is a city in West Java, Indonesia. Bandung is a highland city (altitude 768m) knowns for its many universities, textile industry and many roadside cafes. Called Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch, its high altitude location makes the weather pleasantly cool. Bandung has been nicknamed kota kembang, literally meaning the flower city, since the colonial era. However this nickname is a misinterpreted by many, as the flower actually refers to females, because of the city's reputation for having beautiful girls. The food in Bandung is also well known for its wide varieties and taste. Many tourists from Jakarta visit Bandung during weekends and national holidays, when it can get quite crowded.

The head of government in the city of Bandung is a major ("walikota"). The city has 26 districts.

'Bandung Regency"/"Kabupaten Bandung" is the suburbs of Bandung. The head of government in Bandung Regency is a regent ("Bupati"). There are 45 districts in Bandung Regency.

Bandung's population in 2005 is 2,771,138 people. The area is 168 square kilometres and the population density is 16,494 people/sq. km.
Map of Bandung.


Understand
Gedung Sate in 1950, a landmark of Bandung since 1930.
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Gedung Sate in 1950, a landmark of Bandung since 1930.

Although the oldest reference to the city dates back to 1488 [2], there are numerous archaeological findings of Australopithecus or Java Man that had lived in the banks of Cikapundung river and at the shore of The Great Lake of Bandung. In the 17th-18th century, the Dutch East Indies company (VOC), ruler of the Dutch East Indies colonies made small plantation area in the fertile and prosperous Bandung area. A road between Batavia, former name of Jakarta, to Bandung was built in 1786.

In 1809, Louis Napoleon, the ruler of the Netherlands and its colonies, ordered the Dutch Indies Governor H.W. Daendels to increase the defense system of Java island against British from the Malaysian peninsula. Daendels built the great post road, stretch about 1000km from the west coast to the east cost of Java. Since the northern part of West Java at that time was only swamp and marsh, the road was diverted through Bandung. The Great Postweg (now Jalan Asia-Afrika) was built in Bandung and because Bandung lowland, that is surrounded by mountains, is strategically advantegous for military defense, Daendels ordered the capital to move from Batavia to Bandung.

Military barracks were built and Bupati Wiranatakusumah II, the chief administrator of that area, built his dalem (palace), Masjid Agung (the grand mosque) and pendopo (meeting place) in the usual orientation of classical alun-alun (city square) orientation near a pair of holy city wells (Sumur Bandung). The pendopo has an interesting position that faces mystical Tangkuban Perahu mountain. Now, alun-alun has changed dramatically into a major shopping center area.

By the influence of major plantations (cinchona or kina, grown for its malaria-treating quinine, as well as tea and coffee) in the highland areas surrounding Bandung in the 19th century, Bandung has developed itself into an exclusive European resort style with hotels, cafes and shops. The Preanger Hotel and Savoy Homann are the two major art-deco style hotels. Jalan Braga was famous with European exclusive shops and cafes and became the famous promenade street in Bandung. The Concordia Society, now Gedung Merdeka, was built with a large ball room as a club for rich Europeans at the weekends.
Pasopati bridge flyover, a new landmark of Bandung.
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Pasopati bridge flyover, a new landmark of Bandung.
In 1880, the first major railroad between Jakarta to Bandung was developed. It gave a high boost of light industry in Bandung. Chinese who had never lived in that area before flocked in to help run the facilities, services and vendor machines. Small old chinatown district in Bandung can still be recognized in the vicinity of the railroad station.

"Technische Hogeschool" (TH) was established on July 3, 1920. One of the alumni of TH is Ir. Soekarno, who became the first president of Indonesia. Later TH was renamed as "Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)".

In 1942, after Japanese soldiers landed in coastal areas of Java, Dutch retreated from Jakarta to Bandung. Because of bombing by Japanese planes, Dutch retreated to Subang and Bandung was declared an open city. Finally Dutch surrender to Japan at Kalijati airport (Subang) on March 8, 1942.

On March 24, 1946, during the struggle for Indonesian Independence, the city of Bandung was burned down by its own residence ("Bandung Lautan Api"). More than 200 thousand people left the city. The famous "Halo halo Bandung" song is inspired by this heroic event.

In 1955, "Asia Pacific Summit" ("Konperensi Asia Afrika") was held in Bandung. The meeting was a preparation for the establishment of "Non Alignment movement" on September 1961.

From 1955 to 1959, Indonesian parliament was moved to Bandung. In 1966, the parliament moved back to Jakarta.

Now, Bandung has growth more than its city core with the Bandung Raya plan. Traffic in Bandung is infamous with its complex, congested and chaotic nature. The city core is practically uprooted, old faces are torn down, lot sizes regrouped, and what was idyllic residence is now bustling chain supermarkets and rich banks. However, Bandung still has its charm to attract people, esp. from Jakarta, to come during the weekends. From various and unique food to eat while watching the cityview from the hillside to the hip youngsters pack in the major Jalan Dago area during the Saturday night fiesta, Bandung becomes the major tourist destination in Indonesia.
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Get in
Map of Bandung in detail.
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Map of Bandung in detail.

Bandung is not a major hub city. The easiest way to go to Bandung is via Jakarta, the Indonesian capital. Unlike most cities in Indonesia that lie on the sea shore, Bandung is practically a basin in the middle of the island, surrounded by a ring of mountains. However, getting to Bandung is easy and it can be quite a rewarding experience to see the beautiful view of Parahyangan mountains.
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By plane

Though it is the fastest way to go to Bandung, it is not always the most convenient way. Since the Bandung valley is really surrounded by mountains, landing and take-off from the small and only airport, Hussein Sastranegara (BDO), is quite challenging for most pilots. In bad weather it is sometimes difficult to make landing or take-off. Also because of this unique area, the airport can only serve medium sized airplanes (up to 40 passengers). There is an airforce base next to the airport. The airport is also used by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI), an airplane manufacturer. If you charter helicopters or small planes from Jakarta, you can request (in advance) permission to land at Hussein Sastranegara airport. Hussein Sastranegara airport is located at the end of Pajajaran Street, 4 km from the centre of the city. A taxi costs approximately $US1. Use the safe "Airforce Cooperative" taxi from Hussein Sastranegara Airport to the hotels/centre of the city (fixed price). Most hotels provide free airport transfer service. Tell them your flight number, time and date of arrival.

Some airlines serving Bandung:

* Air Asia - operates daily flights from Kuala Lumpur (no-frill airline)
* Merpati - Balikpapan, Batam, Denpasar, Jakarta (Halim), Palembang, Surabaya, Tarakan, Ujung Pandang, and internationally Singapore
* Deraya Air Service: daily flights from Jakarta (Halim Perdanakusuma airport) to Bandung.

By car

Bandung is two hours away from Jakarta by car, thanks to the new Cipularang Toll road that completes the inter-city highway between Jakarta and Bandung. It is now faster to travel to Bandung by car than by train from Jakarta.

Transportation companies:

* Silver Bird Van, (Blue Bird Group), Jl. Mampang Prapatan Raya 60, South Jakarta. Tel.: (62)(21) 798 1234. Price: Rp750.000, plus toll fee Rp40.000.
* 4848. Jl Prapatan 34, Jakarta 10410. Tel.: (62)(21) 381 4488, (62)(21) 386 4848. The service is great, reliable and safe. Price: approx. US$ 25/car (4 persons).
* X-Trans, Jl. Blora 1 AB, Central Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 315 0555. Price: approx. US$ 55/car (10 persons).

During rainy season, parts of Cipularang Toll road may be closed because of landslides. On weekend, traffic jam occured near the toll gates in Djunjunan / terusan Pasteur area (Bandung).

One alternative route is by the slower, but enjoyable, route from Jakarta - Puncak - Cianjur - Bandung. If you travel by car using this route, then make sure to stop at the Puncak Pass, the tip of the highland just on the outskirts of Jakarta. From here, the view of tea plantation with fresh air can be enjoyed. There are plenty of good restaurants and hotels out there.

There is also a beautiful safari park/zoo in Puncak: Taman Safari Indonesia, Jl. Raya Puncak No.601, Cisarua, Bogor 16750. Tel.: (62)(251) 250 000, Fax.: (62)(251) 250 555. Website: Taman Safari.
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By bus

Bus services connect Bandung and smaller surrounding cities. Several long-route buses are also available from major big cities. The most convenient way is the air-conditioned bus with the express or non-stop tag. The main bus terminals in Bandung are Leuwipanjang, serving buses from the west (Bogor, Jakarta, etc.) and Cicaheum, serving buses from the east (Cirebon and eastern Java cities).

There is a Primajasa shuttle bus service from Soekarno Hatta International airport to Bandung Super Mall (Jl. Gatot Soebroto 289). The trip will take approx. 3 hours and the cost is approx. US$ 6.50/person. Schedule: once every hour from 08.00 AM to 09.00 PM. PT Primajasa Perdayana Utama. Jl Mayjen Sutoyo 32, Jakarta 13630. Tel.: (62)(21) 8009545. Jl Soekarno Hatta Psr Caringin 62. Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22)6073992.
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By train

PT Kereta Api Indonesia , a state-owned company, is the only company who manages railways and train services in Indonesia. The scenery between Jakarta and Bandung is beautiful. The railroad passes mountains and padi terraces. Don't miss this view when traveling by train. Use the AC (air-conditioned) coach if you cannot cope with the tropical heat. Most hotels in Bandung provide free transportation from train station to the hotel. Tell them about the schedule.
Train services Train names Routes Coaches Duration Price Frequency
Argo Gede Gambir (Jakarta) - Bandung EKS 2h45m Rp. 75,000 7 (M-F), 9 (Su/Sa)
Parahyangan Gambir (Jakarta) - Bandung EKS & BIS 3h10m Rp. 65,000 & Rp 45,000 9 (M-F), 11 (Su/Sa)
Argo Wilis Surabaya - Bandung EKS 13h Rp. 200,000 1
Turangga Surabaya - Bandung EKS 12h30m Rp. 180,000 1
Mutiara Selatan Surabaya - Bandung BIS 12h40m Rp. 120,000 1
Harina Semarang - Bandung EKS 7h10m Rp. 120,000 1
Lodaya Malam Solo - Bandung EKS & BIS 16h Rp. 130,000 & Rp. 80,000 1 (night)
Lodaya Pagi Solo - Bandung EKS & BIS 15h Rp. 150,000 & Rp. 90,000 1 (daytime)

1. EKS = eksekutif (AC), BIS = bisnis (non-AC)
2. Duration is total duration from end to end station.

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Get around

Some tips on using angkot:

* There is no uniform color, but each route has the same color, even the same model of minibus.
* Usually an angkot is a modified ordinary minibus. The 10 seat minibus becomes 18 seats. This is possible by lining passengers side by side. It might be a bit awkward for the first-time users.
* Don't be nervous about touching other passengers,; the cramped seating often makes it unavoidable.
* To stop, just shout 'kiri !!' (pron: kee-ree), translated left in English. It is a request for the driver to pull aside to the left.
* Payment is by direct cash only, but preferably in small denominations. An average single trip fare costs Rp2.000 ~ Rp5.000
* The door is typically removed, so don't be scared if it is missing.

Request an angkot to stop.
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Request an angkot to stop.

Travelling around in Bandung is quite complex and frustrating, especially to newcomers. There is no mass rapid transit system, metro nor tram in Bandung. Locals travel using small public minibuses, known as angkot from angkutan=transport and kota=city.
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By angkot

This city transport has only origin and destination names on top. Sometimes with via description if there are more than one angkot route for a certain origin-destination route. There is no route description anywhere. For locals, it is somewhat amazing that they only memorize where and how the route of each angkot route.

Although there is an official price for angkot from organda (the local organization of these private city transport), sometimes price is based on how far you travel. It's better that you ask the driver or kernet (driver assistance) about the price to go to a location. To ask for an angkot to stop, just raise your hand and they will stop. When you're inside and want to stop, just ask the kernet to stop. Occasionally there is a bell that you can press to stop.

The official angkot routes are listed here [3].
By taxi

If you don't know which angkot routes to take, then you can take a taxi. Taxis use meters, officially, but some taxi drivers may refuse to use meters and will charge you a fixed price instead. Even metered cabbies may take you the long way to get more money. So be careful when travelling by taxi. The best taxi in Bandung is Blue Bird.

List of taxi companies in Bandung:

* 4848, Jl Suniaraja Tmr 39, Bndung 40111. Tel.: (62)(22) 4234848. Reliable, good service on Bandung to Jakarta route.

* Bandung Raya, Jl Dr Setiabudi 177, Bandung 40153. Tel.: (62)(22) 201 4018.

* Blue Bird, Jl Ters Buah Batu 194, Bandung 40286, Tel.: (62)(22) 7561234. Good reputation and reliable.

