Cimahi, Indonesia
Region: West Java
Geographic Coordinates: -6.871200, 107.555000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 30.0°C (68°F to 86°F)
Population: 586580
Language: Indonesian
Cimahi is a city in West Java, Indonesia, Situated about 180 kilometers southeast of Jakarta. The city has a population of over 500, 000 and covers an area of around 48 square kilometers. Originally established as a military base for the Dutch colonial army in the early 19th century, Cimahi is now known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Cimahi War Cemetery which commemorates soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. The city’s economy is driven primarily by manufacturing industries such as textiles and food processing.
It also boasts several educational institutions including Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). One of Cimahi’s most popular tourist attractions is Sunflower Park which features over one million sunflowers that bloom annually. Another must-visit destination is Tangkuban Perahu Mountain which offers breathtaking views from its summit. Culinary delights unique to this region include Nasi Goreng Kambing or goat fried rice found at local street vendors throughout the city. Visitors can also try other local delicacies like Sate Maranggi or grilled beef skewers served with spicy peanut sauce.
Transportation options include trains or buses from Jakarta or Bandung with public transportation options including buses and taxis although many locals prefer motorcycles to navigate through traffic. Overall, Cimahi offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, Natural beauty and culinary delights making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience authentic Indonesian culture outside major cities like Jakarta and Bali.
Important Landmarks
- Taman Wisata Matahari: A recreational park with various rides and attractions suitable for all ages.
- Taman Kupu-Kupu Cihanjuang: A butterfly garden featuring a variety of species.
- Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat Jawa Barat: A monument dedicated to the struggle of West Java people during Indonesia’s independence.
- Pasar Atas Cimahi: A traditional market selling local products and food.
- Masjid Agung Al-Munawwarah: One of the largest mosques in Cimahi with beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Gunung Padang Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort located on a hilltop offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Museum Siliwangi: An army museum showcasing the history and achievements of Siliwangi Division during Indonesia’s independence struggle.
- Bumi Sangkuriang Adventure Park: An adventure park offering various outdoor activities such as flying fox, paintball, ATV riding, etc.
- Curug Pelangi Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery ideal for nature lovers and photographers alike.
- Cikoneng Lembang Highland Dairy Farm: A dairy farm where visitors can learn about milk production process, enjoy fresh milk products & interact with farm animals like cows, sheep, etc.
Primary Industries
- Textile Industry: Cimahi is home to a large textile industry that produces various fabrics, clothing, and accessories.
- Food Processing: The city has several food processing companies that produce snacks, biscuits, and other packaged foods.
- Furniture Industry: Cimahi is known for its furniture industry which produces high-quality wooden furniture for both local and international markets.
- Automotive Industry: Several automotive industries have set up their manufacturing plants in the city producing cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
- Metalworking Industry: There are also several metalworking companies in Cimahi that produce machinery parts and tools.
- Chemical Industry: The city also has a chemical industry producing various chemicals used in different sectors such as agriculture or construction.
- Tourism Industry: With its beautiful natural scenery like mountains and lakes as well as cultural attractions such as traditional dances or music performances; tourism is an emerging industry in the region attracting visitors from all over Indonesia and abroad alike.
- Education Sector: Being home to many educational institutions including universities, schools, colleges; education sector is also one of the significant contributors to the economy of Cimahi by providing employment opportunities to people living there while improving overall literacy rate of the region’s population.
Noteable History
- Cimahi was originally established as a military base by the Dutch East Indies government in 1886 during the Dutch colonial era.
- During the Indonesian National Revolution, Cimahi played a significant role in resisting Dutch colonial rule.
- In 1955, Cimahi hosted the Bandung Conference, a historic meeting of Asian and African leaders that marked the birth of the Non-Aligned Movement.
- Sutan Syahrir, Indonesia’s first prime minister and prominent nationalist leader, spent several years in exile in Cimahi during Japanese occupation.
- General Sudirman is one of Indonesia’s most revered heroes for leading guerrilla forces against Japanese and Dutch occupiers during World War II and securing Indonesian independence.
- Haji Agus Salim was born near Cimahi and played a key role as a leading figure in Indonesia’s struggle for independence and participant in the Bandung Conference.
- Ki Hajar Dewantara founded several schools near Cimahi during his career as an educator and intellectual who shaped modern Indonesian education policy.
- The West Java Provincial Government Complex was completed in 1920 as part of Dutch colonial administration efforts to modernize infrastructure; it remains one of Cimahi’s most notable landmarks today.
