Bandung Trip - Dusun Bambu, How God Recreates the Earth

For the second night, we moved to another hotel around Lembang. This hotel is actually a cluster of villa and we booked a two-room villa for all of us.

It's called Summer Hills Private Villas.

Upon check in, we were brought to our room. I did not observe the surrounding because it was quite dark. The villa was good, with a big size living room with kitchen and dining table! The two room villa consisted of one master bedroom with king size bed and attached bathroom, as well as another bedroom with two super single size bed.

Eventhough the structure was already quite old, I should say the place was a good one to stay. With only IDR 1150000 (SGD 123), we got to say comfortably.

So the next morning, I took time to browse through the area. 

The view when I stepped out of the villa

The 'unused' swimming pool and the cool daybeds 

A gazebo in the middle of the area for dining

And cute bunnies were there too!

Bro at the back terrace. Cooling shiny morning!

We checked out at around 9:00 a.m. and continued our journey to Dusun Bambu!

Dusun Bambu (Bamboo Village) is located at the foot of Gunung Burangrang (Mount Burangrang). About a decade back, this area was abandoned by farmers in a very bad condition. But some entrepreneurs did not just let it go. They planned to turn back this area into a heaven. They planned to have a conservatory for bamboo!

Therefore in 2008, they started the project by planting hundred thousands of bamboo trees. In 2012, the construction of Dusun Bambu started until early 2014 when it opened its door to public.

Dusun Bambu Family Leisure Park offers a different experience to the travellers. While having fun at this area, you can feel a very village kind of feeling and wander around cool architectures. There are also a lot of information signs about the species of bamboo along the way. And of course, there are foods too!

But beware, the food here is not cheap!

We reached Dusun Bambu at around 10:00 a.m. when it was just opened for the day. This is a tip when you want to visit Dusun Bambu: arrive early! There are two advantages: the fresh air, no bad sun, and the whole area for yourself!

This is what you can find near the entrance

The entrance fee to this place is damn cheap. Only with IDR 10000 (SGD 1.1) you can go in and have fun till the sun goes down!

So we went in and was greeted by a big bamboo structure and a huge gazeb.

This this the big bamboo structure in the middle of nowhere

The huge gazebo. See how clever the engineer to use steel plate at the base of the column? Less maintenance because dampness of the wood won't be a problem anymore!

The view from the gazebo

See how dad posed :D

Dusun Bambu provides public transport for you to go from this area to the centre of attraction and the good news is it is totally free! The driver was so good to lend us his car to take some photos. I love how colorful the car is.

Carnaval?

It was a really short drive. We were dropped in front of another building and from here we were to walk and round the area.

We started walking from here

On top of this stairway is the food court and the minimart. We just skipped it and walked forward. After walking up and down, we saw quite a big space and continued walking.

Stepping down from the stair and the green welcomed me!

It was quite hot eventhough it was not noon yet

The building at the left is the food court (level 1) and restaurant (level 2). At the right side there is a very nice man-made stream.

I always believe this is one of God's creation through humans' hands

We walked for quite a distance till we saw the highlight of Dusun Bambu.

Yes this place

We took a lot of photos here! It was such a great place to take photos! I love the floating platform in the middle. When I stood there, I really felt that I was just a small creature as compared to other God's creation.

Sit back and relax

And this our first and last group photoshoot! 

At the other side of the area, this exotic building!

We continued our journey and saw the row of traditional huts from nearby. They are actually part of the restaurant so you can order your food and have it there. We asked the cleaner and he told us that it was free of charge as long as you have seven people or more.

They are bamboo huts!

And I was happy to be here

While walking we saw a lot a lot of trees and plants and it felt so refreshing. We then reached back the place behind the food court but this time we turned to the other side on to the hanging bridge. The hanging bridge is the only way to reach the egg-shaped rooms along the side. I love the creativity of the designers to use twigs for the facade so it looks so natural! And of course, the tall trees surrounding the bridge will make you feel that you are in the magical forest!