* Centris Taxi, Jl Soekarno Hatta 606-A, Bandung 40235. Tel.: (62)(22) 7512100. Branch of Centris Taxi company in Jakarta.

* Gemah Ripah, Tel.: (62)(22) 4217070. Second choice after Blue Bird.

* Kota Kembang, Jl Kiaracondong 338, Bandung 40275. Tel.: (62)(22) 7312312.

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By bus

There are also some bus lines, but they don't cover the whole city. City buses usually cover long routes across the city from end-to-end; for example, from the north to the south and from the west to the east. The city bus is called DAMRI.
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By car

Using your own car or renting a car is probabably the easiest and the most convenient way to travel around Bandung and surrounds. If you don't have a valid driving licence, then you can also rent a car with a chauffeur, which is very common for western travellers. Perhaps it is even better to rent a car from Jakarta. You can stop for one night in Puncak, Bogor or Sukabumi.

World-wide Car Rental companies are now available in major cities in Indonesia:

* EuropCar Rental in Bandung (also in Jakarta and Semarang)
Location: Bandung Airport (Hussein Sastranegara Airport). Tel: +62 (22) 6015871

For Local Car Rental in Bandung:

* TotalCarRental Tel: +62 (22) 8252 0044

* Cipaganti, Jl Cipaganti 84, Bandung 40131. Tel.: (62)(22) 2034376. Good, reliable service.

* Dirgantara, Jl Lamping 7, Bandung 40131. Tel.: (62)(22) 2035050.

* Lysan, Kompl Mitra Dago Parahyangan Bl I/11, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 7217070.

Note that traffic in Bandung is so complex and the city administration likes to make experiments about the traffic. There are lack of traffic signs and directions. Most major roads are one-way, which makes it difficult to turn around if you are lost. Becareful to enter a street that it might be a one-way street from the opposite direction and there is no no-entry sign. Then, there is a police hiding somewhere and at once he will pop up instantly to stop you, which finally you will have to pay him some money.

See
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Architectural Jewels

In the late 18th and early 19th century, as locals called it the bandoeng tempoe doeloe (old Bandung) era, there were many buildings built with an art-deco style. The city that had served as a weekend resort for European richmen has made these type of buildings possible. Unfortunately the city administration has a tendency to create a modern look of the city with suspension bridge, banks, malls and commercial areas, instead of preserving old historical buildings. The non-profit organization Bandung Heritage Society has been formed recently to save these jewels forever.

Who is C.P.W. Schoemaker?

Born in Ambarawa (Central Java) in 1882, Schoemaker has been renowned as the father of Bandung Art-Deco architectural style. He is famous for blending modern European architecture, but closely related to the tropical surroundings. This blending of ancient decorative elements and modern architectural features has made him the best Indonesian architect at that time. He later became a professor at the Institute Technology Bandung. Among of his student is ir. Soekarno, the first president of the Republic of Indonesia. He died in 1949 in the city that he loved and buried at the Pandu cemetery, Bandung.

When visiting Bandung, don't forget to visit his residence at Jl. Sawunggaling 2, where its heroic renovation has been awarded by UNESCO.

His artworks include: Gedung Merdeka, Villa Isola, facade of the Grand Preanger Hotel, Cipaganti mosque, Cathedral at Jl. Merdeka, Church at Jl. Wastukencana, the Majestic theater, Gedung PLN, Landmark building at Jl. Braga, etc.

Make sure you see these buildings before they're gone.

* Villa Isola, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi 229.
Architect: C.P.W. Schoemaker. Built in 1932 for an Italian millioner D.W. Berretty as a villa. It lies in the northern part of Bandung, overlooking the city to south and the Tangkuban Perahu mountain to the north. Villa Isola and its 2 gardens have a magnificent design by its architect, combining the unique landscape and the Indo-European architectural style. This monumental art was later used for a hotel, named Hotel de Luxe. Now it serves as UPI's (University of Education Indonesia) headmastership building.
* Gedung Merdeka, Jl. Asia-Afrika 65 (near alun-alun or city square).
Architect: Van Gallen Last and C.P.W Schoemaker. Built in 1895 for a club house for rich people, named the Concordia Society. In 1955, this building was famous as the first Asian-African conference venue. Now it is a museum for that conference.
* Savoy Homann Hotel, Jl. Asia-Afrika 112, (+62)-22-4232244. it was built in 1880, renovated in 1938 by a Dutch architect A.F. Aabers with an art-deco style as it is seen today. It still serves a hotel until now. The King and Queen of Siam, The Prince and Queen of Belgium, The Governor General of Indo-China, The Duchess of Westminster and even Charles Chaplin had stayed there three times. You can also still stay in this hotel and enjoying the old colonial time.
* Grand Hotel Preanger, Jl. Asia-Afrika 81.
It has two sides: the old facade and the modern wing side. The old facade has an interesting story, as C.P.W. Schoemaker designed the art-deco style that is blended with local culture. It was a controversial issue at that time, but that gives a unique style.

Gedung Sate, Bandung.
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Gedung Sate, Bandung.

* Gedung Sate, Jl. Diponegoro.
Architect: J. Gerber, built in 1921. It was used as the head of the Dutch Indies Government Companies. The roof has a decoration of a popular satay food as now it is famous for the name, though it was not meant to be like that. In fact, it is a 6 ornaments, symbolizing 6 million guldens, the cost of the building. Now, the complex is the office of West Java governor and the local provincial house of representatives. Interesingly, this building mixes different architectural styles: Spanish moorish style for the windows, Italian reinaissance for the overal building, and between Balinese pura & Thai's pagoda for the roof. The facade faces directly to the Mt. Tangkubanperahu. The building is open for public, and at the end of the journey inside, you can sip a nice hot bajigur drink while watching the city view from the top floor.
* Cipaganti Mosque, Jl. Cipaganti.
Architect: C.P.W. Schoemaker, built in 1933. It was the only mosque that was built in the European residential area in the northern part of Bandung. The central facade still has the original design, but the mosque has been expanded to both of its side.
* ITB West and East Hall (Aula Barat & Timur ITB), Jl. Ganesha 10.
ITB is Institute Technology Bandung, the oldest institute of technology in Indonesia. It was built in 1918 by the architect Maclaine Pont. The most prominent Dutch East Indian architecture is the West and East Hall of this insitute, where a West Sumatran style of architecture was used.

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Art & Science

Bandung has been the melting point between the local Sundanese culture with the high-end technology developed at the Institute Technology Bandung. There are some interesting places to visit:

* Saung Angklung Udjo [4]. Angklung is a traditional South-East Asian musical instrument, made by bamboo. Udjo Nalagena, a famous angklung artist, created an Angklung House in the outskirt of Bandung, where angklung is made, learned and played. You can enjoy an angklung orchestra played by 12 year old or less children or even be a part of this orchestra, holding one of the angklung instrument. The place is in the middle of padi terrace and bamboo field, a perfect location to feel the relaxness of a small village. It is one of the famous travel destination among westerners and is highly recommended.
Location: Jl. Padasuka 118, around 7km from Bandung.
How to get there: The easiest way is to rent a car to go there or ask your travel agent if there is a program to visit this place.
* Bosscha Observatorium [5], built in 1923 by Nederlandsch-Indische Sterrekundige Vereeniging (Assoc. of Dutch-Indies Astronomers) is the only observatorium in Indonesia. It lies in Lembang, a small suburb city in the northern part of Bandung. It is now part of the Dept. of Astronomy, Institute Technology Bandung.
Location: Jl. Peneropongan Bintang, Lembang 40391. Tel: (+62) 22-2786001. E-mail: administration[at]as.itb.ac.id
To visit there, ask the department administration first for a reservation. Some visiting notes:
o Reservation must be made 1 month before.
o Bosscha is closed on national holidays, Sunday and Monday.
o Day visit at 9:00, 12:00 (except Friday at 13:00) and 15:00.
o Public night (17:00-19:30), between April-October, with some presentations and demos. Ask there for a specific date as this public night is open at the 7th & 8th of the lunar month.
o Special visit can be arranged and subject to their avaibility.

Bandung Geological Museum.
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Bandung Geological Museum.

* Geological Museum, houses 250.000 rocks and mineral collection, and 60.000 fossils. There are 3 major rooms in the museums: the geology of Indonesia, the history of life and the geology of human life. The building itself has an art-deco style, built in 1928 by a Dutch architect Wnalda van Scholtwenburg.
Location: Jl. Diponegoro 57, Bandung. (near Gedung Sate complex). Tel: (+62)-22-7203205.
Visiting time: every day 09:00-15:00 except Friday.

Do

There are many activities that you can do in the city or outside the city. As Bandung highland is surrounded by a string of mountains, activities in the outskirt of the city are mainly mountain resorts, adventures and outdoor sports. In the city, you can have culinary activities (see the Eat section) as there are so many food varieties, shoppings with many clothing outlets and distros (see the Buy section) or just hanging around.

* Saturday Night at Jalan Dago. Every saturday night, teenagers and youngsters are hanging around at Jalan Dago. The street stretches from Holiday Inn Hotel in the south and a few blocks to the north until Simpang Dago. The street is crowded with modified cars with loud music. Don't bring your own car if you don't want to get stuck in a traffic jam. Just walk and watch these hip-hop youngsters. There are some cafes and chic restaurants in the street that you can sit in. Don't forget to buy some grilled sweet or hot-chili corn that is sold at the street stalls. The party usually lasts until midnight.
* Sunday Morning at Gasibu Park. After having a party on saturday night, wake up very early in the morning around 5-7am. Go to Gasibu park at the front of the Gedung Sate complex and wear your sportswear. At the park, you can go jogging and do some stretching, and after you finish, food stalls are already waiting for you with a lot of food varieties. My favourites are dim sum ceker (a chicken foot cooked like a dim sum) and nasi liwet (a rice cooked with coconut milk and served with chicken and other vegetables). Very yummy. In the walking distance, there is a famous yoghurt drink cafe with a nice and relaxing setting at Jl Cisangkuy.
* Lembang trip. A trip to the north of Bandung cannot be missed. Rent a car and start to go at the very early in the morning to Lembang, an uphill resort city.
o On the way to Lembang, you can make a sidetrip to Bosscha, the only observatorium in Indonesia. Please make sure you have made a reservation and take a note on its opening hours.
o Continue your journey to Lembang and stop at one of the food stall that sells fresh milk. You can drink fresh milk with many flavours. The milk is really fresh.
o Go to the Mt. Tangkuban Perahu. Go circling around Kawah Ratu (Queen's crater) to see the volcanic activity closely. There are other craters: Kawah Upas and Kawah Domas. Beware of the tourist hawkers who sell many things at unreasonably expensive prices.
o Continue the journey to Sari Ater, a hot water spring complex. On the way, there is a good Sundanese restaurant, named Sindang Reret, that you can stop by for your lunch.
o Sari Ater is a resort with natural hot water spring pools, some recreation parks and healthy spas. Stay overnight and have a good dinner at their restaurant.
o On the way back to Bandung, take a stop at a street food stall and have some grilled 'sweet corns or grilled ketan (sticky rice) while enjoying the view of the tea plantation.

Outdoor Activities

* Alun-alun Bandung or city square. Alun-alun is the classical central core of the democratic city in Indonesia, since the 15th century. It is typically a square of grass field with 4 sides are the city major residence, pendopo (a place to meet between citizens and the government), a mosque and a prison. The grand mosque is still visible, though it has been renovated 7 times. Now, it has undergone a major renovation and expansion with two 81 m high minarets and a Taj Mahal interior design. The pendopo is also still there, behind a high wall. The prison has been transformed into a mall with one block is preserved as a museum, a cell block where Soekarno, the first president of Indonesia, spent some time in there. The major transition is that now alun-alun serves as an entertainment park, where shopping mall buildings are surrounding the square.
* Bandung Zoo, built in 1930.
Location: Jalan Kebun Binatang No. 6 Bandung 40132. Tel: (+62)-22-2502770.

Mt. Tangkuban Perahu.
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Mt. Tangkuban Perahu.
Tangkuban Perahu main crater
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Tangkuban Perahu main crater
Tracking in Tangkuban Perahu area
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Tracking in Tangkuban Perahu area

* Mt. Tangkuban Perahu. You can see it at almost anywhere in Bandung, but it is not complete before you see its crater. If you're in Bandung, take a look at the north side and find an unusual shape of mountain. Tangkuban = flipped and perahu = boat mean the shape of the mountain looks like a flipped boat. It's still an active volcanic mountain. The crater is reachable by car, though it is fun to do hiking to the top by foot from Lembang. Its elevation is 2084 m above the sea level and the path from Lembang is not too steep. At the crater, it is a touristic spot. You can smell the sulfur, watch the hot water springs very closely or even buy a boiled egg from the hot surface.
Location: northern side of Bandung, the closest city is Lembang.
Angkot route: St. Hall-Lembang.
* Juanda Forest Park or Dago Pakar. The official name is Taman Hutan Raya ir. H. Juanda. It is a forest park, serves as a water reservoir for the city. There are some interesting parks for children or to have a picnic there. There are also some old WW II caves during the Japanese era. Some people walk through the forest to reach Maribaya park in Lembang.
Location: at the end of Jalan Dago.
Angkot routes: Abd. Muis-Dago and followed by walking or take a ride by motorcycle.
* Punclut-Lembang Hiking trail. Started from Punclut, Jalan Kiputih, North Bandung.

