Hotel Tentrem

Hotel Tentrem is one of many popular choice amongst the travelers for those who intent to visit Yogyakarta, and particularly to watch spectacular art performance at The Prambanan Temple. From traditional to the latest live musical performances.

While traditional art performance is regularly held not so on the Jazz live musical performance, it is exactly over a year ago we fly to Yogyakarta and stay at Hotel Tentrem  for Kenny G rare appearance here next to the exotic Prambanan Temple.

We recommend a decent culinary meal at Abhayagiri prior to the long awaiting event, apparently there is ample of time between dinner and show event starts off. As darkness completely falls it follows attractive laser and its supporting lighting extravaganzas. Unlike our favorite restaurant in Bandung Roemah Nenek, the Abhayagiri is conveniently located at a nearby foothill where the temple is.

You have got to be present there to appreciate the heighten nuance of exotic Prambanan Temple as the background. The contrasting digital as compare to stone era is perfectly melted, man made technology as well as cultural aspects blend to a delicious mouthwatering artistic craftsmanship. The local performer and finally Kenny G is the climax rarity, mystical illusion combines harmoniously to the melancholy rhythm of his Saxophone.   

This is not without any hitch though, it is marred by chaotic long line up which eventually leads to disappointing seat numbering allocation. We're told this is due to inexperienced event organization, nevertheless the spectacular performance is able to compensate for....It is a worthwhile exciting trip package to go.

In fact it is the perfect birthday gift ideas for our anniversary, not necessarily a surprise gift anymore than a long due romantic second honeymoon.

Turtle Sanctuary

Turtle Sanctuary

Turtle Sanctuary at Serangan Island is a popular tourist attracting island located just 250 meters off the South East coast of Bali, in fact it is conveniently very close to the famous Sanur beachfront.  It is evidently also a home to Sea Temple or locally known to Balinese as Pura Sakenan, a highly visited temple for the local religious people.

The Turtle Island as it is to many has been referring to, has various sizes of turtle which are kept in special pens, it is where the used to be endangered species is being protected. 

Kurma Asih, the 'turtle lovers' group has been conducting such noble conservation program activities, which supposedly aim to save newly born turtle nests from predators including poachers. The group has successfully achieved progress that during the 2008 nesting season brought a record of one hundred turtle nests - containing nearly 10,000 eggs - to safety in the Turtle Sanctuary’s hatchery.

Today especially during the season there is an opportunity for tourist alike to release a baby turtle on the sand and watch her flapping away, often with hesitate gesture and finally reach towards the sea for her maiden voyage. 

The conservation program was initiated by an International NGO in early 2000s, and by the time we were last visiting Bali in mid 2004, just a year after the infamous "Denpasar Tragedy Attack", there were some noticeable achievements being attained; not only dozens of turtles were saved but the Turtle Sanctuary were also able to provide some educative entertainments for our children.

We were flocking in a 52 seats Bus with not less than five toddlers in a special family trip. Read our family version story on Bali Vacation . It was indeed and still is the most favorite for us and the Kids as a family trip, a memorable family trip that these kids are still being talked about among themselves to these days. Except of course that for a nicely home cooking meal-like to have when you're away, it is hard to beat one of our favorable restaurant in Bandung, the Roemah Nenek.

Kurma Asih has no longer received the aids, yet it has sustained the conservation program on itself up to these days! The endangered species is now up a notch as a protected species, no longer under natural threat.

Decent Barrack

Those folks who are looking for cheap accommodation stay, Backpackers style trip might be highly desire-able. Typically such accommodation offers room as well as bathroom to share with other Backpackers in a rather slightly large room known as Barrack.

The best way to find out a suitable room to stay is via close friend or relative's references. Acceptable guidance might not be sufficient, but you also need "Tips To Carry Along" to ensure a well planned trip. Warm clothes or possibly lighter wear for warmer climate destination.

