december-2011

Bandung, Indonesia
Colonial charm
Nestled in the mountains near Jakarta is a city with
attractions worthy of a diehard culture vulture’s attention.
Bandung began life as classy hill station, thanks to the Dutch
who established mountain resorts and coffee plantations
on these slopes. Today it is a bustling center for education
in West Java, its tree-lined boulevards and fl ower gardens
catering to over 27 major universities.
Bandung’s tourist draw is in the remnants of its colonial
past — get a good taste of this by sauntering down Jalan
Braga, right at the heart of downtown. This Dutch-era shopping
district boasts an old-world feel, thanks to its many art-deco
buildings dating back to pre-independensi days. Check out the
nicely restored Savoy-Homann Hotel at the street’s southern
end, then have a cup of hot java at the nearby Kopi Paberik
Aroma. So old-school is this café that its signs are still written
in Dutch, and its interiors have remained largely unchanged
for decades. A glimpse of classic Javanese culture awaits
next at the Rumentang Siang Theatre, which hosts traditional
jaipongan dance and wayang golek puppetry performances.
Those wishing to get away from urban environs, on the other
hand, would do well to visit the Tangkuban Perahu volcano,
just off the city’s north side.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Jakarta from Manila. www.cebupacifi cair.com
C OZY CHRISTMAS
Clockwise from top left: The old and
the new come together at Jalan
Braga shopping district; Jalan Braga
features restored and art-deco
architecture; trek to the Tangkuban
Perahu volcano.
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PHOTOS EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP