Bandung

The capital is situated on a plateau 768 meters above sea level with a cool climate throughout the year. Although it has a population of over two million the pace of city life is slower than Jakarta's.

Several institutes of higher education are located here, including the country's prestigious Bandung Institute of Technology.

There are short drives up to the mountain resorts of Lembang and the Bosscha Observatory, and higher to the volcanic crater of Tangkuban Perahu, the only crater in Java accessible all the way by car as far as its rim. It is an awe-inspiring sight of emanating sulfur fumes. Descent into all the volcano's 12 craters is only possible with the aid of an experienced guide, because of the presence of suffocating gases at certain spots.

Just a 15 minutes drive from Tangkuban Perahu is a hot springs resort. Here you can swim in warm mineral water pools, good for healing skin problems.

The resort provides visitors with a bar, restaurants, tennis courts and cottage style hotels overlooking a beautiful mountain-scape.

In Bandung, try to see the "Wayang Golek" wooden puppet show and hear the "Angklung" bamboo orchestra, as well as the classical Sundanese gamelan and dances.

Zoological Museum

Exhibited in this Museum are mainly stuffed animals placed behind vitrines or glass display cases, arranged as if these animals were alive in natural surroundings. It is located on Juanda Street in Bandung.