The enchanting land of Sunda stretches from the Sunda Strait in the West to the borders of Central Java in the east. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks which surround the capital of the province, Bandung. West Java Province is one of the most exciting and spectacular province compares to other provinces in Indonesia.  It provides visitor with a true variety of experiences. 

West Java Province surrounds the nation?s capital of Jakarta on three sides, and it links some provinces in Java through a beautiful iridescent paddy fields. There are a number of popular resorts on the western and southern coasts of West Java with modern hotels and extensive facilities. West Java is a favorite weekend area for people of Jakarta.

West Java provides visitors with an extensive array of fascinating activities, some of them are: venture to the brink of the awesome power of Krakatau or explore

the pristine wildlife reserve of Ujung Kulon on the south western tip of Java,

Adventure Pulau Dua Bird Sanctuary off the coast of Banten or visit the mysterious Baduy people in the remote Halimun Mountain Reserve. Discover unspoiled beaches at Pangandaran and treasures in the royal palaces of Cirebon or wonder through the world-renowned botanical gardens of Bogor, West Java.
Bandung, city of flowers, is the provincial capital of West Java and Indonesia?s third-largest city. It is about 180 Kms Southeast of Jakarta and in colonial times called ?The Paris of Java? because of its tree-lined boulevards and artistic influences. The city gained international fame in 1955 as the venue for the first Afro Asian Conferences, which brought together the leaders of 29 Asian and African Nation as with the aim of promoting economic and cultural relations and taking a common stand against colonialism

Situated high on the Parahyangan plateau in the beautiful Parahyangan mountain, Bandung has a pleasant climate and lush surroundings.  The city gained fame in 1955 as the venue for the First Afro-Asian Conference, which brought together the leaders of 29 Asian and African nations with the aim to promote economic and

cultural relations and take a common stand against colonialism. Today, Bandung is a center of higher education, commerce and aircraft industry. Despite its modern facilities Bandung still retains much of its colonial era charm.

Bandung has its own unique culture and language. They are known as the Sundanese. A soft-spoken and lighthearted people who love bright colors. Kecapi is a traditional music of West Java.

Bandung is easy to reach from Jakarta by land (train and bus) and air transportations. Its Airport called Husein Sastranegara, which links Bandung with Jakarta and most major cities in Java.  Driving own vehicle to Bandung from Jakarta or other nearest cities is also one of the interesting choice.

SHOPPING

Numerous markets and factory outlets in Bandung bestow the city with another nickname, City of Shopping. Choices are plenty, particularly for shoes, textiles and clothes. Sometimes, your bargaining skill is needed to lower the price, but most of the products sold here have competitive price. Some recommended markets to be visited; Pasar Baru: central for textiles, batiks and clothes. Pasar Kota Kembang is the central for cheap clothes, leather products (shoes, belt and jackets) and handbags. Branded items can be found in factory outlets around Bandung.

PLACES OF INTEREST

PUNCAK PASS

Puncak Pass is one of interesting destination in the West Java Province. It is located in the south of Jakarta and can be reached by an hour journey. Puncak is an ideal place for   weekend, as well as a good location to find a fresh mountain air. Besides, many attractions can be found nearby, such as the Bogor and Cobodas Botanical Gardens; the Gede Pangrango National Park; the Plantations and the Safari Park.

PELABUHAN RATU

Pelabuhan Ratu is believed by the locals to be the home of Ratu Kidul, the queen of the South Sea. The location is only three hours from Jakarta. Some tourist activities around Pelabuhan Ratu are; visit fish market, watch the unique marine ceremonies, watch sea turtle laying their eggs at Pangumbahan beach and a white water rafting trip on the Citarik River will be an unforgettable experience for the adventurers,

ANGKLUNG WORKSHOP

West Java is well-known for  its ?angklung?, its traditional instrument. One of good Angklung workshop with fine workmanship and exact tuning of these bamboo musical instruments is Mang Udjo Angklung Workshop. His workshop is located in the village of Padasuka, 7 km from Bandung. Traditional music and dance performances are staged against a natural background of mountains and rice-fields. Bamboo handicraft and musical instruments are made and sold here.

JUANDA FOREST PARK

This highland forest park is not far from Bandung. The 590-hectare (2475-acre) forest, the Juanda Forest Park, is a research site for local and international botanical experts.

