Yogyakarta Area

Yogyakarta is the second most important tourist destination in Indonesia, after Bali. The exotic atmosphere of the area, complete with the presence of Royal Family (of Mataram Yogyakarta Kingdom), temples (including Borobudur temple, which is the largest Buddhist temple in the world), and ancient royal palaces had made this area looked very beautiful. Adding to that, Yogyakarta is filled with luxurious five-star hotels (including one very expensive hotel near Borobudur temple), therefore making this place comparable with Bali in a sense that it is a very cosmopolitan, and very International tourist destination, despite the lack of a large airport (which prevent the large jumbojets from entering Yogyakarta). Yogyarta is also widely known as the centre of education in Indonesia (hence the presence of overseas students).

But its uniqueness doesn't ended at there. Especially if you're a railfans. Because, if you're a fanatical railfans for example, when you visited Bali, you had to forget the trains for a while. Because there are no trains or railway network at there. Whereas in Yogyakarta, you could enjoy the equally exotic atmosphere and indulging your railfanning hobby at the same time. So Yogyakarta is the Bali for Railfans actually. In addition, Yogyakarta has a rich railway historical background. Also there is a huge railway workshop as well.

So what are you waiting for? This place is definitely the best place to visit for railfans who is seeking a place where they can relax and playing.

	Nightime view of Yogyakarta Central Station (also known as Tugu Station) during one rainy night. The train on the right is the Senja express train, whereas its loco can be seen in the middle, while its running around the yards with its lights turned.
	Minutes later, the locomotive (CC20144) is attached to the Senja train. This loco is actually dodged by one annoying problem: its horn failed to work properly. Adding to that, the loco is positioned with its engine in front. And it rains heavily! What a hellish working situation for its driver!
	A gloomy view of Yogyakarta locomotive depo, during one rainy afternoon. Yogyakarta is a major transit point for all trains that travelled on Javanese southern mainline. Some even departed or terminated at Yogya. Therefore many locomotives are stabled in here.
	Hey! What a surprise! After being absent for nearly one month in Bandung, CC20341 was eventually discovered in Yogyakarta. Note the Taksaka train in the background. The train doesn't travel through Bandung (CC20341 home base) during normal service. For history buffs, this yard was once the starting point for railway line to Magelang, where the line rejoined with the North coast mainline in Semarang. Unfortunately, due to its close vicinity with major highway and the presence of rack railway line in Ambarawa, the line was closed in 1970s.
	Peekabo!! Just metres away from CC20341, its spoiled sister, CC20340, was found idle at Yogyakarta depo. It was seen against the backdrop of cloudy afternoon sky. The person on the left is Mr.Sony P Gumilang,, my local railfans friend who showed me a lot about this place.
	Just seconds after taking off from Lempuyangan station, the former South Sumatran CC201138R find no difficulty to reach its top speed, since it cary no load at all. It was seen heading Eastbound. CC201138 was previously a BB203, and it is a rather unique locomotive. Because the loco is equipped with multiple unit, yet it also has large radiator window on its back. Normally, the CC201s who have large radiator windows are not equipped with multiple unit system.
	The Westbound Argo Lawu daylight express train is seen approaching Yogyakarta, while being pulled by CC203 class leader, CC20301. This train is bound for Jakarta. This view is reminiscent of Argo Bromo Anggrek, its North coast twin sister. Unless if you notice the road sign on the right (which featured Javanese inscription), you wouldn't realize that this photo was taken in Yogyakarta.
	The tail view of Argo Lawu. Although Argo Lawu uses Anggrek-class passenger cars, it still retain two of its original passenger cars on its back. Note the Hotel Garuda building in the background. The land on the left was cleared to give way to the new double track railway line.