Traveling by Train? Explore Tourist Attractions Near the Station Within Walking Distance
Traveling to different cities is now easier than ever with various transportation options available. One of the most enjoyable ways to travel is by train. Many cities offer exciting and interesting tourist attractions that you can easily visit by taking a fast, comfortable train.
What's even better is that there are many great attractions located just a short walk from railway stations. That means you only need to walk a few minutes to enjoy a memorable trip, whether you're traveling alone or with friends and family. Here are six recommended tourist destinations near train stations that are worth visiting!
1. National Gallery of Indonesia, Jakarta
If you love art, this destination should be on your itinerary. Simply take a train to Gambir Station in Jakarta. Directly across from the station is the National Gallery of Indonesia, an art and cultural exhibition venue featuring antique, contemporary, and modern collections. In addition to exhibitions, visitors can also attend seminars and access the library and laboratory facilities.
2. Kampoeng Plered, Purwakarta
When visiting Purwakarta, West Java, be sure to stop by this culinary destination. Kampung Maranggi is famous for serving Sate Maranggi, Purwakarta's signature dish. Located in Plered Town Square, right next to Plered Station, it is an ideal place to satisfy your appetite during your trip. You can reach Plered Station by taking the Serayu, Garut Cibatuan, or Bandung Raya Economy train services.
3. Benteng Pendem, Cilacap
Located in Kebonjati Village, Cilacap Regency, Central Java, Benteng Pendem is a historic Dutch fortress situated along Teluk Penyu Beach. Built in 1861, it once served as a military defense headquarters during the Dutch East Indies era. Inside the fortress are former ammunition warehouses, watchtowers, defense bunkers, prison cells, officers' quarters, and kitchens.
Benteng Pendem is approximately 3 kilometers from Cilacap Station, or around a 10-minute journey. You can reach Cilacap Station via the Kamandaka, Wijayakusuma, or Joglosemarkerto train services.
4. Grand Watu Dodol Beach, Banyuwangi
If you travel to Ketapang Station, the final railway station in Banyuwangi, don't miss Grand Watu Dodol Beach (GWD). The beach is approximately 6.8 kilometers from the station, about an 11-minute drive.
Grand Watu Dodol offers snorkeling, diving, and boat trips to Tabuhan Island. Travelers from Semarang can take the Blambangan Ekspres, introduced during the 2022 Christmas and New Year holiday period, operating between Semarang Tawang and Ketapang (round trip). Many other train services from various regions also stop at Ketapang Station—check the KAI Access application for complete schedules.
5. Jodipan Colorful Village, Malang
Located in Jodipan Village, Jodipan Colorful Village is one of Malang's most popular attractions and is conveniently located near Malang Station.
Perfect for photography enthusiasts, hundreds of brightly painted houses create an Instagram-worthy backdrop. The attraction is located on Jalan Ir. H. Juanda No. 6, Jodipan, Malang City, East Java. It is only 1.5 kilometers from Malang Station—around a 5-minute drive or 17-minute walk.
6. Kampung Kuliner Binjai
One of the most popular attractions near Binjai Station is Kampung Kuliner, located just 100 meters from the station.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of Binjai specialties and other North Sumatran dishes. The venue features a unique food court concept with both indoor and outdoor dining options. Outdoor seating is arranged under attractive tented areas, while indoor seating offers a quieter atmosphere for those seeking a more private dining experience.
These are six tourist attractions that are easily accessible by train. You only need to walk around 5 to 17 minutes from the station to enjoy a memorable holiday experience.
Beyond these six destinations, there are many more attractions near railway stations across Indonesia, ranging from historical landmarks and art venues to natural attractions and culinary hotspots. All you need to do is book your train ticket and get ready to explore the areas surrounding stations in various cities.
"Railway stations are strategically located, allowing people to begin exploring without traveling long distances. KAI also offers various train classes, including Economy, Business, Executive, and Luxury. To check routes, schedules, and purchase tickets, customers can visit the kai.id website or use the KAI Access application, making holiday planning easier than ever. Passengers can also travel with confidence, as comprehensive health protocols continue to be implemented," concluded Joni.