This is a hanging bridge with egg-shape rooms at the side

And with the super tall trees!

After that we went to the playground besides the food court. The playground consists of quite a number of traditional children games. I was so very happy to see this!

Mom and dad enjoy their time fully! Yoohoo!

Giant angklung. The traditional musical instrument from West Java.

This playground brought me back to my childhood!

It was about noon when we decided to leave and we saw a number of people coming in. I felt so lucky to come here first and enjoy the whole place for ourselves.

We did not take the public transport, instead we walked back to the first spot so that we could walk pass the beautiful field in between these two spots.

What a wonderful world

I walked very slowly at the back 

And I looked back and thanked God once more

Two to three hours of quality time in the morning witnessing how God recreates the earth through the hands of humans. I felt so blessed.

Thanks, God, for the wonderful world You give me.

Next post - Back to Lembang Again

Love is in the air,

Little Feet

Bandung Trip - The Wasted Trip to Situ Patengan

The folklore said...

Once upon a time there lived a prince named Ki Santang and a goddess named Dewi Rengganis. They loved other so deeply but were forced to walk away from each other. However, due to their deep deep love, they searched for each other and finally met at 'Batu Cinta' (Love Stone). Dewi Rengganis asked Ki Santang to create a lake and a boat for her. 

And taa daa.

The lake is Situ Patengan Lake and the boat turned into a heart shape island in the middle of the lake called Pulau Sasaka (Romance Island).

It is believed that couples who circle this island together will have a happily every after ending. Wanna try?

It was about 15-20 minutes drive from Kawah Putih. We finally reached Situ Patengan and were asked to pay IDR 15000 (SGD 1.6) per person for the entrance fee and IDR 15000 (SGD 1.6) for the parking fee.

So we drove in and parked. The place was so quiet. We were the only tourists there at that time. By the side of the lake, there was a gazebo. We sat there for a while looking at the lake.

The lake and the gazebo 

The other side of the lake

It says "Patengan Lake Nature Park"

I could not say that this lake was ugly, nor it was beautiful. Maybe it was huge and the scenery was nice, but it was not enough to fill my expectation bucket. After visiting Kawah Putih, I expected to see similarly wonderful place. But this place was just so-so.

Someone approached us and offered to bring us around the lake and to Pulau Sasaka by boat for IDR 150000 (SGD 16). We didn't think twice to reject him just because all of us felt the same thing: disapppointment.

Instead, we walk towards a small road besides the parking area. I thought the road could actually bring us to the other side of the lake, but apparently no.

We walked along this road. So quiet.

I like how they paint the boats

After walking for sometime, we found a street seller. That was the only shop that opened along the road. Mom bought passion fruits and we headed back to the car.

Green passion fruits

Dad playing happily with the sword (The seller sold it too)

We drove back through the winding road again. Luckily this time we did not ask for help from Google Map. Bro stopped once in while to ask for direction and we managed to keep our car on the main road.

The view along the way back from Situ Patengan. Tea!

We reached Bandung when it turned dark and Bro brought us to Rumah Makan Bakso Enggal (Enggal Beef Ball Restaurant). This place was pretty crowded maybe because it was the time for breaking the fast. Just like most of beef ball restaurant in Indonesia, you can pick your own beef ball to your own liking. Whether you want small one, big one, tofu, fried fish ball, anything!

You even can take as much fried shallots and spring onion as you like 

The bakso (beef ball) , siomay (Bandung fish cake with flour skin), and tahu (tofu)

The fried items were separated from the soup

Okay, time for review. The most delicious thing about this was the soup. It was sooooo tasty till I finished it to the last drop. The second winner went to the fried fish ball. I loved the crispiness. The fried items were unique because you couldn't really find them at other places.

However, the beef ball itself was not so satisfactory. It was a bit too soft for my liking.