Buy

Fashion shopping and its accesories is the main reason for many weekend travellers from Jakarta, because those items are expensive in Jakarta. Starting with denim (jeans) stores along Jln. Cihampelas in the 90s with unique facades to attract people, fashion stores grow rapidly into sisa exports (rejected export products), then factory outlets, now with the new trend is the distro (distribution outlets). Don't expect luxury labels, because you can find them in Jakarta.
Local Handicraft and Souvenirs

* Wayang Golek is a Sundanese puppet show. Unlike Javanese wayang puppet, wayang golek is made from wood. Find wayang golek at Galeri Cupumanik, Jl. Haji Umar.
* Angklung is a Sundanese ethnical music instrument (see at See section).
* Leather handicraft, that includes shoes, bags and other accessories. A well-known local shoe handicrafts are centered in Cibaduyut area. The Elizabeth bag maker is famous and it is located at Jl. Otto Iskandar Dinata 520, Tel. (+62)-022-5201125.
* Jean street, which is Jl. Cihampelas. A lot of denim shops decorated with funky designs. Do not be surprised to see giant models of Superman, Goku, Rambo and others, standing guard over the shops.

Shopping Malls

* Alun-alun/Centre of the city. In the alun-alun area there are many shopping malls, but they are rather old.

* Cihampelas Walk (Ciwalk), Jl. Cihampelas. Website: Cihampelas Walk. Shopping, dining and hanging out in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.

* Bandung Electronic Center (BEC), Jl. Purnawarman 13-15. Specializing in computers and cellphone.

* Bandung Indah Plaza (BIP), Jl. Merdeka 56. Food court, cinema.

* Bandung Supermall (BSM), Jl. Gatot Subroto 289. Food court, cinema.

* Bandung Trade Center, Jl. Terusan Pasteur 143. Food Court.

* Braga City Walk, Jl. Braga. Website: Braga City Walk. Shopping complex at the heart of the famous Braga street.

* Istana Plaza, Jl. Pasirkaliki 121 - 123. Website: Istana Plaza. Free wireless internet, assisted taxi stand, cinema, shopping reward programs, and ice skating ring.

* Kings Plaza, Jl. Kepatihan. Food court, fashion, cinema.

* Setrasari Mal, Jl. Surya Sumantri 120. Food court. Near universities.

Factory Outlets

Sisa Export

In the textile industry, it is very common for a textile product made in, for example Indonesia, exported to other countries, such as Singapore, South Korea, etc., and re-labelled by their own label and change the made-in tag into their country. Some branded names, such as GAP, have their factories in Indonesia. Since the production costs in Indonesia are very low, they can gain a big profit by this way.

During the quality inspection, some of the products might be rejected, or they may overrun the production quota. These residual products are sold with sisa export tags, because they were made for export, but couldn't pass through. Some of these items have Grade A (best quality, but overrun product) or Grade B (export quality, but do not pass QC) qualities. Don't be surprised to see made in Korea or made in Singapore in their tags. Sometimes you will see the original price, such as USD$65, but they sell it for Rp. 45.000,00 (US$ 4.50).

Enjoy bargain hunting! Take a careful inspection yourself. Beware also for the fake products with branded name.

It was originally meant for export garment (textile) factories that open a store directly in their area so that they can sell with bargain prices. Since it was a big success, many factory outlets without the factory itself were opening in many places in the city, also with bargain price tags. To attract people, they decorated the store with many styles: the colonial style, an old chinese dynasty, etc. Some stores even have a small food court.

Most of factory outlets are concentrated in Jl. Riau, Jl. Dago (Jl. Ir. H. Juanda) and around Jl.Sukajadi-Jl.Setiabudi area. Some of them are listed below:

* Factory outlets in Jl. Riau: Heritage (inside an old historical building, nice to see also the building), China Emporium (with an old Chinese dynasty setting), Summit, Oasis, Metropolitan, Renarity, Emirates, Terminal Tas, Edward Forrer.
* Factory outlets in Jl. Dago: Rich & Famous, Coconel, Glamour, Blossom, Uptown (with a small kiosk selling a strawberry juice), Dago Stock Centre, M&M, Justine.
* Around Jl.Sukajadi-Jl.Setiabudi: Mooi (Jl. Cemara 83), FOS Clothing Gallery (Jl. Setiabudi 73), XO (Jl. Sukajadi 212), Rumah Mode (Jl. Setiabudi 41F), Otten One (Jl. Otten 1), BOS (Jl. Otten), Diaz (Jl. Sederhana mostly shoes), Cat 17 (Jl. Eijkman).
* Other places: Batian (Jl. Otto Iskandardinata 535, you can find used and new items)

Distros (Distribution Outlets)

Distros are a new phenomenon in Bandung where a shop sells stylish products that were made by local designers. They are served as a distribution store, because these local designers do not have their own marketing label yet. The products that are sold are books, indie label records, magazines and also other fashion products and accessories. After their products receive large attention, then they make their own clothing company. Now, there are more than 200 local brand names in Bandung. One thing that makes distros stand out from factory outlet is that distros come from individual designers and young entrepeneurs, while factory outlet products come from a garment factory.

Note that now distros are getting famous in Indonesia. The local branded name with free and independent motivation has been shifted. Be careful when buying in distros as the prices are increasing to a level almost the same as at boutique shops.

Some of Bandung distros: EAT, Jl. Trunojoyo 4, Invictus, Ouval Research, Jl. Buah Batu 64, No Label, Jl. Sumatra 24, etc.

Eat

Bandung is a heaven for food lovers who enjoy new experiences. There are a lot of varieties, not only local cuisine but international ones. You can find any food you want for any kind of taste. Do note, that most eateries in Bandung focus on creating new variations, not making sure it tastes good.

Everybody has their own favourites. One page is not enough to list all food stalls, food courts, restaurants and cafes in Bandung. Here are some lists that are popular or have a long history.
[edit]
Local Delicacies
Batagor
Enlarge
Batagor

* Bakso Tahu & Siomay is a steamed meat with/without tofu. It is served with peanut paste, sweet soy sauce and a lime. It is suitable for a snack, eat at anytime. In almost all streets you can find somebody selling this food with a wheeled stall (gerobak). The popular place is called Siomay Pak Lili at Jl. Geger Kalong Girang that has sold this food for 15 years.

* Batagor is similar to bakso tahu/siomay but it is fried instead of being steamed. It is served similar with peanut paste and sweet soy sauce. Served also as a snack. Legends are Kingsley at Jl. Veteran, selling this food already for 28 years, and Batagor Riri [6] at Jl. Burarangrang 41 (in front of the BCA building).

* Martabak is a fried stuffed pancake. There are two types: sweet and salty. Sweet martabak is a thick pancake stuffed with chocolate/cheese/banana/sugar. The salty martabak is a thin fried pancake stuffed with eggs, some vegetables, mushrooms, chicken/beef. The most popular ones are Martabak Lodaya and Martabak San Fransisco at Jln. Lodaya.

* Soto Bandung is a soup with beef meat, soy beans and some vegetables. The old food stalls selling this food is at Soto Ojolali, Jl. Cibadak (near alun-alun), since 1940s.

* Lotek is a mixed boiled vegetables, served with peanut paste and some chillies. The hotter the better. The famous place is Lotek Kalipah Apo, Jl. Kalipah Apo, every day 9AM-16PM. Have been selling this food for already 48 years. One plate is about Rp. 4500, very cheap.

* Mie Kocok is a noodle soup, served with beef foot, beef skin and tauge. If you don't fancy with these parts of beef, then you can ask not to have it and you can still taste its appetite. The famous place is a street vendor, Mie Kocok SKM, at Jl. Sunda.

* Mie Ayam is a noodle soup served with chicken and it comes with a variety of topings. The famous place is at Mie Naripan, they serve varieties of good noodles there. Another good place is at Bakmi Mangkok Mas in Jl. Setiabudhi.

* Nasi Timbel is the famous Sundanese dish. It is a tube-shaped rice that has a distinguish flavour, because it is cooked inside a banana leaf. It is usually served with lalapan (raw vegetables), fried tofu & tempe, fried chicken and chili paste. You can find this type of dish in most of Sundanese restaurants. The well-known timbel food stall is located nearby Istiqomah mosque.


Legendary Eateries

Have been around for years and still famous for their delicious food:

* Sate Kardjan, Jl. Pasirkaliki, every day 24h. Lamb satay speciality, since 1970. Try sate buntel (a grilled minced lamb meat), tongseng (lamb meat in a coconut milk soup), nasi goreng kambing (fried rice with lamb) or sate cempe (satay from 10 month old lamb).

* Bubur Ayam Mang Oyo, Jl. Sulanjana (near Gasibu) and several branches. It's a chicken porridge. Nice for starting your day.

* Kedai Ma' Uneh, Jl. Terasana I No. 132 Pajajaran. It's in an alley in front of Pajajaran sport complex. Delicious Sundanese food.

* Baso Lela, Jl. Awiligar, everyday open until 9 PM. It's new but getting popular. It's in the hill side of Bandung with a nice view to the city. Try yamien, a dried boiled noodle, mixed with soy sauce. There are sweet yamien and salt yamien. Try also chicken noodle and the strawberry juice as a dessert.

Chic Restaurants

For those who want a breathtaking view, eat in a local Sundanese village or have romantic international cuisine. Don't expect the taste to be half as good as the view and experience though.

* Kampung Daun, Jl Sersan Bajuri Km 4.7 No 88 Villa Trinity Complex (you need to drive with your own car there). Sundanese food. Designed with natural elements as you eat at a hut in the middle of padi field, small waterfall and river. At night it's really amazing to walk along candlelit pathways. Eating out really means eating out here.

* Sierra Cafe & Lounge, Jl. Bukit Pakar no 33. Located on the hill of Dago Pakar in Bandung, Sierra delivers a relaxing and indulging ambience with a breathtaking view of Bandung's city light. International cuisines (Western, Japanese and Thailand).

* Kedai Nyonya Rumah, Jl. Naripan 92. Indonesian cuisines. The interior design is very relaxing, giving a nice eating experience.

* Tizis Restaurant, Jl. Kidang Pananjung 3. European dishes with homemade bread & pastries A well-known expats place to dine.

* Coca Suki, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda (Dago) 173. A branch of Thailand restaurant Coca [7].

Sundanese Restaurants

Sunda is the ethnic name of the local people living in West Java. Sundanese food has some distinctive features than other ethnics. It mainly consists of fried fish, pepes ikan (steamed fish in a banana leaf), raw vegetables and chili pastes. To try these type of foods, there are numerous Sundanese restaurants. Some with famous name has many branches in Bandung and the vicinity. Some of the popular ones are:

* Sindang Reret, Jl. Surapati No. 53, Tel. (+62)-22-2501474. The other branche is outside the city in the north: Jl. Raya Cikole Km.22 Lembang, Tel. (+62)-22-2786500. The good one is the branch restaurant (see the Lembang Trip).

* Ponyo, Jl. Malabar 60, Tel. (+62)-22-7301477. There are many branches outside the city.

* AA Laksana, Jl. Soekarno Hatta 494, Tel. (+62)-22-7509303. There are 2 other branches: Jl. Jakarta 21 and Jl. Cihampelas 30. A big self-service eatery with long tables already filled with plates of food. Take what you want and ask the server to count the plates when finished.

Western Restaurants

* Cafe Venezia. Jl. Sukajadi 205, Bandung. Telp.: (62)(22) 2031277. Italian restaurant. Menu: pasta, pizza, fried chicken, salad, soup. Opening hours: 09.00 - 23.00. Price: approx. US$ 15/person.

* Tamani Cafe, Jl. H. Juanda 7-9, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 422 2696. Fax: (62)(22) 422 2697. International fast food. Menu: chicken cordon blue, egg and tofu, soup, salad, onion ring. Price: approx. US$ 8/person.

* Tony Roma Jl. Sumatra 1, Bandung 40000 West Java Tel: (62)(22) 422 4656. Fax: (62)(22) 422 4660. American Restaurant. Menu: ribs, steaks, soup, salad. Price: splurge.

* Wendy's, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 55, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 4206038. American fastfood. Menu: hamburger, french fries, fried chicken. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.


