Jeans Street

Spiderman looms large over Jean Street

Jl. Cihampelas (a section of which is commonly referred to as Jeans Street) is a long, congested street that is popular with tourists and locals alike. It is distinctive for its larger than life action figures, including Rambo holding a giant missile which measures approximately 20 feet. He is also joined by Spiderman hanging from a lamp post, Superman crashing into a shop window, Catwoman, The Flash and other popular action characters.

cheap jeans

customized to fit,  right on the spot

Catwoman

knock off bags or the real deal?

family outing

cars, motors and vendors flow down Jeans Street

motors flow onto sidewalk around tour bus

alterations while you wait

Like many streets in Bandung, Jeans Street is highly congested (tour buses, cars, taxis, ojeks, trucks, bicycles etc). We had to wait for our cab for over an hour, and when he finally arrived he had to pass us because it was so congested he couldn't pull over. Add the  pedestrians, street peddlers and people begging for change. This one way 2-lane street is always crowded, but weekends are even worse.

whatizit?

cassava roots for sale

stitch 'n go

Of course there is no shortage of food vendors either (is there ever?) The main draw for tourists though is the cheap clothing. One of the unique things about Jeans Street is the number of tailors found outside the clothing shops. Jeans don't fit? Let them tailor your purchase on the spot! The denim clothing stores have earned the city the nickname of 'Kota Wisata Belanja', which translates as 'Tourist Shopping City'.

colorful tees

more action figures

 

 

 According to Lonely Planet, "Advertising is one thing, but a 20 ft. high plaster statue of Rambo?  Traditionally the home of the city's thriving textile industry, this congested drag is now a menagerie of kitsch plaster giants, looming over shops competing with one another for the top spot in the city's booming denim trade."

Rambo stands guard over army surplus