Indonesia's Luxury Sleeper Train - Argo Bromo Anggrek Jakarta to Surabaya in 8 hours

Hello and welcome to Jakarta! Today I’m going to travel on the Argo Bromo Anggrek, Indonesia’s most prestigious rail service from Gambir Station to Surabaya Pasarturi Station. Introduced in 2018, the Exectuive Luxury Class on this train only has 18 lavishly designed lie-flat seats in each carriage. I’m excited to find out what this 8hr journey will look like! Let’s go!
This video was filmed from 31 May 2023
From Jakarta Gambir Station to Surabya Pasarturi Station
Train: Kereta api Argo Bromo Anggrek
Distance: approx. 725 km (450 mi)
Seat: 4A
Class: Eksekutif Luxury Sleeper
00:00 Jakarta
00:50 Major rail terminuses in Jakarta
01:51 Gambir Station
03:12 Buying the ticket
04:55 the train
06:07 Eksekutif class
06:42 Eksekutif Luxury class
07:54 Departure
09:50 Luxury Sleeper seat
12:06 Entertainment screen
13:18 Eksekutif Luxury class meal
14:44 Free Wi-Fi
15:10 Cirebon
16:20 Eksekutif Luxury class toilet
17:06 Eksekutif Luxury class bed
18:23 Stunning ocean view!
18:53 Semarang
19:51 Visiting the Dining car
21:11 Lunch at the Dining car
23:09 Summary, the good and the bad
24:48 Surabaya
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[@gabriellen.2886]

I love seeing these places, and how each country transports travelers in various ways. Customs, foods, traditions around our world are so interesting:-)

[@jamesbluntjamesblun1]

Three cheers to Indonesia from India very beautiful train. ❤

[@giraffestreet]

This is the most comprehensive trip report on Indonesian train especially by a foreigner. I'm impressed by the amount of research you do.

[@amarthakertanegara]

awww, Rory! this is such a treat. you released your Indonesia's trip on our Independence Day. even better, you went to Surabaya for this journey and give slight historical explanation on it. hope you enjoy your visit in Indonesia. p. s.: most of Indonesian eat nasi rendang padang with their bare hand so there is no such issues with plastic cutlery. altho, in my opinion, they should serve in decent cutlery set and plate since the argo bromo anggrek is considered as a flagship services.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for the info 😊 I did enjoy my visit 😁

[@gavinfinlayson485]

Recently found your channel, Rory. It is absolutely brilliant, love the combo of trains and planes journeys, and you go to so many amazing places. Well done and thank you 🙂

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Gavin 😊 glad you love the vids

[@philippayne2443]

I have travelled on the Luxury class to Surabaya twice. I find it a very good alternative to flying between Jakarta and Surabaya (which i do on average twice a month). I take your point on the meals. I buy sandwiches at the convenience store before i get on the train and eat the sandwiches for lunch. Hope to see some other videos on Indonesian train journeys.

[@jimmypoopap]

I think we can all appreciate Rory's ability to end most videos to the exact minute (most videos timestamp end in :00)

[@RoryDing]

Thank you!! I don't like how some people end their videos at random timings. 😂😂

[@ryansofly]

I still have incredibly old photos of me in Gambir station in 2004. I got on Argo Gede to Bandung. Even then, the trains were already way ahead of our XPT trains. Glad to see they have progressed since then.

[@kibruazkaenk1510]

This year you can use the HSR line to Bandung, cutting 3 hours of Argo Parahyangan journey to only 40 minutes

[@brilliantbutblue]

As always, your trip report was sensational, and l thoroughly enjoyed taking this train trip with you. The seats are excellent, but like you pointed out, there should have been a second meal or snack and beverages offered throughout your journey that was disappointing given how luxurious it is. BTW, l love your flamingo t-shirt. Only you could pull this off and look good in it. 👍

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! That’s one of my fav shirts I’ve got 3 😂😄

[@Rayhanmaool]

Thanks for doing research before you travel, I found many vloggers don't read anything before they go here and there, ended up getting confused and not able to bring enough information for the audiences Keep up the good work, enjoy Indonesia 🙌🏻

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@zakelwe]

The challenging beef and the spoon that capitulated gave me a chuckle.. thanks Rory. You are doing some great journeys now. I wish we had those seats in the UK!