Japanese Restaurants

* Eden Cafe, Jl. Setiabudi 29 A, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 2032143. Japanese restaurant. Menu: shabu-shabu, udon, fish, sukiyaki, teriyaki. Price: approx. US$ 12/person.

* Hoka Hoka Bento, Jl. Merdeka 47 Tel.: (62)(22) 424 5494. Japanese Restaurant. Menu: ekkado, chicken katsu, sukiyaki, koori kon nyaku, shrimp ball, beef yakiniku, shabu-shabu, teriyaki, udon. Opening hours: 10.00 - 22.00. Price: approx. US$ 4/person.

* Hanamasa, Istana Plaza. Jl. PasirKaliki. Jl. Merdeka 39-41 Telp: (62)(22) 4204426. Japanese restaurant. Menu: yakiniku, shabu-shabu, robatayaki, beef, chicken, seafood. Opening hours: 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Price: approx. US$ 22/person.


Seafood Restaurants

* Mustika Jaya Sari Jl. Ciumbuleuit No. 39, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 203 8539. Menu: fish, prawn, crab, salad, fried chicken. Price: budget.


International Restaurant

* Canary. Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 28, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 423 8928. International Restaurant. Menu: hamburger, steak, fried chicken, sate, soup, salad. Opening hours: 07.00 - 21.00. Price: approx. US$ 7/person.


Ice Cream and Pastry

Food in Bandung does not stop at the restaurants/cafes. There are plenties of bakeries in the city that you can buy some pastries. Some of them have high popularities that you must take a queue even before the shop is open in the morning.

* Kartika Sari, try the famous cake: pisang molen, a cake stuffed with banana. Very delicious.
There are 6 stores: Jl. Kebon Jukut 3C, Jl. Buah Batu 165A, Jl. H. Akbar, Jl. Kopo Sayati 111A, Jl. Terusan Jakarta 77E, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda (Dago).

* Brownies Kukus Amanda, Jl. Rancabolang 29, Jl. Lodaya 8, Jl. Purwakarta. Try brownies kukus, a steamed brownies with melted chocolate inside. Soft and very delicious. It's very popular that you might have to queue before it opens.

* Brownies Primarasa, Jl. Kemuning 20, Jl. Buah Batu 169A, and Jl. Peta 169. It's speciality is the chocolate brownies.

* Dunkin Donuts, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 51, Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 4208617. Airport Hussein Sastranegara. Bakery chain. Menu: donuts, croissant, sandwich. Price: approx. US$ 3/person.

* Sus Merdeka, Jl. Merdeka (in front of Bandung Indah Plaza). Famous for its Choux/Puff pastry with rum butter filling.

Ice cream:

* Braga Permai (formerly Maison Bogerijn), Jl Braga 58, Bandung 40111, Tel.: (62)(22)420 1831. Famous ice cream parlor in Bandung.

* Baskin and Robbins, Jl Sukajadi 232, Bandung 40153. Tel.: (62)(22) 203 8457. JL. RE Martadinata No. 225, Tel.: (62)(22) 720 8122. Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 289, Bandung 40273. Tel.: (62)(22) 910 1404. Istana Plaza, Jl. Pasir Kaliki 121-123 Bandung, Tel.: (62)(22) 6000403. Website: Baskin Robbins. Ice cream parlor.


Drink

As the sale of alcoholic drinks is to be banned at public restaurants (although you can find them in upscale public restaurants), it will be difficult to find liquor, except at bars, night clubs, hotels and 24-hour mini markets. However, drinking fresh icy yoghurt or juice is very tempting, especially after spending a day in a hot sun. These are some famous drinking places to try:

* Yoghurt Cisangkuy, Jl. Cisangkuy (near Gedung Sate complex). It has many flavours of fresh yoghurt with fresh fruits. Very suitable as a resting place after walking in the hot weather.

* Es Cendol Elizabeth, in front of the Elizabeth bag shop at Jl. Otto Iskandar Dinata and Jl. Cihampelas. Cendol is an Indonesian drink made with coconut and coconut milk, served with ice cubes and sweet brown sugar.

* Bandoeng Melk Centrale (BMC), Jl. Aceh 30, in an old Dutch colonial house. It's speciality is a fresh milk.

* Rumah Kopi, Jl. Awiligar (near baso Lela). It literally means "coffee house". They serve many kinds of coffee at cheap prices.

* Susu segar Lembang, at many street vendors in Lembang. It is outside the city, but it can be nice to stop if you do a sidetrip to Lembang.

* Es Sekoteng Bungsu, Jl. Bungsu 29. Es sekoteng is a grated ice cube with avocado, young coconut and kolang-kaling (some local preserved fruit).

In Malaysia and Singapore, bandung is also known as a drink, but it is not related to the city of Bandung at all. From an unconfirmed story, the pink rosewater-and-syrup concoction bandung drink was named after banned and dung by a British official during the colonial time, because of the bad taste as he said.
[edit]
Sleep

List of hotels in Bandung:

North Bandung / Dago / Jl. H. Juanda:

* Holiday Inn Jl. Ir. H. Juanda (Dago) 31-33, Bandung 40116, ph: +62 22 4211333 (bchibid@bdg.centrin.net.id fax: +62 22 4216666) [8] - lower Dago area. Class: 4 Stars.

* Sheraton Inn Jl. Ir. H. Juanda (Dago) 390, Bandung 40135, ph: +62 22 2500303 (fax: +62 22 2500301) [9] - upper Dago area, close to the dago golf center. Class: 5 Stars.

* Jayakarta Jl. Ir. H. Juanda (Dago) 381A, Bandung 40135, h: +62 22 2505888 (bandung@jayakartahotelsresorts.com fax: +62 22 2505388) [10] - upper Dago area. Class: 4 Stars.

* Patra Jasa, Patra Jasa Bandung. Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 132. Bandung 40132. Tel.: (62)(22) 250 4664. Fax : (62)(22) 250 4995. Close to Bandung Institute of Technology. Class: 2 stars.

Central Bandung:

* Aston Jl. Braga 99-101, Bandung 40111, ph: +62 22 84460000 (fax: +62 22 84460100) [11] - a new hotel inside the Braga City Walk. Class: 4 stars.

* Grand Preanger Jl. Asia-Afrika 81, Bandung 40111, ph: 0-800-182-1112 (toll free) or +62 22 4231631 (preanger@indosat.net.id fax: +62 22 4231631) [12] - alun-alun area, the facade has an art-deco style. Class: 5 stars.

* Panghegar Jl. Merdeka 2, Bandung 40111, Tel.: (62)(22) 4232286 (hp@hotelpanghegar.com fax: +62 22 4231583) [13] - at the city center with a revolving restaurant at the roof. Class: 3 Stars.

* Hyatt Regency, Jl. Sumatera 51, Bandung 40115, Tel.: (62)(22) 4211234 (bandu.reservation@hyattintl.com fax: +62 22 4210380) [14] - at the city center. Class: 5 Stars.

* Santika Jl. Sumatera 52-54, Bandung 40115. Tel: (62)(22) 420 3009 (bandung@santika.com fax: +62 22 4239601) [15] - at the city center.

* Savoy Homann Jl. Asia-Afrika 112, Bandung 40261. Tel.: (62)(22) 4232244 (savoy@bdg.centrin.net.id fax: +62 22 4236187) [16] - alun-alun area, colonial style with an art-deco interior design. Class: 4 Stars.

Cimbuleuit:

* Malya Jl. Ranca Bentang 56-58, Bandung 40142, ph: +62 22 2030333(reservation@malyabandung.com fax: +62 22 2030633) [17] - superb view to the northern hills and try the swimming pool. Class: 3 Stars.

Other:

* Arion Swiss Bellhotel (formerly Citra Cikopo), Jl. Otto Iskandardinata no. 16 Bandung 40171, Tel.: (62)(22) 4240000. Fax: (62)(22) 4266270. Class: 4 Stars.

* Grand Aquila Jl. Dr. Djundjunan (Terusan Pasteur) 116, Bandung 40173, ph: +62 22 2039280 (reservation@aquila-international.com fax: +62 22 2039282) [18] - nearby the Pasteur toll gate. Class: 5 Stars.

* Papandayan Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto 83, Bandung 40262, ph: +62 22 7310799 (papandayanhotel@indocater.co.id fax: +62 22 7310988) [19]. Class: 4 Stars.

* Horison Jl. Pelajar Pejuang 121, Bandung 40264. Tel.: (62)(22) 7305000 [20] - in the residential Buah Batu area. Class: 4 Stars.


Get out

There are some sidetrips to the mountain range surrounding Bandung:

* North: mount Tangkuban Perahu. Lembang is a favourite weekend break destination at the base of the mountain with hiking trail and active volcanic crater. You can stay at Sari Ater [21], a natural hot spring water complex, or rent a villa. In the vicinity, Maribaya park offers a wonderful waterfall traps.
* South: tea plantation. Ciwidey and Pangalengan are the main destination to the south mountains. Situ Patenggang lake in the middle of tea plantation in Ciwidey offers you a relax time in a boat, fishing, camping or in a bungalow. A few kilometers from the lake, there is Kawah Putih (white crater, made by sulfuric activity in the area with a camping park, called Ranca Upas.
* West: chalk mountain range. There is not much nature destination in the west, except Situ Ciburuy lake at the side of the main road hub to Cianjur and the Saguling dam. You might also want to taste peyeum, a local food made from fermented rice. If you are hungry, there are plenty of good Sundanese restaurants in the vicinity, because the road to the west is the main hub between Bandung to Jakarta.
* East: a link of Bandung to the eastern part of West Java and to neighbouring Central Java province. You can go to Cirebon (about 2-3 hours), a coastal city known for fishing and oil industries.


Contact

Tourist promotion office:

* Dinas Pariwisata Kota Bandung: JL. Ahmad Yani No. 227 Bandung, Telp. (62)(22) 7210768. Website: Tourism Promotion Office.
* Jl. Stasiun Timur No. 1, Tel.: (62)(22) 421 6648.


Emergency

* Ambulance: 118.
* Police: 110.
* West Java Police HQ: Jl. Soekarno Hatta No. 748, Tel.: (62)(22) 7806392.
* Police stations:
o West Bandung, Jl. Raya Cibabat, Tel.: (62)(22) 2031181.
o East Bandung, Jl. AH. Nasution No. 21, Tel.: (62)(22) 7805981.
o Central Bandung, Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani No. 282, Tel: (62)(22) 7200058, (62)(22) 7271115.

List of hospitals with 24 hours emergency rooms (ER):

* RS Umum Pusat Dr Hasan Sadikin, JI. Pasteur No 38, Tel.: (62)(22) 203 4953.

* RS St Boromeus, JI. Ir. H Juanda No 100, Tel.: (62)(22) 250 4041.

* RS Umum Rajawali: Jl Rajawali 38 Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22) 6011913

* RS Advent Bandung, JI. Cihampelas No 161. Tel.: (62)(22) 203 4386.

* RS Immanuel Bandung, JI. Kopo No 161. Tel.: (62)(22) 500 1656.

* RS St Yusup Bandung: Jl Cikutra No.7 Bandung, Tel.: (62)(22) 7208172.

NASI GORENG
Borobudur, Jl. Setiabudi
Sumber Hidangan, Jl. Braga
Braga Permai (porsinya gede!)
Daerah Gerlong, dekat rental Prambanan
Toko Yu, Jl. Hasannudin
Jl. Bahureksa - depannya SMPK 4 BPK
Nasi Goreng Bejo, kantin Fisip UNPAR
Nasi Goreng JL. Rajiman
Jl. Sadewa
Jl. Kresna (depan salon, deket lapangan)
Nasi Goreng Ohar di dalem pasar baru ... yang ini juga enak kalo ngga tau tempatnya tinggal minta tunjukin ama pedagang di sana tentang nasi goreng Ohar.. pasti ditunjukin deh..
Nasi Goreng Jl. Kresna (depan Salon, deket lapangan)
Nasi Goreng di Abadi (dulunya the Tanabe), Jl. Setiabudhi
Nasi Goreng Ikan Asin, di Kafe Batu, jl. Burangrang
Nasi Goreng Ikan Asin, di Gerbong Antrik (alamat menyusul - lupa)
Nasi Goreng Jl. Pasirkaliki. Di sejajaran Gereja Hok Im Tong, sesudah melewati jl semar nah di situ khan banyak orang jualan, cari salah satunya ... enak loh and banyak .....

