The first weekend of February, a few friends and I made a trip by car to Bandung. This city that I’d barely ever been and, suddenly, within less than 6 months I have been here twice—the last time was well documented in these three parts. This plan was a-brewing leading up to the New Year, I believe, when my friends were itching to get out of the city. I was reluctant at first, since my sister would be coming for the holidays anyway. But as the plan shifted and landed on 7 February, I thought why not visit my sister again. So my friends Uta, Bulbul and Guntur and I ended up going on this trip together. On this weekend, a few events happened to be held at the same time, so we made it a mission to visit each one. So let’s go!
The first weekend of February, a few friends and I made a trip by car to Bandung. This city that I’d barely ever been and, suddenly, within less than 6 months I have been here twice—the last time was well documented in these three parts. This plan was a-brewing leading up to the New Year, I believe, when my friends were itching to get out of the city. I was reluctant at first, since my sister would be coming for the holidays anyway. But as the plan shifted and landed on 7 February, I thought why not visit my sister again. So my friends Uta, Bulbul and Guntur and I ended up going on this trip together. On this weekend, a few events happened to be held at the same time, so we made it a mission to visit each one. So let’s go!
📷 DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Act 1: Strange Currencies
Our first stop was fffffandy’s recently-opened solo exhibition titled Strange Currencies. Fandy, by the way, is the head of the design department at my office—which makes him basically the ‘father’ of the friends who came with me—and so of course we had to stop by while we were in town. The exhibition is held at C On Temporary, this cute little corner tucked inside the second floor of Gormeteria—from 7 February to 29 March 2026, so stop by whenever you have the chance!
The exhibition is very conceptual, with the space being divided into two parts. The works consist of illustrations, furniture, and little sculptures—among other things. The space itself is designed to look like a home renovation or building in progress, using used, decaying wood, with plastic wrappings hanging over an industrial wall. It is meant to mirror the concept of the exhibition that basically explores the idea of an ideal home, emphasising that an ideal home is always a work in progress.
Our first stop was fffffandy’s recently-opened solo exhibition titled Strange Currencies. Fandy, by the way, is the head of the design department at my office—which makes him basically the ‘father’ of the friends who came with me—and so of course we had to stop by while we were in town. The exhibition is held at C On Temporary, this cute little corner tucked inside the second floor of Gormeteria—from 7 February to 29 March 2026, so stop by whenever you have the chance!
The exhibition is very conceptual, with the space being divided into two parts. The works consist of illustrations, furniture, and little sculptures—among other things. The space itself is designed to look like a home renovation or building in progress, using used, decaying wood, with plastic wrappings hanging over an industrial wall. It is meant to mirror the concept of the exhibition that basically explores the idea of an ideal home, emphasising that an ideal home is always a work in progress.
Since it was the exhibition opening, we had the honour of hearing Fandy himself give an introduction of his works. He talked about his experience with home from a very young age: how he had to move to Malaysia with his twin Fendy, and how he eventually returned (and still resides) in his childhood home. He questioned what his ideal home looks like and where it could potentially be located. Maybe not even in Indonesia, perhaps Japan? But also, what would happen if and when he finally lives in his ideal home? How would his art look like when that happens? These are all the questions that he explores in this little exhibition. Plus, you get to see little snippets of his house—including the gigantic gaping hole over his bathroom at home when the ceiling collapsed.
Since it was the exhibition opening, we had the honour of hearing Fandy himself give an introduction of his works. He talked about his experience with home from a very young age: how he had to move to Malaysia with his twin Fendy, and how he eventually returned (and still resides) in his childhood home. He questioned what his ideal home looks like and where it could potentially be located. Maybe not even in Indonesia, perhaps Japan? But also, what would happen if and when he finally lives in his ideal home? How would his art look like when that happens? These are all the questions that he explores in this little exhibition. Plus, you get to see little snippets of his house—including the gigantic gaping hole over his bathroom at home when the ceiling collapsed.
