International Office Unisba – What happens when culture, nature, and new friendships collide in one unforgettable journey? On the second day of the NUS Visitation Program, precisely on the 17th of May 2025, participants didn’t just explore Bandung’s breathtaking landscapes. They bonded, tasted local snacks, soared over tea plantations, and shared stories that transcended borders. With every laugh, photo, and step through Tangkuban Parahu and Asstro Highlands, the day became more than a visit, it became a powerful blend of learning, adventure, and connection that’s impossible to forget.
The visitation program, which includes in-person interactions, continues to foster deeper relationships and meaningful collaborations through cultural experiences, culinary exploration, and visits to iconic destinations.
On the second day of the activity, NUS visitation participants visited several exciting destinations to collect data for projects related to disasters in Indonesia. Still accompanied by the Unisba Global Inspired Society (U-GIS) as their Buddies, the participants began the second day in the morning by visiting Tangkuban Parahu in Lembang, Bandung.
As the first destination, the Tangkuban Parahu exploration triggered the excitement of participants in exploring the beautiful spots, such as seeing the sulfur crater and trekking to the top of Mount Tangkuban Parahu
As they explored the crater, participants purchased local treats, such as Jasuke and Indomie noodles, from traditional stalls and enjoyed them while taking in the scenic views.
When the committee asked which destination left the strongest impression, Jenny enthusiastically responded, “probably visiting Tangkuban Parahu! and getting to enjoy the beautiful scenery while also climbing up the stairs to eat jasuke at the top with the chilly weather. Definitely a fore memory for me.”
NUS participants also purchased souvenirs, including traditional snacks and various signature foods and items from Bandung City.
As part of their disaster-related assignment, the participants documented each moment at the scenic spots around Tangkuban Parahu while also gaining insights into its historical background.
“I was very impressed by how big and nice the volcano was and I think the locals there were really really friendly to us. The memorable moment was when we took photos together that makes everything so much nicer”, Sam said when talking about his impressive moment in Tangkuban Parahu.
Shu Xian also added his impression about Tangkuban Parahu, “the visit to Tangkuban Perahu. The atmosphere there was incredibly relaxing, with cool mountain air and breathtaking views of the crater. It was the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.”
“Majestic, Grand, and Fun!”, Mai added 3 words to describe the tangkuban parahu exploration.
The journey then continued to the Asstro Highlands Ciater destination in Subang, West Java. At this destination, the participants were greeted by odong-odong, which took them to the lunch spot at the Pinus Restaurant.
As the name implies, the Pinus Restaurant offers a wonderful and calming ambience, surrounded by pine trees, and serves delicious Sundanese cuisine. The participants had lunch while mingling with U-GIS Buddies, then continued with the announcement of the project groups for the next day’s event.
The exploration at Asstro Highlands did not stop there, participants then visited various exciting spots, such as riding a flying fox attraction, walking through a beautiful tea garden, experiencing tea-making workshop, and taking pictures at Instagrammable spots all around the tea garden.
“The most memorable thing in Asstro Highlands for me is the flying fox ride, we weren’t expected to do a flying fox above the tea plantation, it was so fun!”, Meng when told about her experience in Asstro Highlands.
Cultural exchange through visiting outdoor destinations is expected to spark bonding between participants and U-GIS Buddies, as well as encourage participants to solve case studies regarding the potential disasters that might occur in the destination and how technology can overcome them.
After a long journey from the outdoor destination, participants had dinner at the Sambara restaurant, where they could savour various typical Indonesian cuisines, ranging from main courses to side dishes and desserts.
The last agenda on the second day was closed with a hangout with U-GIS Buddies at several Bandung shopping centres, such as Paris Van Java Mall, 23 Paskal Mall, and Monumen Perjuangan, which allowed participants to have free time by enjoying culinary delights and shopping for souvenirs.
“This program is very welcoming, the Buddies from UNISBA were very welcoming to us despite not being everyone’s Buddies, but everyone’s do talking to us. The Second one is very fun because every activity that we’ve done so far is very engaging. And the last one is very satisfying, because we really learn a lot about the culture there and we made new friends from UNISBA as well”, Meng said about the whole experience of the collaborative visitation program.
As the purpose of the visitation program, the second day was closed with a stronger bonding among the participants and U-GIS because of the cultural visit trip.
Aldi, as liaison officer from U-GIS told about his second day’s experience, “the day was very long and full of adventures but I started to feel more connected with my buddy, he talked a lot and told me about his preferences. The food and accommodation provided were also delicious, nothing off on this day!”
This agenda demonstrated the International Office Universitas Islam Bandung’s commitment to facilitating similar inbound activities as an effort to achieve the university’s vision of becoming a leading university in Asia by 2033.
