5 The Most Beautiful Train Lines in Indonesia That Must Be Tried
YOGYAKARTA - Trains are still one of the favorite modes of transportation for the Indonesian people, especially on the island of Java. In addition to being efficient, traveling by train also offers its own comfort. Many rail tracks offer extraordinary natural views, ranging from green rice fields, mountains, river valleys, to the open sea. This is what makes train travel feel like a tourist. Curious which track? Here's the full review.
5 The Most Beautiful Train Lines in IndonesiaQuoted from the website of the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, the following are the 5 most beautiful train routes in Indonesia that offer extraordinary views.
Bogor-Sukabumi-Cianjur Railway LineThe Bogor-Sukabumi-Cianjur railway line is one of the most beautiful railway lines in Indonesia that must be tried. This line was built by Staatsspoorwegen and began operating fully on May 10, 1883. Until now, this track is managed by PT Kereta Api Indonesia Daop 1 Jakarta and Daop 2 Bandung.
The beauty of this line can be felt shortly after the train leaves Bogor Paledang Station. Passengers will be treated to views of the Cisadane River valley to Maseng Station. Towards Cigombong Station, the panorama of Mount Salak and Mount Pangrango looks so stunning.
After Sukabumi Station, the rural scenery and green rice fields become the main treat. One of the iconic moments is when the train crosses the 686-meter Lampegan Tunnel. This tunnel is the oldest in West Java and has been operating since 1882.
To enjoy this line, passengers can use the Pangrango train connecting Bogor Paledang-Sukabumi and the Siliwangi train connecting Sukabumi-Cipatat.
Purwakarta-Padalarang Railway LineThe Purwakarta-Padalarang railway line is known as the legendary Jakarta-Bandung line. This line was once successful with the Parahyangan, Argo Gede, and Argo Parahyangan train services. This track began operating on May 2, 1906 by Staatsspoorwegen.
This line is a mountain track with many long and high bridges crossing the valley. After Purwakarta Station, the train will start to climb and twist on the hilltops. From a distance, Jatiluhur Dam looks beautiful behind the hills.
On this route there is the Cisomang Bridge which is the highest railway bridge still active in Indonesia. In addition, there is a 949-meter Sasaksaat Tunnel which is the longest active tunnel. The view is closed by a large Padalarang bend with a green rice paddy panorama.
Various trains such as the Parahyangan KA, Papandayan KA, to the Pangandaran KA pass through this line. Although there is now a fast train Whoosh, the charm of the Purwakarta-Padalarang line is still irreplaceable.
Cicalengka-Banjar Railway LineThe Cicalengka-Banjar railway line is a beautiful mountain track. This line was built in 1887 to 1894 by the Staatsspoorwegen. Initially considered impossible due to its extreme natural conditions.
After Cicalengka Station, the train began to climb sharply towards Nagreg Station. This station is the highest active station in Indonesia with an elevation of 848 meters above sea level. The line then crosses the steep and winding slopes of Mount Mandalawangi.
One of the iconic spots is the Kadungora horseshoe bend. In addition, passengers will also cross the unique Cirahong Bridge because it is used by trains above and vehicles below. This line ends at Banjar Station as an important station for changing the driver.
Various train services that can be used to enjoy the Cicalengka-Banjar train line are the Argo Wilis train between Bandung-Surabaya Gubeng PP, the Malabar train between Bandung-Malang PP, the Lodaya train between Bandung-Solo Balapan PP, the Pasundan train between Kiara Condong-Surabaya Gubeng PP, the Pangandaran train between Gambir-Banjar PP, and the Serayu train between Pasar Senen-Purwokerto PP.
Prupuk-Purwokerto-Kroya Railway LineThe Prupuk-Purwokerto-Kroya line is the main southern cross-Java line. This line was first operated in 1916-1917 by the Staatsspoorwegen. This track was made as a shortcut Jakarta-Yogyakarta-Surabaya line.
The Prupuk to Purwokerto route is dominated by mountains, namely the Pembarisan Mountains and the foot of Mount Slamet. Passengers will cross various bridges such as Tonjong and Kalibelang. One of the longest is the Sakalibel Bridge with a length of 298 meters.
After Purwokerto, the track becomes flatter and crosses the Serayu River. Passengers will also pass through the Notog Tunnel and the Kebasen Twin Tunnel. All of this beauty can be enjoyed in one trip.
Various train services that can be used such as the Argo Lawu-KA Argo Dwipangga train on the Gambir-Solo Balapan PP line, the Argo Semeru train on the Gambir-Surabaya Gubeng PP line, the Taksaka train on the Gambir-Yogyakarta PP line, the Purwojaya train on the Gambir-Cilacap PP line, the Gaya Baru Malam Selatan train on the Pasar Senen-Surabaya Gubeng PP line, and the Sawunggalih train on the Pasar Senen-Kutoarjo PP line.
Pekalongan-Semarang Railway LineThe Pekalongan-Semarang railway line offers a very diverse view, ranging from rice fields, rural areas, urban areas, forests, to the northern coast of Java. This line has been operated since 1897 by the Semarang-Cheribon Stoomtram Maatschappij. Initially a tram line before being upgraded to a heavy rail line.
The most iconic segment is between Batang Station and Krengseng. This line crosses the northern coast of Java, even several times very close to the sea. There is also Plabuan station which is the only active station on the seafront.
In addition to the sea, passengers can also see the magnificent Batang PLTU. The train services that can be used are the Argo Bromo Anggrek train from Gambir to Surabaya Pasar Turi PP, the Argo Sindoro-Argo Muria-Argo Merbabu train from Gambir to Semarang Tawang PP, the Gunungjati train from Gambir to Semarang Tawang PP, the Sembrani train from Gambir to Surabaya Pasar Turi PP, the Harina train from Bandung to Surabaya Pasar Turi PP, and the Kaligung train from Semarang Poncol to Tegal PP.
So that's the discussion of the 5 most beautiful train lines in Indonesia, follow other interesting articles at VOI.ID. So as not to miss the latest news, follow and monitor our social media accounts!