Getting the train in Australia is not the quickest way to get around, but it is an enjoyable way to travel. The Overland runs between Adelaide and Melbourne and takes about 10 hours to cover the 828 kms.
I got the train mostly because I wanted to try it out. The ticket price was as cheap as any airfare on offer, and I could spend the day doing laptop work in the cafe carriage.
The Overland service was re-launched in 2007, which included a logo update. I would have to say that The Overland probably has the best train logo in the world.
The Overland Emu Logo
I got the train from Singapore to KL which is a great way to travel between the capitals. The onboard entertainment selection though had me wishing I had an ipod. Todays selection was the movie “RV”.
Onboard Movie
I was seated in the second row from the TV screen so I couldn’t not watch it. Once was hard enough, but it was on three times. If there is a TV on I am naturally drawn to it, even if it is a movie that rates 23% at Rotten Tomatoes.
Java has a useful train network which makes for a great way to get from Jakarta to major cities on the island.
Train at Jakarta Gambir Station
The trains are spacious and comfortable and have a meal service.
Jakarta view from train
After flying and overnight buses the train has been a welcome change. The train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta shows off Java at its most scenic, with dormant volcanos as the back drop of rice fields.
Java from the train
Bogor is about 60km from Jakarta and is practically a suburb of the capital. It makes for a great day trip from Jakarta to visit the world class botanical gardens.
There are two trains that run from Jakarta to Bogor, an economy and express train. I jumped onto the first train going to Bogor, which happened to be the economy train. It’s sort of like a chicken bus. As many people as possible squeeze in with all their boxes and produce.
Bogor Economy Train
On the way back I got the express train, which could be any commuter train in the world.
Bogor Express Train