Bandung Leisure may provide just that for those seeking a rather adventure trip. It could be not as popular as other destinations such as Bali or Yogja, yet Bandung has enjoyed consistent high rank of Tourist Visit.

Evidently every long weekend ends up huge flock of Tourists crowding the cool weather city, local or foreigner. Nature attraction either at Northern or Eastern part of greater Bandung or perhaps culinary and shopping destinations within the city itself.

Ready for memorable Bandung Trip, let's find out a Decent Barrack stay!

Mesa Stila

Mesa Stila sounds like a Latin name to some of us, yet strangely enough it is a Coffee plantation mixed with colonial style resort combination about half an hour drive from Semarang Central Java. Arm yourself with traveling Tips To Carry Along as we look at this exotic one of a kind Tourism Places. 

You'll be greeted by this ancient looking train station as you enter this magnificent place, it was indeed as such in early 19th century.  It is brought here intact and now being used as a reception foyer, and as you walk through whether you wish for a stay the night or spending the time for either a meal, a cup of coffee or Coffee plantation tour. 

As we opt for the latter we're directed toward the plantation itself.

Series of pictures will drive your thought upon the place, it is a must visit one of a kind Tourism Places.......

Bandung Holyday Inn

Thrashing in at Bandung Holyday Inn for the coming New Year’s Eve Vacation will definitely enhance your trip, particularly for the thrilling shopping experiences at the surrounding Dago St...Like many retailers around the Globe shoppers will be lured with the deepest and attractive discount end of the year sales.

If you insist on knowing what sort of shopping paradise the Dago has, perhaps the link could enlighten your shopping’s quest. And this outlet lists is suggested by a dedicated shopper from the neighbouring country.

This 150 rooms modern Hotel is located amidst those attractive Factory Outlets, though it is not the only Hotel along Dago St, it offers great convenient access to some interesting places. But most definitely the Hotel’s strategic location has met my best guidance toward the Tips to Avoid Stand Still Traffic Jams along the busy and crowded Dago’s shopping paradise.

The street is one of the busiest with traffic jams along the whole of its length during every weekend night and in particular on long public holiday. As such that taking a stroll along instead of driving is the best way to explore considering its interesting night life vividly “bling-bling” activities.

The Dago area in my recollection is one of the best district shall we say offering classy complete attraction places with Jalan Riau Bandung as the second best. Furthermore getting closer to the down town at lower part is as busy as interesting as well as driving up North, though the Northern part as nicknamed the upper Dago provides a number of Look Out Points.

Along this upper section as the name indicates higher elevation is predominantly consisted of mid to higher class restaurants, with the remaining locations are popular amongst the younger generation for a bit of "Hanky panky". Whichever places interest you at the end of the day as your muscles are aching the Hotel also offers one of the best there is of Bandung Spa Treatment.

Bandung Guest House Hotel

Arriving on Bandung, Accommodation at super budget level. New niche within Bandung Budget Hotel segment is constantly appearing. They are not in business to compete head on with other established Budget Hotel, but rather to complement by offering individual home sweet home cosy quality; the kind of warmth they have claimed could not exist at other Hotel’s “Effective Production Machineries”.

The latest player is presumably “Guest House SEVENTEEN's” located near the down town at Sumatra St. The de' Tropis Guest House is another well established player located within the city center. Then another two players located in the vicinity of city outskirt; Cassadua Guest House and Retanata Home-Stay Guest House.

Bandung Guest House Hotel typically emphasize on home quality accommodation and being smaller with up to a dozen rooms to let is comparably less busy and thus is more quiet than the ordinary Hotel in general. The Guest House is also positioned at the lower end to its Budget’s rates, but there are few players now gradually getting into upper end level of the scale due its recent popularity to even amongst expatriate guests.

As most of these Guest Houses are being managed by its own owner, their personal touch is often the key of the services which distinguish from other type of accommodation. Hence this distinctive difference excludes the fierce fully head on competition and eventually invites new entry, each with new individual differentiating taste.

