Bandung is a holiday heaven. For those who wish to escape the busy city life of Jakarta, or want to see what the capital of West Java has to offer, Bandung is the place to visit. Surrounded by volcanic mountains and situated well above sea level, its cool temperatures and breath-taking beauty are some of Bandung’s major attractions. . One of the things Bandung is most known for is however its shopping. Factory outlets are rampant in Bandung, with branded clothing at cheaper prices, and more so if you have good bargaining skills. The malls are extremely crowded on weekends though, as they tend to host those taking a break from Jakarta as well. While women go crazy at Rumah Mode Factory Outlet, Heritage Factory Outlet, Natural Factory Outlet, Grande Factory Outlet, or The Secret Factory Outlet, to name a few, their male better halves might have a better time at the For Men Factory Outlet which caters to men only. . Bosscha Observatory – it is advisable to make a booking beforehand as it can fill up pretty quickly. Take a look at the stars close up, and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to see Jupiter, Venus, several Nebulas, and even a meteor shower! . Museum Geologi Bandung – go back in time as you take in the dinosaur skeletons, rock mineral collections that have contributed so much to our world today, and the prehistoric value of Indonesia. . With such gorgeous scenic places to see, take advantage of the cheap prices in the great outdoors while connecting to nature: . 1) Take a walk and look for rice terraces – there is no better way to explore a place than by getting lost. Take in the rolling rice fields in the highlands and have an adventure. You might have to bribe a local to set you off in the right direction though! . 2) Kawah Putih – one of the most famous sites in Ciwidey – 1.5 hours from Bandung – this white crater is described as having green water in its midst. The sulphur from this inactive volcano creates yellow beaches and an aquamarine lake of water that has filled it over the years, like you’ve never seen before! . 3) Tangkuban Perahu – yet another volcanic crater, is a place rich with folklore and 1.5km from Bandung. It is a tourist attraction due to its amazing views from the top. Beware the locals who try to sell you necklaces for about 5 times the price you can get in Bandung! . 4) Sari Ater Hot Spring Resort – spend the day or stay the night! This place has many healing and relaxing hot water pools that you can soak in or just dip your feet into. Since it is in the same area as Tangkuban Perahu, it makes for a good stop after. . 5) Ranca Upas – if you’re taking the trip to Ciwidey to see Kawah Putih, try to drop by Ranca Upas too where you can feed deer, and soak in the hot springs while the kids play in the treehouse. . 6) The Lodge Earthbound Adventure Park – like its name states, it is the perfect place to spend time with the family outdoors, getting involved in all kinds of activities. From paintballing to hiking, or just taking in the scenery, the park has activities for visitors of all ages. . 7) Dago Pakar – just half an hour away from the city centre, this massive park hosts two adjacent parks that offer different wonders that are equally enjoyable. Taman Hutan Raya was built to conserve Bandung’s flora and fauna, and has a cliff with a fabulous view. It also has two waterfalls. Taman Wisata Maribaya is the second park that is accessible through a walkway from Taman Hutan Raya. Home of the Maribaya waterfall, it offers splendid nature on the walk towards it. Soak your feet in the hot springs at the end of a long day. . 8) Goa Pawon and Stone Garden of Padalarang – if you hike up Mount Pasigit, you will find the Pawon caves – a significant historic site – and a breathtaking view. This undiscovered location is the site of volcanic eruptions that caused a valley to be formed. You can find seashells embedded in rocks here too. . 9) Floating Market, Lembang – its restaurants are only open on the weekends, but you can enjoy the view on weekdays too. You can visit the cactus or stone garden, feed swans, or take a paddle boat ride. . 10) Dusun Bambu Family Leisure Park – yet another way to get the family away from the malls and connected to nature. Ride hot air balloons or canoe between huts, hike or explore the paddy fields – it truly allows you to get in touch with Mother Nature. . 11) De’ Ranch, Lembang – harness your inner cowboy and explore this once-upon-a-time ranch in costumes and on a horse! Activities are paid for separately, and are all within the theme ranging from learning how cows are taken care of and feeding, bathing and milking them, to archery and gold hunting. . 12) Love Bridge, Situ Cileunca – so named because it brought a lot of couples together as it connected two villages, take a walk along it, or a boat ride around the lake and marvel at the beauty of the surroundings. . For more information on Indonesia please visit www.indonesia.travel . If you love Indonesia and would love to win a trip to this beautiful travel destination, enter HalalTrip’s special ‘Share & Win’ contest now! The ‘Share & Win’ contest is open until the 26th of November 2015 and more details are available here: http://www.halaltrip.com/other/blog/enter-halaltrips-share-win-contest-and-stand-a-chance-to-win-a-trip-to-bandung/ .
