West Java Province Travel Forum

My husband is an academic and is invited to a conference in Bandung in January. The plane lands in Jakarta and I wondered if it is safe to travel by car from Jakarta to Bandung (a two hour drive through the country)? He expects to be "escorted" by at least one student from the university.

Any information you can share about one's safety in this part of the world, and specifically the above trip and staying in Bandung, would be much appreciated.

Aussiewife

I would honestly catch the train. It is called Argo Gede and it leaves from central Jakarta railway station every hour. The train trip itself is around 2 1/2 hours in a relaxed and safe environment. You will manage to see enough of the surroundings enroute to satisfy your requirement. Executive Class ticketing in an airconditioned comfortable seat.....plus you can get up and walk around to stretch the legs if required.

Travelling by road is only a second preference especially if you are not used to the way Indonesians drive. And you put yourself at risk...as in any country while driving on roads. There is pretty much no road rules here.

Safety is not a worry and please don't even concern yourself with even thinking about it. Bandung is a busy busy place these days but while your husband is lecturing you can try and out of town to see a bit of the countryside. It is fairly cool in Bandung....well compared to Jakarta. Long sleeve shirt for Australians is fine....Indonesians will use jumpers.

Thank you, so much, Simonyet, for your reply to my questions about Bandung. Your knowledge and experience of this part of the world has given me (and my husband's mum), a much needed sense of security about his travel plans. We are most grateful.

With respect,

Aussiewife

Dear Simonyet - There is a chance that I might be able to go with my husband and if so, what would the proper form of dress be? I would not wish to offend another culture so any information shared would be very helpful. My usual attire in warm weather is pants and fitted tops, with neck and shoulders exposed. Would this be acceptable? If not, what is recommended? Many thanks,in advance, for any information you might be able to share.

Aussiewife

Indonesia while being the most populous Muslim country in the world....is also the most moderate. I am sorry that Westerners have this sense of "danger" or "dressing offensively" when considering Indonesia as a destination.

Dress is your own choice. You code of conduct and dress sense would be the same as you would practice at home. People here are not fussed unless you wear revealing clothes, you dress hideously or you are completely naked...then you will attract attention.

As would your "safety" precautions. Don't display your wealth, don't go to dark desterted streets by yourself, don't abuse people, don't flaunt money around....you know, exactly what you would do at home or anywhere else. There is absolutely no terrorist threats.......you are probably more at risk of falling out of the sky in an aeroplane than being blown up by a bomb.

Just treat people with respect and it will be returned.

Bandung is a University City so you have a lot of funky, hip, progressive teenagers that are friendlier than you can imagine. Lots and lots of young people means it is even more openly progressive than other Indonesian cities.

You and your husband should enjoy the shopping street in Bandung where you can buy most "designer" copies locally made. There are also a lot of shoe factories in Bandung that make exceptional shoes...even custom made to your liking. Most of the shoes that you find in Singapore, Malaysia or other Asian destinations are made in Bandung....great quality.

I just advise you to come with your SMILE and WARMTH....that is the only qualification that you need to get by without a hitch. Smiling is understood in every language, especially in Indonesia. Many people are very poor, but strangely they are very happy.

There are some sulphur springs and dormant volcanos close to Bandung...I think it is called Lembang. I have been to them and it is good to see if you haven't experienced stuff like that.

Enjoy with an open mind and a big SMILE.

Sorry just to clarify....shoulders, neck and arm exposure is FINE....absolutely....it is NOT offensive. Wait till you see what some of the Indonesian girls wear....

Hello again, Simonyet --
Again, many thanks. As a former New Yorker,(now an Aussie citizen), I understand the frustration of "the misunderstood cities" syndrome. And yes, common sense, kindness, and a smile were helpful there, too!

Your educational and articulate responses have gone a long way towards
mitigating my concerns.

As it happens, "Dirty Dancing" - the play with music that world premiered in Sydney, tours the Asia Pacific in 2008. As an actor in the original company,
there may be a chance to travel to and live in several Asia Pacific cities. As a result, my overly cautious, "walking on eggs" attitude should hopefully be well and truly gone. With respect and gratitude, aussiewife

Do not worry to stay in Bandung city you'll save. and also in bandung there're a lot of attractio place can be visit cause beside as a Artist City bandung is famous as welknown Fashion City in case of shopping centre (FO). in countryside you can visit to volcano, craters,tea plantation and Hotspring.

If you don't mind, I can handle for your transfortation as long you stay in Bandung and also I have a program tour itinerary for you that I can show you later after you reply this post.

For further information, please contact : sadayatour@yahoo.com
Phone: +62-22-6022264
Mobile:+62-8157-007-630

Best Regards,
DANI