For example by capitalizing many Dutch Indies Heritage Buildings from the 1930s era as well as offering convenient location to those bountiful Factory Outlets in the whole Bandung City. Such buildings are normally situated within certain areas particularly to be found in still high concentration numbers at one location that used to be known as “European District” in that period.

Ironically it was exactly the location where the European was detained in the Second World War by Japanese emporium troops at what was known as “Tjihapit Internment Camp”. SASKAVA GUEST HOUSE located at number 4 Lapangan Supratman St. is one of such Guest House with a distinctive aura of a Grand Ma’s house, offering merely 7 rooms with one large family pavilion room, each is named after every family hierarchy; Grand Ma’s room, Uncle’s room and so forth indicating its individual original usage in the past.

Technorati Tags: Bandung Guest House Hotel,Tjihapit Internment Camp,Lapangan Supratman,SASKAVA GUEST HOUSE

Bandung Budget Hotel

Arriving on Bandung, Accommodation is obviously an important agenda. As Leisure Activities previously depicted attractions at Jalan Riau Bandung and the convenience of staying over at Hotel Santika Bandung, there is no doubt that some travellers opt for lower cost alternative and most probably would not mind to stay away from the crowded shopping Street.

The local municipality has forecasted new additional rooms in the vicinity of 12,000 units by the year 2010 consisting from low budget to boutique style as well as high upper class accommodations, but mostly 3 stars and lower. There are no less than 6 Budget Hotels along the Supratman Street which connects the Diponegoro where Gedung Sate is located to the formerly great post road currently A Yani Boulevard.

The area represents well within 5 minutes drive to the famous Dago as well as Riau Streets where the access to both from Supratman Street offer less congested traffic, furthermore the neighbouring area has plenty of decent restaurants for example Roemah Nenek at Cibeunying Selatan Street and the sea food speciality Parit 9 at Anggrek Street are located right in the middle of between Supratman and Riau Streets.

The Bandung Budget Hotel has typically offers sufficient space with decent amenities (AC, 14” TV and hot shower) in the Rp. 300,000 to 500,000 pricing range, some are offering large family room including breakfast for a pair minimum. Travellers could expect bargain rate during the week days.

For more info on these Hotels whereabouts within the above area; see Bandung Trip Map Guide.

The Supratman runs along in parallel to the Riau Street with one particular access through Lapangan Supratman.

Santika Bandung

Following the previous article on Jalan Riau Bandung the Hotel Santika Bandung is an excellent choice for modern 3 stars accommodation within the famous shopping district. It is located next to a high class Yogya Department Store and just few hundreds meter to the Dago, Merdeka and Riau Streets cross section.

As mentioned in the previous article as well on the issue of handling the Group travelling hurdle; staying at this Hotel did solve our travelling hindrances. A few years back we travelled to Bandung in not less than 5 families group on 4 separate vehicles, there were 2 families with toddlers. The Hotel’s swimming pool facility helped to fulfil our toddler needs, though it was not heated and being tiny, it was sufficient to distract them from gaming gadgetry.

The rest of the group was essentially divided into two main distinct sub groups with different shopping targets, one to find bargain toddler clothing where as the other one for adult clothing and accessories. Then it was further divided into fancy, branded or just plain ordinary merchandise. Accordingly the group simply dispersed and subsequently disappeared into the nearby corresponding Factory Outlets.

Furthermore we could just walk to those outlets on Riau, Dago or Merdeka Street in a convenient manner. And when the kids got enough of swimming in cold, we then brought them to the Cisangkuy Street in less than 5 minutes drive away for Horse Riding; it was actually very close to the former Dutch Indies government office the Gedung Sate.

Incidentally when you Travel to Bandung Inroad via Cipularang Toll road and exits through Pasteur gate you would end up from the fly over bridge at the Northern side of the Gedung Sate. Though be aware that driving during the peak season would take in multiple of 5 minutes duration, perhaps up to four times more!

