december-2011

G G E T A W A
UNFORGETTABLE HISTORY
Dubbed the Paris of Java,
Bandung has a mix of European
elements that blend with Eastern
culture. As we drive around, we
witness the presence of historical
buildings that maintain the city’s
aesthetic value.
Literally meaning ‘Independence
Building’, the art deco-styled
Gedung Merdeka was the venue for
the momentous 1955 Asian-African
Conference. Today, it serves as a
museum displaying the conference’s
related historical artefacts.
On the same street is Bandung’s
oldest hotel. Originally built in
1870 as Societeit Concordia, the
hotel was revamped and expanded
in 1937. Upon completion in 1939,
the name was changed to Savoy
Homann. Featuring Dutch art
deco-colonial architecture, the
historic hotel is perfect for those
seeking a laid-back sanctuary.
Braga Street was the most
famous address during the golden
age of the Dutch Indies. Today, the
street can be seen as an outdoor
museum of architectural styles.
Y
FLY/DRIVE //
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: You won’t
go hungry in Cihampelas; Roti Sumber
Hidangan; an art gallery on Braga Street; a
factory outlet in Cihampelas; Gedung Sate;
shopping at Rumah Mode; more bargains in
Cihampelas; Tangkuban Perahu
Going downtown, we stop by at
Gedung Sate (Satay Building). This
iconic building has a mix of neoclassical
style with native elements,
and now serves as the offi ce of
West Java province’s governor. The
design of the building’s central
pinnacle evokes the shape of
Indonesia’s satay dish. In 1925, it
was the only big building in the
town of Bandung.
An old bakery on the same
street named Roti Sumber
Hidangan serves authentic Dutch
cakes, breads and hot beverages.
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