As the capital of West Java, Bandung City pulls out all the stops in handing visitors a wonderful chance to get up, close and personal with its unique charm. With tropical weather, fancy shopping malls, volcanoes, tea plantations and historic museums to call by, one will certainly be spoilt for choice. Herein is what you can expect out of your trip to Bandung City if you’re here over the weekend.

Dusun Bambu - Image via Flickr

Abbreviated from the phrase ‘Bakso Tahu Goreng,’ Batagor is without a doubt the city’s most enjoyed speciality food that will have you asking for seconds no sooner you polish off your first serving. Translating to ‘Fried Meatball and Tofu, Batagor is a form of dumpling that merges fish and tofu into one delectable treat that you can easily find anywhere in Bandung City. To top it off, a flavourful peanut sauce is the icing on the cake for what is Bandung’s favourite dish.

Dubbed the ‘Paris of Java’ by the Dutch colonists of yesteryear, Braga retains pride of place as Bandung’s most traversed region for there is a little bit of something for all ages and tastes. The streets that comprise Braga are filled to the brim with heritage buildings adorned in impressive and detailed European architecture that will escort you back in time. Therefore, having satisfied your foodie cravings, it is a must that you take to the streets of Braga as you will not be disappointed at all. Meander along and explore the delightful street art on show, and walk into a chic café along the way before stopping by a heritage restaurant in the calibre of Braga Permai which is well known for its scrumptious fare.

Celebrate the occasion of the world’s 1^st conference involving people of colour by calling the historic setting of the Museum of the Asian-African Conference. Located a short distance from Kimaya Braga Bandung by Harris which is a hotel near Alun Alun Bandung, tourists will be able to learn of all the important events that occurred during the Asian-African Conference that was successfully held in 1955. Understand how world leaders at that time came together to solve pressing issues faced by numerous nations in both Asia and Africa which set the stage for the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement during the period of the Cold War.

Udjo’s lauded House of Angklung is where you can take a deep dive into the region’s cultural identity in no uncertain manner. In fact, the mentioned workshop will afford visitors like yourself a fantastic opportunity to learn the finer points of the Sundanese musical instrument called the Angklung before allowing you to actually play it. If you do happen to master the art of playing the Angklung, then this should put you in the perfect mood for what lies next as come evening, the House of Angklung will play host to a wide spectrum of traditional performances and concerts that you would do well to witness.

A haven for leisure, relaxation and quality time with the family, the serenely appointed Dusun Bambu is a pleasing parkland that will address a host of whims and fancies. Whether you want to stay overnight in a glamping tent and wake up to the prospect of breakfast served along with vistas of rolling hills or seek a cycling tour with those closest to your heart, then Dusun Bambu is the place to be at.

Bandung’s varied shopping precincts ought not to be ignored if you happen to have a soft spot for retail therapy and fancy shopping malls for these establishments will never fail to amaze and enthral you. As the name suggests, Jeans Street or Cihampelas Street will give you a good old dose of the wide world of jeans with plenty of value-for-money products and promotions to look forward to. However, for the complete shopping adventure, be sure to check out the regions in the likes of Riau Street and Cibaduyut where you are bound to leave with more than what you bargained for.