Riding Luxury on Indonesia's Bullet Train: Is First Class Worth it? 🇮🇩

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I rode first class on Jakarta's high speed bullet train, known as Whoosh! Although, the experience wasn't quite as expected.

The bullet train can reach a top speed of 350km/h which is really impressive. You really don't feel like you're going that fast whilst inside the carriage of the train.

I began my journey at Padalarang station in Bandung and was heading to Halim station in Jakarta. A journey that before this bullet train would take three hours, now it only takes 30 minutes.

The first-class ticket cost 600,000 Indonesian Rupiah which is around USD $38.
I arrived early at Padalarang station, then made my way into the Ruang VIP room, only for first-class passengers.

After around 30 minutes waiting in the VIP lounge it was time to board the bullet train.

To see this train in real life is really quite amazing, it looks very futuristic and modern. There were lots of people taking pictures at the front of the train.

Upon boarding I found the first class cabin to be very slightly underwhelming, in comparison to the same train I had previously been on in China. Although the journey was only 30 minutes, you still receive a snack box, which includes some bread, nuts and a water.

After the smooth train ride, we arrived at Halim station, where I'd then take a taxi to the airport before leaving Indonesia.

Even though first-class didn't quite live up to my expectation, it was a unique and enjoyable travel experience.

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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
0:20 - An emotional goodbye
1:45 - Bandung Bullet Train Station (Padalarang)
2:56 - Departure Lounge
3:55 - VIP First Class Lounge
4:58 - Exploring the Train Station
7:09 - Heading out to the Platform
7:50 - Train is almost Here!
9:06 - Boarding the Train (at the wrong end)
9:55 - First Class Carriage
11:30 - Who Built the Train?
13:32 - The Benefits of Building High-Speed Rail
14:39 - First Class Toilet
15:28 - Was First Class Worth it?

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LOCATIONS:
📍 Bandung Padalarang Station: belakang no. 2, Jl. Babakan Tarogong, Suka Asih, Kec. Bojongloa Kaler, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40231, Indonesia
📍 Jakarta Halim Station: Halim Perdana Kusumah, Makasar, East Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

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#bullettrain #indonesia #whoosh