Some works from the exhibition stood out, such as this lopsided chair titled ‘Partial Support’, which portrays this two-part chair that can be assembled in a couple different ways to unite as one chair. The twist is that each part of this chair has one beneficial feature that offers comfort, while the other features can result in discomfort. For instance, one part of the chair may have a sturdy plane to sit on, while its back post may be uncomfortable—while the other part may have it the exact opposite.
I also really love and enjoy these little nooks where you have to put your head all the way in to enjoy the artwork altogether. The nook contains little illustrations by Fandy, portraying the many different facets of his personality and experiences—with snippets of his current home as well, portraying the imperfections of his humble abode. Most of the works displayed at the exhibition are spread out across the space, so you’ve got to have a keen eye to capture each and every one of them. There are a lot of easter eggs being strewn about.
Some works from the exhibition stood out, such as this lopsided chair titled ‘Partial Support’, which portrays this two-part chair that can be assembled in a couple different ways to unite as one chair. The twist is that each part of this chair has one beneficial feature that offers comfort, while the other features can result in discomfort. For instance, one part of the chair may have a sturdy plane to sit on, while its back post may be uncomfortable—while the other part may have it the exact opposite.
I also really love and enjoy these little nooks where you have to put your head all the way in to enjoy the artwork altogether. The nook contains little illustrations by Fandy, portraying the many different facets of his personality and experiences—with snippets of his current home as well, portraying the imperfections of his humble abode. Most of the works displayed at the exhibition are spread out across the space, so you’ve got to have a keen eye to capture each and every one of them. There are a lot of easter eggs being strewn about.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Intermission: Coffee Break
PolaPola Clothing top | thrifted jeans | PACU TUKU tote bag | ASICS GT-2160™ sneakers |
photos of me by my friends
Lebak Caringin
After the exhibition, we decided to have a little coffee break since we started to feel tired from the trip—and I, especially, was in dire need for coffee. Fandy recommended that we go to this really cozy coffee shop called Lebak Caringin, located at Dago Atas up near the mountains. The place was super spacious, very cozy and luscious with lots of greeneries. We were all more than happy the be around nature again after being stuck at our desk for weeks on end. The journey there was pretty treacherous—I think we took a wrong turn somewhere and it affected everything—but the view, the menu and the vibe was all worth it. I especially loved their pastries. We decided to sit back and relax here for a couple hours before we hit the road again.
PolaPola Clothing top | thrifted jeans | PACU TUKU tote bag | ASICS GT-2160™ sneakers |
photos of me by my friends
Lebak Caringin
After the exhibition, we decided to have a little coffee break since we started to feel tired from the trip—and I, especially, was in dire need for coffee. Fandy recommended that we go to this really cozy coffee shop called Lebak Caringin, located at Dago Atas up near the mountains. The place was super spacious, very cozy and luscious with lots of greeneries. We were all more than happy the be around nature again after being stuck at our desk for weeks on end. The journey there was pretty treacherous—I think we took a wrong turn somewhere and it affected everything—but the view, the menu and the vibe was all worth it. I especially loved their pastries. We decided to sit back and relax here for a couple hours before we hit the road again.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Act 2: Bandung Zinefest
Our next destination was Bandung Zinefest, which I believe was the non-mandatory part of our itinerary, but I’m so glad we ended up going. This is a prestigious popup market where creatives could sell self-made zines about whatever topics they find important. The range of subject matter is super wide—from social-politics, local cultures, food, mental health to arts and crafts. It is held at the Tjap Sahabat coffee shop, but not inside the coffee shop itself. You’ll have to walk to the back alley to find the surprisingly massive market. Love that grassroots quality of the event! It’s definitely something that Jakarta is now missing.
Once we got there, we all went our separate ways, flocking to wildly different types of tenants. While Guntur and Bulbul were mostly fascinated by the new, old technology that allows very specific types of products to be produced, Uta checked out a lot of the post-punk materials and all that leftist-minded publications. Meanwhile, I went from one illustrator to the next to find the cutest items to collect. Somehow, I got unexpectedly reunited with an all-time favourite illustratior, Azisa Noor (and her friend Zora). I bought two zines and pre-ordered one—all of them are illustrated and speak about food and beverages. Didn’t mean to target a specific kind of zines, but somehow that’s where I ended up.
