Dale & Shelly: Trip to Bandung

So, it all happened when Dale wanted to surprise Shelly with an all-expenses paid trip to Bandung (a place which Shelly really wanted to go to). But Shelly was too smart for the surprise and she found out. So, then, both of them decided to shop there for their online store. And we very well did. We will put up the photos of the things we bought soon. (We like to create suspense, you see. So please wait patiently. Hehe!)

Dale and Shelly greatly recommends everyone to visit Bandung, Indonesia.
Here are the reasons why:-

1) Tangkuban Perahu

Welcome signage

Tangkuban Perahu is a dormant volcano that took 2 hours from where our hotel, Mitra Hotel, was. It was the rainy season over in Bandung, so, locals warned us that we wouldn't get to see much of the crater and surroundings as it was going to be really misty. However, when we arrived, the environment was breath-taking. The clouds surrounded us and there was a mysterious vibe to it. We went on a weekday, so, it wasn't filled with tourists (Lucky us!). The entrance fee is RP 15,000/car and RP 50,000/person.
When you arrive there, beware of touters as they will be in standby, in front of the doors of your car, to sell you overly-priced 'ole-ole' (souvenirs). A gentle reminder to always BARGAIN to at least 50% of the price they say (for those brave ones, you can bargain up to 70%).

View of the crater from the top

Makeshift toilets

View at the end of the path of stalls

Dragonflies filled the air when the temperature gets a bit warmer

The sky started to clear halfway when we were there

And it's not for those who can't stand the cold. It was like 14 degrees and, although it isn't as cold as you may think, the mild wind made it unbearable. Both of us wore long-sleeved clothes but we bought winter overcoat over there because it was too cold for our comfort!
Nonetheless, the view of the crater from the top was amazing and the sulphur-filled air (which smells a bit like fart) was nostalgic (to Shelly who's been to a volcano before).

Stretch of makeshift stalls

Walk down along a stretch of makeshift stalls to find unique handicrafts, ole-ole, and winter clothing. And reminder to the gentle reminder earlier, always bargain! When you ask for the price, they will give a very steep price but they'll let you know that you can bargain (so, please, bargain).

Pony rides for sale

And there were plenty of ponies and for RP 20,000 per person, you can ride them for about 5 mins. Although short, it was worth the memories made. You will definitely love the place!

2)Taman Wisata Sari Ater (Hotsprings)

It's a hotspring area about 30 mins away from Tangkuban Perahu. It costs RP 15,000/car, RP 18, 000/person and RP 500 (for charity). It was a pity that we arrived there and the rain started pouring heavily. Touters were already waiting outside the car to rent out umbrellas before we even got out of the vehicle. Needless to say, we had to rent an umbrella for RP 10, 000 for the whole time we were there.
We didn't get to see much and definitely didn't had the chance to take photos. First, we went to the 'Kolam Rendam Kaki' (Pool for dipping feet) which was free. It's a shallow pool that gave us a taste of how hot the hot springs would be once we enter the real pool. It was 42 degrees and it wasn't easy for us to get use to it. Dale dipped his wounded ankle and knee to "heal" the pain but we could see from his face that he wasn't enjoying it at all! Poor thing.
We headed to the deep pool and paid an entrance fee of RP 35,000/person. The fees were definitely worth the money! We both felt so refreshed after the body-dipping session. The pool was unsheltered and for a moment, we could move around the pool without using and umbrella. But once it got heavier, we succumbed to the rain. Just wished it wasn't raining when we were enjoying the place. But, learn from this mistake, never dip inside a hot spring when it's raining! Shelly had her worst headache after that!

3) Factory Outlets

There were countless, and we meant it, COUNTLESS factory outlets in Bandung. From Rumah Mode, Riau Street to Dago Street, the outlets would not disappoint you. You'd go crazy shopping. It's just disappointing that both of us did not bring as much money to spend and our cards did not work overseas (which reminds me, I have to call the banks soon). Our favorites are Rich & Famous at Dago Street, Gossip Store, Grande Gallery, Episode and Runway FO at Jalan Riau and Happening FO opposite of Holiday Inn. You'd find branded products for sale at lower than retail price but beware of high-end brands as these are usually fakes (eg. Burberry, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vitton, Prada, etc.). But rest assured that brands like Forever 21, Zara, H&M, Cotton On, Fred Perry, Paul Smiths and Ben Sherman are for real. These products are usually those that did not pass the QC or old stocks or oversized/undersized ones. So, do always check the items before you pay because you might find holes, sizes stated that do not tally with the size of the items, wear and tear, marks and sewing faults. You have to be really patient to find the really good ones and those that are still in trend. But whatever it is, if you think the item is really nice and you want to have it, better go get it before it's out of stock because there are a lot of people shopping there and they might get what you want before you even finish thinking your 2nd thoughts.

In all, Dale and Shelly really recommends all of you to visit Bandung, Indonesia. It's very worth the experience! If any of you are thinking of going to Bandung, do enquire us and we'll be glad to help you out.

Cheers everyone. Enjoy the photos!