Jalan Riau Bandung

Riau Street or Jalan Riau Bandung is one of many popular shopping Streets out of yet a number of tourist attraction locations within North Bandung. This Northern part section had been developed by the Dutch Indies prior to 1930s period and was designed and allocated for its government offices as well as their respective housing areas.

The development was the natural evolvement from the year 1812 where large Java Cities connecting main road was established and roughly around a century later that railway was constructed, the train station and the great post road as it was called were both located right at the center of Bandung.

By extending the city to its Northern direction all government buildings could get the Tangkuban Perahu Mountain view as such that most building is indeed facing the then fantastic mountain scenery, if the building has had not received alteration at all. And by sheer coincident should you Travel to Bandung Inroad via Cipularang Toll road and exits through Pasteur gate you would end up from the fly over bridge at the Northern side of the former Dutch Indies main government building the Gedung Sate.

The Riau Street extends from Dago Street another shopping area to the great post road now A Yani Boulevard, for more info on both street whereabouts within North Bandung area including some Outlet and Hotel Lists; see Bandung Trip Map Guide.

Being one of local tourist attraction is always busy particularly during the long public holiday; getting caught in a traffic jam during this period on either Dago or Riau Street is like being stranded in the middle of a huge parade of carnival, you might as well be taking a leisure stroll while carefully selecting out which Factory Outlet that fancy to drop by.

Therefore for those who fancy dropping by to each Outlet, getting accommodation within the area would be a sensible and convenient choice as there are dozens of Hotels available. Many people are travelling in a group whose members are having different shopping interest; the group could disperse and regroup later back in the nearby Hotel. Group coordination hurdle and hassles is cut to the minimum!

Hotel at Bandung

Bandung has again been chosen to host an International convention; the Asian Parliamentary Assembly started last Monday which will last until December 10th to cover three important agenda on market integration, poverty, and corruption. Consequently for safety measures the local police have prepared 2,500 personnel to secure the fourth plenary session of the Forum to anticipate huge protests on the International Anti-corruption Day that coincides with convention today.

Some traffic piling were hampering Bandoeng’s inner part as the Police completely sealed off a number of surrounding streets including the heritage street; Asia Africa, in order to secure opening ceremonial by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

No doubt that most Hotel at Bandung is sold out. Despite of the resort city convention function ever since the 1955 Asian African Non Alignment conference and even since the Dutch Indies City Planning inception in 1920s, the city has been as vibrant and eager to entertain for almost a century, it is always busy and tightly packed on every event occasion.

Though the infrastructure is a tad inadequate during the peak season opting for Travel to Bandung Inroad via Cipularang toll road from the capital Jakarta would seem to be a viable yet convenient choice. There is a glimpse of unique local lifestyle on parade along the toll road being shown more than other transport option such as by either train or airplane. Yet your Bandung trip would be complete if returning to Jakarta through the scenery Puncak Pass, provided that you are willing to spend twice the journey time length.

Just sit back, relax and enjoy your Bandung Trip, while Yudhoyono’s opening speech lingers on;

"The different Asia is a region with full of partnership network and tolerance, peaceful and prosper region and a territory that becomes the world's growth hub,"

"Currently, we are in a time that is full of momentum and opportunities. The world in 21st century will be very different with 20th one,"

"In the transforming world, Asia will be 'more relevant' with its role increases further,"

"We are part of the solution of various problems that are complex and related each other locally, nationally, regionally and globally,"

Technorati Tags: Hotel at Bandung,Asian Parliamentary Assembly,Travel to Bandung Inroad via Cipularang,scenery Puncak Pass

Country House Hotel: UK Heritage

Rich Historic Cities: Bandung vs Birmingham

Leisure activities has been around for almost a year by now. It has been mainly catering on family time holiday in a great historic value of Bandung regency. Unique regency which was undergone redesigned town planning back in 1920s due to the then booming agriculture sector and was supposedly planned for future to be capital city. The booming was as such that an oldest Hydropower Plant in the area was already built a decade earlier by tea plantation tycoon; Bosscha.