[@thanosal-titan]

Spoon and fork is the Indonesian way, no knife is needed 😁

[@kawangkwok5262]

Actually these seats allocation are really good, pretty much like airline business class, I think all the trains should learn that. The foo at the end, anyone cook with the microware better than that... Thanks Rory

[@RoryDing]

Yes the food in the end was a real shame 😅

[@mainbarengsahna]

This channel are so underrated! You are so informative

[@RoryDing]

Thank you!! 😊

[@Si_nengatcha]

Just info, you're taking 1st generation luxury class. The 2nd generation luxury class has 1-2 seats configuration, and all seats facing forward. The upholstery are blue instead of brown. When the 1st gen was released, there were so many input from passenger that KAI made 2nd generation. PS: KAI also has new class called panoramic. Mostly similar to executive class but with sunroof and very big windows. Oh, the small cupboard on your side used to have keys.. idk now no key..

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for the info!

[@peterpitrakkou3335]

Thanks so much Rory for taking us on these amazing wonderful journeys.

[@debramage739]

Those trains have changed since I was travelling them in the 80's 😊😊

[@RoryDing]

Good to know 😂

[@Dobuan75]

Brilliant video Rory! I’ve done Gambir - Yogyakarta before but that was decades ago. This was an eye-opener. Definitely want to do Jakarta - Semarang in future and then look at diverting south to Yogyakarta and other gems in Central Java. Your excellent video really helped.

[@Originalman144]

Very unique journey. Thank you for sharing. The scenery was amazing and now I would certainly consider this daytime trip.

[@Faktaviral831]

Amazing

[@sheilaathay2034]

Excellent Rory. Thank you!❤

[@RoryDing]

Thanks!! 😊😊

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Very interesting, first time I have seen a blog about travel in Indonesia. Fascinating.

[@ww.123.c]

Thanks...Watching from east java

[@louiseleonard1992]

I love it so much thank you

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@maureen8966]

Hi Rory thank you for the video seats very good just like the Plane business class. What a shame no food or drinks served thru the day. Anyway what an amazing experience it was.Hope you enjoyed it.

[@Luvpig]

Loving you travels! I'm so jealous. ❤

[@tun2w]

Beautiful scenery

[@MiltBrady]

Another fantastic job, Congratulations

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@paul1153]

Very enjoyable to watch.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@amirhusein6224]

This is comprehensive and complete information about traveling on train in indonesia..im very grateful to this channel.

[@abaimrauf4284]

Best video...

[@MichaelJessen]

Thanks Rory, excellent review. I enjoy travelling by train in Java when I visit - to me it's the best form of long distance travel on the island. The Exekutif Luxury class train you travelled on was introduced since my last visit, but going by your review I don't think I would book this, since I travel with my wife and sharing the trip is part of the experience for us. Once thing you didn't mention was the porter service. You can hire a porter to carry your luggage onto and off the train, making travel that much easier. When the train pulls up at a station porters clamber aboard before the train stops. You need to be quick to negotiate service in the aisle, and in Indonesian!

[@MarsinAja-xd6uf]

Mantap

[@onijatitulang1943]

Wow mantap good morning thank you 😮❤

[@akabill79]

Great vid Rory😊

[@ifan056]

Amazing details and information of train you made😍

[@yuyunyanwar3989]

really cool review of train

[@kibruazkaenk1510]

Wow I really appreciate you for making this very informative video. Thank you so much.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@roberte5057]

Thank you. From Adelaide.

[@Travel-by-Train]

Hello, this looks a very interessting train journey. I hope that one day I can ride it 🍒🍒🍒

[@taruaji]

great trip

[@littlemiss_76]

I take my hat off to you Rory for your adventures you travel along and you don't know what you are going to get. That train has potential but not quiet yet.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! Yes it could do better on catering that’s for sure 😀😂

[@rogerrees9845]

Another wonderful documentary. The views along the route were great. Thank you so much....Roger....Pembrokeshire U.K.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@ash_au]

17:38 wow! ....I had no idea you were that tall Rory...... I'll keep that in mind for future videos where let room is pictured!

