Bandung, Indonesia

Last minute decision to do a short getaway to explore the mystical beauty of nature. After doing some research, got my bag packed. Two hours flight from Singapore. Bandung, capital of West Java, Indonesia.

Urban life, something that what most of us are having. A life with much convenience and comfort from technology, we often forgot the basics. We are too focus on work efficiency, busy with deadlines to be met, drinking coffee to keep awake and then rely on alcohol for a good rest.

Slow down your pace, take deep breaths and meditate. Meditate to find back the balance in your mind and body. Take a closer look at things around you, listen to sounds and try to identify what are they made of. That is mindfulness, that is awareness.

Kawah Putih (White Crater)

Located in Ciwidey, about two hours from Bandung city. Kawah Putih is a volcanic crater lake, some 2,500 metres above sea level. The lake has got this pale turquoise color due to the high sulphuric acid content, which makes it impossible for us to get into the waters. Even birds were said to avoid flying near this area. Upon arriving the parking space, we were already greeted by the strong pungent smell of sulphur and some cold breeze due to the higher grounds. The sun can be glaring if you arrive in the late morning or afternoon. Bring along a light jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion and a mask with you. 

 Tangkuban Parahu

90 minutes drive from Bandung brings us to the only crater in Indonesia that you can drive up to its very rim. This crater is seriously huge, it takes around two hours to explore the whole area up there. First expression when I walked to the rim and look downward, WOW! *jaw drops* It is like some huge outer space meteor ever landed here with such a huge impact it created this big hole on earth. The place smelt of sulphur too, (but not as strong as of Kawah Putih) due to the sulphur fumes which the crater continues to emit. Hot springs can be found around here, some are even hot enough to cook an egg.

Tea Plantation

The cool climate all-year-round makes Bandung a strategic location for agricultural activities. Tea plantations and strawberry farms are common sights in Bandung.  

Terraced tea plantation in the mountains

Think about...

• Communication is minimal when we were there as our driver speaks Sudanese (local language) and a few English words. He told us not all the time he drives, (so I take it that he meant a part time driver) and on the days that he is not required to drive, he runs a street stall selling Batagor (a local dish). Sole bread winner for a family of five.
• There's no proper traffic control is in place, I don't see traffic lights, road signs or signboards anywhere other than the streets nearer to airport and central of city.
• I'm blessed to have a healthy body and mind that allows me to explore places and understand situations. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.

Sawadee Bangkok

Bangkok, is a regular place of visit for most Singaporeans. (Yes, I am one of them. Many of us are pretty familiar with this city and I am bound to bump into some friends whenever I walk around the shopping areas) The land of smile, offers more than just affordable shoppings and cheap and good food. Practice my bargaining skills with the stall owners at Pratunam market, Platinum mall and Chatuchak.
In this post, I am sharing some of my usual stay, food, place of visit and shopping items when I am in Bangkok. So let's begin! Convenience, comfort and budget are the top three priorities when it comes to choosing choice of accommodation. KC Place is the pick!

KC Place City Center

178/35 Ratchaprarop Road Soi 5

Pratunam Bangkok

Direction: From Suvarnabhumi Airport, take the Airport Link SA City Line and get off RATCHAPRAROP Station.

Convenience  (★★★★)

• 5 minutes walk from Ratchaprarop Station,
• 3 minutes walk to Pratunam market,
• 10 minutes to Platinum Fashion Mall. 
• Good massage just beside hotel lobby

Comfort  (★★★)

• Room is clean and spacious
• Noise level is noticeable if neighbours are talking loudly
• Basic amenities are available
• Strong WiFi in room

Budget (★★★★★)

Around SGD50 per night for Standard Room. (2 twin beds)

Say yay to more money for shopping!

 

Introducing the favourite place to get all my grocery shopping done - Big C superstore. Lay's potato chips in Thailand comes in many interesting flavours, do give them a try! Of course not forgetting their famous Tao Kae Noi fried seaweed snack. (This is a must try, must buy), Choco banana Pocky and some pork floss crackers as well.  

Erawan Shrine - Just in front of Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. This place is filled with sincere believers coming to pray and honour the four-faced Brahma God, offering floral garlands, fruits and incense.
There are many temples in Bangkok, but I visit Erawan Shrine usually because of its location is accessible and nearer to where I am staying, also partly due to popular beliefs that if your prayers are sincere enough, then your wishes will be granted.  

Traffic jams are common in the city of Bangkok. But good news is, cab fare is cheap!

    

Picture from left to right: Tom Yum Soup, Papaya salad (Som Tam), Coconut ice cream, Beef soup noodles  

The above mentioned are the must try items! Tasty and flavourful, tom yum and som tam might be a little too spicy to handle at times, but there's always Cha-yen (Thai ice milk tea) to reduce the spiciness. There is a lot more other food for recommendation - Cafes, dessert, street food, etc. But I shall leave all that to my next trip update!