Bandung: The Paris of Java

• HelloHalo
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeTolong
  [toh-long]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ree-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-af]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [ah-pa ka-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [ba-ik. dan ka-moo]
• Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbahasa Inggris?
  [ah-pa-kah ka-moo bee-sa ber-ba-ha-sa ing-gris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya tee-dak men-ger-tee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-new, toh-long]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya tee-dak ma-kan da-ying]
• Cheers!Salam sejahtera!
  [sa-lam se-jah-te-ra]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, toh-long]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-long]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gee]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-see]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya hun-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-too ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa diturunkan harganya?
  [bee-sa dee-too-run-kan har-ga-nya]

• What time is it?Sekarang jam berapa?
  [se-ka-rang jam be-ra-pa]
• It's one o'clockJam satu
  [jam sa-too]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-teng-ah (se-pu-loo)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonSore
  [so-re]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [lee-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana...
  [dee-ma-na]
• What's the address?Berapa alamatnya?
  [be-ra-pa a-la-mat-nya]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan saya (pada peta)?
  [bee-sa toon-jook-kan sa-ya (pa-da pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bus)?
  [ka-pan yang be-ru-tuh-nya (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Selembar tiket (ke ....)
  [se-lem-bar tee-ket (ke)]

Bandung, the capital of West Java province, was officially founded in 1810 by the Dutch East Indies colonial administration. The city was originally established as a supply stop for plantations located in the fertile and cooler highlands of the region.

In 1808, under the direction of Governor-General Herman Willem Daendels, the Great Post Road (De Grote Postweg) was constructed, stretching from west to east Java. This road passed through Bandung, boosting its significance as a transportation hub and facilitating trade and migration.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bandung experienced significant development under Dutch colonial rule. It became known as the 'Paris of Java' due to its European-style architecture, lush parks, and cafes. The city also became a center for education with the establishment of institutions like the Technische Hoogeschool te Bandoeng, now known as the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), in 1920.

One of the most significant events in Bandung’s history is the Asia-Africa Conference held in April 1955. This conference, held at the Gedung Merdeka, brought together leaders from 29 Asian and African countries to promote economic and cultural cooperation and oppose colonialism. The conference marked Bandung as a symbol of solidarity and independence movements across the two continents.

After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, Bandung continued to grow and modernize. The city became an important industrial and educational center. It also maintained its cultural heritage, featuring a blend of Sundanese traditions and modern influences.

Today, Bandung is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and thriving fashion industry. It remains a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, who are drawn to its rich history, cool climate, and scenic landscapes.

Bandung is accessible via several modes of transportation. The city is served by Husein Sastranegara International Airport, with domestic and limited international flights. Alternatively, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta is around 3-4 hours away by car or train. Bandung is well-connected by train from major cities like Jakarta and Surabaya. Long-distance buses also operate routes to Bandung from various parts of Java.

Bandung offers various modes of transportation. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek are widely available. Public buses (Damri and Trans Metro Bandung) cover many routes within the city. For a local experience, try angkot (minivans) that follow specific routes. Renting a motorbike or car is also an option for exploring at your own pace. Traffic can be heavy, especially during weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly.

The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Currency exchange services can be found at the airport, banks, and authorized money changers.

Bandung is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is wise to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded places like markets and public transport. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include Braga Street and Cihampelas Walk. Always safeguard your belongings and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Major hospitals like Hasan Sadikin Hospital offer comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police can be reached at 110. Keep a list of important contacts and the address of your accommodation handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Using both hands is a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t use your left hand for eating or passing food, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bandung like a local, visit traditional markets like Pasar Baru for fresh produce and local goods. Enjoy a stroll along Jalan Braga, famous for its historical buildings and vibrant nightlife. Take a day trip to Lembang for its cool climate and attractions like the Floating Market and Farm House. Engage with locals who are generally friendly and eager to share their culture. Don't miss trying Sundanese cuisine, especially nasi timbel and batagor (fried dumplings).