Are you planning to visit Jakarta, the vibrant and dynamic capital of Indonesia? If so, you might want to consider Gambir Train Station as your starting point or your transit hub. Gambir Train Station is one of the main railway stations in Jakarta, and it offers more than just transportation. It is also a destination in itself, with a rich history, a modern architecture, and a convenient location. In this article, we will show you why Gambir Train Station is worth your attention, and how you can make the most of your time there. We will also give you some tips and tricks on how to travel with Gambir Train Station, and what to see and do near the station.
Things to Do Near Gambir Train Station
One of the best things about Gambir Train Station is that it is surrounded by some of the most popular attractions and activities in Jakarta. Whether you are interested in culture, history, religion, or shopping, you will find something to suit your taste and budget. Here are some of the highlights that you can explore near Gambir Train Station:
Explore the National Monument
The National Monument, or Monas as it is locally known, is a symbol of Indonesia’s independence and a landmark of Jakarta. It is located right across the street from Gambir Train Station, so you can easily walk there in a few minutes. The monument consists of a 132-meter tall obelisk topped by a gold-coated flame, and it stands on a 80-hectare park. You can visit the museum at the base of the monument, where you can learn about the history and culture of Indonesia through various exhibits and dioramas.
You can also take an elevator to the observation deck, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the presidential palace, the Istana Merdeka, which is located next to the monument. You can also stroll around the park, where you can see various statues, fountains, and gardens.
Visit the National Museum of Indonesia
The National Museum of Indonesia, or Museum Nasional as it is locally known, is the largest and oldest museum in the country and a treasure trove of cultural and historical artifacts. It is located about 1.5 kilometers from Gambir Train Station, and you can take a bus, a taxi, or an online service to get there.
The museum has several buildings and wings, each dedicated to a different theme, such as archaeology, ethnography, geography, and art. You can admire the collections of ancient sculptures, ceramics, textiles, weapons, and jewelry, as well as the famous elephant statue that greets you at the entrance. You can also join the guided tours, which are available in English, Indonesian, and other languages, and watch the cultural performances, which are held every Sunday.
Discover the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral
The Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral are two of the most prominent religious buildings in Jakarta, and a testament to the diversity and harmony of the city. They are located about 2 kilometers from Gambir Train Station, and you can take a bus, a taxi, or an online service to get there. The Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and it can accommodate up to 200,000 worshippers. It has a stunning architecture, with a dome, a minaret, and a courtyard. You can observe the prayers, admire the interior, and learn about the Islamic faith and culture.
The Jakarta Cathedral is the oldest church in Jakarta, and it has a Gothic style, with stained glass windows, spires, and statues. You can admire the exterior, visit the museum, and learn about the Christian faith and culture. You can also see the harmony between the two religions, as they often share their parking spaces and celebrate their festivals together.
How to Get to and from Gambir Train Station
Gambir Train Station is well-connected to other cities and regions in Indonesia, as well as to other parts of Jakarta and the airport. You have various options to get to and from the station, depending on your preference, budget, and convenience. Here are some of the most common modes of transportation that you can use:
By Train
Gambir Train Station is the main hub for intercity and long-distance trains in Java, the most populous island in Indonesia. You can take a train from Gambir Train Station to other popular destinations, such as Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. You can also take a train from other cities and regions to Gambir Train Station, if you want to visit Jakarta or transit to another destination.
You can book your tickets online, through the official website of the Indonesian Railway Company, or through various travel agents and platforms. You can also buy your tickets at the station, but you might face long queues and limited availability, especially during peak seasons and holidays. You can check the schedule and the prices of the trains on the website or at the station. You can also find the platforms and the directions at the station, or ask the staff or the security guards for assistance.
By Bus
Gambir Train Station is also connected to other parts of Jakarta and the airport by various bus services and routes. You can take a bus from Gambir Train Station to explore the city, or to catch a flight. You can also take a bus from other parts of the city or the airport to Gambir Train Station, if you want to take a train or visit the nearby attractions. The most convenient and affordable bus service is Transjakarta, which is the rapid transit system of Jakarta.
