This was my second time visiting Bandung. This time there was no sightseeing, purely shopping, shopping and shopping (a revenge of my first trip last year which was inadequate due to much sightseeing).
Day 1 - Sunday 6 April 2008
We landed at Jakarta Airport at 1040 via Air Asia flight. After claiming the luggage, we proceeded to the airport exit and our driver was already waiting for me. We hired the same driver that we took on our last year Bandung trip at Rp 750,000 (all in) for day 1 Jakarta+Bandung. Price was reasonable as I have hired him before and satisfied with his service. I did initially intend to get other driver which offered lower rate, but considering the risk of hiring a new driver which service quality is still unknown, I decided to drop the idea. The first place that we went was Tanah Abang, a very huge market selling all kinds of textiles from the scarf to cloth. As we have been to Pasar Baru Bandung last year, we decided to check Tanah Abang on this trip as our flight landed in Jakarta. Moving around the hugh market cramp with stalls, shops and people was quite inconvenience for us as we were bringing along our two daughters of age 7 and 2. We leaved the stroller in the car as the natures of the walkway make it impossible to stroll along. Lucky for us that we have shortlisted what to get in Tanah Abang . My wife bought some tudungs, telekongs and other textiles for her and friends at rates 80% cheaper than Malaysia. Same quality…at avery.. very.. very.. cheap prices… Dump the whole shopping bag into the Avanza and proceeded to Bandung. On the way to Jakarta-Bandung highway, we dropped by at Monas for a quick photos. As it was Sunday, moving around was quite easy (except Tanah Abang area, where most of the locals were doing their shopping). Stopped by at one of the rest area and have Nasi Padang Sederhana for lunch. The price was really “sederhana” as we only pay Rp100,000 (RM35) for 3 adults and 2 kids, with almost 10 pieces of ayam kampong and 8/9 dishes.
Reach Bandung around 5 pm. Check in into Grand Serela at Jalan Riau. Get discounted rate through local agent for Superior room at RM161 or Rp460,000 (Internet Rate is Rp495,000 while retail rate is Rp7xx,000). After refreshing ourselve, we headed to Rumah Moda (which to me is a benchmark of Bandung FO). “Attacked” Rumah Moda till 9pm and refreshed ourselves with Kopi durian at BlueMonster outlet in front of the entrance. It was raining heavily but their customer service over there was superb. They have their staff to carry umbrella and escorted the customers all the way to their car. Compared to last year when I went there, I noticed that this time around, there were more and varity of branded items that suits our taste. Purchased few Marks %26amp; Spensers, American Eagles, Versaces %26amp; Hugos. Got back to the hotel and proceed directly to our room to sleep as we are too damn tired.
Day - Monday, 7 April 2008
We not hiring any driver for today as we intend to check nearby FOs along the Jl Riau/Mardinata. Have a nice breakfast at the hotel, with variety of local and continental dishes. Made our move towards to FOs (which is about 100m from Grand Serela). As it was still early, most of the FO yet to open. Went to Branded FO (in fact we are the 1st customer), and spend about an hour shopping. Finally came out carrying few bags of items (mostly Burberry, Tommy, Armani, Guess %26amp; Osh Kosh). Next we crossed the road to Terminal Tas. A lot of branded handbag like Channel %26amp; Gucci, but the prices were out of our “FO price” range (although they were extremely cheaper compared to KL). Went through their sale/discount section and few items seemed attracting us. However, we decided to hold on 1st as many FOs yet to be explored. Next, we crossed the road again to Summit. Get few T-shirts of Nike %26amp; Versace brand. Refresh ourselves with Sorso, the famous bottled ice tea and then charged into Heritage. Quite disappointed with Heritage this time as I did remembered grabbing few Manchester United Nike original jerseys last year. This time around, none could be found. Most of the stuff were too outdated by design. As it was raining outside, we decided to check the new Heritage next door. Bought Moritz’s full leather sandal at Rp900,000 (70% disc). Once the rain stop, we went to next door Dakken Café, a bungalow style cafe serving continental and local food. Our menu; Bali Beef Tenderloin steak, Nasi Goreng special, Hainan Chicken Rice, Nachos, Pisang Molen, Herbal Tea %26amp; Kopi Durian, cost us about Rp120,000 (RM42). Wow what a bargain considering the size of their meal and how delicious and tender the steak was. After lunch, on the way back to hotel, we dropped by Stamp FO. Bought nothing as most of the stuff were more toward urban young group (although we did have 2 Rp50000 vouchers with us). Once in our room, my kids were too tired and they just want to sleep. I refreshed myself and decided to explore Jl Riau/Mardinata on my own. Checked out Formen, Ranariri and Oasis. Purchase Armani executive jacket at Rp180,000 (which I missed out on my last Bandung trip) and a belt (Rp 79000) at Oasis. Proceeded towards the Jl Dago/Jl Riau junction and reached Merdeka Outlet (opposite Bandung Indah Plaza). I really enjoyed my time here as this outlet carried variety of men apparels. Among the items that I bought were Mark %26amp; Spenser casual, Dockers and Tommy Hillfiger. It’s raining again and decided to wait for a while. While waiting I could not resisted the temptation of the display items and ended up getting few more T-shirts. As the rain seemed not stopping and no cab can be catched, I decided to brave the rain and walk back. Upon reaching the Riau Junction Mall, I bought an umbrella as my shirt and pant were now soaking. Still no free cab around and I have to endure walking at the road side that full of muddy water (typical during rainy day). Finally managed to get a cab and as I am now shivering cold, I just informed him to quickly get me back to the hotel. No meter was used and upon reaching the hotel, the driver quote me for Rp50,000 for the short ride. Looking straight into his eyes, I argued that that Rp50,00 for that short ride was ridiculous. Finally, we settled for Rp10,000 (minimum charges according to him). Walked up to the room and have a nice shower.
