations, they'll require the receipt before stamping your passport.

To my surprise, I also met with two schoolmates at the airport, who went there on field trips unlike me who went for pure leisure ha ha. Had quite a lengthy chat while waiting for the late QZ8593 bound for home. It was a nice experience, at least I practice what I preach of getting out of the comfort zone.