Next Stop... Indonesia: Jakarta - Bandung!

Stop that train! Boarding that 'Panoramic' Bandung bound train from Jakarta's Gambir Station had to be done! I didn't want to hurtle along any high speed 'Whoosh' train line, I wanted to those lush Indonesian views before reaching my second destination of the trip! I didn't want to wake up so early, sucking it up I arrived early enough to experience a full day out! Paris in Java?

Checking my alarm clock as it chimed before the birdsong, I was not impressed but made my way to Jakarta's pint-sized Gambir Station. I had researched the newly opened high speed train to realise it really didn't make any sense to traipse to those far out stations to then be greeted with 'feeder trains!' Insane? Absolutely! Not reciprocating Jakarta's developing nature was the best decision made, I snatched those 'Panoramic' tickets with a real hassle because I couldn't find the correct booking site, digging I had to do! My Panoramic train pulled into Gambir Station under the cover of darkness, boarded and situated, I was happy to see that I had a window to myself. The car was cosy, it was calm and the snack box that I was served was appreciated! It was simple with some coconut water, popcorn and other assorted snacks. Breakfast had been in the form of convenience store fare, I needed sustenance but those trains snacks sufficed! Was I comfortable? Did this train have complimentary Wi-Fi? Not a question! 

Free internet access was provided within that Panoramic train carriage, I had lucked out! Comfortable leather seats allowed me to fall in and out of a short nap, that early wake up call had led to a broken sleep the night before. The large glass windows were impressive, even a direct view of the sky was visible, I felt rich with those lush views incoming! The first hour wasn't much to look at, patience was everything! Once my Bandung bound train had left Jakarta, the scenery changed gradually, it was giving 'The Jungle Book!" Stations stops were few, it would be a long winding single track for some of the journey but that was fine with me. Travelling by train can be decadent but with relative comfort afforded to me, that 3 hour and 12 minute 'Argo Parahyangan' train journey flew by! The Panoramic train was talented whilst the 'Whoosh' train just exuded hype! I had heard that Gambir's operation was about to be finessed, any further in 2025, my journey would've started from 'Manggarai' instead. Taking it easy, Bandung breezy! 

My train had been on the track for what felt like the longest, I was ready to see something greener! Passing through communities and places near Java's 'Bekasi Regency' the landscape changed dramatically, people were loosing their minds taking photos! Was I breaking a sweat? No, I had my phone ready for those unstoppable views, I didn't need to worry about anything! Those interesting place names really served greener pastures, it was jungle-like in places and then endless vistas of green landscapes came into view! I appreciated the slow pace of the train, it gave me time to take those Javanese picture perfect views in! Landscape so natural, I had to pinch myself because such untouched settings aren't featured during my everyday. Bandung was fast approaching but I wanted to keep those luscious presentations all to myself! Those three hours flew by, it was almost time for the train to arrive into Bandung, it was bittersweet! Sure the snack box was cute but my stomach needed something more substantial, enough said 'KAI!' 

A quick three hour sojourn on the tracks put it into perspective, I love taking the train! Jakarta's noise and chaos felt like a million miles away, I wasn't mad about that because those paddies were everything! Rice? Those Javanese rice paddies were getting me excited for my Bali experience, not those instagram famous ones, I wanted to see something under the radar! The most beautiful train trip? I have to say this jaunt from Jakarta to Bandung really impressed me with those scenic settings, it was giving nature on the tracks, no complaints! No more refreshments? If I cast my mind back, once those snack boxes had been enjoyed there was no dining trolley offering refills or extra snacks? I was going to ask for some cup noodles but I was just so tired I didn't get around to it. I wished I had done because Bandung was going to throw some surprises my way, those eventualities will be for another blog edition! 'Cempakamekar' was the last recorded place I took photos of in my iPhone image gallery, I saved the best for last!

Stepping down from that Panoramic train at Bandung Station felt correct, the journey down from Jakarta had been smooth and pleasing on the eye! Landscape wise! Bandung's pint-sized station wasn't the terminus station for my train cars, it had further station stops to serve yet. I made my way to the ticket hall and new station building to find the exit, I was already checking on my maps. This small town had been built by the Dutch to act as a 'Paris in Java', serving as an escape from the buzz of Jakarta with the railway established. I didn't recognise the colonial station but in my memory, I am trying so hard to back track. I don't even think I saw it! Maybe Bandung was in her new anti-colonial era? You do you, Miss Bandung! The station was conveniently located on the outskirts of town, I had chosen to stay on Braga Street, that wasn't far! I had spent less than £25.00 to travel from Jakarta, it was an unforgettable journey, it wasn't a high speed train journey with feeder trains and far-out stations. Point to point, babyy! 

Bandung was hectic! I will reveal the reasons why the leaving of that town was appreciated because it was all due to someone's lack of health and safety! I kept going, taking an ordinary 'KAI' train heading back to Gambir was then my ticket! Go-karts? I was ready to exterminate them all! My Bandung to Gambir train was smooth, it was then I bid a fond farewell to the KAI system because I had 'Bogor' on my mind. Hands down, taking it slow was not a mistake, keeping things scenic and chilled from Jakarta to Bandung and back again felt natural. High speed rail hasn't been in Indonesia for a long time and for that trip, it felt correct to take the Panoramic instead of the 'Whoosh'. Enough said? Yes! KAI kept it moving, those bulky trains were like no other that I had been on in a whole, they reminded me of my Brussel-Zuid to Oostende train! Not that cheeky Dutch connection via Belgium! I want to board another train soon and blog the heck out of it, let's go further out next time! England? Let me rob a bank, UK! 

Tickets, please! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure