Shopping at Cihampelas in Bandung is one of the most exciting places in town that you must visit. I have never seen such attractive attractions in my travels until I visited this place.For the first time here, hotel staff will easily introduce this place when asking them where to go for some shopping.
Once you reach there, you are in for a fantastic surprise as you will see huge oversized superheroes sticking out from the shop signboards along the main roads.
Gimmick? Sure thing. Even I couldn't miss it a mile away! Someone once told me, 'it looks like a terrible version of Universal Studios'.
Then again, who would not want to miss this uncanny and quirky attraction? Only in Jalan Cihampelas, Bandung, and that is one of the reasons for Wonderful Indonesia.
Cihampelas Shopping in Bandung
Below are various photos were taken during my earlier visit there. Please note that many of these shops have closed or have been taken over by other businesses.
During a recent trip here in 2016, I noticed that some are still there, and the place is still crowded with shoppers, local and international.
Just take a look at the quirky yet attractive signboards that dominate the main street here in Cihampelas.
Photos of Cihampelas Shopping Street
During a recent trip here in 2016, I noticed that some are still there, and the place is still crowded with shoppers, local and international.
Just take a look at the quirky yet attractive signboards that dominate the main street here in Cihampelas.
Photos of Cihampelas Shopping Street
Catwoman in action
Superhero neighbours in action
Spiderman and his web
Of course, Batman! Cheaply done.
How can we not have Iron Man!
Ok, this one really got to me. Rambo?!?!
A small sign in red reads 'Cuci Gudang', which means washing the warehouse
Perahu (boat)
And then we have Tarzan. Look at the banner. |
| Arnie at Cihampelas |
This one really got to me, as one look and I already knew who it was. Placed right on the stairs in front of everything, you would not miss Arnie here.
I was also tempted to stand next to him for a picture. Then again, I simply did not have the guts to pose there alongside the many other tourists who willingly posed away.
I was also tempted to stand next to him for a picture. Then again, I simply did not have the guts to pose there alongside the many other tourists who willingly posed away.
BB Guns in Bandung
BB Guns in Bandung was not hard to find. A few stalls were selling these BB Guns at Cihampelas. Some even had make-shift stalls by the main road.
I wondered what they were mostly used for, so I had to ask one seller. His reply - For hunting small game. It's a pity that the BB Guns are openly sold here by the roadsides. Anyone could just buy them too.
I wondered what they were mostly used for, so I had to ask one seller. His reply - For hunting small game. It's a pity that the BB Guns are openly sold here by the roadsides. Anyone could just buy them too.
Anime characters being sold just about everywhere in Cihampelas.
My conclusion on the Cihampelas Shopping
Nothing worthy unless you don't mind wearing common below the range stuff. The prices range from Rp.5000 to Rp.30,000 there. In other words, most of the stuff is under RM10.00 (US$3.00).
But they are really nothing to shout about. Shop after shop, they all are selling mostly the same stuff you see in the first shop.
There is a nearby mall, but after visiting the places, I just did not have the mood to continue here at Cihampelas as I was exhausted by 9.00 pm.
So only if you got time to kill, then go there. Otherwise, straight to the Factory Outlets in Dago, Jalan Riau or the famous Rumah Mode.
Then again, if you are a low-income earner having saved up for this trip, then it would be alright to come here.
Meaning you will wear anything that costs under RM10.00 and doesn't fuss. But don't regret spending hundreds here and move to the next place to find much nicer stuff.
Also, do not be fooled by the Factory Outlet signs around/along the Cihampelas road. They are substandard normal goods.
The real stuff (branded) is NOT here. I saw many pairs of jeans there, but none of the brands rings a bell in my head.
Strange... I really cannot remember any of the brand names I saw. However, at Cihampelas, there are some small speciality shops along the road but nothing to shout about.
Nothing worthy unless you don't mind wearing common below the range stuff. The prices range from Rp.5000 to Rp.30,000 there. In other words, most of the stuff is under RM10.00 (US$3.00).
But they are really nothing to shout about. Shop after shop, they all are selling mostly the same stuff you see in the first shop.
There is a nearby mall, but after visiting the places, I just did not have the mood to continue here at Cihampelas as I was exhausted by 9.00 pm.
So only if you got time to kill, then go there. Otherwise, straight to the Factory Outlets in Dago, Jalan Riau or the famous Rumah Mode.
Then again, if you are a low-income earner having saved up for this trip, then it would be alright to come here.
Meaning you will wear anything that costs under RM10.00 and doesn't fuss. But don't regret spending hundreds here and move to the next place to find much nicer stuff.
Also, do not be fooled by the Factory Outlet signs around/along the Cihampelas road. They are substandard normal goods.
The real stuff (branded) is NOT here. I saw many pairs of jeans there, but none of the brands rings a bell in my head.
Strange... I really cannot remember any of the brand names I saw. However, at Cihampelas, there are some small speciality shops along the road but nothing to shout about.
Cihampelas Shopping Additional Information;
- Child-Friendly: Mall - Yes, Roadside Shopping - Keep an eye on your child.
- Pram Friendly: Mall - Yes, Roadside - No way in hell! (but you can try)
- Elderly Friendly: It depends if your folks tire easily, then not a good place to bring them. There is intensive walking along the main road.
- Wheelchair Friendly: Only in the mall, please.
- Food Friendly: In the mall (Ci-Walk), yes yes and yes. Roadside stalls, No
- Toilet Friendly: Mall, Yes - Roadside Shops, most have decent toilets.
- Safety: Safe from general crime, but when you walk the main road, you got to keep your eyes on the traffic. They seem to be everywhere. When you are walking along the road, they will be passing inches from you.
- Road Crossing: Shops are opposite each other on the main road, so no one will stop for you. You need to wait for that moment and put your hand out and brave across. This ain't Singapore.
- Smoking: Similar to Malaysia, not in malls or stores.
- Rating for shopping: 3/10
For more info on Hotels and Taxi or Van services, visit my other article about hotels in Bandung.
Conclusion
If you visit Bandung, it is no harm to explore all of these places as most tourist maps will highlight them, even if you talk to the locals.
I would highly recommend visiting the Cihempelas area as it would be a unique experience to shop here.
After all, if you end up not buying anything, you still get to see a unique side of this exciting area in Bandung.
Therefore, if you visit Bandung and have an extra day to spend, you should make a quick trip to do so shopping in the Cihampelas area as you will not regret it. Trust me, I have been here twice.
I would highly recommend visiting the Cihempelas area as it would be a unique experience to shop here.
After all, if you end up not buying anything, you still get to see a unique side of this exciting area in Bandung.
Therefore, if you visit Bandung and have an extra day to spend, you should make a quick trip to do so shopping in the Cihampelas area as you will not regret it. Trust me, I have been here twice.