          Today we still could see the harmonious balanced of                  oldies heritage with modern tourist attractions.

Though no doubt this early 20^th century booming was due to the Industrial Revolution through the invention of Steam engine, which in turn was made possible by improvement to the separate condenser invention. It was the duo of James Watt and Matthew Boulton who shaped much of the successful implementation for Steam engine production out of their workshop at Soho Foundry near Birmingham.

Birmingham today is much like the very existence of Bandung, certainly in much bigger scale at Northern part of hemisphere. It was the center of the Industrial Revolution yet has a mixed attraction of British medieval heritage with modern tourist amenities. Beautiful canal transportation system built in early 1800s (Grand Union Canal and Birmingham Canal Navigations Main Line), St Mary's Guildhall (with the famous folklore of Lady Godiva located at Coventry, 30 km east of Birmingham), Warwick Castle and those charming country houses. Where as its modern facilities include amongst other; Cadbury World (Chocolate factory tour), Broomeycroft farm, Sealife Centre, the Big Wheel and Touchwood shopping centre. Furthermore in 2004 the city was ranked as the third best place to shop in the United Kingdom, being described as a "world-class shopping centre".

The St. Johns Country House Hotel

But more importantly for tourist accommodation purposes there are great number of country house hotels being refurbished recently; resembling Bandung’s attraction with Dutch Indies buildings being preserved and converted into such unique, charming and attractive Hotels. The St. Johns Hotel (formerly known as the Renaissance Solihull Hotel) is one of such rare charming heritage occupying an equally attractive historic county house estate. Its mid section consists of a traditional red brick house to which modern blocks have been extended on either side. This iconic city centre hotel is set in the leafy suburbs of Solihull just a short walk from the Birmingham town centre.

The luxury 4 star country house hotel offers a stylish and contemporary setting with extensive car parking whereby the guests could make use of the modern leisure club with indoor swimming pool. Interestingly enough it is within short distance to the Sea Life Centre, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and also Cadbury World. It is four miles from the national exhibition centre (NEC) and international airport as well as within 5 minutes walk from train station. It is also an excellent base from which to visit many of England's best loved tourist attractions, including Warwick Castle, Coventry Cathedral, the Cotswolds and Stratford Upon Avon.

The St. Johns country house Hotel is also very handy for shops; being nearby to the local shopping precincts with lots of choice including large John Lewis, M&S as well as eating places and trendy bars. Highly trained professional staffs are indeed complementary to the great facilities of The St. Johns Hotel which preserves the virtues of dedicated conference, training and quality family time venues. This is consistent with 7 very simple values introduced by its owner Principal Hayley rigorously applying to its other 21 country house Hotels across the UK.

Next Leisure Activities Article is what you have been waiting for: The All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) Saga…. (At White Crater)

 

Technorati Tags: The St. Johns Hotel,country house hotels

Fully Booked Bandung Hotels!

This week marks the returning school holiday, most student get already their end of year grade. Or should I say the parent by now has learnt their kids doing at school, and whether they deserve a nice trip present for their better passing mark. Actually it is quite obvious that the traffic has been pleasant lately within the inner city of Jakarta, yet it is traffic jam elsewhere. Particularly on those well known holiday spots.

Though it is nice to know as well that at the very moment Cipularang toll the main road goes to Bandung is also pleasantly quite. Someone just tweet its traffic condition! Wait till tomorrow comes….it will be a hectic Cipularang toll! And those hard to get Bandung hotels. Here we go…

What’s your family trip plan then this time around? The holiday leisure indulgence might have different urgency. Some have prepared for going abroad, or getting back to the home country, Bali or just plain Bandung Leisure time again. In that case it might be worthwhile to look at what’s to see and Tips in Bandung here at my Leisure Activities Content.