[@jasperkelly181]

I would love to see you travel by train from London to Istanbul

[@mrinalpatra3980]

Very informative video about rail travel in Indonesia.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@kusumawardhana4253]

You are doing your research very well... that's very well appreciated 👍

[@glynnismacpherson504]

Thankyou Rory 🌿

[@torran4147]

Wowwww.....goodvideo ( kerenn ). Its amaxing...❤ fromJakarta

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@yudistirarosadi9959]

The best train.luxuri

[@arifdwijatmiko7828]

Omg roryding in indonesia!! Welcome

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@aditpyusuf4600]

One of the best Chanel. More informatif

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@avinashbhogun]

Love your shirt! 🦩😎🌟

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😁

[@artisto0]

About the meal on dining car. There is a chef on board that could serve you a fresh hot meal onboard. It's just another items in the menus which is 'Sei sapi' if I am not mistaken. The Nasi rendang that you ordered are just prepackaged frozen meal that's been warmed up using microwave. The railway company also have an app that you can download on your phone, from which you can book your ticket, checking in, and pre order a meal from there. You can even preorder a hot meal from restaurant that colaborates with the train company (for example I can pre order Nasi Jamblang from a restaurant in Cirebon and the attendant will serve it to my seat as the train aerive at Cirebon station).

[@RoryDing]

Wow! That sounds amazing! It’s a shame I did not know that! Thank you!!

[@yoshepyuliadi6983]

Terimakasih sudah berkunjung ke Indonesia,semoga anda senang

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@anwarmustofa6824]

welcome brother to surabaya city of the heroes,,,nice your journy trip and enjoy

[@Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi]

Bom dia rosy Boa viagem adoro ver esse lugares e como cada país transportar indonésia luxuoso

[@jiedonimaulana4437]

ENJOY THE RIDE

[@laluzaerul3001]

Keren indonesia 🇮🇩🙏

[@hammylauw9574]

Honest revue.

[@azamjacgo8084]

wow..This is a very stunning video, I'm very happy. And what's even better in this video is that it provides information that can add knowledge and insight to the audience.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@surockboyo0078]

Suka sekali sama Chanel ini seolah-olah kita ikut dalam perjalanannya Auto subscribe 🥰👍

[@RoryDing]

Thank you ☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@runsasak8505]

Selamt datang di🇮🇩🙏🙏🙏

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@dwiwinarno5613]

Wow this like documentary movie, Love your voice..

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@recochannel1905]

Now THIS is the truly review vlog that I highly appreciated. So detailed and thoroughly deep. Well done👏👏👏 However, that’s weird that you weren’t provided the snack box. Usually they will also give a pretty comprehensive complimentary snack box. Too bad tho😔 Anyway, thank you for the honest review for our train service. Hopefully they can get better in the future. Where are you from anyway? This is my first time watching your video on your channel

[@Indo_rail_and_aviation_fan]

Hi, I'm Padang Origin, I usually eat the Padang Foods with bare hands 😃

[@alfiannurafa1154]

Welcome to Surabaya brother

[@adimasguntur]

9:25 ahhh cikarang. My hometown😊

[@samsunga5-nk7uj]

Saya tiinggal di batam lihat vidio ini jadi pingin sekali naik KAI ini.. 👍

[@StormFan35]

good video rory

[@baharuddinabubakar1777]

Your information is really helpful for foreigners who want to travel by train in Java Island. Have a nice journey in Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@RohaniRohani-qf7cv]

Enjoy jakarta

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@winarto6333]

Good❤👍🙏

[@jamalkobain6644]

Indonesia nice 🇮🇩👍

[@captainuky]

Thanks for visiting my hometown... I used to take this train whenever I visit my Mother in Surabaya... Their sleeper train is worthy... Bet no repentance for spending 1mil IDR , their service also great... 😻😻🧔🏻🧔🏻 My best advice, try to take an overnight trip with Argo Anggrek will please u more... 👍🏻👍🏻

[@joelly3684]

Its a nice content w/ good narations.. just like watching a documentary video ❤

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@ariyanmilar8568]

