BANDUNG CULTURAL TOURISM
Bandung, the capital city of West Java province in Indonesia, is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the unique blend of traditional and modern culture that the city has to offer. Known as the "Paris of Java," Bandung is a city rich in history and culture, with a wide range of options for visitors to explore.
One of Bandung's main draws of cultural tourism is the city's architecture. The colonial-style buildings, many of which were built during the Dutch occupation of Indonesia, are a striking contrast to the more modern structures throughout the city. Visitors can take a walking tour to see some of the most iconic buildings, such as the Gedung Sate, a government building that is a striking example of Art Deco architecture. The building is also one of the landmarks of Bandung, and it was built in 1920.
Another popular cultural attraction in Bandung is the city's many museums. The Asia-Afrika Museum, for example, tells the story of the Asian-African Conference that was held in Bandung in 1955. This historic event was an important moment in the decolonization process of many countries in Africa and Asia, and the museum provides a fascinating look into this period of history. The museum also showcases the art and culture of Asia and Africa through its collection of artefacts, photographs, and documents.
For those interested in traditional culture, the Saung Angklung Udjo is a must-see. This cultural centre offers performances of traditional music played on the angklung, a bamboo musical instrument that is unique to West Java. Visitors can also take part in workshops to learn how to play the angklung and experience the traditional culture firsthand. The centre also provides traditional dances and puppet shows.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Bandung is also known for its vibrant food scene. The city is home to a wide variety of traditional Indonesian dishes, as well as international cuisine, and is a great place to sample local specialties. Visitors can also take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng, sate, and rendang. Bandung is also famous as a foodscape or food landscape. Turgarini (2019) showed Bandung as a foodscape with 40 traditional markets. Most of the culinaries in Bandung serve Sundanese food. If you come to visit Bandung, you should come to Braga Street, Alun-Alun, Tegalega, Taman Sari, Pasir Kaliki, and others. Sometimes Braga Street will hold various food festivals. Bandung as a foodscape not only serves Sundanese food, but also other areas like Central Java, East Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and others.
Bandung also offers a great shopping experience, which makes it a popular destination for fashion lovers. The city is famous for its factory outlets, where visitors can find a wide range of clothing, shoes, and accessories at discounted prices. Visitors can also find traditional batik fabrics and souvenirs at the traditional markets in the city.
In conclusion, Bandung is a city that offers a wide range of options for tourists looking for an authentic cultural experience. From its colonial-style architecture, to its museums and traditional cultural centres, to its delicious food and shopping experience, Bandung is a destination that has something for everyone. It is a perfect destination for those who are interested in culture, history, and architecture as well as for those who are looking for a relaxing holiday experience.
REFERENCES
Museum Gedung Sate: Daya Tarik, Harga Tiket Masuk, dan Jadwal Buka Halaman all - Kompas.com
https://www.grandtjokro.com/jakarta/blog/saung-angklung-udjo-yang-mendunia