Long Holiday? Explore Tourist Attractions Near Train Stations!
If you're looking for time to relax and unwind with a trip, take a look at your calendar. This May features two long weekends that you can take advantage of for a train vacation. Train stations are usually located in strategic areas, close to tourist attractions. There are many destinations you can visit not far from train stations. Here are some of them.
1. Al-Jabbar Grand Mosque, Bandung
Who wouldn't be fascinated by the grandeur of Al-Jabbar Grand Mosque, also known as the Gedebage Floating Mosque? Construction began in 2017, and the mosque was designed to stand above a retention lake that serves as one of the flood control measures in Gedebage.
The architecture of Al-Jabbar Grand Mosque was designed by West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil during his tenure as Mayor of Bandung. It was inspired by the exterior and interior designs of mosques in Turkey and Iran, featuring spacious courtyards and buildings with distinctive architectural nuances. One of the mosque's defining features is its four 99-meter-high minarets, symbolizing the Asmaul Husna (the 99 Names of Allah). Another unique touch is its West Javanese identity, reflected in the roof's "satay skewer" ornament, similar to the one found on Gedung Sate, the office of the Governor of West Java.
You can easily experience the magnificence of Al-Jabbar Grand Mosque. If you're traveling from outside Bandung, take a train to Bandung Station, then transfer to the Bandung Raya Commuter Line or Garut Commuter Line and get off at Cimekar Station. From there, you can simply walk to the mosque complex. Motorcycle taxis are also available to take you directly to the West Java Grand Mosque.
Make the Most of Your Journey by Train
2. Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta
One historical landmark that should not be missed is Prambanan Temple, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. This 47-meter-high Hindu temple was built by the Sanjaya Dynasty in the 9th century. The temple complex consists of three enclosed courtyards. The main temple is located in the innermost courtyard and is surrounded by several smaller temples known as Perwara temples.
Like other Hindu temples, the main temple contains three shrines dedicated to the worship of the three principal Hindu deities: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The temple was built in honor of the Trimurti—the three supreme Hindu gods: Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer.
In addition to admiring its magnificent historical heritage, you can also enjoy the Ramayana Ballet performance, which is typically held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Interested in visiting? Prambanan Temple is easily accessible by commuter rail (KRL). Simply get off at Brambanan Station. The station is only about one kilometer from the temple, so you can continue on foot or take a motorcycle taxi.
3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Solo (MRSZS), Surakarta
Since opening to the public on March 1, 2023, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Solo has continued to attract visitors from across the country thanks to its magnificent and striking architecture, which differs from most mosque designs in Indonesia.
The mosque's architecture closely resembles the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, featuring four minarets, 82 small domes, and one large Moroccan-style central dome. Adding to its grandeur, parts of the floors and walls are made of Italian marble. At the same time, the mosque maintains a strong Indonesian identity through traditional batik motifs incorporated into various architectural elements, including kawung, kembang, and bokor kencono patterns.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has become one of Solo's newest religious tourism destinations worth visiting, especially because it is located close to Solo Balapan Station. Interesting, isn't it? Traveling by train gives you the opportunity to visit this mosque, which has become a source of pride for the people of Solo.
4. Gua Maria Lourdes Pohsarang, Kediri
For Catholics, there is a remarkable landmark in Kediri that resembles the Sanctuary of Lourdes in France: Gua Maria Lourdes Pohsarang, also known as Gua Maria Pohsarang, a truly special pilgrimage site.
Gua Maria Pohsarang is a unique spiritual destination that blends distinctive architecture with Javanese cultural influences. Located on the slopes of Mount Wilis at an elevation of 400 meters above sea level, the surrounding air is cool and refreshing. Inside the cave are replicas of the statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, each standing 1.75 meters tall, with outstretched arms as if welcoming Catholic pilgrims.
Equally captivating is the entrance gate, built from neatly arranged natural stone with an elegant appearance. The site also features a bell tower known as St. Hendrikus Tower, dedicated in honor of a saint. At the top of the tower stands a rooster that serves as a weather vane.
If you wish to visit Gua Maria, getting there is easy from Kediri Station. You can continue your journey by online motorcycle taxi or local public transportation.
5. Eng An Kiong Temple, Malang
As a 193-year-old temple featuring a blend of European and Chinese architectural styles, Eng An Kiong Temple holds significant historical value and stands beautifully in the heart of Malang.
Eng An Kiong is a Tri Dharma temple, meaning it serves as a place of worship for followers of Ji (Confucianism), Too (Taoism), and Sik (Buddhism). The temple was established in 1825 (Lunar Year 2564) on the initiative of Lieutenant Kwee Sam Hway (Yauw Ting Kong), the seventh-generation descendant of a general from China's Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
If you're planning a trip to Malang, don't miss the opportunity to visit Eng An Kiong Temple, which is conveniently located near Malang Station.
KAI Vice President of Public Relations Joni Martinus stated that many attractive tourist destinations are located close to train stations, making trains an ideal primary mode of transportation. From religious attractions, culinary destinations, and city parks to historical buildings, everything is easily accessible from train stations.
"The long holiday period gives people the opportunity to travel by train to various cities, as many stations are strategically located. In addition, with the operation of the new stainless steel New Generation trainsets for luxury, executive, and economy classes, the travel experience has become even more memorable. Furthermore, passengers seeking a unique travel experience can also enjoy the comfort of the Panoramic and Suite Compartment trains," explained Joni.
Those are five tourist attractions near train stations that you can visit with family or friends. Every train station has its own story and charm. So, whenever you're traveling, don't miss the opportunity to explore the attractions around the station. Who knows—you might discover unexpected beauty in the most unexpected places!