Our next destination was Bandung Zinefest, which I believe was the non-mandatory part of our itinerary, but I’m so glad we ended up going. This is a prestigious popup market where creatives could sell self-made zines about whatever topics they find important. The range of subject matter is super wide—from social-politics, local cultures, food, mental health to arts and crafts. It is held at the Tjap Sahabat coffee shop, but not inside the coffee shop itself. You’ll have to walk to the back alley to find the surprisingly massive market. Love that grassroots quality of the event! It’s definitely something that Jakarta is now missing.
Once we got there, we all went our separate ways, flocking to wildly different types of tenants. While Guntur and Bulbul were mostly fascinated by the new, old technology that allows very specific types of products to be produced, Uta checked out a lot of the post-punk materials and all that leftist-minded publications. Meanwhile, I went from one illustrator to the next to find the cutest items to collect. Somehow, I got unexpectedly reunited with an all-time favourite illustratior, Azisa Noor (and her friend Zora). I bought two zines and pre-ordered one—all of them are illustrated and speak about food and beverages. Didn’t mean to target a specific kind of zines, but somehow that’s where I ended up.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Act 3: Braga Bakkerij
Braga Bakkerij
Our last stop of the day was Braga Bakkerij, a newly-opened Dutch-style bakery at the heart of Braga Street. The reason we stopped by here was because my friends Uta and Bulbul want to congratulate the owner and their friend, Aulia Akbar, for his bakery’s opening—and obviously catch up on things while they’re at it. We decided to try the desserts as well, while we were there. Uta ordered for us. We got the Tompouce Earl Grey, Tompouce Braga and Stroopwafel Karamelstroop Garam Laut (if I’m not mistaken), and we all love the Earl Grey one the most since it’s super creamy, yet not too sweet.
Afterwards, Bulbul and Uta went upstairs to see the owner while I waited downstairs to check out the details of the shop that I hadn’t had a chance to do. Since it’s Aulia Akbar, I expected nothing less than attention to all the details. According to Uta and Bulbul, Aulia Akbar spent a month or so in The Netherlands to get a better grip on its culture and translate it into his branding. I love the decor at the shop, especially the logo breakdown that you can find in the famous hallway. The little illustrations that adorn the walls and the toilet signage are also such a cute touch. Even the floor drain is so intricately beautiful—watch out for that if you pay a visit. Much kudos to Aulia Akbar and team!
Braga Bakkerij
Our last stop of the day was Braga Bakkerij, a newly-opened Dutch-style bakery at the heart of Braga Street. The reason we stopped by here was because my friends Uta and Bulbul want to congratulate the owner and their friend, Aulia Akbar, for his bakery’s opening—and obviously catch up on things while they’re at it. We decided to try the desserts as well, while we were there. Uta ordered for us. We got the Tompouce Earl Grey, Tompouce Braga and Stroopwafel Karamelstroop Garam Laut (if I’m not mistaken), and we all love the Earl Grey one the most since it’s super creamy, yet not too sweet.
Afterwards, Bulbul and Uta went upstairs to see the owner while I waited downstairs to check out the details of the shop that I hadn’t had a chance to do. Since it’s Aulia Akbar, I expected nothing less than attention to all the details. According to Uta and Bulbul, Aulia Akbar spent a month or so in The Netherlands to get a better grip on its culture and translate it into his branding. I love the decor at the shop, especially the logo breakdown that you can find in the famous hallway. The little illustrations that adorn the walls and the toilet signage are also such a cute touch. Even the floor drain is so intricately beautiful—watch out for that if you pay a visit. Much kudos to Aulia Akbar and team!