Bandung Leisure might not be the only source for your Leisure Activities or mere Bandung hotels reference, yet it explore further into quality family time. Quality time that our family has been indulging for some time, and yours should too.

Here in this particular enclosing area is sufficient enough to make your two days trip worth a full action packed Leisure Activities. There is also plenty of Bandung hotels in the area. Yet if you’re looking for a bit of refreshing greenery scenes, perhaps this Adventurous Leisure Story would be an interesting idea.

The depicted area is bound by three main commercial roads namely; Dago, Sukajadi Street and the inner city fly over bridge, and of course the famous “Jeans Street” as it known in the past the Cipaganti St. in between. Well I don’t think your two days trip could cope these attractions, perhaps you even need a week for this Leisure Activities within such tiny area!

Choose wisely your main leisure destiny. That is an equilibrium selection for the whole family’s interests: Shopping, Kids play, Lush green scenery or delicious Bandung’s own culinary. Just make sure to get Hotel Reservation in advance as it is notoriously difficult to get decent room at any Bandung Hotels during this holiday season!

Technorati Tags: Bandung Leisure time,Cipularang toll,Bandung hotels,school holiday,quality family time,ciwok,paris van java

Padi-padi

We arrived one day earlier at Pelabuhan Ratu just to make sure that our parent's 50th wedding anniversary would go according to the big scenario's plan. So, prior to our stay at Ocean Queen as part of the duty, five of the platoon members embarked on a spearheading mission.

The main target given to these five commandoes were specific and must be accomplished within a tight schedule. The job was to ensure and secure all prerequisite infrastructures for the anniversary event! First and foremost to deploy the best route plan getting to the area. We had not been in the area for almost two decades and we heard there was a long traffic queue during the last 2008 new year's eve holiday.

As we head for Pelabuhan Ratu on the 3rd January 2009 we opposed not as worst traffic jam, but still there were some spots of bottle neck along the route. More on this on the next article...

Next task was to secure a defence perimeter and set up a one day stay base camp prior to attacking Ocean Queen front-side. The camp was located along the old road which our last trip's database twenty years ago indicated as such, there were no update necessary except that now was a bit crowded with new hotels and restaurants along the road. The based camp was a twelve years old rustic style row of small compartments.

This rustic building compartment may look like a fort, at least it served my current theme with two towers further back. It seemed they are the perfect high look out point to watch oncoming enemies from the beach front, they were the penthouse suite rooms. Located amidst the paddy field and small cassava yard, which reputedly was used for making a horror local TV series. The camp known as Padi-padi had seen its better days, yet its ethnic interior still retained its attractive shape.

We met with its owner proprietor and his staffs who were friendly and helpful assisting our important task duty. He admitted for making some renovation to an overdue refreshing cosmetic repainting job, yet some of his loyal and regular customers on the contrary advised against this......The shabby look in fact enhancing its "originality"!

It might be original diplomacy, but we loved this comfortable place with nice and helpful staffs. Our problem with air conditioner and toilet was promptly taken care of. Yet it was not as highly occupied as the Ocean Queen's, in fact there were only half a dozens of cars that particular night on its parking lot.

Getting into the beachfront was a mere 70 meter away from the hotel and you need to cross the main road. As the commandoes were settling down and most importantly most of the tasks were also accomplished, the defence perimeter as well as infrastructure for the anniversary. We now deserved our leisurely holiday, immediately we were all relieved from our duties. Once relieved from spearheading task we were soon immersed into our family time's role.

Settling in into two basic compartments, the kids have their own room. Their own TV set for playing PS2 games, whilst for us to finalize, making report to headquarter and prepare for logistic issues. That was finding out where to find good place for dinner, purchase midnight supper and breakfast stock for the kids.

