TRAVELING TO BANDUNG BY PLANE

Though it is the fastest way to go to Bandung, it is not always the most convenient way. Since the Bandung valley is really surrounded by mountains, landing and take-off from the small and only airport, Hussein Sastranegara (BDO), is quite challenging for most pilots. In bad weather it is sometimes difficult to make landing or take-off.

Also because of this unique area, the airport can only serve medium sized airplanes (737 or A320). There is an airforce base next to the airport. The airport is also used by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI), an airplane manufacturer. If you charter helicopters or small planes from Jakarta, you can request (in advance) permission to land at Hussein Sastranegara airport. Hussein Sastranegara airport is located at the end of Pajajaran Street, 4 km from the centre of the city.

A taxi costs approximately US$ 1. Use the safe "Blue Bird" or "Gemah Ripah" taxi from Hussein Sastranegara Airport to the hotels/centre of the city (metered). Most hotels provide free airport transfer service. Tell them your flight number, time and date of arrival.

Some airlines serving Bandung :

• Air Asia - operates daily flights from Kuala Lumpur (no-frill airline)
• Merpati - Balikpapan, Batam, Denpasar, Jakarta (Halim), Palembang, Surabaya, Tarakan, Ujung Pandang, and internationally Singapore
• Deraya Air Service: daily flights from Jakarta (Halim Perdanakusuma airport) to Bandung.

FROM JAKARTA TO BANDUNG BY CAR

Bandung is two hours away from Jakarta by car, thanks to the new Cipularang Toll road that completes the inter-city highway between Jakarta and Bandung. It is now faster to travel to Bandung by car than by train from Jakarta.

Transportation companies:

• Silver Bird Van, (Blue Bird Group), Jl. Mampang Prapatan Raya 60, South Jakarta. Tel.: (62)(21) 798 1234. Price: Rp750.000, plus toll fee Rp40.000.
• X-Trans, Jl. Blora 1 AB, Central Jakarta, Tel.: (62)(21) 315 0555. Price: approx. US$ 55/car (10 persons).

During rainy season, parts of Cipularang Toll road may be closed because of landslides. On weekend, traffic jam occured near the toll gates in Djunjunan / terusan Pasteur area (Bandung).

One alternative route is by the slower, but enjoyable, route from Jakarta - Puncak - Cianjur - Bandung. If you travel by car using this route, then make sure to stop at the Puncak Pass, the tip of the highland just on the outskirts of Jakarta. From here, the view of tea plantation with fresh air can be enjoyed. There are plenty of good restaurants and hotels out there.

FROM JAKARTA TO BANDUNG BY BUS

Bus services connect Bandung and smaller surrounding cities. Several long-route buses are also available from major big cities. The most convenient way is the air-conditioned bus with the express or non-stop tag. The main bus terminals in Bandung are Leuwipanjang, serving buses from the west (Bogor, Jakarta, etc.) and Cicaheum, serving buses from the east (Cirebon and eastern Java cities).

There is a Primajasa shuttle bus service from Soekarno Hatta International airport to Bandung Super Mall (Jl. Gatot Soebroto 289). The trip will take approx. 3 hours and the cost is approx. US$ 6.50/person. Schedule: once every hour from 08.00 AM to 09.00 PM. PT Primajasa Perdayana Utama. Jl Mayjen Sutoyo 32, Jakarta 13630. Tel.: (62)(21) 8009545. Jl Soekarno Hatta Psr Caringin 62. Bandung. Tel.: (62)(22)6073992.

Revin Shuttle Minibus

Or if you're looking for something more comfortable, you can take Revin Travel shuttle minibus, mostly KIA Pregio, which fits up to 7 passengers, ready to take you anywhere in Bandung areas from Soekarno Hatta International Airport. The trip will take approx. 3 hours and the cost is approx. US$ 11.00/person or Rp 110.000, but this service available through reservation only, once you arrive at the Soekarno Hatta airport, just call (62)(22)7330111 or (62)0811203137, and they will pick you up right at your spot. This cost more than Primajasa Shuttle bus, but they can help you save your time and take you directly to your destination in Bandung.They also can take you directly from Bandung to Soekarno Hatta International Airport, for the same price. For more information about this service, just contact Revin Tours and Travel. Jl Gatot Subroto 201, Bandung. Tel.:(62)(22)7330111 or (62)0811203137

FROM JAKARTA TO BANDUNG BY TRAIN

PT. Kereta Api Indonesia, a state-owned company, is the only company who manages railways and train services in Indonesia. The scenery between Jakarta and Bandung is beautiful. The railroad passes mountains and padi terraces. Don't miss this view when traveling by train. Use the AC (air-conditioned) coach if you cannot cope with the tropical heat. Most hotels in Bandung provide free transportation from train station to the hotel. Tell them about the schedule.

1. EKS = eksekutif (AC), BIS = bisnis (non-AC)
2. Duration is total duration from end to end station.