MARIBAYA

Maribaya is well-known for its hot springs, the sulphur-laden water, a comfortable place for swimming and enjoying the view of a 25 meter waterfall set against a steep mountain cliff. Maribaya is only a 30 minutes trip from Bandung passing through some lovely mountain sceneries.

JATILUHUR DAM

Jatiluhur Dam is situated between Jakarta and Bandung. The dam was originally built through a French technical assistance in the 1950?s to generate electrical power for the region. It provides irrigation to the surrounding arable land and fishery industries around the area.  The area was  developed  for tourism and some  convenient facilities are built, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, a camping ground, speedboats for water skiing and cottages.

CIBODAS BOTANIC GARDEN

Located in the district of Pacet, 22 kms northwest of Cianjur, the Cibodas Botanic Garden  is a 80 hectare nature preserve found in 1890.

TAMAN SAFARI INDONESIA

Animals from all continents roam freely in  taman Safari Indonesia, a 35 hectare park, 75km southeast of Jakarta.  Among the animals kept here are some comparatively rare species, such as anoas, rhinos, giraffes, white tigers and European, American and Asian bears. Next to the Park is a recreational ground, facilitated with swimming pool, tennis court, artificial lake, waterfall, children?s playground and amusement centre, as well as restaurants and cafeterias.

PELABUHAN RATU BEACH

Formerly was only a traditional village, Pelabuhan  Ratu has grown into a lovely holiday resort, while retaining much of its former charm. It is a three-hour drive from either Jakarta or Bandung. Pelabuhan Ratu-Cisolok is a 15 km stretch of breathtaking coastline; thick tropical forests cascade down steep hills to white sand beaches and the deep blue waters of the Indian ocean. At night hundreds of fishermen?s boat lamps merge with the star-studded sky above, an enchanting and romantic scene. Star and non-star Hotels are available in the area. Enjoying fresh seafood at reasonable prices is another encouraging for visitors.

KRAKATOA VOLCANO

Krakatoa Volcano erupted in 1883, one of the most catastrophic natural events in recorded history. The volcano literally blew itself apart, sending a column of ash and stone 80km into the air. Ash fell on Singapore, and the entire region was covered in darkness for two days. Gigantic tidal waves over 40 meters high killed almost 40000 people along the coast of Java and Sumatra. The volcanic dust in the atmosphere circled in the earth for three years, creating sensational sunsets.
The area is still a hotbed of volcanic activity, while the Anak Krakatoa, a new emerge volcano, erupted since 1928 and it keeps growing. The history and the beautiful scenery of the volcano encourage visitors the area, especially to the young volcano. However, any activities are much depended on volcano condition.

PANGANDARAN

Pangandaran has become a popular location for domestic tourists for long.

It is a small fishing town with fine beaches and  Pangandaraan Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve teems with wild buffalo, barking deer and monkeys.

Friendly people and natural surrounding make this area be a great place for relaxation. Pangandaraan is half-way between Bandung and Yogyakarta, about 5 hours by bus from Bandung and 8 hours from Jakarta.

THE ROYAL  CITY OF CIREBON

Cerebon offers a wealth of culture and history. It is situated on the border of West and Central Java, where the culture if the two provinces merging and form a combination culture.  

Trace of old culture remains in the city. Ancient palaces (kratons) of the Kasepuhan and Kanoman are renovated and transferred as museum. The museums are opened to public, displaying household ornaments, paintings. calligraphy and other artistic treasures. The royal carriages are sumptuous in design, one of them a gilded coach in the form of winged elephant.

Across the square from the Kasepuhan Kraton is the ?Mesjid Agung? (Grand Mosque), in a traditional Javanese style and made entirely of wood. Cirebon is also known for its distinct batik, now a flourishing industry in the village of Trusni. The local seafood is among the best in West java.

Parangtritis is locally believed as a special place for Nyai Ruro Kidul, the legends of the queen of the south sea. 

TRANSPORTATION:
There is a daily direct flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airpot (KLIA) Malaysia to Husein Sastranegara Airpot, Bandung, Indonesia. Besides,
Husein Sastranegara domestic airport Iinks Bandung with Jakarta and most major cities in Java. Services are provided by Merpati Sempati and Bouraq.