  This hotel provides sizeable swimming pool and pool table, and from this pool/ billiards room we could see a green lush paddy field alongside the premises. Overlooking the field toward the ocean there are rows of banana, coconut trees and food pedestals. It is frankly these pedestals that ruin an otherwise magnificent views, and yes the power poles. Since it is the main medium voltage poles delivering further inward power distribution, its huge poles which located within the premises hold back scenery views. I have attempted taking pictures from different angle, but it did not help at all. Alas, this place actually has a hidden yet great potential!

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Ocean Queen

There are three main natural elements that plays an important role as tourist attraction; beach, mountain and lush green plantation field. Not many places offer those three in one package. It is not located inland as Bandung city nor it is located along North shoreline as Jakarta is. Northern shoreline of Java island is relatively flat and fairly close to sea water surface altitude. This is further down at Southern shoreline of the island, still within West Java Province; it's Pelabuhan Ratu. Literally in English Queen Port, like most places here it has a legendary background.

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Approximately 15 km to the West of Pelabuhan Ratu City in an area known as Cisolok you would find these three elements intermingled into one breathtaking view. Sandy beaches, Hilly mount and the green lush of paddies field. Above picture was taken at the steep descending entrance road as the highest look out point. Entrance road which goes to a well known resort; the Ocean Queen.

The resort is a popular place to hide away from city bustling and shut off any downturn crisis news. There is no telephone, TV nor radio on any bungalows except one in the marketing office and one TV in the bar lounge. Who needs TV in such place where you could have beautiful surrounding views. A stroll along paddies field or beach, watching the pounding waves, or a dip in the swimming pool, or may be sunbathing on the beach side all day long. Later in the evening you could watch sunsets while awaiting for hotel staff preparing your barbequed dinner right in front of your bungalow. It's a great stress relieving place.

Booking requires at least months ahead as the place is always full during the peak season with 60% occupants are foreigners, well may be a bit more. Judging by its popularity amongst foreigner the place has high standard of services. Incidentally we rented two units but one has some spider's web around the ceiling's open space, anyhow apart of this and few power down hiccup its okay. Since we're here for a rather special occasion.

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We were a platoon of 16 family members (plus three drivers and one maid) celebrating our parent's 50th wedding anniversary. It was indeed a special event on a unique place. There were more than two dozens units available with half sitting inward facing the pool, while the remaining half directly facing the beach. We occupied units 15 & 16 facing the pool, so that we could watch our kids swimming from the front porch.

Unfortunately none were allowed to swim at our beachfront for the inner current was too strong instead many people were seen just playing or strolling around the sandy beach and watch the relentless big waves coming onto one another. However a 200 meter away to the East side there was a secluded bay where people could either swim or surf safely. Surfing gear was available from the resort for a small fee.

We had so much activities to do together, it was such a memorable family quality time. Especially a simple yet noble celebration was smoothly conducted without any glitch, albeit one surprise segment was delayed due to technical problems. We were supposed to play a recorded film where all the grandchild acting for the occasion. But once the incompatibility between laptop and projector was sorted out we managed to watch the short family movie eventually.

One important moment was for both grandpa and grandma received two paintings prepared by the grand-kids themselves, then to mark the celebration a beautiful set of 14K Yellow Gold 1.00 ctw Diamond Eternity Band Ring were also received.

Moment building up for the great family snap :

Kids were patiently awaiting for photo set up, posing in front of the bungalow circling around their grandpa and grandma.

Kids were striving to grasp their pose instructions!

One cousin finally finished her light touch up! Grandkids and all the daughter were ready. Hurry up Dads, stop messing around! We'd like to take another plunge on the pool.

Could we just get this photo session quickly please! On my mark; set your timer on....

Family's great moment for a life time @ Ocean Queen

Behind the scene action....

Arriving on Bandung : Accommodation

Finish your breakfast @Cisangkuy st? And your children need bargain clothing as the one that they are wearing get dirty due to the horse riding? A few hundred meter away at Supratman st. you will find an outlet "Cargo".