Ok, whatever. It was a good dinner and it only cost us IDR 98100 (SGD 10.5) for six bowls of beef balls with all the accessories. :P

Of course we should have dessert after dinner. So we went to Gardujati area to have Ronde Jahe. Ronde is glutinous rice ball with peanut filling and jahe means ginger. So, ronde jahe is glutinous rice ball in ginger soup.

The signboard on top of the cart

The best ginger soup!

Ronde Jahe Gardujati is only one of the street sellers along Jalan Gardujati. However, this particular seller has been so well known since 1986. And do not fret, you will find this particular cart surrounded by a lot of people.

I loved the ginger soup a lot. It was strong and hot and not too sweet. I asked for second bowl of soup! The ronde was nice too with a lot of peanut inside. For a peanut lover like me, this was the best pair. It cost only IDR 13000 (SGD 1.4) per bowl. Additional soup is free~~~

Besides Ronde Jahe Gardujati, there was another cart selling bola obi. Obi or ubi in Bahasa Indonesia means sweet potato or cassava. Usually people use cassava to make bola ubi. However, this one was different, he used local sweet potato. The way he fried it was also different. Initially he fried the tiny dough and fried it again upon order. During the second round of frying, he kept pressing the fried ball into the wok and the ball turned bigger and bigger. When you bite it, you will find that actually a lot of air has pushed in when he pushes the ball towards the bottom of the wok. The sweet potato ball was so crunchy and hole-y! And it won't cause a hole in your pocket. 10 for IDR 10000 (SGD 1.1).

The bola obi!

We took a walk towards Cibadak. Both sides of the road were filled with street sellers offering a lot of delicacies. We walked about two blocks before reaching Cibadak. Initially Bro wanted to bring us to eat Nasi Campur Babi 888 (Mixed Pork Rice 888) but we were too full to stomach anymore big meal. So we saved it for the next day.

Cibadak was even more crowded than Gardujati. This area is known as the Chinatown of Bandung. A lot of foods were offered here. Halal or non halal. 

Cuppajoe. A moving barista. Brmm brmm. 

The overcrowded nasi campur

Putu pisang, a traditional cake from Indonesia 

Flour + banana + brown sugar were put into the mould before steaming. After that, it was sprinkled with coconut and more brown sugar. Delicioso!

Eventhough the trip to Situ Patengan felt wasted, we ended the day with a sweet note. Good night!

Next Post - Dusun Bambu, How God Recreates the Earth

Love is in the air,

Little Feet

Bandung Trip - Falling in Love with Turquoise Kawah Putih

The next morning we got ready and left the hotel at about 9:00 a.m. We headed to our first destination, Kawah Putih!

Kawah Putih (or White Crater) is located about 50km southwest of Bandung. Kawah Putih was formed long long time ago by the eruption of Gunung Patuha (Mount Patuha). People did not dare to step nearer to this mountain because they believed that the mountain was haunted. They could not even see any birds flying around this mountain.

However, in 1837, Dr. Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn, with all his bravery, took a journey towards this haunted mountain. And to his surprise, he found a gigantic beauty by looking at the crater. He then explained that the high sulphur content of the crater caused bad smell and shooed all the birds around.

Since then, people knew that Kawah Putih was not haunted. Kawah Putih was gifted!

With the aid of pretty voice of Google Map, we drove towards Ciwidey. The journey felt like forever, not only because of the distance.
1. Google Map directed us via small road. Yes it was jam-free but I felt like riding a horse rather than a car. The road was so bumpy and full of holes.
2. The car that we got was so dirty at the third row. There were six of us and being the youngest and the useless (I couldn't drive), I took my rightful place.

While entering Ciwidey, a lot of restaurants could be seen along the way. After consulting Mr. Google, we decided to turn into Sindang Reret Restaurant.

The sign board. Sindang Reret in Sundanese means "Look Here".