BASO TAHU
Borobudur, Jl. Setiabudi
Baso Panghegar Jl. Holis
Kingsley, Jl. Veteran, Bungsu (@ Rp. 900)
Baso Tahu Tegallega, deket Gg. Jaya, pas didepannya Jl. Otista 457 (malem doang, @ Rp. 700,-)
Baso Tahu Wibisana, Jl. Rama
Sasa di pengkolan Jl. Supratman
Sari-sari di deket pengkolan Jl. Ranggamalela- Slt. Agung

BATAGOR
Jl. Purnawarman (dekat pintu keluar tempat parkir Gramedia)
Jalan Cibadak (depan toko buku merauke)
Jl Burangrang, di Martabak San Fransisco
Jl. Bungsu (deket toko kue 10 Satu)
Batagor di Simpang Dago dan Kopo
Batagor RIRI Jl. Burangrang
Batagor 99, Jl. Pasirkaliki bawah, sebelum stopan pajajaran

GUDEG
Jl. Lombok deket EEP (pindahan dari jalan Banda)
Jl. Surya Sumantri (sejajar museum Barli)
Gudeg Kabita, Jl. Jend Sudirman seberang rest. Phoenix
Gudeg Jogya Jl. RE Martadinata
Jl. Ksatriaan (dulunya gudeg Capitol) - pagi doang
Jl. Semar dekat gereja Hok Im Tong (adanya ampe siang)
Gudeg Aloy Jl.Sultan Agung *

BASO MALANG
Jl. Cihampelas, deket wartel/St. East (sore jam lima s.d. malem)
Jl. Rajiman antara Likmi dan SD Paulus
Jl. Cipaganti (dekat Mesjid Raya Cipaganti)
Warung di Jalan Surya Sumantri (buka pagi-siang) sedikit di bawah Maranatha, sebelah kanan kalau masuk dari Terusan Pasteur.
Sekitar Mesjid Istiqamah Jl. Citarum (antara Rp. 1000 - 2000)
Bakso malang Jl. Burangrang deket restoran Sedep malem (sore jam 4)
Bakso Malang Jl. Karapitan

BASO KUAH
Depan Hotel Panghegar
Baso Panghegar Jl. Holis
Mie Baso pangsit, Jl. Lombok deket prapatan Aceh
Baso sapi/pangsit/wonton udang kuah di Bakmi Ayam Jakarta, Jl.Cihampelas
Gang Kebon Karet (Jl. Otista seberang Danamon) ... di sini semacem Pujasera lah .. ada juga makanan yang laen

LONTONG KARI (atau Kupat Tahu)
Deket Gubernuran, masuk gang (alamatnya yang persis, kalau ada yang tahu!!) mentok Jl. Semar (masuk lewat Paskal) - pagi doang
Gang Kebon Karet (Jl. Otista seberang Danamon) ... di sini semacem pujasera lah .. ada juga makanan yang laen
Jl. Bengawan masuknya dari Jl. Cendana lebih deket (dulu di Jl. Cihapit)

MIE / YAMIEN
Mie rica Jl. Kejaksaan (sebelah dekat braga) Gg. Bapa Supi
Gg. Luna (sudirman - andir)
Jl. Balonggede (masuk dr dalem kaum sblh kiri)
Mie Naripan, di perempatan Jl. Sunda dan Naripan
Baso Panghegar, depan Toko You, jl. Hasanudin
Mie Akung, Jl. Lodaya
Mie Jl. Kebon Tangkil (Yamien asinnya uenaq)
Mie Jl. Astana Anyar
Yamien Medan jalan Tamim ini juga enak.... boleh dicoba lah..
Kupat Tahu, Lotek, terus ama Mie Ayam ... jalan Alketeri .. ini juga enak tapi yang nyebelin kalo lagi jam makan harus antri.
Mie Abadi (dulunya teh Tanabe), Jl. Setiabudhi
Mie Akim, Jl. Rama (baso, baso tahu, nasi tim nya juga enakkkkkk)
Jl. Banda (Nursijan),

MIE KOCOK
Jl. Banteng
Jl. H. Akbar, depan Kartika Sari
Mie kocok Jl. Sunda deket Biliard Manhattan
Jl. Semar (masuk lewat Paskal) - pagi doang
Jl. Sunda (deket Manhattan Billiard)

LOMIE
Jl. Suwatama
Jl. Kalipahapo
Jl. Gardujati (Restoran Utara)
Jl. Astana Anyar
Jl. Gardujati, sejajar dengan restaurant Dunia Baru
Lomie di Jl. Rama ... yang jualan Kwo Tie tuch

KWE TIAUW SAPI, GORENG, SIRAM, BUN, dll..
Jl. Gardujati (deket gereja hokimtong)
Jl. Rajiman (warung artomoro)
Jl. Astanaannyar seberang Bank Prima Express
Jl. Sadewa - Indomie kwetiau siram

SATE
sate ayam jl. maulana yusuf, seberang Gereja
sate jl. kejaksaan (jl.Tamblong ke kiri) samping binatu
sate kambing pak karjan jl. pasirkaliki
sate di depan mie naripan (sore aja)
sate Madura di jalan Anggrek (masuknya lewat Riau)
(sate & gule) Warung Tegal di deket jalan Tol Pasteur (lewatnya dari Maranatha ke paskal)
Sate Hadori di seberang Stasiun KA (pangkalan Angkot) masuknya lewat Jl. Kebonjati .. setelah liat Jl. Dulatip, belok kanan
Sate kambing Jl.Balonggede ... (seberang Palaguna Plaza) masuk lewat Dalem Kaum .. sebelah kiri
Sate Ayam Jl. Gatot Subroto (pujasera)
Jl. Karang anyar (Bareng tukang juice)
Jl. Aceh (blk. tukang besi, 100 m dari stopan)
Sate ayam Blora, Jl. Pasirkaliki. Dari selatan, sebelum perempatan
Pajajaran PsKaliki sebelah kanan....di trotoar, malem aja...

JAGUNG BAKAR 4 RASA
seberangnya Gelael Dago
Cibadak deket tukang Jus / milk Shake
(punyanya anak SIPIL '93, ITHEUW)*

AYAM GORENG
Jl. Panaitan (Ayam Goreng Nikmat)
Jl. Semar & Surya Sumantri (Ayam Semar)
Jl. Ayam Goreng Brebes, arah ke Lembang (pas belokan ke kanan, sebelum pom bensin).
Ayam Goreng / Bakar + usus + lalap + sambel "Ngudi Rahayu", tempatnya di Jl. Lombok depannya RCTI ..
Ayam Suniaraja (Pojokan, depan Hotel Panghegar)
Ayam Goreng Tepung Lamping, Jl. Lamping, Cipaganti
Ayam goreng Ma Uneh, Pajajaran (sore jam 5) - deket tempat orang buta
Ayam Goreng Facktoy (Warung di Suniaraja), deket Hotin
Ayam Jogja Jl. Putri dan Jl Kejaksaan
Ayam POP Ciumbeluit atas, sesudah UNPAR
Ayam rica di Jl Setiabudhi (masuk gang) kira-kira 200m setelah enhaii sebelah kiri
Sebelahnya ayam goreng Brebes dan sebelahnya ayam goreng 2001, Lembang.... (sambelnya lebih enak dari Brebes)
Ayam goreng Raben, Ciumbeluit
BUBUR AYAM
Jl. Asia Afrika (deket PR)
Gg. Kasmin - Jend. Sudirman
Jl. Jend. Sudirman, lewat caringin sebelah kanan, daerah jamika (malem)
Perempatan Pasteur-Paskal, deket rumah makan Naya
Mang Oyo, Dekat RS. Sumber Asih, depan lapangan, di depan Jl. H. Hasan & H. Wahid (daerah Dipati Ukur)
Jl. Pajajaran (dari arah IPTN - melewati jalan Pandu sekitar 20-40 meteran, terletak di sebelah kiri)

PEMPEK
Pempek Rama, Jl. Rama-cobain pempek bakarnya !
Jl. Karang Anyar, sedikit di bawah pempek Setiabudhi masuk lagi ke dalam gang.
Pempek Pak Raden juga enak .... Jl. Rama.
Pempek di pertigaan Kalipah Apo- Otista...di sebelah kiri..tempatnya kecil

ROTI BAKAR
Jl. Gardujati (Nama tokonya 'DUTI')
Jl. Kote (daerah Jl.Sudirman) .. tapinya harus malem
Jl. Kasmin (daerah Sudirman)

RONDE JAHE
Jl. Burangrang, Martabak San Fransisco
Jl. Alketeri , Asia Afrika
Jl. Sumatera (seberang bioskop Regent)
Pujasera di Jl. Karapitan yang satu arah, sebelon bioskop Artha

LOTEK
Lotek Kalipah Apo, Jl. Ciguriang - sebelah King Shopping
Jl. Moh. Ramdan, dari arah Jl. Pungkur sebelah kiri Di komplek Sumber Sari, seberang BCA Jl Macan
Jl.Kelenteng
Jl.Mahmud (jam - jam Sekolah) ada nasi bakmoi ama rujak juga...
Jl. Haji akbar (deket Kartika Sari)

PEUYEUM
Pasar Sederhana (alamat lebih detil menyusul)
Di pinggiran Jl. Cihampelas banyak yang ngejual

SOP KAKI SAPI
Di ujung Jalan Banceuy, seberang restoran Hotin. Namanya Sop Kaki / Babat Jakarta.
Jl. Cikapundung ....(buka malem )

MASAKAN JEPANG
Warung Jepang, deket simpangan Karang Anyar - Astana Anyar
Hanamasa, Inazuki, Miyazaki (cocok banget untuk ntraktir temen kalo ul-tah, lulus dsb) * Teppan Express di Jl. Pasirkaliki

MASAKAN MANDARIN
Phoenix, Jend Sudirman
Chinese Food, Jl. Sunda, persis seberang Yogya Dept. Store
Jl. Paskal, depan Hotel Familie II (sidewalk alias pinggir jalan)
Masakan Mandarin di Jalan Yo Soen Bie... yang enak sapi cah kailan, ayam nanking,.. dan masih banyak lagi
Rose, Jl. Ahmad Yani (rekomendasi : cah kangkung, ayam cah shantung)
Dunia Baru, Jl. Gardujati
A Siong, Jl. Kebon Kawung (sejajaran dengan martabak Canada)

STEAK
Road Cafe, di Jalan Cilaki
Chiba, Jl. Dr. Rum
Pasadena, di daerah Sukajadi. Dari bawah (arah pasirkaliki) lurus terus sampe pom bensin, trus ada perempatan, belok kiri, langsung kiri lagi,udah nyampe.
Milala, Jl. Lombok dekat SMAN 5
(STEAK a la Jepang) Ichiban, Jl. Abd. Rahman Saleh
Di sebelahnya ENHAII, d sebelah bawahnya....agak masuk tempatnya.
Taboo, Jl. Burangrang. Kalo nggak salah di sebelahnya Wartel, & rada deket sama BankBali.
K'One El's - ada di belakang Unpar (favorit anak arsitek kalo lagi studio) Yang ini mah ada chicken steak, mie premix, nasi goreng, Bitter Ballen, Lumpia
Tizis, Jl. Kidang Pananjung, Dago
Glosis, daerah Ciumbuleuit
Jl. Sadewa lumayan juga .... cuman suka rameeeee
Bayou steak
Yess Steak, jl. Sangkuriang (di pojokan jalan)

RUJAK/ASINAN
Jl. Tengku Angkasa, Dipati Ukur
Jl. Kalipah Apo , tempat lotek Kalipah apo
Jl. Kelenteng
Jl. Macan
Rujaknya sumber sari wowwww enakkkkk

KUPAT TAHU & TAHU
Pasar Balubur, di belakang tukang buah, persis pinggir Jl. Kebon
Bibit, depan apotik
Jl. Putri (ujung)
Tahu Yun Sen, Jl. Jendral Sudirman
Kupat Tahu di Jl. Gempol Wetan (deket pasar, pagi doang)
Kupat tahu petis di pertigaan Jl. Reog Jl. Angklung
Kupat tahu petis di Jl. Pungkur, di sebelah Bengkel Teknik Willy's

SOTO
Soto Bandung dan Aneka Jajanan Buka Puasa Jl.Macan, Buah Batu
Soto Po Jl. Kelenteng
Soto Po Jl. Veteran (sebelum Jl.A.Yani, setelah Jl. Sunda)
Soto Banjir Jl. Astana Anyar

BAKERY
La Belle, Jl. Dago, Kroket Kejunya OK banget
Sweet Heart, Jl. Bawean dan Riau, Nougat Cake & Wafer Coklat
Rasa, Jl. Tamblong (Ice Cake, Black Forest)
Abadi, Jl.Purnawarman, Bagelen Basah-nya wow....!
French, Jl. Braga, semua rotinya uenaq......

