Persib nostalgia trip via Bandros, new tour for soccer fans in Bandung

Bandung always has a unique way of blending culture, history, and sports in one breath. Now, that breath takes the form of a large blue wheel called Bandros Persib Edition, a new tourist route that's not just a city tour, but also a journey retracing the steps of the legendary club Persib Bandung, the pride of the Parahyangan people.

This route was officially opened by Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan, who called Persib an inseparable part of the city's identity.

"Bandung is always Persib, and Persib is always Bandung. They cannot be separated. We will continue to support Persib to go further, including a Super League championship hattrick," said Farhan.

His words are not just a slogan; now, the spirit of Maung Bandung truly flows through the city streets.

One Persib-themed Bandros unit will take tourists along the club's historical journey, starting from Graha Persib on Jalan Sulanjana, passing through Dago, Gedung Sate, Siliwangi Stadium, to the iconic Asia Afrika area, before returning to the club's headquarters.

At the final stop, visitors can see Persib's trophy collection and memorabilia firsthand, historical pieces that evoke nostalgia and pride.

According to Vice President Commercial of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat (PBB), Budi Ulia, this tour is more than just a leisurely trip.

"The route starts from Graha Persib, then tours Bandung via Dago, Gedung Sate, Siliwangi Stadium, to Asia Afrika, and back to Graha Persib. Tourists can also see Persib's trophies and memorabilia directly at the club headquarters," he explained.

Tickets are sold for Rp25,000 for a 45-minute journey – a brief experience, but rich in meaning for football fans and tourists alike.

From a sport tourism perspective, this move is not only innovative but also strategic. Bandung is building a new identity as a sports destination city, a sport city that combines football passion with urban tourism appeal.

"Bandung is going all out in the tourism sector. From shopping tourism, culinary experiences, to sport tourism like this. We are preparing everything to attract both domestic and international tourists," Farhan emphasized.

This plan by the Bandung City Government aligns with the global trend where sports become a new tourism magnet. Examples include Manchester with its Old Trafford stadium tours and Barcelona with the Camp Nou Experience, which attract millions of visitors each year. If handled seriously, Bandros Persib Edition could become a local version of a "football heritage route" that strengthens Bandung's image as a creative, cultured city with sporting achievements. (Antara)