Bandung in One Day

It’s funny when I realize that I barely write things about the town I’ve been living like for 3 years. I mean, Bandung is amazing. It’s one of the most popular tourist site in West Java, Indonesia. And I’ve been to a lot of interesting places. How come I didn’t write anything about it?

Well, the thing is… when I live here, I don’t feel like I’m currently travelling. I mean, I feel like I just simply living my normal university life.

I left my hometown 3 years ago for attending university in Bandung and I didn’t feel sad or whatsoever. In fact, I felt excited! But of course, it’s hard for the first time because you’ve got to do things by your own, including washing dishes, cooking some food, making up the bed, so on and so forth. Well, that’s the boring part. But the best thing is…….. I got a chance to explore the city even more! So I guess moving to Bandung has made me who I am today. A girl who loves travelling and taking pictures, well yeah, and eating.

So, this post is actually about what I did last weekend. Fred & I go exploring the city and the foods. Unlike any other tour packages which force you to attend so many places in such little time, mine is more likely to be a slow travelling style. As one said, life is a journey, not a destination, right?

So, let’s go!

08.00 Breakfast at Hummingbird Cafe

As you might already know, I’m a morning kind of person. I love waking up early and having breakfast – especially when Fred is around. So there’s someone you can talk about everything to. We even have a weekend breakfast routine when we lived in Bali last summer.

One of my favorite place to dine in in Bandung is Hummingbird Eatery. I went last Christmas for some waffles and I also had some dinner with my high school friends several times. And so far, Hummingbird Eatery never fails me.

Then, my friend Kenny, mention about how great the breakfast Hummingbird Eatery serves. It’s actually one of her favorite breakfast spot so I guess I should check it out, should I?

Well, she was right! There are a lot of variety of breakfast meal offered here. And surprisingly, it is served in a big big portion. I think Fred & I should order just one meal next time.

ATMOSPHERE

This place can be easily recognized from its ‘bird’ theme. And you know what? Hummingbird does have a huge bird nest that covers the outdoor seats! But since there are too much smoke to take in if we sit outside (yes, it’s a smoking area), we chose the indoor seat instead.

It was quite crowded that morning and I was surprised of that.

FOOD

For the food, we had something called Full Monty – similar to English Breakfast Set and Eating Machine – similar to Egg Benedict. And we had Long Black for the drink, as usual. I was looking for a cup of Flat White but too bad Hummingbird does not have any.

And here’s how the Full Monty looks like. The plate is literally… full of meats and stuff. I love the baked potato the best! I even finish all the potatoes myself. Never mind, Fred doesn’t really enjoy it anyway.

Full Monty comes together with bratwurst sausage. But we ask them to substitute it with bacon instead. However, the bacon is weird… It’s not even well cooked and not even closed to crispy. Doesn’t even look tempting! But well, this set is one of the good breakfast you’ll find in Bandung. We’ll make sure to ask for a crispy bacon next time 😉

And here’s my Eating Machine. My first thoughts when I first saw the eggs were like : “How am I supposed to eat this?” The hollandaise is a bit runny. And I was worry about breaking the yolk. But I finish them anyway, and I totally forgot how. It tasted good! But a lil bit too much for me. I was hoping that Hummingbird sells some croissant or something.

Halloween Season

Anyway, since it’s almost Halloween, Hummingbird does decorate their place with some Halloween ornaments. Although it’s one month early, I actually found it exciting to feel like we’re already in a Halloween season.

What’s even more exciting is that they even got this cute silly photo booth for us to take picture on!

We will definitely come back for more breakfast meal!

10.30 De Ranch

De Ranch is probably the only ranch you could find here in Bandung. (Or it could be the only popular open-for-public ranch). It’s actually located in Lembang – the North side of Bandung, about 1 hour drive from the city if the traffic’s okay.

We once went to this place exactly last year. And we pretty much enjoy our time there. I rode a horse for the very first time, rode a mini ATV, walked around, and of course – took some pictures.

The view here is very beautiful. I mean it. You see the mountain behind those trees? Yes, Lembang is a highland so it’s pretty cold here.

The atmosphere, the view, the… everything is just so different from the place I live in. It’s one of the cool spot you can hit for a quick and refreshing getaway in Bandung.

This time, we didn’t ride any horses since it’s quite boring as we are not allowed to control our own horses (which is sucks) – unless if you take the horse riding lesson. So we just walked around, talked, enjoyed the scenery, and took some photos. It’s 12 am but the autumn breeze blows perfectly.

