Visiting Java – Discovering Java by train
Travelling by train comes naturally to me: Switzerland ranks in the top three of the world’s best railroad infrastructures, therefore I travel anywhere and basically every day in train. I was thrilled when I learnt that Java has an extensive railway network. I prefer trains over airplanes, buses or cars. Railway stations usually are in the city center, are therefore much easier to reach than airports, there is no need to arrive hours in advance, no queues to check in luggage and no baggage limitations or extra fees. No traffic jams to sit in for hours and I can walk around during my trip. And it is more sustainable to travel by train. Of course, I had to travel by train when visiting Java!
Trains in Java are comfortable, safe and clean.
I flew into Surabaya because I wanted to avoid Jakarta (too busy and too crowded). I only stayed a few nights in Surabaya, just to get rid of the jetlag. Then I continued – by train – to Yogyakarta. My itinerary took me later to Malang but there were no trains during the day from Jogja to Malang available. Therefore, I returned from Jogja to Surabaya by train and took a taxi to Malang.
I was positively surprised how clean, punctual and cheap Javanese trains are! I imagined them being overcrowded and chronically late. I was so wrong! They were up to Swiss standard (just cheaper), over punctual (we arrived 6 minutes early in Yogyakarta) and very comfortable. They are air-conditioned (bring a sweater, scarf or cardigan if you get cold easily), there is Wi-Fi on board and a refreshment trolley will occasionally pass by your seat. Toilets are functioning and clean, smoking is not allowed on board, and you will have your seat assigned.
There are three different classes available. I opted for the middle class and that was perfect for me needs.
I booked my ticket through Traveloka. Traveloka is Southeast Asia's leading travel platform. I book whatever I can through this platform. On Traveloka you can get tickets for flights, buses, trains and more. Founded in Indonesia in 2012, Traveloka has expanded its operations to Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and the Philippines. Their website is very user-friendly, transparently shows you the prices without any bad surprises at check-out. There are different options to filter by lowest price or shortest duration of trips.
Enjoying the beautiful Javanese landscapes through the train’s window.
I expected the Stasiun Surabaya Gubeng to be giant and overcrowded. Surabaya has 3 million inhabitants… That is about a third of the whole Swiss population concentrated in one city. However, Gubeng was kind of smallish and cute. Entering the station – and getting to the tracks – is only possible with a ticket. So only people actually travelling that day by train will sit in the waiting area. When the train arrives, the arriving passengers are well separated from the newly boarding passengers. There were staff helping me finding my assigned seat and storing my luggage away. The ride was very comfortable. The train was not too full. I enjoyed the ride very much, seeing the landscape pass by peacefully. In Yogyakarta the crowd was definitely bigger, but it was still not as busy and crowded like in Switzerland.
Passing by a beautiful mosque.
There are taxis and GoCars directly available at the railway station so that the last mile to your accommodation is guaranteed. There is a bit of waiting time when a train arrives and everybody wants a ride.
There were no issues, no delays, I felt safe and comfortable in the trains as well as in and around the railway stations.
Would I recommend exploring Java by train as a solo travelling woman? Absolutely! Easy, cheap, clean, with nice views and snacks and drinks to enjoy.
Here you can find some more information about travelling in train in Java.