Day 3 – 8 April 2008
The driver picked us at 9 am as promised and upon our request he brought us to Bale Anak, a special FO for kids. Nice FO with 2/3 attached houses in one compound. They also have a big playground (chargeable though) that will make your kids busy when you were shopping. Bought some stuff for my kids, nephews %26amp; nieces. Then we checked out another outlet 100m down the road but none suit our taste. Moving around during the peak hours was not an problem as my driver familiar with a lot of “lorong tikus” to bypass them.
We dropped by Kartika Sari for some kuih lapis, krepek and traditional cookies. I realized that the prices were quite expensive compared to Bandung standard. It’s raining heavily again, and we just went to nearby Episode and Grande FO to shop for clothes and wallets. End up spending almost Rp800,000 in these 2 outlets, before proceeding to lunch. At first we want to go to Kampung Daun, but upon the driver advice (certain road were flooded) and considering that we have few more outlets to explore, we settled for Sambrasa, a Sunda restaurant somewhere near the area. Nice ambient environment packed with mostly local and Jakartan. Inside the restaurant there was a corner full of dishes spreading from one corner to another. Most of the dishes were half-cooked and preserve with spices/bumbu. We just informed the attendant our table number, and selected the dishes we want and how they should be cooked (grilled, fried, etc). I was spoilt for choice and have to rely on my driver to select them as most of the dishes were unfamiliar to me. Among the dishes we had were Gurame Bakar Kichap, Ayam Kampung (made, pop, kemeri), pegedil, cumil (squid) etc. End up paying Rp250,000. It wasn’t that cheap but totally reasonable considering the amount that we ordered. Surprisingly my kids seems to be quite fit this time (maybe after charging up with ayam kampong at Sambrasa :)). As such, we just continued to Amanda Brownies new outlet at Jl Dago and purchased about 10 boxes of brownies to bring home ( a must ole-ole for your friend and relative if you are visiting Bandung in my opinion). Compared to Kartika Sari, Amanda’s were cheaper and tastier (again, in my opinion). We checked nearby Level FO where I finally found the Man United jersey, but they not have my size. There’s goes my dream of wearing the MU jersey with the big AIG logo in front. Finally, I settled for non-Nike Man United t-shirt instead (the only one with available size). At the same FO, we bought 2 Burberry jeans at Rp175000/pc. Upon exiting Level, we sighted the Edward Forrer FO across the road and decided to check it out. Got a nice leather utility bag for my teen daughter at Rp80,000. They currently running a promotion at 30% discount for early bird (before 10am) and late shopper (after 8pm) but we missed it (anyway what I am getting is already so cheap). As time was already at 7pm, we decided to forego Victoria FO (another popular FO) and straight to Rumah Moda again for our final shopping. I decided to just let my wife do the shopping, while I and my kids having drinks at the BlueMonster stall. Yes, the ice blended Kopi Durian again (I think by this time we have addicted to this drink). We off to hotel around 9pm. Pay the driver for our 3rd day rental at Rp450,000.
That’s the end of our shopping spree :(
Day 4 – 9 April 2008
Make use of the hotel free airport shuttle service (as no more money left except for the airport tax). Everyone in my family was now flashing their Armani, Burberry, Nike and Hugo apparel.
Reach LCCT at 1340 and we slowly sneak the Malaysian custom lanes before exiting :).
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Below are some of my opinion that I will like to share for those who are planning for Bandung trip. Use them only for your reference as I am not local and expert (like Bandung Man) and please do not blame me if anything did not come out as what I said.
Tour agent/ driver/car rental
- Select the one you really comfortable. Do not care much about the price difference (did not vary much anyway). Quality service is the most important.
- Do not simply take agent/driver that publicly posting their phone numbers/name in the forum. Frankly, I did not believe them. Ask other forummers that you are familiar with. If you read between the lines of some posting, you will realize that some agent do disguise as a traveler/forummer in the forum.