13.00 Lunch at Lawang Wangi

It’s lunch time! After spending like an hour or so at the ranch, we’re starting to starve and decided to leave Lembang as it might get crowded at noon. We went to Lawang Wangi Art Space & Cafe in Dago Giri. Also from a recommendation of a friend.

Lawang Wangi is more likely to be a place with Art Gallery, Design Space, and a Cafe. It’s located at the highland of Dago area so it is indeed chilly up there. The wind just can’t stop blowing.

The Art Gallery itself is open for public. But too bad I didn’t take any photos of it. There are some paintings and statues and stuffs displayed. And you know what? The founder of the gallery is actually a scientist who happens to have a strong passion about art!

Well, if love at the first sight does apply to a cafe, this might be our first love.

 

Anyway, there are seat available outdoor, semi-outdoor, and indoor. We chose the semi-outdoor one since we can still enjoy the gorgeous view of Bandung and not shivering.

I had Taliwang Oxtail Soup while Fred had Ribs BBQ. The oxtail soup was exceptionally good! And I also love Fred’s ribs bbq. But still prefer the oxtail soup better.

The word Taliwang itself refers to the chilli paste on top of the oxtail. It’s actually a traditional chilli paste from Lombok. It does not normally comes together with an oxtail soup. It usually fits best with grilled chicken. But it really went well with oxtail as well. Yum!

And here’s the BBQ Ribs. Definitely fits Fred’s taste so well!

I personally think the one Cafe Wayan in Bali serves is better. But since those two restaurant is miles away far apart, I shouldn’t compare them.

I also had Ginger Tea with lemon and it comes out with a pot! They use Walini tea – Bandung local tea. Tasted good! 

Oh! There’s this funny thing about ordering this lemon ginger tea.

So, Lawang Wangi actually does not sell Ginger Lemon Tea. It’s either Ginger Tea or Lemon Tea. I love both and I usually just combine ginger and lemon since they fit each other really well!. Then I asked the waiter if I could have Ginger Tea with Lemon and he said “I’m afraid no, we haven’t had such an order so far.”

So I asked him : “Okay, then I’ll have Ginger Tea but can I ask for some lemon slices?” and he said : “Sure!”.

…. I have no clue what’s happening. But anyway, I finally got my Ginger Lemon tea.

15.00 Braga Festival 2013

Braga Festival is an annual festival held in Braga Street, one of the most popular street with cafes and pubs along its way. It’s popular among the youth and the artist.

Unfortunately, the festival is not as merry as I thought it would be. It is a little it disappointing. I mean, if the same festival is about to be held next year, I’m gonna rethink my idea of attending it.

There are some paintings being displayed and even some painters painting their own canvas, live! I think this artist is about to paint a traditional dancer.

 

There are also some food stalls offering many kind of snacks – which are not inviting at all. Except this! Ketan Bakar (Baked Sticky Rice). It’s one of the popular traditional snack in Bandung. I don’t know what the fillings are. Shredded coconut perhaps? But it tasted so good. It’s actually my sister’s favorite too!

Then, we also went for a slice of oreo cheesecake in Suga Rush – one of the hippiest cafe in Braga Street. It’s not that good, though. I prefer Strawberry Cheesecake in The Harvest better.

But after all, it’s not how good the cake you had, how amazing the festival you attended. It’s how you spend your day with people you love. 🙂

19.00 Dinner at Origin House and Kitchen

I have a special post about Origin House and Kitchen here. The food, the atmosphere, the place was just perfect!

I had a plate of Fettuccine Carbonara while Fred had something called Honey Roasted Organic Chicken. And they tasted uh-ma-zing!

The Fettuccine Carbonara they serve was so rich and unique. Unlike any other Carbonara, it does have a little bit of sour flavor. I guess they put some lemon in there. And surprisingly, lemon fits best!

The Honey Roasted Organic Chicken is so tender, and sweet, and savory. I can’t stand taking Fred’s chicken away from his plate.

For the drink, I had myself a big cup of Hot Chocolate and Fred had something called Body Booster. It’s kind of a vegetables & fruits juice. They put strawberry, carrot, and many other stuffs in there. I didn’t take a sip of his drink, but I can see he likes it.

The hot chocolate? Don’t ask me. It’s so rich, and warm, and not-too-sweet. I don’t know. It just fits me best for a chilly night.

I’m soooo happy we did check out what Origin House and Kitchen is all about. It turns out to be one of the restaurant I want to come back anytime! The food and the place is just perfect for me. We will definitely come back for more food! 

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So, I guess those pretty much sums up my oh-so-fun activity last weekend. It might not suits everyone. But I found it to be my best way of enjoying the city on weekend.

So I guess this is goodbye? I will catch up with more “Bandung in One Day” later! See you!

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