It has dedicated lanes, stations, and buses, and it covers most of the areas and landmarks in the city. You can buy a prepaid card, called e-money, at the stations or at convenience stores, and use it to pay for the fare. You can check the map and the routes of Transjakarta on the website or at the stations. You can also take a Damri bus, which is a shuttle service that connects Gambir Train Station to the airport. You can buy a ticket at the counter or on the bus, and pay in cash. You can check the schedule and the prices of the Damri bus on the website or at the station.
By Taxi or Online Services
Another option to get to and from Gambir Train Station is to take a taxi or an online service, such as Grab or Gojek. These are convenient and comfortable modes of transportation, especially if you have luggage, or if you want to avoid the traffic and the crowds. You can find a taxi stand at the station, or you can hail a taxi on the street. The most reliable and reputable taxi company is Blue Bird, which has blue-colored cars and meters.
You can pay in cash or by card, and you can ask for a receipt. You can also order a taxi or an online service through your smartphone, using the apps or the websites. You can choose the type of vehicle, the destination, and the payment method. You can also see the driver’s name, phone number, and license plate, as well as the estimated fare and arrival time.
Tips for Traveling with Gambir Train Station
Gambir Train Station is a busy and crowded place, especially during peak hours and seasons. You might encounter some challenges and difficulties when traveling with Gambir Train Station, such as delays, scams, and touts. However, you can also enjoy some benefits and advantages when traveling with Gambir Train Station, such as convenience, accessibility, and affordability. Here are some tips and tricks on how to make the most of your travel experience with Gambir Train Station:
Avoid the Peak Hours and Seasons
The peak hours and seasons when Gambir Train Station is crowded and busy are usually during rush hours, holidays, and festivals. Rush hours are typically from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., when many people commute to and from work or school. Holidays and festivals are usually during national or religious celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, and New Year.
During these times, you might face long queues, limited seats, higher prices, and lower quality of service. To avoid these problems, you can try to travel during off-peak hours and seasons, such as in the morning, afternoon, or evening, or during weekdays, or low seasons. You can also book your tickets in advance, arrive early, and be patient and flexible.
Beware of Scams and Touts
The common scams and touts that target travelers at Gambir Train Station are usually related to overcharging, fake tickets, and unwanted services. Overcharging is when the taxi drivers, the bus drivers, or the online service drivers charge you more than the normal or agreed fare, by using a faulty meter, taking a longer route, or adding extra fees. Fake tickets are when the ticket sellers, the travel agents, or the online platforms sell you invalid or expired tickets, or tickets for a different destination, class, or date. Unwanted services are when the porters, the guides, or the vendors offer you their help, advice, or products, without your consent or request, and then demand a high fee or a tip. To avoid these scams and touts, you can check the prices, verify the tickets, and say no firmly. You can also use reputable and reliable companies, platforms, and agents, and report any suspicious or illegal activities to the authorities.
Find the Best Accommodation
The options and prices of accommodation near Gambir Train Station vary depending on your preference, budget, and convenience. You can find hotels, hostels, and guesthouses near the station, or you can take a short ride to other areas and neighborhoods in the city.
The hotels near the station are usually more expensive and luxurious, but they also offer more amenities and services, such as pools, spas, restaurants, and bars. Some of the best hotels near the station are Hotel Borobudur, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, and Mandarin Oriental Jakarta.
The hostels and guesthouses near the station are usually cheaper and simpler, but they also offer more privacy and flexibility, such as shared rooms, kitchens, and lounges. Some of the best hostels and guesthouses near the station are Six Degrees, Wonderloft, and Teduh Hostel.
You can also take a short ride to other areas and neighborhoods in the city, where you can find more options and prices of accommodation, as well as more attractions and activities. Some of the best areas and neighborhoods in the city are Menteng, Thamrin, and Kota Tua.
Gambir Train Station is more than just a railway station. It is also a gateway to Jakarta and beyond, where you can experience the culture, history, religion, and shopping of the city. Whether you are staying for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks, you will find something to enjoy and remember at Gambir Train Station. We hope this article has given you some useful and interesting information about Gambir Train Station, and how you can travel with it.
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!