- A reasonable “all-in” car rental (incl gas, supir) will be around Rp400,000 to Rp500,000 per day. Additional charges may applied for Jakarta and outskirt Bandung trip. By taking lower rate, you may compromise the quality. Higher rate means you are ripped-off.
- If you are adventure enough, you can try angkot (local minivan) for a short distance.
- Take blue taxi if you really need one. Most of them use meter. If they did not, be prepared to counter their quoted rate (like what I did).
Hotel
- Try to find hotel near FO outlets. This will save you 1/2 day of car rental.
- 2* hotel/motel near FOs is not that bad as what few of the forummers comment. Save your money on hotel and use it for more shopping. Among the hotel that can be considered are Royal Dago and Patra Jasa at Upper Dago, Utari (Lower Dago), Bumi Aseh (Jl Riau). To me these hotels are value for money. I did stay at Royal Dago last year and except for the facilities and environment (which I care less), the room is about the same as Grand Serela. Anyway you are leaving hotel early morning and back late night. So why need a hotel room like a palace?
- If you willing to pay slightly higher, go for Grand Serela at Jl Riau or New Sanny Rosa near Rumah Moda. For those who willing to fork out more than Rp600,00 per night, Guellis boutique hotel is the strategic choice as it is located within the popular FOs like Episode, Grande, Victoria and Blossom.
Moving around
- Get a driver to move you around as FOs are spread all over Bandung. It is not like Bukit Bintang, KL where all are in one place. Few are located in one area where else other are located in other areas. Most of the outlets are old bungalow lot converted into shop houses (to Malaysian: they are similar to Jalan Maarof, Bangsar)
- Avoid bringing small kids for shopping spree. Their walkways are not pedestrian friendly. Your path will be blocked by these mobile carts/stalls, a big tree and holes. Stroller is not advisable as ramp did not exist when crossing a compound entrance. Even all FOs do not have a ramp.
- Avoid going there during rainy season like now. It is really a nightmare walking along the walkway with muddy water.
Shopping
- Once you find an item that meet your taste and price range, grab it. You do not have plenty of time to do shop around for comparison. And you may also not finding it in other FOs.
- Be careful, I still believe that few FOs sell fake item too. Do not think much about the brand, but go for the material quality instead.
- Tip for identifying original product (may not be true) is to look at the label area, which is normally torn off or darkened to hide the identity. Also look around for few marks of QC failure (ref arrow, label, etc) on the item itself.
- Do not expect latest design as most of the items sold in the outlets are export surplus, QC reject or return stock.
- Don%26#39;t waste your time shopping at their mall, the items are almost the same price as KL.
Lenghty Bandung Shopping Trip report 6-9April 2008
what a super report !
%26lt;applause%26gt;
Lenghty Bandung Shopping Trip report 6-9April 2008
i gonna plan my first visit to bandung and jakarta and we will be arriving at Jakarta airport
Few questions for you
how to get discounted rate through local agent for Superior room at RM161 or Rp460,000 (Internet Rate is Rp495,000 while retail rate is Rp7xx,000?
Can i have the number of the driver that you normally deal with?
Malay flyer,
Please check your message. I have provide you the info you need.
Hope you will enjoy your Bandung trip.
Thanks Bandung Man,
It was so memorable trip until I did not realized that I have scribbled to than extent. Anyway, you are to me, the best advisor and expert on this Bandung forum and your postings are my main source of references for the Bandung trip.
sdin,
tq for your precise report. i%26#39;m going next week. headache with hotel coz most of them that i%26#39;ve contacted is fully book.
but i will really utilised the info for my trip.
tq again
Very very good report indeed.
Save it in my favorite. Thks again!
I%26#39;d like to know the same, with Malay Flyer:-
- Could I have the contact for Hotel?
- Also the contact number for your supir?
Thanks so much.
nadfleur@gmail.com
BTW, campur tolak semua, how much you spent for shopping @ Bandung ONLY?
ShaSbcr,
Flight ticket for 4 LCCT-Jkt %26amp; Bdg-LCCT = RM970
Accomodation (superior room) = RM 480 (incl free Bandung airport transfer)
Car rental (day1%26amp;3) = RM 420
Meals = RM200
Bandung airport tax for 4 = RM84
Car park at LCCT for 3 days = RM126
Shooping = RM1000 (26kg ';catch';. That the weight diffrence of our luggage during check in at LCCT and Bandung airport.
Most of the shirt sold at factory outlet (whatever brand you can imagine Versace, Armani, Mark %26amp; Spenser, Hugo, burberry, Nike, etc) are within RM25 to RM40. Jeans and Jacket will cost about RM40 to RM 100. Trust me hard to find any apparrel that cost more than RM100. Handbags and shoes price may varies. But it still within RM50 to RM150 range.
sdin.. I%26#39;m going to bandung this sunday (20april)
Thankx for your report.. a good one indeed!!
anyway, can i get the number of your cab driver?
and also, how can i get the discounted prize of the hotel??
can you suggest a really good bargain hotel to stay and in town area..
thanks..
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