We were given a gazebo and we ate at the floor. No table, no chair, just like Indonesians!

The green field at the back of the restaurant. Oh la la!

These were what we ate

We ordered Ayam Sindang Reret (Sindang Reret Special Grilled Chicken), Sate Ayam (Chicken Satay), Ikan Gurame Cabe Hijau (Green Chilli Gouramy), Tahu Goreng (Fried Tofu), Gado-Gado (Indonesian Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce), and pete (petai), and of course with various chilli sauces and a big bucket of rice.

We waited forever for our food to be served!

The chicken was not marinated properly therefore only certain part of it was tasty and the marination did not seep through the flesh. The chicken was a bit old so the flesh was a bit hard to chew. The rest were okay.

Having our lunch here cost us IDR 321300 (SGD 35). With the food and service provided and comparing it with Alas Daun, I think it was not worth to spend your time here.

But it was still an experience for us!

We continued our journey. When we reached there, we were given options.

Option 1 was to park our car at the foot of the mountain, take the public transport called 'Ontang Anting' to the top, spend about 15 to 30 minutes in Kawah Putih, and take Ontang Anting back to the parking area. It would cost us IDR 15000 (SGD 1.6) per person for the entrance fee, IDR 13000 (SGD 1.4) per person for Ontang Anting, and IDR 16000 (SGD 1.7) for the parking fee. In total for 7 people, it would cost us IDR 174000 (SGD 19).

Option two was to drive up to the top, spend time in Kawah Putih to your heart's content, and drive back. It would cost us IDR 15000 (SGD 1.6) per person for the entrance fee and IDR 150000 (SGD 16) for the parking fee. In total, we would need to pay IDR 240000 (SGD 25.6).

We thought it would be easier to follow Ontang Anting and it would be cheaper too! Therefore, we chose Option 1.

Dad and Bro at the station platform. The orange colour thingy is the Ontang Anting

There was supposed to be street sellers but because it was fasting month, we only saw one

Ontang Anting would only operate when the car was full. The driver drove full speed on a very rough machine. Since it was a mountain, so we climbed and turned and climbed and turned. Everytime the car turned, I felt like I was going to fly out of the car. Fyi, Ontang Anting has no door!

When we reached the top, we breathed different air already. It was cool and breezy.

The front porch of Kawah Putih. We took a lot of photos here!

The front door 

Hello, anybody's home?

Advisory note to stay not more than 15 minutes and to leave the crater if you are feeling unwell

After walking down these steps, you are at Kawah Putih already

The smell of sulphur could be felt when you enter the area. If you are not strong enough, it is suggested that you wear a face mask. However, none of us wore face mask and we were pretty okay. One thing I noticed was that my breath turned fast and short after sometime there. So, when you want to visit this area, prepare yourself.

Reaching the crater, I felt so wow-ed by this place. I didn't feel like I was in Indonesia. The air was cooling, the water was turqoise, the surrounding trees gave a very autumn feeling. I was falling in love.

Can you resist not to praise this place?

And the trees, like seriously? This is not autumn?

And of course spending the time with the ones you love!

We walked around and took quite a number of photos. About 15 to 20 minutes, we walked back to the Ontang Anting because we did not want the other people to wait for us.

Bye Kawah Putih. Till we meet again.

When we reached the car, nobody was there. We just chit chatted while waiting. After a moment, the driver came and told us that he was helping someone with flat tyre so it would take some time. We were unhappy because we had other place to go and it was already quite late in the afternoon.

This is the Ontang Anting. No door!

We waited and chased the driver for more than 30 minutes. Only after that he brought us down. We could sense that he was a bit unhappy that we chased him, but it was his problem! He was paid to drive us up and down.

Thank God we arrived safely to the parking area. We then continued our journey further south. To a place called Situ Patengan.

Next Post - A Wasted Journey to Situ Patengan

Love is in the air,
Little Feet