Bandung, Indonesia

Bandung, is the capital of West Java province in Indonesia, and the country's fourth largest city. Located 768 m (2,520 ft) above sea level. Bandung has relatively year-around cooler temperature. The city lies on a river basin and surrounded by volcanic mountains. This topography provides the city with a good natural defense system. The Dutch colonials first opened tea plantations around the mountains in the eighteenth century, followed by a road construction connecting the plantation area to the capital (180 km or 112 miles to the northwest). Luxurious hotels, restaurants, cafes and European boutiques were opened of which the city was dubbed as Parijs van Java. Bandung still has its charm to attract people flocking into the city, either as weekend travellers or living in.Waiting for Angkot or taxi to go backBiggest selection of handbags and shoes - for ladiesWalking along the pavements of shopsChihampelas - the main shopping area (small shop)The Condo where we stayed - comfortableSprawling town ship - Sundanese peopleLooking down from our condo floorPacked, busy and dusty townRumah Mode - one of the shopping placeWe moved around with the Angkutan Kota (mini buses/vans)Amel, overlooking the citySunda country