Wawww

[@hayyunnajli9070]

Bro, kamu memiliki vidio yang sangat informatif dan mengagumkan.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@marthacoomber3188]

Rory Ding, you tall lovely man, your channel is great❤

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@junirwansyah-bh9kd]

Hi there Mr. RD, nice to see your video, it almost the same with study Beautiful English in the classroom, your English is super tidy, I like that.❤, fully completed review. One most same feelings that I agreed with you is about the serving meal on the train, too long journey with a small piece of meal, how can we feels fresh when we arrived then, with a bunch of starving feeling, ...I really agreed with your 7-10 level of satiafaction on the meal serve. See u on yr next video...thanks ..cao bye bye.

[@lar2494]

RORY AMAZING VIDEO U THE REAL MVP GANG

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@alexamatalex4646]

mantap guys,sehat selalu guys,amin💖💖💖🇮🇩👍👍🙏

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@user-vi9cn9yk8b]

Indonesia🇮🇩👍

[@roynnn4419]

Thank you for trying the highest class train in Indonesia. For your information, the average train that stops at Gambir station always uses the GE CM20EMP locomotive (or often called CC 206 here) to make the process of moving the locomotive position easier, because the GE CM20EMP locomotive has a double cabin, so that the driver does not rely on just 1 cabin and makes it easier for the driver to see the train track

[@harimelon5597]

👍👍👍....review yang tidak dibuat2😂 kalo mau yang fresh biasanya cuma nasi goreng dan bakmie doang😁

[@altezzaandre9651]

and I hope that the phase 2 HSR project to Surabaya can be done quickly because it will take 3.5 hours 😇

[@tiolinatheresiapurba2184]

This is the most elaborate reviews on our train and i agree with everything you said especially the bumpy ride. And i think the goverment should subsidize all train travels because with that price its a bit surprising that they are able to compete with air travels

[@wee-senchoo7025]

I've done the high speed rail to Bandung and loved it. However it doesn't really stop at Bandung station and requires a free transfer to a commuter train.

[@mce_AU]

Fantastic coverage as usual. Thanks for this video. shame about the main meal.

[@cind_h_er5717]

Did I just hear them chiming Big Ben at around 1:14? I think I did. Nice! I need to catch up - I've missed your last couple of videos. Looking forward to them, too.

[@yukiaditya7352]

Lol, no. Thats the sound of the sign when the train is ready to depart.

[@cind_h_er5717]

It's nice to know what it's for, but it still sounds like the opening notes of Big Ben. @@yukiaditya7352

[@PretoOnTour]

👌

[@ZarielAskaPutra6964]

Wao there is a vintage locomotive that Indonesians like the most

[@AbdulRahman-ij7nt]

if you're buy luxury class ticket you can access to lounge in gambir station. unfortunately, you missed it

[@RoryDing]

Oh damn I did not know that!!! Thank you for letting me know!

[@-6-201]

18:56 you did not just didn't realize that you just saw one of the rarest locomotive in Indonesia💀

[@FR1GGER1]

i like how this was posted on Indonesian independence day

[@garudadidadaku9735]

Hayo PT. KAI perbaiki semua kekurangan yang ada jangan kecewakan penumpang, kasih pelayanan sesuai harga tiket yang ada

[@jeniallenby8389]

I remember enjoying a similar type of nasi goreng on my train. did you visit the submarine monument at surabaya

[@GaryJurgen]

I like this video. While for the PT KAI there are some Rory suggestions for the better services in the future. It is very important to be noted.

[@nurullytanurullyta]

Hi Rory ! Nice to know you exploring Indonesian Railways 😊 FYI Nasi Rendang Padang that is sold on the train is indeed not delicious. If you want better rendang, you can visit a Padang restaurant directly and then unfortunately you missed the luxury lounge service at gambir station before boarding this train

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! I also realised that I missed the lounge! I’ll make sure to check out next time!!

[@mriz7258]

Impt the toilet has Bidet!! Hahaha anything with a bidet makes me happy

[@wishnuwisnuadhi8585]

You could asked for tea or coffee and it's free flow free of charge. I recommend the jasmine flavoured tea.