The enchanting land of Sunda stretches from the Sunda Strait in the west to the borders of Central Java in the east. The region is premarily mountainous, with rich green valley hungging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of the province, Bandung. The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices, and the rise and fall of powerfull kingdoms. In the late 1500's the region was rored from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as sultanate today, although a shadow of its former
glory. Banten, once a powerful maritime capital revaling the vast Javanese Mataram empire, is today a fishing village with an illustrious past. West Java was one on the first contact point in Indonesia for Indian traders and their culture influences and it was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago. West Java surrounds the nation's capital of
Jakarta on three sides, and good roads provide links to most of the province, passing through rugged mountains, iridescent paddy fields an along patoral streches of palm-friged coastline. There are a number of popular resort and the western and southern coasts with modern hotels and extensive facilities, favorite weekend get-aways for people living in Jakarta. West Java provides visitors with an extensive array of fascinating things to see and do. Venture to the brink of the awesome power of Krakatau or explore the pristine wildlife reserve of Ujung Kulon on the south western tip of Java. Take refuge in the Pulau Dua Bird Sanctuary off the coast of Banten or visit the mysterious Baduy people in the remote Halimun Mountain Reserve. Discover unspoiled beaches at Pangandaran and treasures in the royal palaces of Cirebon or wanders through the word-renowned botanical gardens of Bogor. West Java something for everyone.

Bandung is about 180 km's southeast of Jakarta and is called "The Paris of Java" because of its treelined boulevards and artistic influences. The city gained international fame in 1955 as the venue for the first Asian-Afrika Conference, which brought together the leaders of 29 Asian and African nations with the aim of promoting economic and culture relations and taking a common stand against colonialism.