Bandung

The "Paris of Java," ringed by Tangkuban Perahu crater, Kawah Putih crater lake and tea plantations, site of the 1955 Asian–African Conference and about 40 minutes from Jakarta by high-speed rail.

Bandung is the capital of West Java province and Indonesia's third-largest metropolitan area. It sits in a volcanic basin about 700 m above sea level, ringed by mountains and cool year-round, and was nicknamed the "Paris of Java" during the Dutch colonial era. The 1955 Asian–African Conference was held here, where Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai put forward the principle of "seeking common ground while setting aside differences," making the Museum of the Asian–African Conference a must-see for Chinese visitors. The area breaks down into three parts: the city center has Jalan Asia Afrika, Jalan Braga, Gedung Sate, the Geology Museum, the Grand Mosque and angklung performances, known for its Art Deco buildings and cafés; the northern route toward Lembang takes in Tangkuban Perahu, the Ciater hot springs, Tebing Keraton, Orchid Forest and numerous family theme parks; the southern route to the Ciwidey highlands leads to Kawah Putih, the Rancabali tea plantations, Situ Patenggang and the Ranca Upas deer park. The best season is the May–September dry season; the rainy season (Nov–Mar) brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms, though mornings are usually clear. Getting there: the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed railway (Whoosh) runs from Jakarta's Halim Station to Bandung's Tegalluar Station in about 40 minutes, with a feeder train into the city; ride-hailing apps make getting around town easy. The northern and southern routes each take a full day, and suburban roads are badly congested on weekends, so head out of town on weekdays. Plan on 3–4 days; Bandung is a predominantly Muslim city, so dress modestly when visiting mosques.

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