Bandung, o
Bandung, often called the “Paris of Java”, is a place that truly stole my heart. Surrounded by lush mountains and cool air, the city gave me the perfect balance of nature, shopping, delicious halal food, and rich cultural experiences — all while being extremely Muslim-friendly.
I arrived in Bandung after a short flight from Kuala Lumpur. The moment I stepped out of the airport, I was greeted by the refreshing highland breeze — a welcome break from the heat of city life. The atmosphere was laid-back, the people were warm and polite, and I instantly felt at ease.
One of the first things I appreciated about Bandung was how easy it was to find halal food. Almost every eatery was Muslim-owned, and halal signs were everywhere. From warungs (small roadside stalls) to trendy cafes, I had no trouble enjoying meals without worrying about ingredients. My favourites were the sate ayam, nasi timbel, batagor, and Bandung’s famous pisang keju (banana with cheese). Even cafes serving modern desserts like boba and pancakes usually had prayer spaces available or were near mosques.
One of the best parts of Bandung is its combination of nature and shopping. We spent a full day in Lembang, where we visited the amazing Farmhouse Susu Lembang — a European-style village with photo spots, Dutch-style houses, and even a place where you can dress in traditional Dutch costumes. We then went to The Lodge Maribaya, where tall pine trees and mountain views made us feel like we were in another world. There were prayer rooms (musholla) provided at almost every tourist spot, which made it so convenient to perform prayers even while travelling.
A trip to Bandung wouldn’t be complete without shopping. We went to Rumah Mode, one of the most popular factory outlets in the city. From branded clothing to local fashion pieces, everything was much cheaper than in Malaysia. I managed to grab a few modest outfits and even some gifts for family. Most shopping areas like Cihampelas Walk and Paris Van Java Mall also had surau and halal food stalls, so I could shop and eat with peace of mind. #indonesia