Sunday, 8 February 2026
Act 4: A Day with My Sister
No trip to Bandung would ever be complete without hanging out with my sister—which is why I dedicated my second day for her. My phone battery was pretty much shot, so my top priority of the day was to replace it. My sister is such a good sport, that she didn’t mind keeping me company while I run this errand. But first, of course, coffee. Call me basic, call me a tourist—but Kopi Toko Djawa is my favourite Bandung hang out spot, specifically the Teuku Umar branch. For years prior—around the pandemic era—I’ve been eyeing this little place on social media and was dying to hang out here, and finally last year I did. Somehow it became our go-to hangout spot while I’m in town. Such a nice, luscious space with great ambience to people watch.
Not only the spot itself, I also quite enjoy their selection of coffee—usually, I would opt for their signature Kopi Toko Djawa and only switch to Kopi Awan when I’m feeling particularly fancy. I also love their dessert choice, especially since they have canéle and I would say it tastes pretty decent. This time around I also tried out their Pisang Bolen Keju, while my sister opted for a Banana Bread. It was such a cozy time.
No trip to Bandung would ever be complete without hanging out with my sister—which is why I dedicated my second day for her. My phone battery was pretty much shot, so my top priority of the day was to replace it. My sister is such a good sport, that she didn’t mind keeping me company while I run this errand. But first, of course, coffee. Call me basic, call me a tourist—but Kopi Toko Djawa is my favourite Bandung hang out spot, specifically the Teuku Umar branch. For years prior—around the pandemic era—I’ve been eyeing this little place on social media and was dying to hang out here, and finally last year I did. Somehow it became our go-to hangout spot while I’m in town. Such a nice, luscious space with great ambience to people watch.
Not only the spot itself, I also quite enjoy their selection of coffee—usually, I would opt for their signature Kopi Toko Djawa and only switch to Kopi Awan when I’m feeling particularly fancy. I also love their dessert choice, especially since they have canéle and I would say it tastes pretty decent. This time around I also tried out their Pisang Bolen Keju, while my sister opted for a Banana Bread. It was such a cozy time.
After my phone was done and dusted, we decided to make our way to the City Hall Park. Neither of us has ever been and we just wanted a chill place to hang out before I had to reunite and return home with my friends. It was only a less-than-10-minute walk to the park and we found a secret urban farming site on the pedestrian bridge, so it was a worthwhile walk.
The park itself was much more expansive, greener and emptier than we expected. I suppose, as a landmark it doesn’t really offer much—there are only some cute architecture here and there—but as a public domain, it really ticks a lot of the boxes. There were plenty of places to sit and converse. There were playgrounds for the children to hop around. There was a petting zoo, filled with various types of aviary and some sheep. After taking numerous photos and footages, it was finally time for me to head back home—and that wraps up our Bandung trip (for now).
Thrifted top + jeans | Bobo Tokyo jacket (defect sale) | ASICS GT-2160™ sneakers | photos of me by Akita
If you want to know more about what we got up to in Bandung,
feel free to watch the vlog down below!
Where else should we go to in Bandung?
After my phone was done and dusted, we decided to make our way to the City Hall Park. Neither of us has ever been and we just wanted a chill place to hang out before I had to reunite and return home with my friends. It was only a less-than-10-minute walk to the park and we found a secret urban farming site on the pedestrian bridge, so it was a worthwhile walk.
The park itself was much more expansive, greener and emptier than we expected. I suppose, as a landmark it doesn’t really offer much—there are only some cute architecture here and there—but as a public domain, it really ticks a lot of the boxes. There were plenty of places to sit and converse. There were playgrounds for the children to hop around. There was a petting zoo, filled with various types of aviary and some sheep. After taking numerous photos and footages, it was finally time for me to head back home—and that wraps up our Bandung trip (for now).
Thrifted top + jeans | Bobo Tokyo jacket (defect sale) | ASICS GT-2160™ sneakers | photos of me by Akita
If you want to know more about what we got up to in Bandung,
feel free to watch the vlog down below!
Where else should we go to in Bandung?