Flying is no longer the sole contender for intercity travel across Java. With improving services, rail-based travel is becoming increasingly popular in Indonesia. Although journey times are certainly longer, the journey itself becomes the sought-after experience, with unique panoramic, luxury and sleeper trains enticing travellers to take to the tracks once again.
In the past 2 decades, Indonesia’s national rail company, Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has not only modernised current routes but upgraded tracks and stations, as well as diversified their offerings to cater for different markets. Some services are even more expensive than airline tickets, offering multi-course meals and private compartments as part of their luxury tickets.
Besides its modernised passenger trains, KAI has also launched more unique trainsets such as its Panoramic Train service (Kereta Panoramic), which operates between Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can take in the sweeping scenes of the Javanese countryside during the journey. The ‘Priority’ class on KAI presents a business-class style experience, with plush seating and individual entertainment systems much like on an airplane.
Other services include its “Tourism Trains” (Kereta Wisata), 8 special rolling stock with unique characteristics – some including bedrooms and private dining rooms. The latest offerings include a First-class style ‘Suite Compartment’, offering a private room with a reclining flatbed chair with massage functionality, an onboard entertainment system, and a multi-course meal.(more below). It’s a new era of train travel in Indonesia, and to inspire some future travellers to go by train, we’ve compiled a list of 4 destinations accessible by train and highlights of things to do and how to get there.
Cirebon: A Charm of Port City
Travel Time (Jakarta – Cirebon): 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours, depending on service.
Across Java’s Northern coast is a swathe of booming port cities: Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, and lastly, Cirebon. Previously part of various kingdoms, Cirebon had its own Sultanate and was one of the earliest Islamic states in the country. This history is intertwined with Dutch, Chinese, Sundanese, and Javanese influence and has resulted in a diverse array of historic sites such as Taman Sari Gua Sunyaragi, a complex with caves, temples and Cirebon performances, Trusmi Village known for its batik production, and Mount Ceremai for outdoor recreational activities to escape the heat.Cirebon’s multicultural nature is also present in its food with dishes like Empal Gentong, sliced beef and beef offal with coconut milk, and Nasi Jamblang, rice wrapped in daun jati (teak leaves) accompanied by various side dishes.
Train Operator & Services
Argo Bromo Anggrek (Executive), Argo Anggrek (Executive & Luxury Sleeper), Argo Cheribon (Executive)
Argo Dwipangga (Executive & Luxury), Taksaka (Executive), Sembrani (Executive & Luxury), Kereta Api Tambahan Gmr Slo (Executive), Argo Merbabu (Executive), Brawijaya (Executive & Priority), Gayajana (Executive & Luxury).
Semarang: A Symphony of Spices, Snacks, and Structures
Travel Time (Jakarta – Semarang): 5 hours
Affectionally called Venetië van Java (or Venice of Java) by the Dutch, Semarang’s origin as an entrepot for spices has culminated in a contemporary and multicultural metropolis. The city’s unique culture combines the influence of its large Chinese population with its Dutch colonial architecture which still thrives in its core. Places to visit include its old quarter (Outstadt), a massive Chinese temple (Gedung Batu), and Lawang Sewu – an iconic landmark bearing the nickname “Thousand Doors.” Apart from these structures, Semarang also has another nickname, Kota Kumpia, or Lumpia City. As a fusion between Chinese and Javanese cuisines, the snack is just one of the many treats you can sample at the city’s rapidly growing restaurant and cafe scene.
Train Operator & Services
Argo Bromo Anggrek (Executive), Argo Anggrek (Luxury Sleeper), Sembrani (Executive & Luxury), Argo Merbabu (Executive), Brawijaya (Executive & Priority*), Argo Sindoro (Executive), Pandalungan (Executive), Argo Muria (Executive).
Yogyakarta: Java’s Cultural Capital
Travel Time (Jakarta – Yogyakarta): 6 to 7 Hours
Located at the island’s centre is a hub of history and heritage: Yogyakarta. Not only is the city jam-packed with things to do and sights to see, but its location makes it the perfect stopping point for any Java-centric train adventure. The city’s highlights are the renowned temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, the bustling businesses on Malioboro Road, and the Sultan’s vast palace and grounds. However, there’s more to Yogyakarta than these destinations: dig into a plate of the traditional Gudeg, peer into the crater of Mount Merapi whilst balancing on an offroad Jeep, or admire in awe the collections of the Ullen Sentalu Museum. There’s always something that draws people back to the city and with daily services between Jakarta, a train-based weekend away is no longer out of the question.
Train Operator & Services
Argo Semeru (Executive & Compartment**), Argo Dwipannga (Executive & Luxury), Taksaka (Executive & Luxury), Bima (Executive & Compartment**), Gayajana (Executive & Luxury), Argo Lawu (Executive & Luxury).
‘Suite Compartment’ – Photo Courtesy of Kereta Api Pariwisata
Surabaya: The Sparkling of Industry City
Travel Time (Jakarta – Surabaya): 8-10 Hours
Settled in 1037, Surabaya has a come long way since its founding as a coast trade city during the Majapahit era. As Indonesia’s second-largest city, it’s now a bustling hive of activity as its the de-fact business and industrial hub in Eastern Java. Some must-visit places include its famous Arab Quarter, a museum set-up within a decommissioned Russian submarine (Monkasel), its Chinatown (Kya-Kyra Kembang Jepun), and ancient relics like Kong Co Kong Tik Cun Ong Temple. For food, enjoy a plate of Rujak Cingur, a fruit salad consisting of different tropical fruits served with a spicy and sweet dressing or tuck into some traditional Rawon, a flavourful soup made with slow-braised beef and local ingredients.
Train Operator & Services
Argo Semeru (Executive & Compartment), Argo Bromo Anggrek (Executive), Sembrani (Executive), Bima (Executive & Compartment), Pandalungan (Executive).
