28.01.2024 – Our journey in Indonesia continued to an exciting new chapter: Yogyakarta. We arrived at Gambir Station around 8:00 AM, eager to depart at 8:50 AM. The check-in process was straightforward. Locals could use facial recognition for a speedy check-in, though we weren’t sure if it worked for foreigners. To avoid any hassle, we opted for the manual passport queue.
Once our passports were checked, we weren’t entirely sure where to go next. Luckily, we found a porter (someone who helps carry luggage onto the train) and decided to use his service. For a small fee of IDR10k (RM3.00), he took care of our bags, placing them directly on the train for us. This little convenience felt like a luxury amidst the bustling station crowd.
As we waited for the train, Sharul and I settled on tickets for the executive class, while Ainur splurged on a luxury ticket. Ainur got to relax in an air-conditioned lounge with snacks, whereas Sharul and I made do with the regular waiting area, cooled only by fans. Envying Ainur a bit, we decided to grab some coffee and a light breakfast at a nearby café in the station. The anticipation of the journey ahead made everything taste a bit better.
Our train, the ARGO DWIPANGGA 10, arrived on time. Before boarding, we couldn’t resist snapping some photos and recording videos of the train’s arrival. It felt like the beginning of a grand adventure. The porter then helped us get our bags settled in our seats. We chose the executive class for a bit of comfort, even though there were cheaper options. The round-trip tickets cost us about RM400+, a reasonable price for the level of comfort promised. Sharul handled the train tickets, so I wasn’t sure about the exact IDR amount.
As we settled into our seats, the train began its journey precisely on schedule. The six-hour journey to Yogyakarta promised a mesmerizing array of views: bustling cities, serene villages, dense forests, and vast rice paddies. The changing landscapes were like scenes from a movie, each more captivating than the last.
The onboard experience was quite pleasant. The train was equipped with comfortable seats and ample legroom, making the long journey bearable. There was an onboard service offering food and drinks, which could be purchased from the crew or at the café. Hot meals and drinks were conveniently delivered to our seats to avoid any spills – a thoughtful touch.
I spent much of the journey observing the scenery and the passengers around me. The vibrant life outside the train windows and the varied human interactions inside kept me thoroughly engaged. The onboard food was slightly pricier, but the convenience made it worth it. At one point, I ventured to the café car for a change of scenery and to stretch my legs. It was fascinating to see how other passengers spent their time – some napping, others chatting animatedly, and a few like me, simply soaking in the views.
As the train sped through the heart of Java, we were treated to a panorama of Indonesian life: children playing in the fields, farmers tending to their crops, and the occasional bustling market near the tracks. It was a visual feast that kept me glued to my seat, camera in hand, ready to capture any particularly striking scenes.
Without realizing it, six hours flew by, and we arrived at Yogyakarta Station right on schedule. The station was bustling with people, as it connects trains from various parts of Indonesia. Navigating through the crowd was a bit challenging. The station was a hive of activity, with travelers hurrying to and fro, vendors selling snacks and drinks, and the occasional street performer adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
We called for a Grab to take us to our hotel. The wait for the Grab took about 30 minutes due to heavy traffic around the station, with many cars picking up passengers. The heat and the hustle of the crowd made us appreciate the air-conditioned comfort of our ride even more.
The drive to our hotel offered a glimpse of Yogyakarta’s charm. The streets were lively, with a mix of modern and traditional architecture, street vendors selling everything from fresh fruits to handcrafted souvenirs. We finally arrived at our hotel, exhausted but exhilarated. The day had been long, but the anticipation of exploring Yogyakarta rejuvenated us.
Stay tuned for more adventures in Yogyakarta in the next post!