KUO TIE
Kuo Tie Santung, Jl, Pasirkoja (tapi mahal pisan, tapi enak...)
Kuo Tie di Jl Cibadak, semuanya enak.....
Kuo Tie, Jln.Martadinata
Kuo Tie Utara Jl. Gardujati
Kuo Tie Jl. Rama

MARTABAK
San Fransisco Jl. Burangrang
Martabak Jagung Jl. Sudirman deket pasar Andir
Martabak Capitol Jl. Sudirman deket Capitol Plaza (dulunyaa..)
Martabak Canada Jl. Kebon Kawung
MARTABAK HOLLAND Jl. Cibadak *GRIN* (katanya yang ngejaganya cakep lho..)
Gg. Kasmin - Jend. Sudirman
Martabak Rumah Makan Asia di Jl. Cipaganti setelah perapatan Eyckman

KEPITING (Saos Tirem biasanya sih)
Restoran Shantung Jl. Pasirkoja
Restoran Rose Jl. Ahmad Yani
Restoran Mustika, Jl. Ciumbuleuit (rekomendasi Kepiting Padang, ati2....pedas pisan, tapi enak llho)
Seafood Jl. Sulanjana*

SEAFOOD
Inti Laut (Restoran) Jl. Pasirkaliki
Pancoran (Restoran) Jl. Terusan Pasteur
Nelayan (Restoran) Jl. Terusan Pasteur*

NASI KUNING
Jl. PasirKoja (dari arah terusan Pasirkoja ..... trus ampe 10 m deket STOPAN Astana Anyar) harus sore / malem tapinya ...
Jl. Gardujati (deket tukang juice) harus malem / sore juga*

Rupa-rupa
Warung Kemuning (mirip-mirip Warnasari lah..) di Jl. Kemuning deket Gereja Kemuning
Warnasari, Jl. Tamansari
Jl. Kenari.....tempat makannya anak-anak Ekonomi Unpar
Semacam Pujasera di Jl. Sumatra...sebelum Regent sebelah kanan (malem doang)

Es Campur
Dekat Kingsley, Jl. Veteran, Bungsu "Es Campur Bungsu" & Asal mula es campur OYEN.
Es 'campur' di Sultan Plaza lt plg atas.
Es Campur Jl. Putri
Di Jalan utama Taman Kopo Indah sebelah kiri *

Es Cendol
Es Cendol Elizabeth Jln Cihampelas, deket Sapu Lidi Jeans.*
Es Cendol belakang kue sus merdeka

Aneka JUICE
Aneka jus (hit: sunquist, marquisa, duren, fruitpunch) di Bakmi Ayam Jakarta, Jl. Cihampelas (sebelah Karya Umbi)
Warna Sari Kantin, Jl. Taman Sari
Kantin Sakinah, belakang pasar Simpang, JL. Tubagus Ismail
Cibadak , Milkshake jus (tempatnya tukang jagong, pengkolan gang kasmin)
Jl. Gardujati
Jl. Kalipah apo
Jl. Astana anyar (jeruk kelapanya enak)
Jl. Rama (jus markisa plus jeruknya muanteppp) *

Yoghurt
Jl. Cisangkuy (rekomendasi: fresh strawberry juice)
Colombia, Jl. Dago (depan Borromeus)*

Es Krim yang uenax !:
Braga Permai, jalan Braga. Strawberry specialnya nyamnyam
"Rasa", jalan Tamblong.. Peach Melba nya hmmmm.. ada Sherry Temple juga tuh

Masakan Padang
Coba deh "Uni Ju", di jalan Buahbatu, sebelah Bank Niaga. Romo Darman pasti tahu
Di belakang Toko Roti Merdeka (jl. Purnawarman) jalan Asia Afrika
"Ibu Mus" Jl. Buah batu, ini kalo yang suka bumbu yang kuat

Gepuk
Gepuk Nyonya Yong di jl RE Martadinata, Jln Setia Budhi
Lumpia, Nasi berkat, tumpeng
Lumpia Semarang, jl Badak Singa??? (ini engga yakin, deket-deket situ deh)

Makanan murah meriah dan bisa nongrong khusus malem (Pindahan dari jalan Supratman) Ada steak, nasi goreng, bandrek, Bajigur, jagung bakar, goreng gorengan,
sate, dll Jl. Cihapit (deket jl. Ciliwung & Cisangkui gampang deh, engga akan kesasar), cuma sering ada pengamen.. siapin aja gocap-an :-)

Susu Murni
Sumur Lembang (Susu Murni Lembang, tanya aja.. semua tahu)

Kue Sus
Kue sus Merdeka.. banyak yang bilang engga ada duanya..

Pisang Molen
Kartika sari.. deket Station Kereta api... segala penjuru tahu..

Hari itu adalah hari sabtu tanggal 24 Agustus 2006 pukul 07.30 bis yang saya dan ceu2 tri naiki pergi dari meninggalkan terminal Cicaheum menuju sebuah kota kecil yang bernama Kuningan. Subhanallah akhirnya aku bisa singgah di kota tersebut. Selama di perjalanan kami menikmati pemandangan alam dan kota yang kami lewati. Saat di perjalanan aku sempat muntah. Padahal aku tidak pernah seperti itu. Aku pikir saat itu kondisi tubuhku sedang tidak fit. Tetapi aku tetep bahagia bisa pergi ke kota itu. Aku sempat tertidur dalam bis dan melewatkan sepenggal pemandangan menuju ke kota tersebut. Saat terbangun ternyata sudah berada di kota kuningan sekitar jam 12.00 siang. Akhirnya kami tiba di terminal kota kuningan entah namanya apa. Saat kami turun ternyata ua dan keponakan ceu2 yang bernama Yoga sudah ada di depan kita. Setelah itu kami pun segera menaiki mobil yang menjemput kami.¬ Akhirya kami sampailah di rumah uanya ceu2.

Yoga punya seorang adik yang bernama Zahra. Subhanallah luchu dan dinamis sekali. Jadi gemes banget. Kalau aja boleh dicubit pipinya, udah wie cubit. Kesukaannya adalah warna pink. Jadi setiap benda yang ada warna pinknya harus dibelia. Ga pilih2 benda apa itu, tidak peduli benda tersebut diperuntukkan untuk siapa, anak kecilkah atau orang dewasa. Bisa dibayangkan benda seperti apa saja yang ada warna pinknya. Kamar dan singgasananya penuh dengan warna pink. Pink...pink...pink....kalau kita sedang makan rara suka ikutan, padahal kita baru ketemu tapi rasanya sudah lama saling kenal. Setiap kali shalat selalu ikutan shalat. Oh ya pinter nyanyi juga ternyata. Kalau kita minta untuk bernyanyi, dengan keceriaannya langsung dia menyanyikan sebuah lagu.
Di hari pertama aku sudah dekat dengan Yoga. Yoga anaknya gendut, hitam manis (he he he), dan yang terpenting baik banget. Kita seperti kakak dan adik saja rasanya. Hari itu pula kita mulai bercerita-cerita dan bermain. Waaaaaaaaaaaaahhh...cd playstationnya banyak sekali!!! Kami memainkan beberapa game PS, monopoli, samurai warrior, apalagi ya??? Lupa. Ternyata Yoga juga jago banget menggunakan komputernya. Padahal baru berusia 11 tahun lho. Emang kamu adik yang pintar. Setiap ada kesempatan kita selalu pergi ke warnet sampai penjaganya hapal, padahal baru beberapa kali kita ke sana.

Hari Senin aku dan ceu2 pergi ke PDAM kuningan yang berada di kawasan wisata Darma. Instalasinya kecil sekali dan pengolahannya belum optimal. Semoga bisa terus ditingkatkan kualitasnya supaya dapat memuaskan konsumen. Subhanallah orang-orangnya ternyata ramah. Setelah urusan di PDAM tersebut beres kami segera pulang ke rumah lagi. Kita pulang menggunakan delman. Wah jarang-jarang nich pake delman. Melewati kota kecil dengan sebuah delman...rasanya indah. Setelah Rara pun tidak mau ketinggalan. Dasar anak kecil. Sampai malam tiba kita baru berhenti bermain dan mencoba untuk beristirahat. Sebelum tidur kita sempat bercerita-cerita. Panjang sekali obrolannya. Sampai semua merasa lelah dan tertidur.

Hari Selasa aku dan ceu2 kembali ke PDAM itu untuk mengambil sampel yang sudah dipersiapkan. Setelah itu kita mengunjungi waduk Darma terlebih dahulu sebelum pulang. Wah...indah sekali pemandangannya dan luas. Kita sempat berfoto-foto. Setelah itu kembali ke rumah dan seperti biasanya kita kembali bermain dengan Yoga ke warnet lagi. Ga...lama-lama kamu jadi raja chating dech...he he he. Setelah itu kita kembali ke rumah dan bermain lagi. Kami bermain sebuah permainan yang membuat semua orang gembira. Oh ya dalam permainan itu bi Kokom juga ikut. Sampai akhirnya muka kita semua jadi belepotan dilumuri bedak. Ancur...ancur...tidak disangka jam sudah menunjukkan jam 10.00 malam. Semua disuruh istirahat.

Kita pulang lagi ke Bandung pada pukul 01.00 dini hari, hari Rabu dengan sebuah mobil travel. Secepat itukah kita harus pergi, rasaya masih pengen berlibur. Hiks...hiks...hiks...aku tidak sempat berpamitan saat pulang kecuali kepada uanya ceu2. akhirya kita sampai di kota Sumedang dan aku jadi mengenal keluarga ceu2 yang selama ini hanya ku dengar ceritanya saja.

Terima kasih ceu sudah mengajak wie jalan-jalan dan mengenal semua orang yang selama ini hanya wie dengar ceritanya.

Terima kasih juga buat Yoga, sahabat kecil dan adik yang baik. Kapan-kapan kita bermain lagi ya sampai puas.

Rara yang luchu jadi bikin kangen...

Semua keluarga Yoga yang baik...terima kasih banyak.

Bi Kokom dan bi Ijah yang selalu menyiapkan makanan sampai ga kuat ngabisinnya...he he he

Awas ya bi Kokom nanti wie balas udah bikin muka wie belepotan!!!!

M I S S Y O U A L L

Pertanyaan yang aneh namun sempat terlintas dalam otakku.
Kalau dipikir semua benda ada uniknya. Tapi jika harus memilih, aku lebih memilih untuk menjadi air.
Air…air…air
Makhluk Allah yang begitu unik.
Bayangkan jika air tiba-tiba hilang dari permukaan bumi!!!!
Apa yang akan terjadi???
Semua orang akan merasa dahaga…dehidrasi…kematian di mana-mana…kering…gersang…tandus…

Air dapat mengalir dari atas ke bawah dan dari bawah ke atas dengan bantuan energi panas.
Air juga dapat memasuki celah-celah kecil yang dilaluinya.
Air juga dapat melunakkan benda keras.
Air dapat mengalahkan batu besar yang keras dengan lembut dan perlahan-lahan.
Air menghuni 90 % cairan dalam tubuh.
Air mengencerkan sesuatu yang pekat.
Air memberikan kesejukan bagi yang menyentuhnya.
Air menghilangkan dahaga setiap insan yang meneguknya.
Air yang deras dan terlihat keras ternyata dangkal sedang yang terlihat tenang ternyata dalam sekali.
Air selalu mengikuti arah alirannya dengan tenang, tapi bergerak cepat saat menghadapi tantangan yang menghadang dan mengubah energinya menjadi lebih dinamis sampai akhirnya bisa kembali mengikuti arah alirannya.

Itulah serangkaian filosopi air…

Karena sekarang aku tercipta sebagai manusia mana mungkin jadi air.
Tapi aku dapat belajar dari air yang mengajarkan kehidupan tanpa pernah coba mengajarkan.
Melatih kepekaan tanpa pernah melatih.
Menasehati tanpa pernah mencari-cari kesalahan.
Mengarahkan tanpa pernah memberikan petunjuk mana jalan yang harus ditempuh

Aku ingin seperti air yang bisa berada di atas atau di bawah, melebur semua perbedaan kedudukan dan status.
Menyatukan dan menyelaraskan semua jenjang.
Memasuki semua lapisan masyarakat dan mengenali semua karakter yang berada di sekitarnya.
Meluluhkan hati yang keras.
Memberikan pemahaman dengan lembut dan tenang untuk hati yang keras.
Menyebarkan pemikiran secara luas.
Menenangkan suasana yang keruh menjadi lebih jelas.
Memberikan kenyamanan saat berada di suatu perkumpulan.
Memberikan ide-ide untuk dijadikan sebuah solusi.
Menyesuaikan dan mengatur emosi.
Tenang dan berpikir dalam, dinamis tanpa memendam permasalahan terlalu dalam.
Dapat menyesuaikan diri dengan lingkungan sekitar dan berpikir cepat saat menghadapi tantangan dan rintangan kehidupan.
Tegar dan tetap melangkah terus ke depan menuju sesuatu yang hakiki.

Begitu indah nasehatmu untukku...

Kenapa???kenapa???kenapa???kenapa???kenapa???

TAKUT?KITA TIDAK SENDIRIAN!

Lakukan:
Sadari bahwa takut berbicara adalah hal yang wajar. Kita bukan orang aneh, kita normal.
Akui kepada diri kita sendiri bahwa menghindar dari mimbar pembicara berarti mengurangi nilai diri kita. Kita tidak dapat menonjol di dalam lingkungan yang penuh dengan persaingan bila kita tidak bersedia berdiri dan berbicara.
Tanyakan pada diri kita sendiri, “Hal benar apakah yang harus dilakukan?”Kemudian, ambil tindakan dan letakan rasa takut bicara di belakang kita.

Hindari:
Menunda sampai besok. Ambil tindakan hari ini juga
Menghibur diri dengan berpikir bahwa kita seorang introver atau “orang di belakang layar”. Itu tidak ada hubungannya dengan kemampuan untuk berbicara.
Mencoba menghindar ketika kesempatan untuk berbicara muncul.


BERDIRI TEGAK DAN BERBICARA SEBAIK BERPIKIR
Kunci agar Berbicara Sebaik Berpikir

Lakukan:
Carilah peluang untuk berbicara. Ralph Waldo Emerson berkata, “Lakukan hal yang Anda takutkan, karena kematian dari ketakutan itu sudah pasti.”
Persiapkan pembicaraan kita, buat garis besarnya, tulis di atas kertas, buat catatan, dan pelajari bahannya secara mendalam. Latihlah materi itu dengan mengucapkannya dengan suara keras sampai kita muak mendengarnya. Lalu ulangi sekali lagi.
Fokuskan pandangan setiap kali pada satu pasang mata ketika kita membawakan pembicaraan, maka kupu-kupu di perut kita akan terbang menjauh.
Jadilah dinamis secara fisik. Gunakan tangan, isyarat, dan tubuh kita untuk membuat pembicaraan kita menjadi hidup. Energi gugup kita akan bekerja untuk kita dan kita akan membumbung tinggi.
Gunakan analogi untuk mendukung pokok-pokok yang kita buat. Orang mengingat gambaran mental yang hidup lebih lama daripada mengingat kata-kata.
Berbicaralah dengan lantang, berani, dan keras.

Hindari:
Mencoba menahan atau menyimpan energi sebagai seorang pembicara. Belatung kegugupan hidup dari energi itu dan mereka akan memakan kita hidup-hidup.
Menyatukan kedua tangan. Begitu kita melakukan hal itu, mereka akan membentuk sebuah hubungan dan akan bekerja bersama-sama. Padahal, kita memerlukan mereka untuk bekerja sendiri-sendiri setiap kali, guna menciptakan semangat.
Berpikir bahwa kita dapat memecahkan masalah kegugupan dengan membaca pidato kita. Butuh banyak latihan dan pengalaman untuk melakukan itu dengan baik. Audiens tidak suka kalau kita melakukannya.

PRESENTASI DI DEPAN RANTAI MANAJEMEN YANG LEBIH TINGGI

Pertanyaan kunci yang harus dipersiapkan?
Bagaimana kita dapat membuat pendengar tertarik dan tetap memperhatikan selama 30 detik pertama presentasi kita?
Berapa lama kita akan menyampaikan presentasi?
Alat visual pendukung macam apa yang akan kita butuhkan?
Di mana kita akan membawakan presentasi?
Siapa yang akan hadir sebagai audiens kita?

Format presentasi sudut pandang:
- Pokok pembicaraan/latar belakang
- Sudut pandang
- Kepentingan
- Pembuktian
- Rangkuman sudut pandang dan kepentingan
- Tindakan atau langkah-langkah berikutnya
- Pertanyaan dan diskusi
-
Lakukan:
Perhalus dan asahlah presentasi kita sehingga presentasi itu sesuai target, jelas, dan menarik. Lakukan dengan singkat. Sepuluh menit cukup. Presentasi yang lama akan membunuh kita, sedangkan presentasi yang singkat akan menghasilkan tepuk tangan.
Berlatihlah dengan suara keras, berdiri tegak, dan ulangi lima kali dari awal. Ini akan menjamin kesuksesan kita. Di samping itu, kita akan bangga pada diri kita sendiri.
Buatlah supaya alat peraga kita tampak menarik. Mintalah bantuan. Kalimat yang dibuat poin demi poin dan slide PowerPoint yang seluruhnya terdiri dari teks tidak akan berhasil. Semua itu membosankan. Gunakan gambar bila mungkin.
Pahami isi presentasi kita secara mendalam. Bila kita tidak mampu menjawab saat ditentang, tamatlah riwayat kita. Kredibilitas kita akan menguap.

Hindari:
Memulai dengan pelan-pelan dan berpikir bahwa kita akan menambah kecepatan kemudian. Ini tidak boleh terjadi!Apabila kita kehilangan konsentrasi pendengar kita dari awal, kita tidak akan memperoleh kita kembali.
Membagikan salinan dari slide kita sebelum presentasi. Jika kita melakukannya, selama presentasi konsentrasi para pendengar kita akan beralih ke salinan itu ketimbang kepada kita. Kita tidak butuh saingan.
Menyimpang dari pembicaraan yang telah kita siapkan. Bila diinterupsi, mintalah kepada pendengar kita untuk menulis pertanyaan mereka saat pertanyaan itu muncul sehingga kita dapat menjawabnya di akhir presentasi.
Terlalu banyak bicara, sebagai gantinya, berilah kejutan kepada para pendengar kita dengan keringkasan presentasi kita, bukan panjangnya.

MENJADI PEMBICARA JAMUAN MAKAN SIANG
Lakukan:
Berbicaralah secara singkat, paling lama 30 menit. Singkat adalah berkahl; terlalu panjang dapat membosankan.
Carilah sebuah kisah yang dapat berfungsi sebagai pembuktian atas sudut pandang kita. Bila kisah itu bagus, itu akan menjadi bagian sentral dari presentasi kita.
Buatlah kisah itu menjadi hidup bagi para pendengar kita.
- dengan menentukan latar belakang tempat dan waktu
- menggunakan peran dan dialog
- menciptakan kembali perasaan/emosi yang dibangkitkan oleh kisah itu di dalam diri kita.

Hindari:
Membuat pendengar kita bosan dengan mengajukan terlalu banyak fakta dan statistik.
Membiarkan orang audiovisual mengendalikan pertunjukan kita. Nyalakan lampu seterang mungkin, sehingga kita dapat “dipajang” dengan lebih baik.
Bersembunyi di belakang podium. Keluar dan maju ke depan. Jadilah dinamis.
Menggunakan pengeras suara yang dipegang dengan tangan atau pengeras suara podium. Satu-satunya alat yang boleh dipegang adalah pengeras suara nir kabel.

MY LIFE – GREAT PEOPLE I MET

In my age now, I just realize what I want and have to do. Four years ago I’m just an ordinary person, doing ordinary things. Everyday my activities always have the same act. Beginning in the morning with wake up from my dream and realize that I have a real world, have to be fill up with my activities.

I must go to my school in a time of dark morning. If I don’t go earlier, I will get big trouble, because I won’t get any transportation. I must struggle with others people. Then after realize it, I go to the same place that I always visit, my school. There, my activities just learning the subjects that I must learn. It has held from 06.30 am until 01.30 pm. I’m not joining any club of activities in my school, because at that time I’m an introvert girl, having only few friends. Recognize people only in they face. I have only few special memories in my life that time. I’m never sad because of that. I’m still being a happy girl. My mind and heart always feel so cheerful. Always have the same food to day by day. But I don’t care if my friend say I’m freaky girl because my attitude.

At school, I do find a great people in my life, Mrs. Cholifah, changing my thoughts in chemistry. Since I met her, I loved chemistry so deeply and make that subject as my one favorite in school. I consider her as my mother, even she so talk active. Her name becomes an inspiration us to name our class, “Choli’s Angel”- adopted from Charlie’s Angel movie-Class. That name always be our class identity. Beside her, I met another great person, his name is Mr. Sipahutar, Physic teacher, honored senior teacher. He comes to my class 3 months before I get mocks examination. He is my favorite teacher. Even I just met him; I know he will give changes in our class. At the first time he comes, the class doesn’t respect him. Even the class gives some underestimate act on him. Only few student give pay attention on him. It happens till the first day of mock examination. In the class he gives us only the concept, not a formula. It makes me more interesting in physic. I hated physic subject because I can understand it since I learn it. But my perspective to physic changing till 180⁰ since he teach me about physic. He makes me thirsty to learn it. I just do what the best when I face the mocks examination. I get enough scored for the final result. But something I never imagine that I get the highest score for physic subject in school. I still don’t believe it till my other teacher says that. Since I know it, I more respected on him. Thanks a lot sir, u can make me change my mind not to hate any subject. It is not about like or dislike the subject, it is about how we make our brain manage our mind to focus on it.

Beside the great teacher, I find many best friends, the always be in my heart. Their name are Dea “the Cubby G”, Janti “A Softly G”, Yudith “Big G”, Sarah “Comic G”, Susanto ”Thin B”, Romzi “Nicely B”, Bihan “Crowded B”, and Marine “Fat G”. They never consider me as a different person. They act me so nicely. I do happy know they can accept me as their best friend. But now we are separately in different university. I miss them so much. Friend, when we will meet again?

Now my life is different. When I past the “SPMB” and get the sit in ITB, I meet so many great friend and do many things, never do in senior high school. I join some unit deal with culture of a region, Lingkung Seni Sunda (Sundanese Art) and UKJ (Unit Kebudayaan Jepang, Japanese Culture Unit). I more interesting in Sundanese culture and art, so my day fill up with the activities from this unit. In LSS I learn so many things, how to play instrument music, how to be a good leader in an organization, how to manage our life in parallel activities, how to make a good relationship with other people on its diversity, how to be a good planner in exhibition, etc. I get so many things to increase my capability to face the world in future.

I recognize my friend from the same senior high school since I enter this college. Before that I don’t who they are, I just know they faces. If I remember it, always laugh, how pure me knowing them so lately. But it makes me inspire to know more people in surrounding me. I always feel curious to meet a new person because they always attract my mind to know them more real. I loved to meet people. It makes me more “rich”. It is nicely to know so many characters. I learn so many things from them. Day by day I feel more interesting to find another character.

The class in my department have so many students, makes the class so crowded and noisy. I don’t to like this kind of class, because makes me hard to be focus on the lesson. I more like little class, consist of few students, not more that 15 students. I think the effective class is a class consisted few students making a focus sight and listened. Since I join a class I never get the satisfied condition. Sometimes I get so sleepy, blank, and boring. The funny thing happened to me when I in a class, I’m sleeping so comfortable in the front line of chair. I don’t care there is a lecturer teaching us or even I don’t consider that I’m not in a class but in bedroom. Until my friends give a sign to make me wake up from my dream, I live in a dream world. When I wake up from my dream, I feel so shy and my chicks become so red because I’m shy to all body in the class. It happened more than once times. It makes me get the nickname “sleepy lady” from my friend. It is fine, I don’t mind to have that nickname.

Day by day, my activities more intended. My task in class is so much more than before. It spends my times in a day but I must have to do all optimally. Month by month, week by week, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, and second by second, I through it with unstable spirit, but I can pass it even I slip few subject, but it’s ok. It is the fact that I have to face. It makes me grow up so perfect to face the real world outside. I’m not disappointed to my life, even I so proud that Allah gives me this simulation fact. Thanks Allah, You still give me another color to make this life cheerful, full of your color destiny. In the end of 3^rd degree Allah gives me another gift. I get so many good friends. Our heart is tied by Allah. It is wonderful gifts that I ever had. Since I met them, I get so many lessons about life. My “treasure” more increased.

Teh Mita

U are a great sister, it’s my lucky to meet you. Thanks for supporting me to do this willing dream.

Ceu Tri

Thanks for being my sister. You know I don’t have any sister to share about all girl stuff. Forgive me if I do badly to you. Always be my sister…even we separate in different place.

Teh Della

I don’t know what will happen to me if I don’t meet you. Thanks for the ukhuwah, you give me inspiration. Please forgive if sometimes I so talk active to you, it just to recall you.

Ratih

She is the real executive woman inspiring me not to feel afraid to face and talk in front of people. You are the first lady in my executive bibliography dictionary. Thanks for believing me listening you and learning to know how to be a good leader. I always hear what you will tell me. Thanks for companying me go to that place. It will remain in my mind.

Kiki

It’s nice to be your friend. I get more sisters who inspired me to be a good individual. I just want to be more closed to you and know more about you.

Dewi

She is the real poet with her lovely poem. Let me read your poem. Share with me if you don’t mind it. Your softly and perfectly character inspiring me to be more soft face the problem.

Maya

You are nice friend. It hard to express the feeling about you because it so complicated. I loved your cheerful act makes me feel comfortable inside of you.