Museums and Things To See
- Museum of Military History: This museum showcases the military equipment and weapons used by the Indonesian army throughout history.
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: A cultural park that highlights the diversity of Indonesia’s 34 provinces through traditional architecture, clothing, dances, and music.
- Gedung Sate: A colonial-era government building with unique Dutch architectural style that currently houses the governor’s office.
- Cimahi Waterfall: A stunning waterfall situated in a forested area near Cimahi city center.
- Saung Angklung Udjo: An art center dedicated to preserving traditional Sundanese music and dance through performances, workshops, and exhibitions.
- Bandung Geological Museum: This museum boasts an extensive collection of geological specimens from around Indonesia and is renowned for its dinosaur fossils exhibit.
- Tangkuban Perahu Volcano: A famous tourist attraction located roughly 20 km north of Cimahi city center where visitors can hike up to the crater or take a scenic drive around it.
- Kampung Gajah Wonderland: An amusement park with various rides, attractions, and activities suitable for families to enjoy together.
- Lawangwangi Creative Space & Art Gallery – A contemporary art gallery showcasing works from local artists while also hosting events such as live music performances or poetry readings.
- Selasar Sunaryo Art Space – Another contemporary art gallery featuring works from both national and international artists in various mediums such as painting or sculpture.
Cultural Events
- Cimahi Festival: This is an annual event that celebrates the culture and traditions of the city. It includes various activities such as art exhibitions, music performances, traditional dances, food stalls and more.
- Kuda Renggong Festival: This festival is held to celebrate the traditional horse dance of West Java called Kuda Renggong. The festival features a parade of horses adorned with colorful decorations and riders performing acrobatic stunts.
- Cap Go Meh Festival: This festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Cimahi. It includes a dragon dance performance, lion dance performance and a lantern parade.
- West Java Food Festival: This event showcases the diverse culinary heritage of West Java including dishes from Cimahi such as Sate Taichan (spicy chicken skewers) and Nasi Timbel (steamed rice wrapped in banana leaves).
- Independence Day Celebration: Every year on August 17th Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day with parades, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural performances including those from Cimahi.
- Islamic Festivals: As a predominantly Muslim city there are several Islamic festivals celebrated throughout the year including Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) and Maulid Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday).
Cuisine
- Sate Maranggi Cibungur is well-known for its grilled beef skewers, which are marinated in a special sauce.
- Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih is a popular restaurant that serves fried rice with goat meat and vegetables.
- Soto Ayam Pak Haji is famous for its chicken soup with noodles, bean sprouts, and herbs.
- Bakso Solo Samrat is a favorite spot for meatball soup with noodles and vegetables.
- Warung Nasi Ampera serves traditional Indonesian dishes such as nasi uduk, ayam goreng (fried chicken), and sambal (spicy sauce).
- Bubur Ayam Cimahi offers rice porridge with shredded chicken, crispy shallots, and soy sauce.
- Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana specializes in Padang-style cuisine featuring spicy curries and coconut milk-based dishes.
- Siomay Bandung Pak Asep Stroberi serves steamed dumplings filled with fish or shrimp served with peanut sauce on top.
- Martabak San Francisco is famous for sweet martabak stuffed with chocolate or cheese filling.
- Mie Rica Kejaksaan is a noodle dish from Manado that is spicy but delicious!
- Taman Air Mancur Cimahi is a public park that features a large fountain and playground designed for children.
- Taman Kupu-kupu Cihanjuang is a butterfly garden that showcases various species of butterflies and plants.
- Taman Wisata Matahari is an amusement park where visitors can enjoy rides, games, and food stalls.
- Lapangan Sepak Bola Palasari offers recreational soccer fields for players to enjoy.
- Gunung Padang Park provides scenic views of the surrounding area through its hiking trail leading to the summit of Gunung Padang hill.
- Situ Lembang Park surrounds a lake with greenery perfect for picnics and fishing activities.
- Taman Kota Cimahi offers jogging tracks, playgrounds, and picnic areas as part of its public park amenities.
- Karang Setra Waterpark is an outdoor water park equipped with slides, pools, and other water attractions suitable for all ages to enjoy.
- Jalan Sukarno Hatta Bike Path stretches along the main street in Cimahi providing safe cycling opportunities for visitors to explore the city on two wheels.
- Taman Hutan Raya Ir.H.Djuanda is a large forested area located just outside of Cimahi where visitors can hike or cycle through trails while enjoying nature’s beauty without leaving the city limits.