Now it is the time to check on accommodation. There is a nice and lush colonial style hotel nearby "Bumi Asih" at Banda st. in the other direction next to Gedung Sate. Banda st. is parallel to Cisangkuy st. Bumi Asih website is just recently refurbished.

Further away heading for Riau st. by taking the first right turn from Banda is another budget, clean and quiet hotel "Progo" at Progo st. Along the Riau st. there are further hotels, both budget and 3 stars. Among others; Santika and recently Grand Serella (opened in 2007) etc.

By following this direction, I have made up my promise in offering you the second less congested route to Riau st. And directly driving from Pasteur toll gateway.

Driving further from Cisangkuy, following the main road as you pass the lush park as entering Cilaki st.; To your left is Wisma Cilaki, a cheaper home stay alternative. On the other direction following Supratman st., Hotel Mitra, Corsica, Barito and so on. Both Supratman and Cilaki meets and merging at another park "Supratman", formerly Ciujung. During the Dutch Indies era known as Houtman Plein.

The whole encompassing area mentioned above was once known as part of the "Old European District" in 1930s.

Every year there are hundred additional rooms being built, in 2009 alone it is estimated to be 1,200 rooms. This figures are officially from the relevant municipality as they announce 7 new hotel establishments plan. It is unknown though the recent effect of Global downturn crisis to this plan!

Customer wise expect fierce competitive pricing of room rates. Either way room rates is getting more and more affordable especially during low season, that is week-days. However during long national holiday rate is hike up markedly as it is difficult to get a booking. Home stay option is quite abound, one family may rent a whole house. You may search them through Internet, some are being advertised in English.

It is worthwhile to mention that there are certain nieches of hotel type suitable for nostalgic stay. For example; Art deco style Grand Preanger (Charlie chaplin was here), Savoy Homann. Smaller and thus more of homely type of stay; Sawunggaling, De Tropis guest house and recently on trial running Saskava guest house.

There are further list of hotel available if you click any of the hotal above a few will take you there. For hotel reviews you could consult tripadvisor. Here many visitors are gladly sharing their experiences of staying, click on either Sawunggaling or De Tropis.

*Relevant articles in the past :

• Bandung map guide @ "Old Indische European District"
• why-paris-van-java
• Adventurous leisure
• shopping
• gifts
• mighty-detroit-succumbs-to-dc

Another leisure story

There is a great urge to write another story on Bandung-leisure, all on very personal experiences. Alas writing skill is not apparently on my talent yet. Worse being local and having visited Bandung Paris Van Java at least once a year for the last decades, I have no collection of any written data nor info on hands for those fabulous places. All have been taken for granted. Mount tangkuban perahu, ciater hot springs, Lembang, Maribaya, The Valley, Kampung daun, The strawberry Farm, The little Farm, Factory outlet (fo) at Riau street, more fo at Dago, more fo at setiabudi, the list goes on and on...

I do have digital documentation on The Little Farm though..... see my other post!

Staying at a hotel in Bandung was not a choice until my grandma passed away in 2003, since then my family has choices to stay at : Mitra, Sheraton, Bumi Asih, Papandayan, and some other places that I can't recall now. Yet, I could recommend Progo for its thrifty rate and cleanliness. Bumi santika for convenience to Riau street as well as Grand Serella. They all offer great discount during week-days, and expect a lot more expensive during week-end. Also do expect traffic jams in popular areas during those week-ends.

more on secret route avoiding traffic jam... on next posting!

Having said that, fortunately the internet sources provide plenty of vivid info on these subjects. I have spent hours trying to get recent info and in my opinion good descriptions. It will save you time and effort rather than searching by yourself. This address provide just that! Browse to ; http://www.leslieho.com/category/fitnest-test-at-tangkuban-perahu/..that is posted on 10th of January 2008