Fanny

You are the freaky guy. Since I met you, I feel confuse to recognize your character. But I do know now. I can understand you. Even you are still being a freaky man, I still proud of you. Thanks for being a brother. Share our hobbies together ok.

No one can ruin the building of friendship we built except Allah SWT.

I meet more great person day by day, for the one that I don’t mention here, is not because I don’t consider you as my best person that have come to my life, it is because so many words that I have to express to you. You are have a special room in my life palace. You are always captured in my mind.

“God gives us two gifts. One is chance and another choice. Chance is to have a good friend and choice is to select the best one like you all…”

“A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like your circle of friends. But the treasure inside to see, is the treasure of friendship you have given to me.”

Everything happened to me now change my life. It makes me stronger than before. It seems that I have surplus new energy to face all things in the future. I just want to be step a head from the past me. Use energy in me to do something worthy and gives an effort to my surrounding. Create a bright future of life.

June, 30th 2006

The day for GERMAN and ARGEN fight till the last breath...
just give me the best match, make the game hot than ever happened
Bravo for German...i'll be there dude
make the world shake coz of your spirit...make them all cry coz of your power
bite all the team...make them fear

u are #1
ich Lieben dich GERMAN

just make this year belongs to you!!!

minggu ini aktivitasku agak kacau. tidak sesuai rencana awal, ternyata ada kendala kecil tapi memberikan efek yang besar...
harusnya minggu ini jadwalku:
senin--> memastikan semua beres...mulai dari surat2+akomodasi+transpot....ternyata n ternyata TU salah bikin suratnya, nunggu lagi deh:D
selasa--> i'll be there PERTAMINA, but it should be cancel--day with no activity
rabu-->"les privat"
kamis-->"les privat juga" tapi pengen liat sidang S2 eung...eh ternyata n ternyata jadi deh pergi ke PERTAMINA dari pada harus nunggu minggu depan
jumat-->"les privat lagi"
sabtu-->pusing antar les privat...pimproin di club bahasa...GEMA JABAR(dah bolos rapat eung 2x)...wuih
Minggu-->berharap libur, tapi ada les juga...mmm kapan liburnya ya???bingung
mmm agak kacau eung jadwalnya...maafkan aku pa (belum mulai aja nih TAnya...he he he)
mohon support dan bantuannya ya hi hi hi
mudah2an hari2 selanjutnya lancar...AMIIIIIIIIIIIN

kalau ada yang mau berkunjung...kunjungi lab unik dan antik di gedung tua
disambut dengan hangat...apalagi kalau bawa....:D he he he

BAB I WANITA
Siapa bilang wanita ga boleh maen sepakbola???...boleh aja, tapi apa mau betisnya jadi kayak singkong???
Siapa bilang wanita aneh kalau suka sepak bola??...itu mah orang yang iri aja yang bilang...ga usah dipeduliin. lebih anehan laki-laki yang suka boneka :D
Siapa bilang wanita ga bisa kerja berat??...dah banyak buktinya wanita sekarang tangguh2...dibandingin pria yang bisanya cuma ngomong doank
Siapa bilang seorang istri tugasnya cuma di dapur??...dah ga zamannya kali...lagian di dapur tuh bukan kewajiban, semua orang harus bisa, yang wajib itu Thaat ma suaminya yang bijak dan adil.

BAB II MAHASISWA
Siapa bilang kuliah itu susah???...no comment
Siapa bilang IPK itu jaminan buat kerja di perusahaan bonafit???...bisa jadi sih, tapi lebih penting keberanian mengemban tanggung jawab dan berani ambil resiko. lagian kita diharapkan membuat karya usaha bukan menjadi "budak"
Siapa bilang mahasiswa cuma bisa ngomong???...jangan salah kita lebih punya hati dan otak daripada tikus2 penggerogot kas negara

to be continue...

RainbowBridge.com

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm andcomfortable.All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

nagareru...kisetsu no mannaka de (in the middle of the changing season)
futo hi nonagasa wo kanjimasu (i casually feel how long the day is)
sewashiku sugiru hibi no naka ni (in the midst of restless busy days)
watashi to anata de yume wo egaku (you and i paint our dream)
sagatsu mo kaze ni omoi wo nosete (place our love on the winds of March)
sakura no tsubomi wa haru e to tsudzukimasu (a cherry blossom sprout will move on into spring)
afuredasu hikari no tsubu ga (little specs of overflowing light)
sukoshi zutsu asa wo atatamemasu (warm up the morning little by little)
ookina akubi wo shita ato ni (by your side when you're embarrassed)
sukoshi tereteru anata no yoko de (after a big yawn)
anata na sekai no iriguchi ni tachi (standing at the entrance to a new world)
kidzuita koto wa hitori janai tte koto (what i noticed was that i wasn't alone)
hitomi wo tojireba anata ga (by closing my eyes)
mabuta no ura ni iru koto de (the you who i see behind my eyelids)
dore hodo tsuyoku nareta deshou (has somehow helped me become stronger, right?)
anata ni totte watashi mo sou de aritai (i too want to be like that for you)
hitomi wo tojireba anata ga (by closing my eyes)
mabuta no ura ni iru koto de (the you who i see behind my eyelids)
dore hodo tsuyoku nareta deshou (has somehow helped me become stronger, right?)
anata ni totte watashi mo sou de aritai (i too want to be like that for you)
...

A butterfly species from South America has been revealed as nature's answer to Frankenstein's monster, scientists say.

New research shows the insect was originally created from two different butterflies in an evolutionary process many biologists didn't think possible.

Animals are thought usually to evolve in the opposite manner, when a single species gradually splits into two over many generations.

The team behind the discovery describes how it re-created the black, red, and yellow Heliconius heurippa butterfly in tomorrow's issue of the journal Nature.

Researchers say their creation reveals a process called hybrid speciation, in which the genes of two existing species combine to produce a third.

The study suggests hybridization may be more important to the evolution of new animals than had previously been thought.

Hybrids such as the mule, a cross between a donkey and a horse, are sterile. But the team says the butterfly hybrid brought together a combination of genes that allowed it to breed and there be considered a new species.

Evolution and Sex

Found in the high-altitude cloud forests of Venezuela and Colombia, H. heurippa was believed to be a hybrid because its wing patterns look like a mixture of two other Heliconius butterflies, scientists say.

(Learn about Colombian cloud-forest ecosystems.)

The insect has yellow markings from one species and red from the other, they explain.

DNA analysis of the butterfly revealed it to be genetically distinct from its two parent species, according to study co-author Chris Jiggins of the School of Biological Sciences at Scotland's University of Edinburgh. The study also showed that the hybrid wing markings of H. heurippa play a key role in preventing the hybrid from attempting to mate with other Heliconius butterflies.

This encourages the hybrid to mate with its own kind, the researchers explain.

In lab tests the team found that both the red and yellow wing markings were needed to attract mates and that when either color was removed experimentally from a female she wasn't attractive to males.

While the butterfly is able to breed with one of its parent species, "heurippa much prefers to breed with itself," Jiggins said.

"They are using this hybrid wing pattern for mate recognition—this is what keeps them different."

The butterfly has also isolated itself in other ways, he says.

The hybrid insect lives at a slightly higher altitude than its parent species, and in its juvenile caterpillar stage it appears to prefer different plants as food.

The butterfly is relatively new in evolutionary terms, Jiggins says, probably less than half a million years old.

While hybrid speciation is well documented in plants, the team says the new study is the first to recreate the process in the lab in an animal.

Fly Hybrid

Another recent study suggested that flies can likewise evolve through hybridization.

(Read "Evolution Revolution: Two Species Become One, Study Says.")

A team led by Dietmar Schwarz from Pennsylvania State University found that the Lonicera fly in the northeastern United States first developed as a cross of two existing fly species.

Schwarz says this type of evolution most likely occurs in animals where there are "lots of similar, fast-evolving species, such as in certain types of insects and fish."

Other evidence from Africa indicates that some cichlid fishes living in lakes first started off as hybrids.

Jiggins, co-author of the new study, says hybrid speciation is likely fairly common in closely related butterflies such as Heliconius.

"Probably the same thing has happened several times in that little group," he said.

Finding more examples could be difficult, however.

During the current study, Jiggins says, one of his South American colleagues was kidnapped by outlaws while hunting Heliconius butterflies in Colombia.

"He's fine," the researcher added, "but the area is a bit hectic."

Stefan Lovgren

for National Geographic News

Egypt's Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, the country's top Muslim religious authority, last month issued a religious ruling, or fatwa, condemning the display of statues in Egypt.

Gomaa said he based the edict on texts in the Hadith, a record of the sayings or customs of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions. The hadith declare the exhibition of statues in homes to be un-Islamic.

The fatwa did not specifically mention statues in museums or public places. But many academics and art lovers were outraged.

Critics say the ruling could encourage militant Muslims to attack Egypt's thousands of ancient statues, which are a mainstay of the country's tourist industry. (Download wallpapers of Egyptian monuments.)

Others point out that the religious edict has no legal authority, as far as the Egyptian government is concerned.

Jamal Elias, a religion professor at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, says there's no universal Muslim position on statues and paintings and their display.

"Historically speaking, the sensitivity has been over avoiding any possibility of idolatry"—the worship of a physical object as a god—"not over the existence of representational images as such," Elias said.

Giant Buddhas

But many Islamic scholars believe that erecting statues for any purpose is haraam (forbidden by Islam), whether they are memorials to kings or symbols of wisdom and courage, like the Sphinx at Giza, Egypt (map of Egypt).

"Islamic societies have traditionally been less tolerant of sculpture than painting," Elias said.

"I would speculate [that it's because] three-dimensional representations are more threateningly a likeness of something that is 'in the flesh,' and therefore there is a greater danger of mistakenly and inappropriately showing reverence to the object."

Gomaa, the Egyptian mufti, reportedly pointed to a passage from the hadith that stated, "Sculptors would be tormented most on Judgment Day."

More than a century ago a moderate Egyptian mufti named Mohammed Abdu issued a fatwa declaring that Islam does not forbid statues and pictures, as long as they are not worshipped.

There are thousands of ancient statues in museums and temples in Egypt as well as plenty of modern works in public squares in big cities.

"In the [last two centuries] many Muslim societies have wholeheartedly embraced the nationalistic representation of people through public sculpture," Elias said.

"There is no substantive tradition of representing religious personages [such as Muhammad] in statuary that I know of. But other figures, Muslim and otherwise, have been widely carved and forged [of metal]."

Attacks?

Some critics, however, say the latest ruling reflects rising religious fundamentalism in Egyptian society. They worry that Muslim extremists may be emboldened to attack monuments.

"We don't rule out that someone will enter the Karnak temple in Luxor or any other pharaonic temple and blow it up on the basis of the fatwa," Gamal al-Ghitani, editor of the Akhbar al-Adab literary magazine in Egypt, told the AFP news agency.

Other experts say there is no immediate danger of monuments like the Sphinx being destroyed by zealots.

"I do not feel that the Egyptian monuments are threatened by fundamentalism," said Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. "The Egyptians love their heritage, and there has never been an incident of the destruction of monuments by" militant Islamists.

Gerhard Bowering is a professor of Islamic studies at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

"The first time I went to Egypt, I saw the picture of [then President] Nasser on the walls, the second time [then President] Sadat's, and the third time [current President] Mubarak's," Bowering said. "The latter hangs there today."

"Fatwas aim at today's target," he said, referring to President Hosni Mubarak, whose administration is at odds with fundamentalist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.

Such fatwas "have little to do with the Sphinx. That creature will continue to grin at you," Bowering said.

on the other shore of sadness
it is said that there is a smile
finally we arrive
but what are we waiting for?
the purpose is not to run away
it's to chase after dreams
we should have gone out to travel
on that summer day so long ago
even tomorrow, if you see it
thoug there isn't a sigh either
like a ship going againts the current flow
right now, go forward, move ahead
even if it cuts through the rain and clouds
the wet roads shine
only the dark will teach
a stronger and stronger light
be strong, go forward, move ahead

"Aku mengamati semua sahabat, dan tidak menemukan sahabat yang lebih baik daripada menjaga lidah. Saya memikirkan tentang semua pakaian, tetapi tidak menemukan pakaian yang lebih baik daripada takwa. Aku merenungkan tentang segala jenis amal baik, namun tidak mendapatkan yang lebih baik daripada memberi nasihat baik. Aku mencari segala bentuk rezki, tapi tidak menemukan rezki yang lebih baik daripada sabar".(Umar bin Khat)

Aku bukanlah pujangga
yang pandai merangkai kata
Aku hanyalah seorang insan
yang ingin menyampaikan pemikiran

Satu kata bermanfaat
satu kalimat kebenaran
satu bait bermakna
satu cerita beribadah

jadikan ilmu sebagai pelita kehidupan
dan nasehat adalah air penyejuknya
tindakan benar jalan menuju keridhoan-Nya

Wallahualam bisshawab...